Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Simple to set up and use, making it very user-friendly
- Neutral sound quality with excellent detail retrieval
- Compact and high-quality build with robust connectors
- The Wattson Music iOS app is stylish, well-designed, and slick
- Roon Ready, expanding its functionality
Product Considerations
- The stock power supply may introduce noise
- Only offers S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital outputs, with no USB or Optical Toslink
- The app interface could be improved for better ease of use
- Tweaks like a better Ethernet cable and power supply may be needed for optimal results
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Bluesound NODE—the Emerson DIGITAL offers better transparency and detail, while the NODE has better texture and tonal balance
- Versus Cambridge Audio CXN V2 and Arcam ST60—the Emerson Digital offers simplicity, but still maintains the sonic standard
Takeaway: The Emerson DIGITAL is a meticulously made, compact network bridge that offers a neutral and detailed sonic performance, and it is easy to integrate into an audio system. It is great for those looking for simplicity and high-resolution streaming, and it lets the DAC and amplifier have the final say.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Emerson Digital
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 4.1 x 3.4 x 1.5in (104 x 87 x 38mm)
- Weight: 0.82lb (371g)
- Power supply: 5V DC, external, medical grade
- Power consumption: 1.5W (idle), 2.5W (playing)
- Network streaming resolution: PCM up to 24-bit 192 kHz
- Network input: 100Mbit/s Ethernet
- Digital outputs: 1x S/PDIF on RCA connector and 1x AES/EBU on XLR connector
- Supported formats: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA
Description
Don't be fooled by the small size and outward simplicity of the Emerson DIGITAL, its lack of facilities or the apparent simplicity of the task it has been designed to perform. There's nothing simple about taking a music stream from the network and feeding it to a DAC – and an almost infinite capacity for error. Every aspect of the Emerson DIGITAL, from the components selected to the circuit topology, the milled from solid casework to the proprietary software, is based on our extensive work with many of the highest profile and most highly regarded brands on the market. This really is high-end performance and engineering distilled down to its most minimal form.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Wattson Audio leverages expertise gained from consulting and engineering for other high-profile audio brands, resulting in meticulously designed, high-performance components.
- They are known for compact, elegant designs, achieving sophisticated functionality in small enclosures through advanced software and efficient circuit design.
- Wattson integrates the LEEDH Processing lossless digital volume control, enabling direct connection to power amplifiers or active loudspeakers, ensuring a short signal path and accurate sound.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Emerson DIGITAL
- Positioning: A compact network bridge that converts any DAC into a streaming solution.
- Description: Delivers precise digital streaming with a dedicated Sitara processor and bit‑perfect output in a simple package. Compared to Emerson ANALOG and the Madison series, it focuses solely on digital performance for users who want to upgrade their existing DAC setup with a lower budget and streamlined functionality.
Emerson ANALOG
- Positioning: A single‑box solution that directly connects your network to an amplifier.
- Description: Provides integrated analog output through a carefully designed digital-to-analog conversion stage using the same proven streaming engine and low‑noise clock design. Compared to Emerson DIGITAL, it adds built‑in analog conversion, and relative to the Madison series, it offers a simpler, all‑in‑one approach for users needing direct analog connection without extra components.
Madison STREAMER
- Positioning: A digital streamer with an integrated DSP‑driven DAC and versatile connectivity.
- Description: Uses a robust digital engine paired with a design that uses high‑performance op-amps to deliver accurate musical details. Compared to the Emerson products, it combines both digital streaming and analog conversion in one unit, and while it is less premium than the LE model, it balances performance, connectivity, and cost.
Madison LE STREAMER
- Positioning: A flagship digital streamer with advanced DSP circuitry and superior sound fidelity.
