Well not literally here, as in In Barn, but available to purchase.
I’ve spent my fair share of time around Wattson Audio’s mini wonders including the recently reviewed Madison Power S Power Supply for the Madison Streaming DAC (review), the Madison Amplifier & Madison LE Streaming DAC (review), the original Madison Streaming DAC (review), and the tiny but mighty Emerson ANALOG Streaming DAC (review). Lots of Wattsons and I remain impressed by every one.
As a confessed lover of stacks, including pre/power combos from the same manufacturer, Wattson must have read my mind when they decided to come out with a phono preamp that includes RIAA, Columbia, Teldec, EMI, and Decca EQ curves. Shellacs, baby. While the first stage of amplification happens in the analog domain, equalization and filtering occur in the digital domain at 32-bit/384 kHz DXD resolution.
In an interesting twist on modular functionality, the Madison Phono offers replaceable input boards that include a Voltage input for Moving Magnet (MM) and high-impedance Moving Coil (MC) cartridges with automatic gain and loading, an optional Current input for low impedance MC carts “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,” and an optional Optical input for DS Audio photo-electric cartridges.
The Voltage board is included in the Madison Phono’s asking price of $5,495 while the optional Current and Optical input boards are available for an additional $500/ea.
In an interesting twist on connectivity, the Wattson Madison Phono offers both digital and analog outputs so you can send its signal to the input of the Wattson Madison Streamer or a third-party external DAC via Coax or Toslink at 192kHz with user selectable down-sampling to 96kHz or you can go analog RCA out to your preamp or integrated amp.
I’m going to let the press release and the Wattson website do more of the heavy lifting.
Press release:
Wattson Audio Introduces Madison Phono
Préverenges, Switzerland, September 10, 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
About Wattson Audio
Wattson Audio is a Swiss audio manufacturer dedicated to creating timeless, precision-engineered products that elevate the musical experience. The company combines advanced technology, compact architecture, and minimalist design to deliver direct, emotionally engaging music reproduction.
Company Website: Wattson Audio
About CH Precision
CH Precision is a Swiss manufacturer of reference-level audio electronics, recognized for meticulous engineering, proprietary technology, and modular system architecture. Its engineering foundation informs key elements of the Madison Phono’s current-input design.
Company Website: CH Precision