Streamers — Métronome AQWO 2+

The AQWO 2+ is a two-box version of the AQWO 2 from the French maker Métronome, and it combines a top-loading SACD and CD player, a network streamer and a stand-alone DAC. Métronome presented it at the 2024 Munich High End exhibition, and it sits alongside the single-chassis AQWO 2 rather than replacing it. The difference is an external Elektra power supply, and Métronome states that an existing AQWO 2 cannot be upgraded to the plus version. The European price was EUR 26,800, with an optional valve output stage at EUR 2,190, and the US price is USD 29,500 plus USD 2,300 for the valve stage.

Key specs that matter

Métronome fitted an ESS ES9039MPRO for conversion, rated by the maker at -122 dB THD+N and a dynamic range of 137 dB. Analogue outputs are RCA with a 100 ohm output impedance and XLR at 150 ohm, each delivering 3 V at 0 dB. Four digital inputs are provided - coaxial, balanced AES, optical and USB - and the USB socket accepts PCM up to 384 kHz at 32 bits and native DSD up to DSD512. The coaxial and AES digital outputs pass PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD128 as DoP, while the proprietary I2S output carries native DSD256. The main unit measures 420 x 120 x 425 mm and weighs 13.3 kg, and the Elektra supply measures 420 x 85 x 425 mm and weighs 12.6 kg.

Engineering and use context

The disc drive is a customised SACD mechanism loaded from the top, with the disc held by a magnetic Delrin puck to keep it steady during reading. Housing the supply separately lets Métronome multiply the separate regulation lines that feed the low-voltage circuits and keep each stage or function apart. Streaming runs over a wired 1000 Mbps link or Wi-Fi on both bands, and the protocol list covers Roon Ready, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Audirvāna and UPnP with DLNA, plus MQA rendering. A 7 inch touchscreen with 1024 x 600 resolution handles control, and resampling can be applied to the digital outputs. The optional valve output boards can be fitted at the factory or added later. Finishes are gold, silver and black.

Pairing

With a fixed output level and no volume control, the AQWO 2+ feeds a preamplifier or integrated amplifier, ideally through the balanced XLR outputs. Its digital outputs let it drive an external converter, and its inputs let a computer, server or television use the internal DAC.

Alternatives

The Métronome AQWO 2 offers the same combination of SACD player, streamer and DAC in one chassis with an internal power supply.