- During a visit to Métronome Technologie in Montans, sempre-audio.at had the exclusive opportunity to take a detailed look at the complete Métronome AQWO 2 range.
Montans is a small village in the arrondissement of Albi, close to the picturesque town of the same name in the south of France. The company Métronome Technologie, one of France’s most remarkable High-end HiFi manufacturers, is located in an almost sober, functional-looking building in the centre of a small industrial and commercial area.
The company has been a recognised digital specialist for many years and is primarily dedicated to solutions such as D/A converters, streaming systems, CD and SACD players and CD and SACD transports. All this is done at the very highest level on the basis of the latest technologies and the impressive expertise of the developers.
A company with a long history
Métronome Technologie has a very long history, dating back to 1987, but the foundations for the company as it is today were only laid in 2014, when a new management team took over Métronome Technologie and opened a completely new chapter in the company’s history.
Under the leadership of Jean-Marie Clauzel, the product range was gradually restructured so that it ultimately presented itself as it is now. More and more employees were added and in 2016 the company moved to its current location, which had to be expanded in 2019 in order to fully accommodate the company’s continued strong growth.
In a comparatively short time, Métronome Technologie has transformed from a company that for many years was known solely in the French HiFi scene to an internationally renowned High-end HiFi company and one of the leading suppliers in the field of digital audio.
The Métronome Technologie product line-up
Métronome Technologie offers a wide range of products, especially when you consider that although it is a very successful international company, it is still a comparatively small one that not only develops all its products itself, but also manufactures them all at its site in Montans.
The Métronome DS range
The product series that probably addresses the broadest target group is the so-called Métronome DS Range, where DS stands for Digital Sharing. The French company uses this term to describe solutions that are designed to offer the simplest possible handling of digital data with the highest possible sound quality, which in the best case even prove to be a kind of plug & play solution for audiophiles. With the Métronome DST Transport CD, Métronome DSS 2 Network Player and Streamer, Métronome DSC mini DAC and soon the new Métronome DSAS Music Server, the product range essentially comprises everything needed for handling digital data from different sources.
The Métronome Classica Range
The Métronome Classica Range is the one with the longest tradition, including solutions whose roots go back almost to the beginnings of Métronome Technologie. The company promises solutions based on the finest technology, combined with a timelessly elegant design and the highest quality workmanship, which epitomise the finest High-end HiFi from the Métronome Technologie brand. Expllzit also emphasises the analogue sound character of all solutions in the Métronome Classica range. The product line includes the Métronome Le Player CD Transport, Métronome Le Player 4+ Hybrid DAC/CD, Métronome Le DAC 2 Converter and Métronome Le Streamer Network Player solutions.
The Métronome AQWO Range
The Métronome AQWO range plays a very special role, because since its market launch in 2018, it has successively developed into the most successful product series of the French High-end HiFi manufacturer Métronome Technologie.
You don’t have to look far to find the reasons for this; Métronome Technologie clearly considers this product line itself to be a prime example of the company’s philosophy, in which the endeavour to subordinate everything solely to the goal of outstanding sound quality, combined with a timelessly elegant design, is probably the most consistently implemented.
The company itself describes the Métronome AQWO range as a product line with a striking, unique design that is iconic and thus unmistakably in the style of Métronome Technologie. The technology underlying the products in the Métronome AQWO Range is state of the art and the developers are given the freedom to make almost no compromises, with the goal of impeccable quality being the top priority, according to Métronome Technologie’s promise.
Métronome Technologie derives the name AQWO from the ancient Greek verb akouo, which means ‘to hear well’ and is therefore perfectly suited to describe the product line that the company considers its flagship series.
The Métronome AQWO range currently comprises four products: Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter.
The complete Métronome AQWO range in a unique comparison
During a visit to Métronome Technologie, we had the unique opportunity not only to take another look behind the scenes, talk extensively with the developers and look over the shoulders of the production staff, but also to actually compare all the current solutions in the Métronome AQWO range.
The Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer as well as the Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter systems were waiting for us in the well-equipped listening room of Métronome Technologie in Montans to work out the differences between them together with the development team in a very detailed listening session.
Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer review
The Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer is an extremely versatile system from the Métronome AQWO range. This product can be described as a kind of universal solution when it comes to the playback of digital audio data, regardless of its origin. It combines a CD or SACD player, a streaming client and a D/A converter in one elegant system.
Métronome Technologie admits that the development of the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer was no easy task. The first generation proved to be an extremely successful solution, and the Métronome AQWO Hybrid DAC + SACD/CD even broke all sales records, making it the company’s most successful product ever.
The developers’ situation can therefore be compared to the challenge faced by a band that has just celebrated mega-success with a hit album, but now has to produce another album.
The development team tackled this tricky task by designing a solution from scratch with the premise of making everything even better without looking back, based on the latest technologies.
The heart of the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer is therefore a drive from the D&M Group, which is also used in the premium HiFi systems of the Denon and Marantz brands, but which the developers at Métronome Technologie have optimised even further and implemented here as a top loader.
The Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer promises bit-perfect playback of both Audio CD and Super Audio CD.
When it comes to streaming, the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer relies above all on the only actual industry standard UPnP, whereby the user can rely on a wide range of corresponding apps for Apple iOS as well as Google Android. Métronome Technologie itself recommends the mConnect app, which is available for Apple iOS and Google Android.
But of course, the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer is not content with UPnP alone, it is also equipped for Apple AirPlay, can access TIDAL via TIDAL Connect, Spotify via Spotify Connect, and of course Qobuz directly via Qobuz Connect, is also Roon Ready and also bears the Plāys with Audirvāna seal, so it can be used directly with the software solution from Audirvāna SAS. Another new feature is that the streaming client is labelled as JPLAY Certified and can therefore be used directly with the JPLAY software.
It can be integrated into the network either via the integrated WiFi module or an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet interface.
Signal processing is carried out using a D/A converter from the specialist ESS Technology Inc., namely an ESS ES9038Pro DAC, which is capable of processing signals in Linear PCM with up to 32 bits and 384 kHz and thus so-called DXD, as well as DSD up to DSD512. If required, re-sampling can be carried out in order to achieve the best possible quality.
As already mentioned, the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer also makes these virtues as an outstanding D/A converter available to external sources, as these can be integrated via an optical and coaxial S/PDIF interface or an AES/EBU interface. The Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer has a USB-B port for connecting a PC or Mac.
It should not go unmentioned that the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer not only has unbalanced and balanced analogue outputs, but also a range of digital interfaces. In addition to a coaxial S/PDIF, it also offers an AES/EBU and even an HDMI port for an I2S as digital outputs.
It is also worth noting that the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer offers an optional tube output stage, giving you the choice between solid-state and tube.
It should also be mentioned that the developers of the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer have opted for a particularly sophisticated power supply, which Métronome Technologie is convinced is an essential component when it comes to the quality of an audio solution. The basis is therefore a toroidal transformer with Schaffner filters, the individual components of the system are supplied by no less than ten individual voltage regulators.
All of this is packaged in a timelessly elegant housing made of aluminium with deliberately very thick walls and available in silver, black or even gold. According to the data sheet, the Métronome AQWO 2 weighs an impressive 17 kg with dimensions of 425 x 130 x 415 mm.
Incidentally, the front is adorned with a very generously dimensioned 6.5 inch display, which provides all the relevant information and, as it is designed as a touchscreen display, also guarantees very intuitive operation.
Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD streamer review
While the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer just described was first presented at the High-end 2023 in Munich, a year later at the High-end 2024 all the attention was focussed on the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, which was by no means designed to replace the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, but rather as an extension of the Métronome AQWO range upwards.
According to Métronome Technologie, this is an alternative for the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, which is aimed at particularly demanding HiFi enthusiasts.
The company’s promise was to make the very best even better.
