Aesthetix Metis Statement Single Box Preamplifier
Aesthetix is proud to introduce the Metis linestage featuring our innovative new Aesthetix Coupling Modules, an "Invisible" Separate Power Supply, and a stunning new chassis design.
AESTHETIX COUPLING MODULE (ACM)
The Metis linestage utilizes highly proprietary Aesthetix Coupling Modules (ACMs) in place of traditional coupling capacitors. "I have been dreaming of this design for 20 years," says Aesthetix founder and engineer Jim White. It is well known that capacitor quality is directly correlated with sound quality, and Aesthetix has a history of investing heavily in pushing the boundaries of capacitors. But Jim wondered, "Could even better sound quality be realized if capacitors were eliminated entirely?" The answer is yes, according to Metis, which uses an ACM in each channel between the gain and output stages and no interstage or output coupling capacitors. ACMs produce constant output impedance across all audio frequencies, while a standard capacitor’s output impedance rises as frequencies drop often yielding tubby bass and other sonic degradation. In contrast, the ACMs in Metis result in a sound stage with incredible added depth, dimension and resolution.
"INVISIBLE" SEPARATE POWER SUPPLY (ISPS)
The Metis chassis is designed around a suspended inner core that, when set on a flat surface, physically decouples from the main chassis. The power supply is housed in this inner core creating an "invisible" separate power supply chassis. When sitting on a rack, there is no physical connection between the power supply assembly and the main chassis, save for the connecting wires. This innovative design means Metis enjoys the sonic benefits of a separate power supply without the disadvantages of an additional chassis including extra cost, space and heat.
STUNNING DESIGN ALSO MEANS OPEN ARCHITECTURE
The Metis user interface was developed with both elegance and flexibility in mind. The glowing panel of LEDs not only looks stellar, but the logic board controlling it offers access to a virtually limitless array of features and functions, like home theater bypass and absolute phase selection. The Metis also features Remote Control, 12 volt trigger and RS 232 interface.
AESTHETIX AT HEART
With its radical innovations, Metis also personifies Aesthetix’ fundamental design principles. The linestage uses 4 tubes, 2 per channel for all amplification in a true dual mono configuration, is fully balanced, uses zero feedback and has our discrete switched resister volume control. All inputs can be used single ended or balanced, and single ended inputs are internally balanced. The Metis chassis has extra large footpads housing massive HRS Nimbus Couplers for harmonic dampening.
Product Specifications
Inputs
Connectors
1 single-ended RCA and 1 balanced XLR per channel for each of the 5 analog line inputs.
1 single-ended RCA and 1 balanced XLR per channel for the tape input.
IR Extender
1/8” phono jack
Outputs
Main
2 balanced XLR and 2 single-ended RCA per channel.
Tape Out
1 balanced XLR and 1 single-ended RCA per channel.
Output Impedance
Single-ended
1K ohms
Balanced
300 ohms
Polarity
(Balanced) Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Non-inverting (Positive)
Pin 3 = Inverting (Negative)
Tubes
V401 E83CCS or 12AX7
V402 6922 (6DJ8)
RS232
1 DB9 connector
Trigger Input/Output
1/8” jack, operates on either 5-12 VDC or pulse <100mS or 5-12V DC
Dimensions
17-13/16” W x 18-1/2" D x 6 1/16” H (45.2 x 15.4 x 47cm)
Weight
42 lbs. Stand alone (19 kg)
51 lbs. Boxed with accessories (23.1 kg)
Maximum Operating Temperature
Internal
176°F (80°C)
Room
122°F (50°C)
Fuses
Mains
2A SB @ 100V, 117VAC, 5 x 20mm; 1A SB @ 230, 245VAC
Power Supply
250mA SB, 5 x 20mm
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