The complete reprogramming of the original Ferrum ERCO DAC involves the implementation of a completely new firmware structure and goes much further than a regular firmware update. Ferrum ended up using the actual code from its SERCE Digital Audio System on a Module, putting the experience gained from that development to elevate the original design into the ERCO Gen 2. Now, the entry-level DAC from the company will feature DSP capabilities that equals WANDLA, bringing things like 768kHz support, DSD512, improved DAC performance and including the most preferred WANDLA digital filter.
The ESS DAC chip used in ERCO Gen 2 is the ES9028PRO, instead of the ES9038PRO used in WANDLA, but the ERCO Gen 2 also has important updates in the current-to-voltage converter (I/V) based on Ferrum's experience with WANDLA, which the company says provides "a more detailed and natural, engaging sound signature."
Since the digital hardware in ERCO is very similar to the hardware in the SERCE board, Ferrum was able to port the full SERCE software stack to ERCO. It means that ERCO Gen 2 behaves exactly as if it were based on SERCE. This allowed adding the HQ Apodizing digital filter, the same which is available in WANDLA and preferred by current WANDLA users. Ferrum also has bypassed the filters in ESS, including MQA for all non-MQA signals, and implemented USB playback of 768kHz signals. In the process, the company says it was able to reduce intermodulation and intersample distortions and adjusted output levels to meet the RED book standard on the line output and maximum output power on headphone outputs.
Upgrades From ERCO To ERCO Gen 2!
Because Ferrum is a brand created by HEM, a renowned audio electronics designer and manufacturer from Poland, the company is able to offer attractive upgrades to existing owners of the original ERCO DAC. The upgrade process to ERCO Gen 2 involves performing a full and deep reprogramming and upgrading the circuitry, which needs to be performed by HEM.
To be upgraded to Gen 2, ERCO units must be sent by owners to their local distributor or to the European Ferrum headquarters in Poland. Owners will receive instructions where to send their ERCO after applying for the upgrade online at www.ferrum.audio. If the ERCO DAC was purchased after July 1st 2023, the upgrade is free, except for one way shipping and handling costs. Once upgraded, Ferrum will send the upgraded ERCO back to the owner free of charge. Suggested price for the upgrade for ERCOs purchased before July 1st, 2023, will be 195 EUR/USD.
www.ferrum.audio