- Description: Features dual independent DAC channels, an advanced clocking system, and a robust analog stage that work together to preserve musical detail. Compared to all other models in the lineup, it offers the highest upgradability, build quality, and performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
4
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
333
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
6
Founding Year
2019
Our take on the brand
Wattson Audio is a Swiss hifi brand that builds minimalist, CNC-machined aluminum components with proprietary streaming solutions and advanced clock circuits for precise audio performance. Their products, which support high-resolution formats up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, feature LEEDH Processing for digital volume control without sound degradation, making them particularly appealing to audiophiles seeking natural, analog-like sound from digital sources.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Wattson
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What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- The Auralic Aries S1 offers high-quality streaming at a relatively affordable price point, making it a great choice for those who value sound quality
- The design is exquisite, neat, and half-width, featuring a classy display and is beautifully made
- It functions as a network bridge, seamlessly integrating with Auralic's Lightning DS platform, offering reliable hardware and app support
- The Aries S1 is equipped with the powerful Tesla G3 streaming platform, offering improved processing and memory capabilities
- It offers versatile connectivity with standard digital inputs/outputs, including AES and supports various streaming services
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available for Apple iOS, which may deter Android users
- It does not have built-in WiFi, relying solely on Ethernet connection
- Roon certification may not be immediately available
- The S1 is not a DAC, preamp, nor does it have a headphone output
- The optional PSU S1 power supply is an additional cost
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Auralic Aries S1 is good enough for the Chord Dave, unlike the Cambridge Audio MXN10
- The combination of the S1 with the PSU S1 comes very close to the Aries One, and possibly surpasses it
Takeaway: The Auralic Aries S1 is a well-engineered streaming processor that provides high-quality streaming for audiophiles already invested in a good DAC. It is easy to use, has a stylish design, and integrates seamlessly with various streaming services.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
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NAGRA
Streamer
4950
4950
/
5
Reviews
Nagra Audio, a Swiss brand with roots in professional recording and film (including two Oscars for soundtracks), brings watchmaking-level precision to their hifi equipment through extensive in-house manufacturing of components like transformers. Their HD Preamp and Classic DAC showcase unique technologies, including virtual battery power supplies and PCM-to-DSD conversion, while their commitment to quality is demonstrated by rejecting over half of their tested valves to maintain exceptional standards.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Nagra streamer is built from a solid block of aluminum, making it hefty and solid
- Simple to use, plug and play, and works out of the box with Tidal and Spotify Connect
- Delivers clarity, resolution, musicality, and an immersive experience
- Creates a big, three-dimensional soundstage with excellent instrument separation
- Offers a clean and dynamic sound, providing an emotionally engaging listening experience
- Ethernet connection is required, as it does not stream via Wi-Fi
Product Considerations
- Relies on third-party apps like mConnect for some functions, as it lacks a dedicated Nagra app
- Limited output options, particularly for systems not using a Nagra DAC, with no USB audio output
- If one does not have a Nagra DAC, coaxial output is the only option, which has limitations in file quality compared to N-Link
- Lacks physical controls such as a screen, buttons, or a remote control
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the HiFi ROSE RS-130, the Nagra streamer has a more natural, liquid, and delicate rendering, while the RS-130 is more punchy, sharp, and incisive with the imaging
- Compared to the Aurender N10, the Nagra streamer extracts finer details and provides a more three-dimensional, structured presentation, while the N10 sounds slightly fuller and more powerful
- Compared to the Lumin U2 Mini, the Nagra Streamer provides more air between instruments, stronger bass, better dynamics, and a smoother—more natural sound with an analog feel
Takeaway: The Nagra Streamer is a well-built, minimalist device that is easy to use with great sound. It's especially good for those with Nagra DACs due to the N-Link connection, creating a great match.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Nagra Audio, a Swiss brand with roots in professional recording and film (including two Oscars for soundtracks), brings watchmaking-level precision to their hifi equipment through extensive in-house manufacturing of components like transformers. Their HD Preamp and Classic DAC showcase unique technologies, including virtual battery power supplies and PCM-to-DSD conversion, while their commitment to quality is demonstrated by rejecting over half of their tested valves to maintain exceptional standards.
