ERC-4

About the ERC-4

The Emotiva ERC-4 Differential Reference CD Player and Transport combines a premium digital CD transport with a balanced DAC in a single unit, designed for audiophiles seeking high fidelity playback of standard Red Book audio CDs, the Red Book layer of hybrid SACDs, and MP3 files from CD-R and DVD-R media. It features a heavy-duty, precision tray-loading mechanism for gentle disc handling and a rugged steel chassis to minimize vibration and interference. The ERC-4 includes balanced and unbalanced analog outputs, as well as digital outputs (optical S/PDIF, coax S/PDIF, AES/EBU) and digital inputs (coaxial and optical S/PDIF) supporting stereo PCM signals up to 24-bit/192kHz, allowing it to function as a high-quality DAC for other digital sources. It uses an Analog Devices AD1955 multi-bit delta-sigma DAC and low-noise LM4562 op-amps in the I/V converter stage for excellent sound quality. The unit is powered by a switch mode power supply designed to provide a silent noise floor and eliminate audible hum. The ERC-4 has a solid machined aluminum faceplate, all-metal cabinet, and a high-visibility blue graphical OLED display with full front panel controls and a solid aluminum remote control. Despite its audiophile design, some measurements indicate performance limitations in DAC linearity and noise floor, but it remains a favored choice for CD playback and digital audio conversion at its price point.