Wattson Audio Madison System Review: Source to Power Optimized for Performance
Read Time: Approx. 13 min.
Wattson Audio Madison Trio: The Ultimate Hi-Fi Stack
They say that the best gifts come in tiny boxes, and Wattson Audio's Madison Line is just that–a series of small hi-fi components delivering huge performance. The flagship line, composed of the Madison Streamer, Madison Amplifier, and Madison Power S Supply, is the Swiss company's bread and butter, delivering audiophiles pure power and pure sound in chassis's a quarter of the size of typical units.
But Wattson Audio isn't just selling miniaturization for its own sake. The Madison system represents a deliberate engineering philosophy: that perfectly matched components, designed to work together, can outperform larger, more expensive separates. Each unit in the Madison line shares the same compact footprint, aesthetic language, and technical DNA.
The complete Madison trio is the ultimate hi-fi stack for the audiophile seeking synergy, but each component holds its own merit as a standalone performer. The streamer excels as a digital source, the amplifier drives speakers with authority, and the power supply delivers clean, stable power–all without needing their siblings. Yet when stacked together, something magical happens. The real value lives in committing to the full Madison ecosystem: one unified app, one seamless interface, and a level of component synergy that transforms good individual performance into something extraordinary.
This Compact DAC/Amp Has Swiss Reference Sound: Wattson Madison Streamer Review
These Swiss Amps & Streamers Deserve Every Audiophile's Attention
PROS
- Complete Ecosystem Integration
- Space efficient
- Flexible functionality and audiophile neutrality
CONS
- Mono mode requires two Madison Amplifiers
- Power S Supply not compatible with Madison Amplifier
Design
Don't let the size of these components fool you–they pack a punch. No Napoleon complex happening here. All three components share the same design language and compact dimensions. The Madison Streamer and Power S Supply are designed to stack with the streamer sitting perfectly on top. The amplifier is slightly larger but still dramatically smaller than traditional separates.
The entire system occupies minimal real estate on your equipment rack, shelf, or credenza. Each unit features a precision-milled aluminum chassis carved from solid billets and is available in two finishes, light gray and dark gray. The material choice provides mechanical stability and electromagnetic isolation.
All three units feature clean front panels and minimal clutter. The streamer shows just the logo, a 1/4" headphone jack, four LED indicator lights for status monitoring, and a large digital volume control. The amplifier keeps it even simpler with a logo, physical power button, and four status LEDs. The power supply? Logo and single power indicator. The back panels are where that thoughtful design meets practical functionality. The streamer's back panel features one S/PDIF input on an RCA connector for PCM, one S/PDIF on TOSLink, plus both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs.
On the amplifier's back panel sits an Ethernet network port, an AC mains input, and a DC power supply input. For signal, both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR analog inputs. Then come the switches that transform how this amplifier operates: the three-mode output switch, impedance selection switch, and gain selection switch. The power supply keeps it minimal: A power port, a physical power switch, and a DC out port to feed the streamer. That's it. No complexity. No confusion.
Here's what matters for day-to-day use: The Madison system removes friction. You're not navigating multiple remotes, multiple apps, or mismatched interfaces. The Wattson Music app controls playback. The amp's front panel switches inputs with a short button press. The streamer's volume control is intuitive and response and that headphone jack means late-night listening doesn't require additional equipment.
And because the system is compact and stackable, you're not dedicating an entire wall to components. If you've been putting off upgrading because you don't have space for a traditional rack full of separates, the Madison removes that barrier. If you're tired of equipment that looks impressive but demands constant attention, the Madison respects your time.
Sound
Here's what you need to understand about the Madison Trio: this is a component stack that prioritizes neutrality and accuracy, but never at the expense of musicality. That balance, where details emerge naturally without feeling analytical is exactly what Wattson Audio achieved here.
To put this system to the test we set it up in our demo room with the Focal Sopra No. 2 Loudspeakers. The Sopra's are like the final boss of loudspeakers. If you want to test the performance of a unit, pair it with the Sopra's.
