Wattson Audio has introduced the Madison Phono, a compact phono stage that brings the Swiss manufacturer’s high-density engineering philosophy to vinyl playback. The Wattson Audio Madison Phono is developed from design principles proven at the highest level of CH Precision engineering, and it rethinks how a modern phono stage should treat the fragile cartridge signal: keep it in a pure analog path only long enough to amplify it cleanly, then hand equalization to a precision digital stage.
Three Cartridges, Three Dedicated Circuits
Rather than treating cartridge compatibility as a matter of gain and loading alone, the Wattson Audio Madison Phono addresses the fundamental way each cartridge type generates and transfers signal. A voltage-input version supports moving-magnet and high-impedance moving-coil cartridges through a two-stage amplification circuit with automatic gain and loading. A current-input version, aimed at low-impedance moving-coil cartridges, replaces the passive current-to-voltage conversion found in most phono stages with a true active transimpedance amplifier derived from CH Precision technology. A third, dedicated optical input stage serves DS Audio photoelectric cartridges, again built around an active transimpedance circuit rather than the more common voltage approach.
Equalization Moves Into the Digital Domain
In the Madison Phono, equalization is removed entirely from the analog signal path. The cartridge signal is amplified through a fully linear analog stage, then digitized at 32-bit/384kHz DXD resolution, exceeding the mastering formats from which vinyl records are typically produced. Correction curves and filtering are then handled digitally, where they can be implemented with exceptional precision: RIAA, Columbia, Teldec, EMI and Decca curves are all available, each accurate to within ±0.1dB. Freed from analog equalization networks and switch contacts, the Wattson Audio Madison Phono’s amplification circuitry stays simpler, cleaner and more stable.
A Modular, Swiss-Built Component
Physically, the Wattson Audio Madison Phono follows the same discipline as the rest of the Madison line: circuits are stripped down and integrated into dense boards inside a compact enclosure milled from solid aluminium, providing electromagnetic shielding and a non-resonant foundation. Stereo analog RCA outputs connect directly to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier, while coaxial and optical S/PDIF outputs let the unit feed a Madison Streamer or a third-party external DAC. Network connectivity handles firmware updates and remote control, and the three input-stage modules can be exchanged later if cartridge requirements change. For an even quieter electrical foundation, the Madison Phono can be paired with the outboard Madison PowerS supply.
Wattson Audio was founded by engineers with a background in digital audio technology for some of the industry’s most respected brands, and shares its engineering culture with sister company CH Precision, whose P10 reference phono preamplifier occupies the very top of that lineage. The Madison Phono brings a distilled version of that thinking into a far more compact and accessible component.
Pricing and Availability
The Wattson Audio Madison Phono is available now through authorized Wattson Audio retailers at an MSRP of $5,500 in the United States and €5,240 (including VAT) in Europe. That price includes one input module specified at the time of order; additional input boards are priced at $500 or €500 including VAT, allowing owners to add or swap architectures as their cartridge collection evolves. Full details are available on the Wattson Audio website.
Key Specifications
- Type: Phono stage with three exchangeable input-stage modules (MM/MC voltage, MC current, DS Audio optical)
- A/D conversion: 32-bit/384kHz DXD
- EQ curves: RIAA, Columbia, Teldec, EMI, Decca, accurate to ±0.1dB
- Digital outputs: RCA coaxial S/PDIF, TOSLINK optical S/PDIF
- Analog outputs: RCA single-ended, 2.0V RMS, THD+N <0.001%, S/N >120dB (A-weighted)
- Dimensions: 175 x 185 x 52mm; Weight: 1.7kg
- Price: $5,500 (US) / €5,240 inc. VAT (Europe)