The Métronome AQWO 2+ is therefore essentially the Métronome AQWO 2, but with one crucial difference, which we will come to in detail in a moment. The solution also combines a hybrid SACD player, functions as a network player and also as a D/A converter, all at a particularly high level of quality.
It is interesting to note that the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer was developed in response to many user requests. It was the wish of many customers to be able to utilise the potential of the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer even better, to surpass the already remarkable quality level of the standard version by using an external power supply.
Métronome Technologie has always been firmly convinced that the power supply of a component is a decisive quality criterion, so it was only natural to develop a solution based on an even more sophisticated power supply than the standard version.
Such an external solution not only offers the developers more room for manoeuvre when designing the circuitry simply because of the more generous space available, this approach also serves to prevent any sound-damaging effects of the power supply on the difficult signal processing, be they mechanical or electromagnetic in nature.
The external power supply is labelled Métronome Elektra and is naturally designed to form a single unit with the base unit in terms of design and dimensions.
A look inside the Métronome Elekra shows how sophisticated and elaborate a power supply can be designed to achieve the best possible results. Every component of the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer can rely on its own power supply, always realised with components of the highest quality.
This is also the reason why the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer cannot simply be upgraded to the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer.
The Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer is in principle identical to the Métronome AQWO 2 in terms of functionality, but not in terms of circuitry, which is much more complex in the Métronome AQWO 2+ and is split between the base unit and the external power supply.
The drive measures 420 x 120 x 425 mm and weighs 13.3 kg, while the associated Métronome Elektra power supply measures 420 x 85 x 425 mm and weighs 12,6 kg.
Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter in the test
Anyone who thinks that the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer just described is the end of the line and the undisputed flagship of the Métronome AQWO range is only partially correct, in that this solution represents the reference as an All-in-One system, but not the maximum that the Métronome AQWO range has to offer overall.
At the same time as the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, the French company also introduced two specialists, so that since the middle of last year Métronome Technologie has also been able to offer the Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter systems.
This provides two exciting solutions that can be used individually as CD and SACD transports or D/A converters, but can also be used as a congenial team, ultimately offering the same functionality as the All-in-One systems in the Métronome AQWO range.
The fact that Métronome Technologie launched these two solutions on the market was no real surprise; rather, the company followed the strategy it had already pursued with the first generation of the Métronome AQWO Range, where the Métronome t|AQWO SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO D/A Converter solutions were aimed at those users who want a separate, specialised solution for each task.
For the developers at Métronome Technologie, this ultimately meant that with the Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter, they were able to design solutions that did not require any compromises whatsoever, which should therefore also represent the absolute best that the Métronome AQWO range has to offer in terms of sound.
The latest generation of both systems have little in common with their respective predecessors, apart from the name and their restrained, timelessly elegant design. According to the manufacturer’s promise, the latest generation offers important improvements and additional options in all relevant areas.
It is interesting to note that the new Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport has the same SACD pick-up mechanism as its predecessor; according to Métronome Technologie, there was little room for real improvement. However, the electronics offered this room for manoeuvre, with some serious improvements, as the French company claims.
For example, with regard to the available interfaces, as the main focus here is on an HDMI port, which is used for the signal transmission of digital audio data via I2S. This is the best of all available options, according to Métronome Technologie, as it guarantees bit-perfect signal transmission of data in Linear PCM format with up to 32 Bi and 384 kHz as well as native DSD up to and including DSD256.
Alternatively, a coaxial S/PDIF and an AES/EBU are also available, while an optical S/PDIF interface has been deliberately omitted. According to Métronome Technologie, this is by far the worst of all options when it comes to the signal transmission of digital data.
As already mentioned, the Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A converter can of course also be used independently as a universal D/A converter for a wide variety of application scenarios, but Métronome Technologie recommends it first and foremost as a congenial partner for the Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport.
The Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter has also been redesigned from the ground up, whereby it is particularly striking that two DACs are used here, one from ESS Technology Inc. and another from the specialist Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation. Specifically, these are ESS ES9039M PRO and AKM 4499EX D/A converters, which the user can switch between as required and benefit from their respective filters and upsampling options.
