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Streamers — Métronome DSS 2
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Métronome DSS 2
Image source — © Métronome
The DSS 2 is the second generation of the network player and streamer in the Digital Sharing range of Métronome, the French high-end maker. It keeps the compact case of the original DSS, but Métronome states that all of the electronics and the software inside are new. The two headline changes over the first version are Wi-Fi built into the chassis and native DSD up to DSD256. In Europe Métronome recommends a retail price of EUR 4,550. The DSS 2 is a digital transport only - it contains no converter and has to feed an external DAC.
Key specs that matter
Three digital connections sit on the back of the case. The S/PDIF and AES/EBU ports carry PCM from 44.1 to 384 kHz at 32 bit plus DSD64 and DSD128 as DoP, while the I2S port handles the same PCM range and native DSD from DSD64 up to DSD256. MQA rendering covers 44.1 to 384 kHz. Networking runs through one 10/100/1000 Ethernet port or dual-band Wi-Fi at 2.4 and 5 GHz, and a USB 2.0 socket accepts external storage. The box measures 250 x 70 x 250 mm, weighs 4.8 kg and consumes 15 W. It is specified for operation between +5 and +35 degrees C and at 5 to 90 percent humidity.
Engineering and use context
The first DSS topped out at 24 bit and 192 kHz with DSD64 over DoP, and it offered an optical output next to coaxial, AES/EBU and I2S over HDMI, with a toroidal transformer and independent regulation lines in its supply. The new model drops that ceiling and adds wireless networking while holding the same footprint, so it still stacks with the other members of the Digital Sharing family. The chassis is steel with a machined aluminium front panel, offered in black or silver, and the front key and pictograms now appear in grey. There is no display. Playback is driven from an app, with mConnect Control suggested by Métronome, and the protocol list covers DLNA and UPnP, AirPlay 1 and 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Deezer and vTuner radio. The unit is Roon Ready, carries the Plays with Audirvāna label and is JPLAY certified.
Pairing
Since everything leaves the DSS 2 in digital form, the converter it drives decides the analogue result. Within the Digital Sharing family the DSC mini converter is the matching partner, and a DAC with an I2S input is needed to reach native DSD256, because the coaxial and balanced AES/EBU links stop at DSD128. Owners of a music server such as the Métronome DSAS can let the DSS 2 act as a UPnP renderer on the home network.
Alternatives
The Métronome LE STREAMER is a network player in the Classica housing with the same set of S/PDIF, AES/EBU and I2S outputs.
Key specs that matter
Three digital connections sit on the back of the case. The S/PDIF and AES/EBU ports carry PCM from 44.1 to 384 kHz at 32 bit plus DSD64 and DSD128 as DoP, while the I2S port handles the same PCM range and native DSD from DSD64 up to DSD256. MQA rendering covers 44.1 to 384 kHz. Networking runs through one 10/100/1000 Ethernet port or dual-band Wi-Fi at 2.4 and 5 GHz, and a USB 2.0 socket accepts external storage. The box measures 250 x 70 x 250 mm, weighs 4.8 kg and consumes 15 W. It is specified for operation between +5 and +35 degrees C and at 5 to 90 percent humidity.
Engineering and use context
The first DSS topped out at 24 bit and 192 kHz with DSD64 over DoP, and it offered an optical output next to coaxial, AES/EBU and I2S over HDMI, with a toroidal transformer and independent regulation lines in its supply. The new model drops that ceiling and adds wireless networking while holding the same footprint, so it still stacks with the other members of the Digital Sharing family. The chassis is steel with a machined aluminium front panel, offered in black or silver, and the front key and pictograms now appear in grey. There is no display. Playback is driven from an app, with mConnect Control suggested by Métronome, and the protocol list covers DLNA and UPnP, AirPlay 1 and 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Deezer and vTuner radio. The unit is Roon Ready, carries the Plays with Audirvāna label and is JPLAY certified.
Pairing
Since everything leaves the DSS 2 in digital form, the converter it drives decides the analogue result. Within the Digital Sharing family the DSC mini converter is the matching partner, and a DAC with an I2S input is needed to reach native DSD256, because the coaxial and balanced AES/EBU links stop at DSD128. Owners of a music server such as the Métronome DSAS can let the DSS 2 act as a UPnP renderer on the home network.
Alternatives
The Métronome LE STREAMER is a network player in the Classica housing with the same set of S/PDIF, AES/EBU and I2S outputs.
Specifications
Model name
DSS 2
Has internal DAC
N/A
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 384 kHz / 32 bits and DSD256
DSP processing
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Analog outputs level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
250 x 70 x 250
Weight (kg)
4.8
Official link
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