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Aurender
N150
3500
3500
/
5
Reviews
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with machined aluminium chassis
- Sounds controlled, rich, and quiet without being dull
- Built-in UPS protection and a sophisticated linear power supply
- The Aurender app works particularly well, especially on the iPad, for library management and playback
- Versatile storage options
- Offers only USB audio out
Product Considerations
- The Android app is a bit basic
- The 3-inch amoled display is not a full-color type with artwork
Takeaway: The Aurender N150 is a well-built, high-performing music server/streamer that delivers exceptional sound quality. With its user-friendly app and versatile features, the N150 is a great choice for audiophiles seeking a premium streaming experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Lumin
U2
5000
5000
/
5
Reviews
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional accuracy, lifelike tonality, engaging musicality, and very low noise
- It presents the music with accurate, defined, and nuanced reproduction of timbre
- Excellent build quality with solid aluminum panels and a high-quality feel
- The linear power supply provides a generous bass and treble
- It is capable of decoding all current digital music file formats
Product Considerations
- The Lumin app, while good, had a couple of minor bugs
- It needs at least 300+ hours to sound its best, as the sound improved notably after this time
- The display window on the U2 might be too small for some users
- Upper midrange slightly recessed, a quality which might suit many an overzealous system
- Reticent midrange might also account for why the kickdrum lacked some oomph—it might not be the best choice for heavy hard rock or industrial metal
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bluesound Node: The Lumin U2 offers a more open sound
- Vs EverSolo DMP-A6: The Lumin will bring a more open sound
- Vs Lumin U2 Mini: The U2 has much more life, breath and warmth, a more mature sound, more refined over the Mini with more warmth and solidity, and the stage was absolutely amazing, richer, denser, and deeper and has just a bit more magic
Takeaway: The Lumin U2 is an exceptionally well-designed and engineered streaming transport, blessed with neutral and natural tonality. The U2 delivers fantastic sound into systems where it may well be the premier component and set you up for the next decade or more, delivering further free improvements.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
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What competes at this price?
EverSolo
DMP-A8
1980
/
Released
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality with a luxurious aluminum body and sleek design
- Serves as a high-quality preamp, streamer, and DAC all in one device
- The DAC utilizes flagship AKM chips with 'Velvet Sound' technology, providing a warmer, richer, and more natural sound compared to the DMP-A6
- User-friendly interface with a responsive touchscreen and a well-designed control app
- Versatile connectivity options, including multiple digital and analog inputs/outputs, and support for various streaming services
Product Considerations
- The preamp section's performance is not on par with the digital streaming and DAC sections
- DSP functions are limited up to 192k sampling rate
- Spotify Connect has a lag in song switching at times
- The HDMI output is dedicated to I2S output, omitting the multichannel output capability of the DMP-A6
- Playlists cannot span music libraries; it is not possible to mix music from an internal SSD with tracks from TIDAL
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs DMP-A6: The DMP-A8 has better resolution, refinement, separation, and bass, sounding more 'analogue', while the A6 sounds brighter, lighter, and drier
- Vs HiFi Rose RS250a: The DMP-A8 sounds better if richness, warmth, and a big soundstage are valued, while the RS250a is preferred if analytical detail and an open top end are most important
- Vs Lumin U2 Mini: As a streamer only, the A8 is about the same as a Lumin U2 Mini but not quite up to the level of a Lumin U2 or HiFi Rose RS130
- Vs Geshelli Labs J2S AK4499 DAC: The sound was noticeably improved
- Vs RME ADI2 Pro: The DMP-A8 was preferable, as it sounded less flat and more three-dimensional in comparison
Takeaway: The DMP-A8 is a well-built and versatile streaming DAC that offers a rich and natural sound, along with a user-friendly interface and plenty of features. It is a great choice for audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution to elevate their music listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
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PS Audio
AirLens
1999
/
Released
2023
The AirLens™ interface brings perfection to streaming. Streaming audio via Roon or other services like Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify offers millions of titles at the touch of a finger. Unfortunately, connecting your sensitive DAC to the noise generated by computers, routers, NAS, local networks, and modems via either WiFi or Ethernet cable is not a great-sounding solution to bringing high-performance audio into your listening environment. The PS Audio AirLens™ completely eliminates the problems of noise, jitter, and EMI influences through complete galvanic isolation and perfect reclocking of the digital audio signal.
