Metrum Onyx Digital Analog Converter (DAC)

Metrum Acoustics, operating under All-Engineering BV, traces its roots to the Netherlands, where it began in 1989 with pioneering work in electrostatic speaker drivers. Over the decades, the company shifted focus under designer Cees Ruijtenberg, evolving into a specialist in digital-to-analog conversion technology. This heritage of acoustic innovation and electronic expertise has defined its path from speaker field experiments to cutting-edge DAC engineering.

The brand concentrates exclusively on high-performance DACs, emphasizing non-oversampling (NOS) designs that prioritize musicality and natural sound reproduction. Signature products like the Sonnet Pasithea, with its four DACs per channel and -160dB noise floor, and the Morpheus MKII exemplify their commitment to low-noise, precise conversion. Integrated DAC/amplifiers such as the Amethyst further extend this lineup, catering to desktop and hi-fi enthusiasts without venturing into speakers, amps, or other categories.

Positioned as a niche boutique in the high-end market, Metrum Acoustics commands respect among audiophiles for its transparent, engaging presentation, as lauded in international hi-fi communities. Dutch craftsmanship ensures premium build quality, though prices reflect this specialization—ranging from accessible entry points around $1,300 to flagship models for discerning systems. For buyers seeking uncolored digital playback, Metrum stands as a confident, low-profile leader.