Now here's what the configuration itself looked like: Madison Power S Supply connected to the Madison Streamer. Madison Streamer is connected to the network via the Bronze Dragon Network Cable, then the Madison Amplifier with Bronze Dragon Interconnect Cables. The amp's then connected to the Sopra's with our Bronze Dragon Speaker Cables and set to stereo mode, 26dB gain, and 8 ohms impedance.
You could easily pair the Madison trio with a smaller pair of bookshelf speakers like the Focal Aria Evo X No.1 or headphones and listen through the streamer's 1/4" headphone jack.
I wasted little to no time connecting the streamer to the Wattson Music app, logging into Qobuz, and blasting Bad Bunny's latest album Debi Tirar Mas Fotos. The entire system delivered a sound quality with genuine depth, energy, and details that revealed themselves naturally. I listened comfortably at a volume level of 44dB the entire time, but when it was time to really crank it and see what the amp was capable of, I was floored by how effortlessly it handled the demands I put on it.
Details emerged from the left channel during Michael Jackson's hit Billie Jean and the low-end in Tyla's song Truth or Dare emerged with authority and weight. From Bad Bunny to Michael Jackson, Tyla, and Lilly Allen, the entire listening experience was awesome. Whether it's the rhythmic flow of reggae or the nuance of jazz and classical passages, the Madison conveys your favorite songs with authenticity and emotion.
And here's the cherry on top of it all: I never had to get up to adjust the volume or skip a track. From the comfort of my listening chair, I controlled the volume level and selected new tracks on the iPad via the Wattson Music app.
NEUVAYoL
By Bad Bunny
(DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS)
Madeline
By Lily Allen
(West End Girl)
Billie Jean
By Michael Jackson
(Thriller)
Truth or Dare
By Tyla
(Tyla)
Features
So what makes the Madison trio so special compared to other hi-fi ecosystems? Well, for starters, it's the backing of CH Precision, who acquired Wattson Audio and brought Swiss high-end engineering pedigree to the brand. Combining CH Precision's expertise in ultra-high performance systems with Wattson Audio's innovative spirit, the Madison system delivers flagship performance in a compact, modern package.
At the heart of the Madison Streamer sits a powerful DSP-based DAC that merges advanced digital signal processing with a meticulously executed analog output stage. Built around the highly capable Sitara Processor from Texas Instruments and an upgradable DSP-driven DAC, the Madison elevates fidelity and musicality for an emotional listening experience.
The Madison Amplifier brings muscle to the equation with three different output modes–stereo, bi-amplification, and monophonic–two different gains, and three different impedances. Stereo mode delivers 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms, scaling to 100 watts into 2 ohms. Bi-amp mode routes the left input to both amplification channels, perfect for vertically bi-amping speakers with dual binding posts. Monophonic mode devotes the entire power supply to a single channel. For power-hungry speakers or complex loads, you get doubled current delivery. You'll need two Madison amps for stereo in mono mode, but that flexibility is built in from day one.
The second switch, dedicated to impedance selection, lets you optimize the amp's performance based on the type of loudspeakers connected. 8 ohms for speakers with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms or higher. 4 ohms for speakers with an impedance of 4 ohms, and 2 ohms for speakers with an impedance below 4 ohms. And lastly, a gain selection switch with 26dB or 20dB, for easily matching the output level of the preamplifier or source device. The Madison amplifier adapts to your speakers, not the other way around.
Now, where does the Madison Power S fall into this equation? Well, it sits at the helm of the Madison Streamer, designed exclusively as the perfect companion for the unit. The Madison Power S automatically switches to low-power mode when the streamer goes into standby. Press and hold the streamer's control button, and the entire system intelligently powers down. Active protection circuits monitor current, voltage, and temperature, cutting output instantly if there's a problem. And the LED on the front panel communicates system status at a glance.
Wattson Music App
The Madison trio separates itself from the mix-and-match approach not because they're all the same brand, color and shape, but because everything works through one unified interface.
The Wattson Music app gives you comprehensive control over both the streamer and amplifier. Once the streamer is detected, you have immediate access to Tidal, Qobuz, Airable radio stations, and your local UPnP/DLNA media servers. No juggling between apps. No wondering which interface controls what. The Wattson Music app is intuitive and easy to use. From the second you turn on your Madison unit, the app automatically detects and connects to the device. Within the app, you can adjust settings, view the latest firmware updates, and obviously enjoy your music.
