Audio

Kalista DreamPlay S and DreamPlay SC – High-End Network Sources in Two Versions

19.06.2026 09:57 | ~3 minutes read

Streamer Network player Network transport streaming Kalista Métronome Kalista DreamPlay SC Kalista DreamPlay S Kalista DreamPlay Metronome Technologie

French company Métronome Technologie has expanded its Kalista DreamPlay lineup with two network components – the DreamPlay S and DreamPlay SC. The official presentation of the models took place in Vienna at Hifideluxe 2026, held simultaneously with High End Vienna 2026. Both new products are aimed at the upper end of the market and show how the Kalista brand sees modern streaming in an audiophile system.

The Kalista DreamPlay S is designed as a network transport without a built-in DAC. This configuration is intended for owners of systems that already use a high-end external digital-to-analog converter. The Kalista DreamPlay SC, by contrast, offers a more complete solution: it combines a streaming platform and a reference-class built-in DAC in a single chassis.

In both models, Métronome Technologie preserves the philosophy characteristic of Kalista: a digital source should be not only technically advanced, but also a visually expressive element of the system. The devices are handcrafted in France and feature the brand’s signature flat sculptural chassis, carefully selected materials and a well-thought-out power supply system.

The Kalista DreamPlay S can handle PCM signals up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD streams ranging from DSD64 to DSD256. Via the S/PDIF and AES/EBU interfaces, PCM output up to 32-bit/384 kHz is supported, along with DSD up to DSD128 in DoP format. For native DSD transmission up to DSD256, an I2S interface is provided. Available connections include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB 2.0 for external storage devices, I2S, S/PDIF and AES/EBU.

Specifications

Streamers — Kalista DreamPlay S

Model name
DreamPlay S
Has internal DAC
Yes
DSD compatability
N/A
Parameters
up to 32 bit/384 kHz 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)
400 x 50 x 270
Weight (kg)
5
Official link
https://kalista-audio.com/en/dreamplay-stream-en/

The Kalista DreamPlay SC is built on the same network platform but is supplemented with an integrated digital-to-analog conversion section. At its core is the ESS Technologies ES9039MPRO chip. The manufacturer specifies THD+N below -122 dB and a dynamic range of 137 dB. In addition to I2S, S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital outputs, the unit is equipped with unbalanced RCA analog outputs and balanced XLR outputs.

The new devices are designed to work with the most widely used streaming services and protocols found in modern audiophile systems. The list of supported solutions includes DLNA/UPnP, Audirvana, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Deezer, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect and vTuner. Support for MQA Renderer up to 32-bit/384 kHz is also specified.

Network capabilities include dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet connectivity at 10/100/1000 Mbps. Thanks to Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect, the stream is delivered directly to the device from the servers of the respective services, while a smartphone or tablet is used only for control. Roon Ready compatibility allows the DreamPlay S and DreamPlay SC to be integrated into systems with a Roon-based library and multiroom setup.

The Kalista DreamPlay S and DreamPlay SC will be available in Black Pearl and Diamond finishes. Information about pricing and availability has not yet been disclosed. The new models underline Métronome Technologie’s ambition to elevate network playback to the level of a full-fledged digital source for High End systems.