The Emotiva ERC-3 is a Differential Reference series CD player and digital transport, sitting within the upper tier of Emotiva's source component range. It succeeds the ERC-2 and was itself succeeded by the ERC-4, but remains a capable disc player built around an Analog Devices AD1955 multi-segment delta-sigma DAC and fully differential analogue output circuitry. Both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs are provided alongside three digital outputs, making it equally suited for use as a standalone CD player or as a high-quality transport feeding an external DAC or preamplifier-processor.
DAC & Analogue Stage
At the core of the ERC-3 is an Analog Devices AD1955 multi-segment delta-sigma DAC paired with Emotiva's Differential Reference analogue output stage. The fully differential circuit topology is optimised for use with the balanced XLR outputs, which deliver a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB and a maximum output level of +12 dBV (4 VRMS). The unbalanced RCA outputs provide +6 dBV (2 VRMS) with a signal-to-noise ratio of 104 dB. Total harmonic distortion is rated at less than 0.015% across the full 20 Hz–20 kHz band. Crosstalk is better than −92 dB. Frequency response is 10 Hz–20 kHz (±0.04 dB). Multiple isolated and well-filtered linear power supplies serve the analogue and digital circuitry independently, keeping noise floors low across the board.
Transport & Format Support
The ERC-3's transport mechanism is securely anchored within the chassis to reduce vibration and resonance. The player supports Red Book audio CDs, HDCD-encoded discs, prerecorded or computer-recorded MP3 audio CDs, and will read the stereo CD layer of hybrid SACDs. It does not play DVD-Audio, standard DVDs, or Blu-ray discs.
Outputs & Connectivity
Analogue outputs comprise one pair of balanced XLR connectors and one pair of unbalanced RCA connectors. Digital outputs include coaxial S/PDIF, Toslink optical S/PDIF, and AES/EBU, providing comprehensive connectivity for use as a dedicated transport with an external DAC or processor.
Build & Controls
The ERC-3 is built on a substantial chassis weighing 9.5 kg. A high-visibility VFD display shows track and playback status. The unit ships with a machined aluminium remote control.
| DAC | Analog Devices AD1955 (multi-segment delta-sigma) |
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| Analogue Output Topology | Fully differential (Differential Reference) |
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| Frequency Response | 10 Hz–20 kHz (±0.04 dB) |
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| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 110 dB (balanced); 104 dB (unbalanced) |
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| THD | <0.015% (20 Hz–20 kHz) |
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| Crosstalk | <−92 dB |
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| Balanced Output Level | +12 dBV (4 VRMS) |
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| Unbalanced Output Level | +6 dBV (2 VRMS) |
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| Analogue Outputs | 1 × XLR balanced (stereo pair), 1 × RCA unbalanced (stereo pair) |
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| Digital Outputs | Coaxial S/PDIF, Toslink optical S/PDIF, AES/EBU |
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| Disc Formats | Red Book CD, HDCD, MP3 CD, hybrid SACD (CD layer only) |
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| Display | VFD (vacuum fluorescent) |
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| Dimensions | 432 × 356 × 102mm (17” × 14” × 4”) |
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| Weight | 9.5 kg (21 lbs) |
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