Metronome c|AQWO 2 is the second generation of the French brand’s most sophisticated digital-to-analog converter, now built around two complete conversion lines – one AKM, one ESS – that the owner can switch between at will, alongside the brand’s signature switchable transistor or tube output stage.
Metronome c|AQWO 2 Runs Two DAC Chips in Parallel
At the heart of the Metronome c|AQWO 2 sit two flagship converter chips: an AKM AK4499EX and an ESS ES9039MPRO, each backed by its own analog stage. Rather than picking one conversion philosophy and committing to it, Metronome gives owners a way to switch between the two from the remote control, so the same box can lean toward the AKM chip’s reference-grade measured performance (THD+N -124dB, S/N 135dB) or the ESS chip’s slightly different balance (THD+N -122dB, S/N 137dB) depending on the source material or mood.
A second, optional streaming module builds on that flexibility, turning the c|AQWO 2 into one of the more capable network players on the market, with a stated focus on an exceptionally detailed soundstage that still stays warm and analog in character. This dual-chip approach is a direct evolution of the original c|AQWO, which built its reputation on a similarly uncompromising, no-shortcuts approach to conversion, and the c|AQWO 2 pushes that philosophy further by making the choice of conversion path something the listener controls rather than something fixed at the factory.
Switchable Output Stage and Eight Digital Filters
Metronome carries over the feature that has defined the AQWO range since its debut: the ability to switch between a transistor output stage and an optional tube output stage (rollable to E88CC, 6DJ8 or 6922 valves) without opening the case. Combined with a choice of eight digital filters and the dual-chip architecture, the c|AQWO 2 is aimed squarely at owners who like to tune their system to taste rather than accept a single fixed sound. The two-box design – separate drive and power supply units – is available in silver or black brushed aluminum, with a 7-inch touchscreen handling navigation and system status.
Streaming and Format Support
With the optional streaming module fitted, the Metronome c|AQWO 2 adds dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, USB storage playback and an MQA renderer, alongside DLNA/UPnP, Spotify Connect, Deezer, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect and vTuner support. It plays PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit and native DSD up to DSD256 (DSD512 native over USB), and carries “Plays with Audirvana” and JPLAY Certified status for tighter integration with those playback ecosystems. Digital inputs cover dual I2S, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Toslink and USB; analog outputs are balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA, both rated at up to 3V.
Built and Certified for Serious Streaming Setups
Beyond the raw conversion hardware, Metronome has clearly designed the c|AQWO 2 to sit comfortably inside a modern, software-driven listening setup. The “Plays with Audirvana” and JPLAY Certified badges are not just marketing stickers; they signal that Metronome has worked directly with those playback-software teams to make sure timing, buffering and control all behave predictably when the c|AQWO 2 is the end point. Qobuz Connect support means the converter can be addressed directly from Qobuz’s own servers without a phone or laptop acting as a relay, shortening the signal path in a way that matters as much for reliability as for outright sound quality.
Pricing and availability
The Metronome c|AQWO 2 D/A converter is priced at approximately €29,350. The optional streaming module adds €2,000, and the optional tube output stage adds €2,190. Full specifications are available on the official Metronome c|AQWO 2 product page.
Key specifications
- DAC chips: AKM AK4499EX and ESS ES9039MPRO, user-switchable
- Output stage: transistor or optional tube (E88CC/6DJ8/6922)
- Digital filters: 8 selectable
- Formats: PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit, DSD up to DSD256 native (DSD512 via USB)
- Digital inputs: I2S x2, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Toslink, USB
- Analog outputs: XLR and RCA, up to 3V
- Display: 7-inch touchscreen, 1024×600
- Finishes: silver or black brushed aluminum
- Dimensions: 420 x 120 x 425mm (drive), 420 x 85 x 425mm (PSU)
- Weight: 11.6kg (drive), 12.8kg (PSU)
- Price: approx. €29,350 (streaming module +€2,000, tube stage +€2,190)
Metronome’s dual-chip approach follows the brand’s broader push into network audio, which we covered in our report on the Metronome DSAS music server.
