Ferrum Erco 2 Headphone DAC/Amp

The Ferrum ERCO Gen 2 is an entry-level DAC and headphone amplifier from Ferrum that brings significantly more of the Wandla's performance capability to a compact, more accessible package, with a fully balanced signal path, ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC, PCM 768kHz and DSD512 support, MQA decoding, and the proprietary FPL power connector for HYPSOS compatibility. The Gen 2 update introduced Ferrum's own SERCE DSP engine with HQ Apodizing digital filtering, improved I/V converter design, and substantially higher output power than the original ERCO. Made in Poland.

Type and Technology

Desktop DAC and headphone amplifier, fully balanced, solid-state. ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC chip. SERCE DSP engine with HQ Apodizing digital filter for oversampling that approaches Wandla performance. Fully balanced signal path from the digital-to-analog stage through to the balanced headphone output, RCA inputs are also fully balanced via conversion. Digital inputs: USB-C (PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, MQA decoder and renderer), S/PDIF coaxial (PCM 24-bit/192kHz, DoP64, MQA), S/PDIF optical (PCM 24-bit/96kHz guaranteed, up to 192kHz/DoP64 cable-dependent). Analog input: RCA. Headphone outputs: 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced and 6.35mm single-ended. Line outputs: balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA. Three gain settings on balanced output (-5.8dB, +6dB, +17.8dB) and three on single-ended. Volume control with bypass option (bypass for line outputs only). FPL power connector for HYPSOS compatibility, performance upgrades significantly when powered via HYPSOS. Dynamic range (analog): 129dB A-weighted. Output power balanced: 6.1W into 50 ohms, 1.2W into 300 ohms. Output power unbalanced: 1.7W into 50 ohms, 300mW into 300 ohms. Made in Poland.

Sound Character

Balanced, transparent, and free of listening fatigue, the ERCO Gen 2's fully balanced design and improved SERCE DSP deliver a clear, musical presentation that punches significantly above its price. The FPL/HYPSOS upgrade path is meaningful: connecting the ERCO to a HYPSOS via the FPL cable produces a substantial improvement in resolution and spatial presentation, making the ERCO a component that grows with its owner's system rather than a dead-end purchase.

Build and Finish

217 x 206 x 50mm at 1.8kg, matching form factor to the Ferrum OOR and HYPSOS for a clean stacking system. Includes a DC power adapter; upgrades to full performance via the HYPSOS. Made in Poland.

Best For

Audiophiles who want a fully balanced DAC/amp with genuine Ferrum engineering, MQA support, and a clear upgrade path via the HYPSOS, without the cost of the full OOR/Wandla stack.

What's in the Box

• Ferrum ERCO Gen 2 DAC and headphone amplifier
• DC power adapter (22-30VDC)
• Documentation

Specifications