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Metrum Sonnet Pasithea Digital Analog Converter (DAC) Selling a Metrum Sonnet Pasithea DAC in excellent condition. Inputs are USB, coax, optical,AES and I2S. The I2S module is RJ45 and not HDMI. As such it only works with the Hermes etc. Bought from authorised NZ dealer. Shipping from New Zealand included but 4% PayPal on buyer. More photos on request…would have to unplug everything! Condition: Excellent Payment Method: PayPal, Cash Region/State: (NS) South Island/New Zealand By silversurfer 0 Comments Secure Ad AUD $5,499 Date: October 8, 2025Oct 8
Sonnet Pasithea is a flagship NOS R2R DAC from the Metrum/Sonnet lineage, retailing new around AUD18,000 but commanding AUD4,000-6,500 used depending on modules and condition. At AUD5,499, this sits squarely in the fair zone—neither a steal nor overpriced for a well-kept example with recent DAC3 upgrades, which elevate it above older Pavane siblings in resolution and soundstage depth.
Buyers should verify the exact DAC modules installed (DAC3 ideal for transient snap) and test all inputs/outputs, as these ladder designs can develop subtle channel imbalance from capacitor aging after 3-5 years. Insist on original power supply, remote, and manual; missing bits cut resale value by AUD500+. Probe seller on usage hours and service history to dodge jitter creep.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
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.
See all Metrum Acoustics listings on RADAR.
