Wattson Audio Emerson DIGITAL

The Wattson Audio Emerson DIGITAL is a compact network bridge designed to turn an existing DAC into a high-quality streaming DAC or improve the streaming performance of most DACs with digital inputs. Built around Wattson Audio’s focused engineering approach, Emerson DIGITAL delivers a clean, stable, bit-perfect network signal through dedicated AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital outputs, making it an elegant streaming upgrade for serious hi-fi systems.

Key Features

• Compact network bridge with digital output
• Designed to add high-quality streaming capability to an existing DAC
• Bit-perfect architecture from RJ45 input to AES/EBU and S/PDIF outputs
• Dedicated output modulation optimized for each digital output format
• Built around a Texas Instruments Sitara processor
• Proprietary, updatable Wattson Audio software platform
• Internal ultra-low-jitter crystal oscillator
• Dual ultra-low-noise phase oscillators for 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz frequency families
• Ethernet RJ45 network input
• AES/EBU output on XLR
• S/PDIF output on RCA
• Supports PCM playback up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Supports UPnP/DLNA, AirPlay, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, and Audirvāna
• Controlled via Wattson Music app for iOS or Wattson Remote app for Android
• Solid-billet aluminum casework
• Firmware updates via Ethernet

Why We Love It

The Emerson DIGITAL is a strong choice for customers who already own a DAC they like but want to add a serious streaming front end without replacing their digital chain. Its job is intentionally focused: receive the network stream, preserve data integrity, minimize jitter, and deliver a clean digital signal to the DAC. The result is a compact, purpose-built component that brings modern streaming convenience to high-end systems while respecting the sonic character of the downstream DAC.

Technical Specifications

General

• Type: Network bridge with digital output
• Color Options: Dark Grey
• Dimensions: 104 x 87 x 38 mm
• Weight: 0.40 kg
• Power Supply: External 5V DC, 18W, universal input
• PSU Barrel Jack: 5.5 x 2.1 mm, center positive
• Power Consumption: <0.5W standby, 2.5W nominal

User Interface

• Remote Control: Wattson Music app on iOS / Wattson Remote app on Android
• Firmware Update: Via Ethernet connection

Digital Inputs

• Input Type: Ethernet RJ45
• Sampling Rate: PCM up to 192 kHz
• Bit Depth: PCM up to 24-bit

Streaming File Formats

PCM: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA

Streaming Services

• UPnP/DLNA
• AirPlay
• TIDAL Connect
• Qobuz Connect
• Roon Ready
• Plays with Audirvāna

Conversion Type

• Encoding: Simultaneous S/PDIF and AES3 encoding, FPGA-based
• Clocking: Internal ultra-low-jitter crystal oscillator

Digital Outputs

• AES/EBU: XLR, 2.8 Vpp, 110Ω, with isolation transformer
• S/PDIF: RCA, 500 mVpp, 75Ω, with isolation transformer