The setup of...
Alfachris
France
Which device model did you choose?
Emerson DIGITAL
Why did you make this choice and what were your expectations?
I discovered Wattson on the Hifi Forum (Independent Hifi and Audiophile Forum). Having already owned a good dozen different streamers, I bought my Emerson DIGITAL for my main system. When I heard the result, I immediately looked for a second-hand one for my secondary system, so much I liked the result!
What setup did you organize around our product?
Main setup:
• Emerson DIGITAL
• FD Audio MC11 loudspeakers (inspired by Kinoshita RM11)
• Active digital bi-amplification in FIR filtering with an Electro-Voice Dx46
• 4 custom Neurochrome mono blocks (2x 240 watts for the bass, 2x 35 watts for the mid-high with compression chamber). The mono blocks are fixed to the back of the speakers to guarantee an ultra-short connection
• Heavens Gate Audio Ultra Silence XLR cable
• Roon Rock server on NUC
Secondary setup:
• Emerson DIGITAL
• Logos Prologue loudspeakers de 1982 (Christian Yvon)
• Ayre V-5xe amplifier
• Bel Canto 3.7 DAC
• Alef Digit cable
All my network devices (switches, boxes, NUCs, etc) are optimized with linear power supplies. The Emerson in the main setup is powered by an iFi iPower Elite, the second by an HDPLEX. As soon as I can find some at a good price, I'll try a Sean Jacobs...
What are the results?
Of all the streamers that I have owned, it is the Wattson Emerson DIGITAL that gives me the most emotions: an incredible naturalness, an incomparable softness while being dynamic, a depth of the plans and localization of the instruments... Everything is there!
And above all, the "LEEDH Processing" volume management is fantastic, which allows me to directly attack my active filter in digital on my main system.
Same thing on the secondary system where the Bel Canto DAC is set in fixed. At very low level, the volume management of the Emerson is fantastic! We hear everything, nothing is missing.
In short, I'm not about to part with my little wonders!
Thank you Wattson Audio!
What else?
Wattson Audio should offer an option with a high-class power supply.
Otherwise don't change anything, it's perfect for me!