And if you're a Roon or Audirvana user, there's something here for you too. The Madison Streamer is Roon Ready and integrates seamlessly with Audirvana's playback engine. You're not locked into one ecosystem–you're getting flexibility without frustration.
Dragon Cables
[Bronze Dragon Network Cable, Bronze Dragon Premium Interconnect Cable, Bronze Dragon Speaker Cable]
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
The Wattson Audio Madison Trio proves that precision engineering beats brute force every time–especially when your components are actually designed to work together. As a whole, the Madison Trio delivers an uncompromising audio performance with exceptional digital-to-analog conversion, a steady flow of power, and enough amplification to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers.
But here's the beauty of Wattson's Madison's line. While they deliver the ultimate synergy together, they also perform phenomenally separately. So you decide–buy all three now, buy just the Madison Streamer, or the streamer and Madison Amplifier, and save the Madison Power S for an upgrade down the line. Wattson Audio has focused on everything that matters and ignored what doesn't.
If you've been putting off upgrading because you don't have the space for a massive rack, or you're tired of juggling three different apps just to play music, the Madison solves both problems without compromise. This is a low-profile system that stacks beautifully, takes up minimal real estate, and gives you one app to control everything.
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What's in the Box
Madison Streamer
- Wattson Audio Madison Streamer
- 1 External Power Supply 5V DC
- 1 Power Cord
Madison Amplifier
- Wattson Audio Madison Amplifier
- 1 external power supply 36V DC
- 1 power cord
Madison Power S
- Wattson Audio Madison Power S Supply
- AC Power Cord
- DC Power Cord
Specifications
Madison Streamer
Network Streaming Resolution: PCM up to 32-bit 384kHz, DSD up to 256x (11,2896MHz)
S/PDIF Input Resolution: PCM up to 24-bit 192kHz
RCA Output Level (0dB FS): 2.0V RMS
XLR Output Level (0dB FS): 4.0V RMS
Signal-to-noise, weighted (SNR-A): <120dB
Harmonic Distortion (THD+N, 0dB FS): <0.001%
Headphone Output: 2x 150mW on 32 ohms, 2x 50mW on 150 ohms, 2x 10mW on 600 ohms
Supported Standards: UPnP/DLNA, AirPlay, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, plays with Audirvana
Streaming Services brought by the Wattson Music iOS App: TIDAL, Qobuz, airable radios, DLNA servers
Supported Audio File Formats: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA
Network Input: 100Mbit/s Ethernet
Digital Inputs: 1x S/PDIF on RCA connector, PCM and 1x S/PDIF on TOSLink
Analog Outputs: 1x unbalanced on RCA connectors and 1x balanced on XLR
Headphone Output: 6.35mm jack connector
Dimensions (W x D x H): 174 x 185 x 52mm (6.9 x 7.3 x 2.1 in)
Weight: 1075g (2.37 lbs)
Power Supply: 5V DC, external, medical grade
Power Consumption: 50mW (idle), 3.5W (playing)
Madison Amplifier
Input Impedance: 100kΩ
Bandwidth: 1Hz to 400 kHz (-3dB)
Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR-A): >120dB
Harmonic Distortion (THD+N, 0dB FS): <0.05%
Dimensions: 216 x 300 x 87mm (8.5 x 11.8 x 3.5 inches) without binding posts
Weight: 6.0kg (13.25 lbs)
Power Supply: 36V DC 350W external
Output Power: 2 x 50W/8 ohms, 2 x 75W/4 ohms, 2 x 100W/2 ohms
Madison Power S
Universal AC Input: 100-240V AC 50/60Hz
Output Voltage: 5.0V DC
Maximum Output Current: 3.0A
Power Consumption (Madison Streamer Standby): <500mW
Max Power Consumption (3A Load): 30W
No Load Power Consumption: <500mW
Monitoring and Protection: Over-voltage, over-current, short-circuit, and high temperature protection circuits
Primary Fuse: 5mm x 20mm, slow blow, T500mA 250VAC
Dimensions: 175 x 155 x 87mm (6.9 x 6.1 x 3.5 inches)
Net Weight: 2.3kg (5.1 lbs)