PS Audio is a well-known American brand with a strong following among enthusiasts, due in part to the educational YouTube videos produced by its founder. The company offers products across a wide range of categories, each developed with input from top engineers, resulting in unique sonic signatures. PS Audio’s offerings frequently appear on top 10 lists from professional reviewers, with many products recognized for their high-quality performance and innovative design.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Both an input stage and a galvanically isolated reclocking output stage ensures 100% isolation and noise-free delivery of perfect digital audio signals
- A DC-to-DC converter that is galvanically isolated allows the input and output stages to be completely isolated, allowing each to function as its entity electrically
- PS Audio uses its 'Digital Lens' technology to ensure the DAC gets the best audio data possible by storing data in a variable RAM buffer and sending it to the precision clocks within the AirLens
- The AirLens excels in performance with the I²s connection, delivering musical realism as well or better than any streamer under $5K
- The unit has a smaller frame component
- USB or Toslink inputs are absent
Product Considerations
- The PS Audio AirLens cannot stand toe-to-toe with the HiFi Rose RS-130 when it comes to design or features, as it is a basic box with no display screen
- There isn't a place to hook up a hard drive if one wants to stream stored music, since it is basically a streamer only
- The AirLens does not have a DAC
- It is not for the mainstream-streaming, non-audiophile consumer who uses Spotify and Apple Music, since it does not cater to features that audio enthusiasts will not use, such as AirPlay2, Bluetooth, or a proprietary music management application
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- HiFi Rose RS-130: The Air Lens does the 3D imaging thing better than the HiFi Rose, however, the HiFi Rose has a more meaty—punchy—refined analog kind of sound overall
- EverSolo DMP-A6: The PS Audio Air Lens far excelled above the A6 when it comes to sound quality, as the A6 sounded a little more digital in the treble area with grain and noise
- WiiM Pro Plus: Going from the WiiM Pro Plus streamer into the Denafrips DAC to the Air Lens, there is an increase in bass and energy in the holographic sound stage
- HiFi Rose RS250A, NAD C 700, Naim ND5 XS 2: The HiFi Rose RS250A, the NAD C 700, or even the Naim ND5 XS 2 all have Bluetooth and a DAC in their system, the AirLens does not
Takeaway: The PS Audio AirLens is a music streamer designed to eliminate digital noise and hash and bring an experience unlike most streamers on the market. It's perfect for audiophiles who want a simple, high-quality streamer that delivers exceptional sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
PS Audio is a well-known American brand with a strong following among enthusiasts, due in part to the educational YouTube videos produced by its founder. The company offers products across a wide range of categories, each developed with input from top engineers, resulting in unique sonic signatures. PS Audio’s offerings frequently appear on top 10 lists from professional reviewers, with many products recognized for their high-quality performance and innovative design.
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Lumin
U2 Mini
2400
/
Released
2022
The product that first launched our all-new processing system, LUMIN U2 Mini takes all of our latest software features and packs them into a new all-aluminium compact chassis. Capable of upsampling and downsampling all the way from 44.1kHz to 384kHz/DSD256 and supporting playback of DSD512, LUMIN U2 MINI is the perfect streaming partner for your DAC.
