CD/SACD-проигрыватели и транспорты — Métronome LE PLAYER 4

Le Player 4 is a top-loading CD transport made in France by Métronome Technologie, based in Montans. It has no internal digital-to-analogue converter - the unit reads the disc, resamples the data and passes it to an external DAC. Métronome also offers a streaming board that fits inside the same chassis as an option, adding network playback to the disc drive. Silver and black finishes are available, and the UK price was GBP 7,200.

Key specs that matter

The CD section reads standard 44.1 kHz and 16-bit discs. Three digital outputs are fitted - S/PDIF on a 75 ohm RCA socket, AES/EBU on a 110 ohm XLR and I2S carried over an HDMI connector. S/PDIF and AES/EBU carry PCM up to 384 kHz and 32 bits plus DSD64 and DSD128 via DoP, and the I2S link passes PCM at the same rate and native DSD up to DSD256. Resampling can be switched on for these outputs, so a disc can be sent as high-rate PCM or as DSD 128. A 99 mm display with 480 by 120 pixel resolution shows track data. The chassis measures 450 mm wide, 120 mm high and 420 mm deep and weighs 12 kg. Power use is 40 W in operation and 32 W on standby.

Engineering and use context

The disc mechanism is a SUOS unit customised by Métronome and loaded from the top under a lid, with touch buttons for track control on the top plate. Two toroidal transformers with Schaffner mains filters supply four independent regulation lines. Mains input covers 100 to 120 V or 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz, and a rear USB 2.0 port is used for firmware updates. With the streaming option installed, a gigabit Ethernet port and two USB 2.0 ports for external storage are added. The network section handles the same PCM rates and native DSD64 to DSD256, acts as an MQA renderer, and works with DLNA and UPnP servers, vTuner internet radio and the Spotify, Deezer, TIDAL and Qobuz Connect services. Compatibility is certified for Audirvana and the JPLAY iOS app. The rated operating range is 5 to 35 degrees C at 5 to 90 percent humidity. A Métronome remote and adjustable Delrin cones come in the box.

Pairing

An external converter is required, and the I2S over HDMI output suits a DAC with a matching input and pin assignment, such as those in the Métronome range, while any DAC with coaxial or balanced digital inputs can use the S/PDIF or AES/EBU connection with DoP support for DSD.

Alternatives

The Métronome Le Player 4+ shares the top-loading chassis but adds an ES9026PRO converter with RCA and XLR analogue outputs rated at 3 V.