What sounds so simple is ultimately an enormously complex matter for the developers, because each D/A converter requires a completely different approach from the developers in order to always guarantee its optimum performance. Completely different circuit concepts therefore had to be developed for the two D/A converters and implemented in the Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter.
Regardless of which converter is ultimately used, the Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter can process signals in linear PCM with up to 32 bits and 384 kHz as well as DSD up to DSD512 and also data in lossy MQA.
Métronome Technologie explicitly emphasises that when using the Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter together with the Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport, I2S via the proprietary HDMI interface is the only correct choice. For other source devices, the D/A converter naturally also offers an optical and coaxial S/PDIF interface, an AES/EBU is available and a USB port in the form of a USB-B can be used for direct connection to a PC or Mac.
Both the Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and the Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter rely on an external power supply because, as already described, they have been designed in such a way that no compromises were made by the developers in order to achieve nothing less than optimum quality. Here too, an external power supply ensures that each relevant component is operated with its own voltage regulation and that the separation of the power supply and the difficult signal processing, whether digital or analogue, prevents sound-damaging influences from the outset.
It is interesting to note that Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter can both be equipped with an optional streaming board. This may seem strange at first, but on closer inspection it is a well thought-out option. If you use the two components together, you can ultimately choose which one you want to implement the optional streaming board in. However, some people may only want to use one of the two solutions, the Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport or the Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter, but in both cases you don’t have to do without the streaming functionality.
With the streaming module, the Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter systems have an integrated WiFi module in accordance with IEEE 802.11ac and an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet interface for integration into the network. They are able to stream content as dlna-certified UPnP streaming clients and can be controlled using various apps for Apple iOS and Google Android. Apple AirPlay is also supported, as are TIDAL via TIDAL Connect, Spotify via Spotify Connect and Qobuz via Qobuz Connect. The streaming module from Métronome Technologie is also Roon Ready by Roon Labs LLC. and is certified as Plāys with Audirvāna by the French software company Audirvāna SAS. The streaming board is also labelled as JPLAY Certified and can therefore be used directly with the JPLAY software.
It should also be mentioned that corresponding storage media can also be used as a source via a USB-A port.
Only the Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter can be equipped with an optional tube output stage, allowing the user to switch between solid-state and tube at any time, as with the All-in-One systems in the Métronome AQWO range.
The Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport measures 430 mm in width, 120 mm in height and 420 mm in depth and thus weighs in at 13,2 kg. The associated power supply unit measures 420 mm in width, 80 mm in height and 430 mm in depth and weighs 14 kg.
The Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A converter also measures 430 mm in width, 120 mm in height and 420 mm in depth. The weight is listed in the data sheet at 12 kg. The associated power supply measures 420 mm in width, 80 mm in height and 430 mm in depth and weighs 12,7 kg.
A day at Métronome Technologie in Montans
As already mentioned at the beginning, we had the exclusive opportunity to spend a whole day with the developers from Métronome Technologie at the factory in Montans and have the entire Métronome AQWO range and its respective features explained to us in detail.
It was particularly exciting to see the attention to detail, indeed the meticulousness, with which the developers go about their work. In fact, the greatest attention is always paid to every seemingly insignificant matter; nothing, in fact absolutely nothing is left untried in order to ultimately achieve the best results.
We found the enthusiasm with which the developers at Métronome Technologie were able to explain exactly why this and that component was chosen and why it is located in this and that position on the circuit board to be remarkable. As I said, there is no detail that is not addressed, which is also the reason why the Métronome AQWO range is so broadly positioned.
Of course, even a proven High-end HiFi manufacturer is not completely exempt from having to comply with certain framework conditions during development; after all, it is important to achieve a specific price point with the respective products, even if, as in the case of the Métronome AQWO Range, one speaks of a product line in which one endeavours, at least as far as possible, not to have to make any compromises.
This results in a gradation from an All-in-One system to which an All-in-One with external power supply is added as an alternative, to two proven specialists that represent the absolute reference as a team.
