At HIGH END 2026 Vienna, Wattson Audio — sister brand of CH Precision — will premiere its new phono stage, the Madison Phono. Developed and built entirely in-house in collaboration with CH Precision, it offers three distinct input architectures, one of which is a dedicated optical input for DS Audio and other optical cartridges.

The Madison Phono also features multiple EQ curves processed in the digital domain, advanced cartridge loading, and digital output for high-performance DACs such as the Madison Streamer. At the show, Wattson will demonstrate the phono stage using both traditional moving-coil cartridges and optical phono transducers.

Every new high-end component that supports an optical input is further proof that the optical cartridge format we have championed continues to grow. We warmly welcome Wattson Audio’s commitment to optical playback.

You can experience the Madison Phono debut at Stage 1.3, Tech Gate Vienna, directly across from the main venue. DS Audio is also exhibiting at the main show in Room 3.64 — we’d be glad to see you at both.