Métronome Technologie presents Métronome AQWO 2+
Métronome Technologie presented the new Métronome AQWO 2+ for the first time at High End 2024. This new hybrid SACD player, network player and D/A converter from the French high-end HiFi manufacturer is now available from specialist retailers.
- The French high-end HiFi manufacturer Métronome Technologie is now adding the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer to the Métronome AQWO 2.
Last year, the French high-end HiFi manufacturer Métronome Technologie presented, among other things, the Métronome AQWO 2 at High End 2023, a particularly outstanding solution in the Métronome AQWO range. To put it correctly, the solution presented for the first time in Munich in May 2023 was the Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer, a solution that can justifiably be described as extremely flexible and therefore versatile.
The Métronome AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer replaced the first generation of the All-in-One system of the Métronome AQWO Series, the Métronome AQWO as a combination of CD and SACD player with an excellent DAC, but not as a replacement for the proven specialists in this product line, the Métronome t|AQWO as a pure transport, and the Métronome c|AQWO as a D/A converter, to mention these for the sake of completeness.
Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer as an extension, not as a replacement
This year, the focus at High End 2024 in Munich was on the new Métronome AQWO 2+, among other things, which is another addition to the Métronome AQWO range, although it should be emphasised that that the new Métronome AQWO 2+ is by no means replacing the Métronome AQWO 2, but rather that Métronome Technologie sees it as an alternative for particularly demanding HiFi enthusiasts who do not want to compromise.
A very good product made even better
According to Métronome Technologie, the problem that arose during the development of the Métronome AQWO 2 was that the predecessor was already an extremely fine product. Nevertheless, there is always something that can be found to improve even very good solutions, not least because technological development plays into the hands of engineers, as they can rely on the latest components and thus improved circuit concepts.
With the new Métronome AQWO 2+, the situation is somewhat different. Here, the focus is on an external power supply, which is a very important feature.
Métronome AQWO 2+ with external power supply Métronome Elektra
It was the wish of many customers to be able to exploit the potential of the Métronome AQWO 2 even better than is already possible with the standard version, which is of course beyond reproach. However, it is clear that an external power supply, for example, can make a significant contribution to raising the quality level even further, even if this is of course associated with a higher price.
For this very reason, the new Métronome AQWO 2+, as already mentioned, will not replace the Métronome AQWO 2, but rather expand the range side by side. The Métronome AQWO 2+ is essentially the Métronome AQWO 2, but with an external power supply unit, the Métronome Elektra.
It should be emphasised that the Métronome AQWO 2 unfortunately cannot be upgraded to the new Métronome AQWO 2+. Although the functionality is basically identical, the two products are constructed in completely different ways. There is a significant difference between integrating a power supply unit and designing it as a separate, independent solution.
Prices and availability
The new Métronome AQWO 2+ should be available from specialist retailers in the next few days. Customers can choose between a silver, gold or black version. The recommended retail price is € 26.800,-. The optional Tube Output Stage costs € 2.190,-.
Getting to the point
Based on the same features as the Métronome AQWO 2, the Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer from the French High-end HiFi manufacturer Métronome offers the optimal solution for all those customers who are looking for a hybrid SACD player with an integrated streaming client and D/A converter as an outstanding All-in-One solution and who do not want to compromise on quality. Compared to the Métronome AQWO 2, which is still available, the new Métronome AQWO 2+ has a separate power supply unit, which is supplied as a second component, the so-called Métronome Elektra.
| PRODUCT | Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer |
|---|---|
| Price | Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer € 26.800,- Optional tube output stage € 2.190,- |
| Brand | METRONOME |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Metronome 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 |
