Métronome t|AQWO 2 SACD Transport with Separate PSU

Regular price: $40,800.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price: $40,800.00 USD

Color: Silver

Options Standard Streaming

Free shipping

Description

Métronome t|AQWO 2 is a hand-assembled French SACD/CD transport with a separate power supply, developed in conjunction with the c|AQWO 2 converter. It plays CDs and SACDs, up-samples and down-samples during playback, and offers S/PDIF, AES/EBU and I²S outputs with resampling, with native DSD256 on I²S. An optional streaming upgrade adds Roon Ready, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, and Audirvāna support. The Métronome t|AQWO 2 is designed to be a digital source for reference systems.

Specifications

Type: SACD/CD transport with separate power supply (two-box design); no built-in DAC
Available Finishes: Silver, Black
Disc Playback: CD (44.1 kHz / 16-bit); SACD (native DSD64)
Resampling: Up-sampling and down-sampling during playback; resampling available on digital outputs
S/PDIF Output: PCM 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit; DSD64 to DSD128 (DoP)
AES/EBU Output: PCM 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit; DSD64 to DSD128 (DoP)
I²S Output (HDMI): PCM 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit; native DSD64 to DSD256
Streaming Module (Option): PCM 44.1 to 384 kHz / 32-bit; native DSD64 to DSD256; MQA renderer
Wi-Fi (Streaming Option): Dual band (2.4 and 5 GHz)
Ethernet (Streaming Option): 1 x Gigabit (10/100/1000)
Supported Protocols (Streaming Option): DLNA/UPnP, Roon Ready, Audirvāna, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Deezer, vTuner
USB: 1 x USB 2.0 (device update); 1 x USB 2.0 (external storage, with streaming option)
Display: 7-inch touchscreen, 1024 x 600
Power Consumption: 45 W (standby 26 W)
Dimensions, Drive (L x H x W): 420 x 120 x 425 mm (16.5 x 4.7 x 16.7 in)
Dimensions, Power Supply (L x H x W): 420 x 85 x 425 mm (16.5 x 3.3 x 16.7 in)
Weight, Drive: 12.9 kg (28.4 lb)
Weight, Power Supply: 11.2 kg (24.7 lb)

More information View images

Métronome t|AQWO 2

The Métronome t|AQWO 2 is an SACD/CD transport designed and manufactured in France, supplied with a separate power supply in its own chassis. It has no DAC and no analog outputs, and it sends CD and SACD data to an external converter over S/PDIF, AES/EBU or I²S, with resampling available on the digital outputs. It was developed in conjunction with the c|AQWO 2 converter, and it can be upgraded with an optional streaming module to become a network player.

Disc Playback and Resampling

The t|AQWO 2 plays CDs at 44.1 kHz and 16-bit and SACDs at native DSD64. It can up-sample and down-sample tracks during playback, and the digital outputs offer resampling.

Digital Outputs

S/PDIF and AES/EBU carry PCM to 384 kHz and DSD up to DSD128 as DoP. The I²S output over HDMI carries PCM to 384 kHz and native DSD up to DSD256, and it is the only output that delivers native DSD256. The c|AQWO 2 has two I²S inputs that accept native DSD256.

I²S over HDMI is not standardized across manufacturers, and Métronome does not publish the pin assignment, so confirm compatibility with your converter before relying on it. S/PDIF and AES/EBU remain available for any DAC.

Separate Power Supply

The power supply is housed in its own chassis, 85 mm tall and matching the transport in width and depth, which makes the t|AQWO 2 a two-box design.

Optional Streaming

The streaming upgrade turns the t|AQWO 2 into a network player. It is Roon Ready and carries "Plays with Audirvāna" and JPLAY certification, and supports Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Deezer, vTuner and DLNA/UPnP, with an MQA renderer and native DSD up to DSD256. Network access is by Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi, and a USB port accepts external storage.

Display

A 7-inch touchscreen carries playback information and the unit's settings. Firmware updates are installed through the USB service input on the rear panel.

Place in the AQWO Range

The t|AQWO 2 is the transport in the AQWO range's separates, and the c|AQWO 2 is the matching converter. Both use a separate power supply. For an all-in-one unit, the AQWO 2 and the AQWO 2+ combine the transport, converter and 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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