FERRUM ERCO Dac/AMP

The ERCO is a complete DAC/AMP unit. It isn’t the cheapest, but it will get you to the higher end range right away.

ERCO has a more neutral tuning, a good amount of body and presence and a very high level of musicality. At the same time, if you already have a DAC, the OOR – as an amp only – will give you an even higher/better experience in regard to technicalities.

Yet another very likable, professionally designed desktop unit from Ferrum. If the OOR/HYPSOS stack and a search for a quality DAC to get the best out of those two was out of your reach then the ERCO on its own will provide a very enjoyable and fiscally less stressful complete desktop experience that comes close.

The ERCO DAC is neutral to natural, accurate, and articulate. Its amplifier has bags of power to drive just about any headphone you want to throw at it. It is also incredibly simple to operate right out of the box.

Some might moan about the lack of XLR balanced PO or a balanced input from a source to the rear. A couple of compromises there to be sure but as mentioned a few times, I can see why 4.4mm was chosen with XLR remaining the preserve of the dedicated OOR amplifier.

The bonus point though has got to be that the ERCO is HYPSOS compatible. If you happen to have one that is. If you do, it does give the stock performance a very satisfying lift.