Wattson Audio Announces Madison Phono

10 September 2026: Wattson Audio today announces the Madison Phono, a compact phono stage that combines purpose-built analog input circuitry with precision digital equalization for moving magnet, moving coil, and DS Audio photo-electric cartridges.

Each Madison Phono is configured with a dedicated voltage, current, or optical input board. This modular architecture allows the sensitive front end to be optimized for the cartridge it serves, while permitting later reconfiguration as the system evolves.

Purpose-Built Input Architectures

Voltage input. For moving magnet and high-impedance moving coil cartridges, a two-stage amplification circuit provides automatic gain and loading, simplifying setup while preserving tonal balance and dynamic expression.

Current input. For low-impedance moving coil cartridges, a true active transimpedance amplifier derived from CH Precision technology converts the cartridge current directly at the input, reducing sensitivity to cable characteristics, loading interactions, and impedance variation.

Optical input. For DS Audio photo-electric cartridges, a dedicated board operates in photoconductive mode around an active transimpedance circuit engineered specifically for optical cartridge replay.

Precision Equalization, Contemporary Integration

The Madison Phono first amplifies the cartridge signal through a fully linear analog stage, keeping the low-level signal path simple, stable, and free from equalization circuitry. The amplified signal is then digitized at 32-bit/384 kHz DXD resolution, where equalization and filtering are applied with precision and repeatability. RIAA, Columbia, Teldec, EMI, and Decca curves are supported with ±0.1 dB accuracy, while analog and digital outputs simplify integration into contemporary high-performance systems. This architecture preserves the immediacy and character of vinyl while providing the flexibility required by modern systems and historically varied record collections.

Key Features

• Dedicated, replaceable input board for voltage, current, or optical cartridges
• Automatic gain and loading for moving magnet and high-impedance moving coil cartridges
• Active transimpedance input for low-impedance moving coil cartridges
• Dedicated photoconductive optical architecture for DS Audio cartridges
• Fully linear analog amplification followed by 32-bit/384 kHz DXD conversion
• RIAA, Columbia, Teldec, EMI, and Decca equalization curves with ±0.1 dB accuracy
• Analog and digital outputs for flexible system integration
• Compact Swiss design with modular, serviceable construction

Availability and Price

The Madison Phono is available through authorized Wattson Audio retailers.

MSRP: $5,495 / €5.240 including VAT
Optional input boards (optical or voltage): $500 / €500 including VAT