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Refined digital sound that is transparent and resolves fine details, offering a clear and expansive sound image
- New processing system with resampling flexibility, allowing upscaling or downscaling between 44.1kHz and 384kHz/DSD256
- User-friendly Lumin app for iOS that supports playback from network attached storage, Tidal, Qobuz, and Internet Radio
- Versatile connectivity with a comprehensive array of digital outputs
Product Considerations
- Ethernet connection only, foregoing internal Wi-Fi conversion
- Sound quality is highly dependent on the quality and matching of the DAC used
- Transparency reveals the quality of upstream components
- Felt/cloth feet might cause the unit to slip more easily than its predecessor
- May reveal flaws in poorly made recordings due to its high resolution
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- U2 Mini offers more resolution and air on the stage compared to the Lumin U1 Mini, represents a completely new generation of digital transports with obvious musicality
- Lumin U2 Mini had more resolution, a more clearly defined and expansive sound image, and a riper sound to each musical element, compared to Totaldac's internal streamer
- Competes closely in performance with the AURALiC Aries G2.1, especially concerning the amount of information and extension of the stage depth
Takeaway: The Lumin U2 Mini is a versatile streamer that delivers high-quality audio and is easy to integrate into existing audio systems. It offers great sound, a user-friendly app, and supports various streaming services, making it a worthy upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
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Matrix Audio
element S
1499
/
Released
2023
element S is the first music streamer from Matrix Audio with USB DAC outputs. It easily enables streaming audio functionality for your current audio system. element S has rich digital output ports, not limited to USB ports, which are suitable for various outdated DACs. It is an indispensable streaming audio upgrade device in your system, and helps you to embrace the streaming audio world.
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Brings quality streaming to any existing system
- Provides a premium selection of digital outputs
- Has an MA Remote App experience for easy control and integration of streaming services and local storage
- Features a 3.46-inch touchscreen for easy operation and display of music metadata
- Delivers pristine and clean digital data for purists who want a high-end music streamer
Product Considerations
- It is a streamer only, without a DAC or amp, so it should not be confused for an all-in-one solution
- Has a basic on-screen menu system
- Lacks bells and whistles like Bluetooth connectivity; it is exclusively for digital output options
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bluesound Node: The Element S has a more extensive selection of digital outputs, but the Node has an internal DAC and analog outs
Takeaway: The Matrix Audio Element S is a great choice for audiophiles who want to add quality streaming to their existing audio system. It delivers clean data and integrates easily with streaming services and local storage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
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Metrum
Sonnet Hermes
1041
/
Released
HERMES is a lightweight, low jitter, bit-perfect plug and play Roon endpoint. Since HERMES is an open platform other software may be used as well.
Metrum Acoustics is known for its unique approach to DAC design, using R2R non-oversampling technology that wasn't common when they introduced it, with their flagship Pavane DAC using four DAC ONE modules per channel. Their DACs are particularly suited for tube lovers, with models like the Morpheus MK-II featuring a -10dB attenuator specifically designed to work with sensitive tube setups.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solidly made
- SD-card is easily accessible for swapping operating systems
- Offers many digital links: optical, coaxial, AES, and I2S
Product Considerations
- Does not have an on-board DAC
- Performance is equivalent to the Metrum Acoustics Ambre, which may be a consideration for users familiar with that product
- I2S output is specifically for Sonnet/Metrum products
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Metrum Acoustics Ambre: The Hermes has a different power supply, processing board, casing, and includes a display, with a more purposeful design for audio streaming
Takeaway: The Sonnet Audio Hermes is a well-built streamer with versatile digital connectivity and the flexibility to use different software packages. It is a great addition to a system, especially when paired with other Sonnet/Metrum products.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Metrum Acoustics is known for its unique approach to DAC design, using R2R non-oversampling technology that wasn't common when they introduced it, with their flagship Pavane DAC using four DAC ONE modules per channel. Their DACs are particularly suited for tube lovers, with models like the Morpheus MK-II featuring a -10dB attenuator specifically designed to work with sensitive tube setups.
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