And indeed, if you see the circuit boards of the entire product line lined up in front of you on a workbench in Métronome Technologie’s ultra-modern production facility, you can clearly see from the various details what ultimately distinguishes the individual systems, which at first glance at least appear very similar, as they ultimately fulfil the same functions, at least on paper.
The complete Métronome AQWO range in direct comparison – Exclusive listening session at Métronome Technologie
And just how big a difference even small details can make was revealed in a very impressive way in the Métronome Technologie listening room, which was available to us for many hours and in which we were able to extensively test and directly compare all products in the current generation of the Métronome AQWO range.
The saying “the better is the enemy of the good” clearly applies here, although to be fair it has to be said that even the “entry level” of the Métronome AQWO range in the form of the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer represents High-end HiFi at its very best and even a proven audiophile will find no reason to complain about this solution.
It was no coincidence that the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer proved to be the clear reference in our extensive test, although the other solutions in the Métronome AQWO range had not even been announced at that time.
Based on the direct comparison with its younger siblings, starting with its direct brother Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, but especially in comparison with the team of specialists Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter, the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer would almost have to be downgraded a point or two in the rating, because they clearly represent the reference, the maximum of what is technically possible. However, you can only come to this realisation if you actually listen to the products in direct comparison. The fact that the latest devices in the Métronome AQWO range are even better does not change the fact that the Métronome AQWO 2 is already of outstanding quality.
Only when the Métronome AQWO 2+ is compared directly does it become clear how effectively an external power supply can further improve the sound quality. Only a direct comparison of the Métronome AQWO 2+ with the combination of Métronome t|AQWO 2 and Métronome c|AQWO 2 clearly shows that individual components, each with a separate, complex power supply, are rightly regarded as the optimum, as the holy grail of audiophiles, as Métronome Technologie itself aptly describes it.
The fact is that the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer is already one of the best solutions on the market for anyone looking for a device for all digital data tasks at the highest level. It combines the functionality of a CD or Super Audio CD player with that of a modern streamer and a flexible DAC/converter.
It is only surpassed by the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, where the Métronome Elektra external power supply provides even more silence, depth and detail in the performance.
The crowning glory, however, is clearly the two solutions Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter, which once again offer a clear improvement in sound quality in direct comparison to the All-in-One systems. Once again, there is a little more detail, a little more quietness and also a little more dynamics that can be clearly recognised.
Getting to the point
It is quite remarkable to realise that dedicated developers seem to succeed time and again in making the seemingly flawless a little better, that the quest for the absolutely perfect sound has not yet come to an end. A good example of this is the Métronome AQWO range, the latest generation of which was founded by the French High-end HiFi manufacturer Métronome Technologie with the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, which caused a sensation and was regarded as a reference due to its functionality and timelessly elegant appearance. But then came the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, and Jean Marie Clauzel and his team made good things even better. But that’s not all, with the two specialists Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter, the bar was raised once again.
We already regarded the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer as a precision tool that provides the perfect basis for enjoying music at the very highest level, its siblings, the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer and the Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter, offer an even quieter performance, resulting in greater detail and dynamics.
Whether it’s the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer or the Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport and Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter, each of these solutions delivers an outstanding level of quality. And every product in the Métronome AQWO range is an example of why this product line is the most successful from the French High-end HiFi manufacturer Métronome Technologie.
| Product | Métronome AQWO Range |
|---|---|
| Price | Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer € 19.990,- Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer € 26.800,- Métronome c|AQWO 2 D/A Converter € 29.350,- Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport € 30.650,- Streaming Module for Métronome c|AQWO 2 and Métronome t|AQWO 2 € 2.000,- Optional tube output stage € 2.190,- |
| Brand | Métronome Technologie |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Métronome Technologie |
| Distribution Austria | Audio Exclusive GmbH |
| Distribution Germany | H.E.A.R. GmbH |
| Distribution Switzerland | Portier Hi-Fi |
| More about this manufacturer at HiFi BLOG |
