Metronome AQWO 2 SACD Player and Streamer

Regular price: $28,000.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price: $28,000.00 USD

Color: Silver

Output Stage Solid State Vacuum tube

Free shipping

Description

Métronome AQWO 2 is a French-made hybrid component that combines a top-loading SACD/CD player, an ES9039MPRO DAC and a network streamer. It converts PCM and DSD up to DSD512, offers I²S, AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital outputs with resampling, and is Roon Ready with Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, and Audirvāna support. Four toroidal transformers feed ten independent regulation lines, and a tube output is available as an option. The Métronome AQWO 2 is controlled from a 7-inch touchscreen.

Specifications

Type: Hybrid DAC, SACD/CD player and network streamer
Available Finishes: Gold, Silver, Black
DAC Chip: ES9039MPRO
THD+N: -122 dB
Dynamic Range: S/N 137 dB
Supported Files: PCM and DSD up to DSD512 (x8) for conversion
Analog Outputs: RCA (100 Ω output impedance, 3 V max); XLR (150 Ω output impedance, 3 V max)
Digital Outputs: S/PDIF and AES/EBU (PCM 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit; DSD64 to DSD128 DoP); I²S (PCM 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit; native DSD64 to DSD256); resampling available
Digital Inputs: S/PDIF and AES/EBU (PCM 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit; DSD64 to DSD128 DoP); Toslink (PCM 44.1 to 192 kHz / 32-bit; DSD64 DoP); USB (PCM 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit; native DSD64 to DSD512); Streaming (PCM 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit; native DSD64 to DSD256)
MQA: Renderer, 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit
Wi-Fi: Dual band (2.4 and 5 GHz)
Ethernet: 1 x Gigabit (10/100/1000)
USB: 1 x USB 2.0 (device update)
Supported Protocols: DLNA/UPnP, Roon Ready, Audirvāna, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Deezer, vTuner
Display: 7-inch touchscreen, 1024 x 600
Options: Tube output
Power Consumption: 40 W (standby 32 W)
Dimensions (L x H x W): 420 x 120 x 425 mm (16.5 x 4.7 x 16.7 in)
Weight: 15 kg (33.1 lb)

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Métronome AQWO 2

The Métronome AQWO 2 is a hybrid component that combines a top-loading SACD/CD player, a high-end DAC and a network streamer in a single French-made chassis. It reads discs, converts digital sources arriving from other components, and streams from the network, with the digital outputs available if you would rather use it as a transport. It is the all-in-one model in the AQWO range, where the other models split those functions across separate chassis.

Disc Transport

The AQWO 2 uses a customized SACD/CD mechanism with a Delrin puck and loads from the top. Hybrid SACD discs, standard CDs and SACDs are all supported, and a remote handset is included for transport control.

Converter and Digital Stage

Conversion is handled by an ES9039MPRO, and the unit accepts PCM and DSD up to DSD512 for conversion. The DAC menu offers selectable digital filters, and the digital outputs offer resampling. A native I²S output over HDMI is available alongside AES/EBU and S/PDIF.

Inputs cover S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Toslink and asynchronous USB, so the converter section also serves other sources in the system. USB accepts native DSD up to DSD512, and the internal streamer delivers native DSD up to DSD256.

Power Supply

Four toroidal transformers with Schaffner filters feed ten independent regulation lines. The AQWO 2+ adds a separate, even more capable, power supply.

Optional Tube Output

A tube output stage can be fitted when the unit is ordered or added later by a technician. It runs alongside the solid-state analog outputs and can be switched in and out, so the same unit can be listened to either way. Both RCA and XLR outputs are provided.

Streaming and Integration

The AQWO 2 is Roon Ready and certified for Audirvāna over USB or network, and it carries JPLAY compatibility. Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect are supported, along with Deezer, vTuner and DLNA/UPnP, and an MQA renderer handles MQA content. Network access is by Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi.

Display

A 7-inch 21:9 touchscreen shows playback information and gives access to the unit's settings. Firmware updates are installed through the USB port.

Place in the AQWO Range

AQWO 2+

Same features as the AQWO 2, with an external, and more capable, power supply.

t|AQWO 2

A CD/SACD transport without a DAC or streamer, with a separate power supply and resampling.

c|AQWO 2

A DAC with a separate power supply, for systems that already have a transport or streamer.

