Digital Processor Reviews

Métronome Technologie AQWO SACD/CD transport and D/A processor Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

c|AQWO: D/A processor with switchable tube output and outboard power supply. Inputs: 2 S/PDIF (RCA), 2 AES/EBU (XLR), 2 optical (TosLink), I2S (HDMI), USB (44.1 to 384kHz, DSD up to 22.5MHz). Analog outputs: XLR balanced, RCA single-ended. Sample rates: 44.1 to 384kHz, DSD up to 22.5MHz on I2S (HDMI) and USB, 44.1 to 192kHz on S/PDIF (RCA), AES/EBU (XLR), optical (TosLink). Output voltage: 1.4/2.5/3.0V RMS. Output impedance: 100 ohms. Power consumption: 90VA.
Dimensions: 16.93" (430mm) W × 4.72" (120mm) H × 16.54" (420mm) D. Weight: 26.5lb (12kg). Elektra power supply: 16.93" (430mm) W × 3.15" (80mm) H × 16.54" (420mm) D. Weight: 30.9lb (14kg).
Finish: Silver, Black.
Serial number of unit reviewed: C|A003.
Price: $26,000.

t|AQWO: Top-loading, dual-laser, upsampling/resampling SACD/CD transport with outboard power supply and remote control. Digital outputs: 1 S/PDIF (RCA), 1 AES/EBU (XLR), 1 optical (TosLink), I2S (HDMI). Power consumption: 50VA.
Dimensions: 16.93" (430mm) W × 4.72" (120mm) H × 16.54" (420mm) D. Weight: 29.1lb (13.2kg). Elektra power supply: 16.93" (430mm) W × 3.15" (80mm) H × 16.54" (420mm) D. Weight: 30.9lb (14kg).
Finish: Silver, Black.
Serial number of unit reviewed: T|A014.
Price: $24,000.

Common to both:
Approximate number of US dealers: 10. Warranty: 2 years parts and labor.
Manufacturer: Metronome Technologie, Kalista Audio, ZA Garrigue Longue, 81600 Montans, France. Tel: (33) (0)5-34-26-11-33, (0)7-77-22-44-03. Web: kalista.audio. US distributor: Wynn Audio, 20 Wertheim Court, Unit 31, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 3A8, Canada. Web: wynnaudio.com.

COMPANY INFO
Metronome Technologie
US distributor: Wynn Audio
20 Wertheim Court, Unit 31
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 3A8, Canada
wynnaudio.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on February 21, 2020 - 10:25am

That slow roll-off filter along with the tube output stage should sound good with CDs :-) .........

Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on February 21, 2020 - 11:51am

Metronome Kalista DreamPlay Super Slow roll-off filter also shows similar roll-off on CDs :-) ........

Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on February 22, 2020 - 8:36am

If tube output stage is desired, less expensive iFi Audio Pro iDSD DAC ($2,500, reviewed by Stereophile), could be considered :-) .......

Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on March 14, 2020 - 11:15am

If you want something (kinda) more portable, you could look into Sony DMP-Z1, reviewed by Stereophile ......... It has multiple filters including, slow and super slow roll-off filters :-) .......

supamark's picture
Submitted by supamark on February 21, 2020 - 6:36pm

pretty sure JVS never goes to big "arena" shows for pop/rock music, and clearly doesn't know much/anyting about live sound reinforcement. That's cool (I know you're primarily an acoustic music guy), but don't try to speak to what you don't know.

Oh, and room/speakers/stage volume will have significantly more effect on the sound than the amps, which have pretty much zero audible effect on the sound. Everyone uses the same few brands (Crown, QSC,etc) of class D amps these days. it's more important for the mics to have good off axis rejection and durability than to be "great" mics. that's why it's mostly dynamic mics that you'll see for live sound regardless of venue size.

Jason Victor Serinus's picture
Submitted by Jason Victor Serinus on February 21, 2020 - 8:53pm

those concerts include a Grateful Dead Chinese New Year's Show, sitting / standing / dancing in the exact place where all the speakers converged in the Oakland Coliseum - thank you, friends at Pro Home Systems in Oakland, for getting there at 10 AM to snare the sweet spot - the Rolling Stones in I forget which venue, and a number of amplified operas and concerts in Davies Symphony Hall. Way back, I stood 50 feet from Janis Joplin during an impromptu concert in the main park in St. Louis - one of the most memorable experiences of my life - but the volume was turned down on purpose. Oh, and Patti Labelle and the Bluebells in Oakland's Paramount Theatre. Regardless, glad I brought a smile to your face.

Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on March 13, 2020 - 4:25pm

JVS may like the Aurender A30, reviewed by Hi-Fi News ........ It has 7 different filters, including NOS type, slow and super slow roll-off filters :-) ........

Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on March 13, 2020 - 11:20am

JVS could review the latest LG V50, 5G smartphone :-) .......

Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on February 27, 2020 - 12:26pm

...... excels in quality, musicality, and an analog feel." quoted Jason Serinus.

All roads lead to Rome.

I enjoy the "imperfections" of vinyl (1000+ LPs 95% classical music) for its "quality, musicality & an analogue feel" withOUT need of spending USD50,000 for the medium players.

vinyl, something imperfect, yet 100% analogue without going through the
tedious imperfect analogue-digital-analogue conversion.

Listening is believing

Jack L
Canada

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