Metronome Technologie, a French company, unveiled the Metronome AQWO 2+ dual-block SACD/CD player at the High End Show 2024 in Munich. The high-end product is now available for purchase in Europe, revealing the recommended retail prices. The new device is priced at $26,800, with an additional $2,190 for the optional tube output stage.
Métronome AQWO 2+ Hybrid DAC SACD/CD Streamer replaces the second generation of the Métronome AQWO series, presented a year ago at the previous High End Show 2023 in Munich. The main difference of the new product was the use of an external power supply, which, according to the developers, significantly improved the sound quality. In turn, Métronome AQWO 2 included two models of the AQWO series – the t|AQWO disk transport and the c|AQWO digital-to-analog converter. In addition, Métronome AQWO 2 added network streamer functions, which made it possible to obtain a truly universal modern digital source that covers the entire digital audio sector in the audio system.
Métronome Technologie specifically emphasizes that the AQWO 2+ model complements the Métronome AQWO series, but is in no way a replacement for the Métronome AQWO 2. Rather, the manufacturer sees the new product as an alternative for particularly demanding High End enthusiasts who do not want to make any compromises.
The Métronome AQWO 2+ is essentially a Métronome AQWO 2, but with an external Métronome Elektra power supply. It should be especially noted that the Métronome AQWO 2, unfortunately, cannot be upgraded to the Métronome AQWO 2+ version. Even if the functionality is basically identical, these are two completely different products – there is a fundamental difference whether you integrate the power supply into the component or use it as an independent, separate solution.
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