Métronome AQWO Range Comparison
Specification	AQWO 2	AQWO 2+	t\|AQWO 2	c\|AQWO 2
Type	Hybrid DAC, SACD/CD player and streamer	Hybrid DAC, SACD/CD player and streamer	SACD/CD transport	DSD digital-to-analog converter
Power Supply	Internal (single-box design)	External power supply (2-box design)	External power supply (2-box design)	External power supply (2-box design)
Disc Playback	CD (44.1 kHz / 16-bit); SACD (DSD64 native)	CD (44.1 kHz / 16-bit); SACD (DSD64 native)	CD (44.1 kHz / 16-bit); SACD (DSD64 native)	None
DAC Chip	ESS ES9039MPRO (High-End range)	ESS ES9039MPRO (High-End range)	None	Two conversion lines: AKM AK4499EX and ESS ES9039MPRO (High-End range)
THD+N	-122 dB	-122 dB	Not applicable	AKM -124 dB; ESS -122 dB
Dynamic Range (S/N)	137 dB	137 dB	Not applicable	AKM 135 dB; ESS 137 dB
Tube Stage	Optional tube output	Optional tube output	Not applicable	Optional tube output
Analog Outputs	RCA (100 Ω, 3 V max); XLR (150 Ω, 3 V max)	RCA (100 Ω, 3 V max); XLR (150 Ω, 3 V max)	None	RCA (100 Ω, 3 V max); XLR (150 Ω, 3 V max)
Digital Inputs	S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Toslink, USB, streaming	S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Toslink, USB, streaming	None	I²S (x2), S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Toslink, USB, streaming (option)
Digital Outputs	S/PDIF, AES/EBU, I²S (resampling available)	S/PDIF, AES/EBU, I²S (resampling available)	S/PDIF, AES/EBU, I²S (resampling available)	None
Streaming	Built in	Built in	Optional upgrade	Optional upgrade
Max DSD, USB Input	DSD512 native	DSD512 native	Not applicable	DSD512 native
Max DSD, Streaming	DSD256 native	DSD256 native	DSD256 native (with streaming option)	DSD256 native (with streaming option)
Max DSD, I²S	DSD256 native (output)	DSD256 native (output)	DSD256 native (output)	DSD256 native (inputs)
DSD over S/PDIF and AES/EBU	DSD128 via DoP	DSD128 via DoP	DSD128 via DoP (outputs)	DSD128 via DoP (inputs)
Max PCM	44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit	44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit	44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit	44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit
MQA	Renderer, 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit	Renderer, 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit	Renderer, 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit (with streaming option)	Renderer, 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit (with streaming option)
Roon Ready	Yes	Yes	Yes (with streaming option)	Yes (with streaming option)
Streaming Protocols	DLNA/UPnP, Audirvāna, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Deezer, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, vTuner	DLNA/UPnP, Audirvāna, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Deezer, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, vTuner	DLNA/UPnP, Audirvāna, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Deezer, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, vTuner (with streaming option)	DLNA/UPnP, Audirvāna, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Deezer, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, vTuner (with streaming option)
Network	Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz); 1 x Gigabit Ethernet	Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz); 1 x Gigabit Ethernet	Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz); 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (with streaming option)	Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz); 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (with streaming option)
USB Port	1 x USB 2.0 (device update); 1 x USB 2.0 (external storage)	1 x USB 2.0 (device update); 1 x USB 2.0 (external storage)	1 x USB 2.0 (device update); 1 x USB 2.0 (external storage, with streaming option)	1 x USB 2.0 (device update); 1 x USB 2.0 (external storage, with streaming option)
Display	7-inch touchscreen, 1024 x 600	7-inch touchscreen, 1024 x 600	7-inch touchscreen, 1024 x 600	7-inch touchscreen, 1024 x 600
Power Consumption	40 W	48 W	45 W	65 W
Standby Power Consumption	32 W	34 W	26 W	45 W
Dimensions (L x H x W)	420 x 120 x 425 mm	Drive: 420 x 120 x 425 mm; PSU: 420 x 85 x 425 mm	Drive: 420 x 120 x 425 mm; PSU: 420 x 85 x 425 mm	Drive: 420 x 120 x 425 mm; PSU: 420 x 85 x 425 mm
Weight	15 kg	Drive: 13.3 kg; PSU: 12.6 kg	Drive: 12.9 kg; PSU: 11.2 kg	Drive: 11.6 kg; PSU: 12.8 kg
Finishes	Silver, Black	Silver, Black	Silver, Black	Silver, Black

How can I book a private listening appointment?

Call or text us at (360) 360-3610, email hello@unveilsound.com, or use our website's contact form. Every appointment begins with a consultation about your current system, room, musical preferences and goals. We then schedule your visit and prepare the space for you.

What equipment can I audition at your studio?

You can audition a selection of reference components from the brands we carry. During your consultation, tell us what you would like to hear and we will confirm availability and create the experience for your visit.

Do you accept trade-ins?

Yes. However, we consider trade-ins case by case, based on the equipment, its condition, and current market demand. Contact us and we will let you know whether we can accept your equipment.

How does the free one-year Trade-Up credit work?

Our Trade-Up Program gives you full store credit for the toward a higher-tier item, for up to one year after your purchase. Some exceptions apply. Items that do not qualify may still be considered as a regular trade-in. For complete terms, please review our Trade-Up Program details.

Can I purchase from Unveil Sound if I live outside the Pacific Northwest?

Yes, we serve clients throughout the United States. Availability of some brands can vary by region, which we discuss during your consultation.

Do you offer delivery, installation, and system setup?

Yes, we can deliver, install, and set up your system anywhere in the United States. For reference-level components, this is included at no additional cost.

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