For enthusiasts of high-end audio globally, the name Metrum Acoustics once represented a distinctive approach to digital-to-analog conversion, particularly with their renowned non-oversampling (NOS) DACs. However, the pertinent question for many today is: “Is Metrum Acoustics still in business?” The straightforward answer, supported by multiple reports and discussions from around 2020-2021, is unequivocally no.
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The Decline and Bankruptcy
Reports began surfacing in various audiophile forums like AudioShark and Head-Fi.org around late 2020 and early 2021 confirming the unfortunate news. Owners of Metrum Acoustics products, such as the highly regarded Pavane Level 3, were expressing sadness and concern as it became “common knowledge” that the company was “done, bankrupt.” One user on AudioShark noted this as early as April 2020, solidifying the timeline of its financial difficulties.
Further corroboration came in January 2021, when a former employee of Metrum Acoustics directly confirmed the company was “indeed in bankruptcy proceedings” to a Head-Fi.org member. This former employee even extended an offer to repair an amplifier that had been left with the company, highlighting the winding down process and the attempts by some to mitigate the negative impact on customers.
The sentiment across the audiophile community was clear: “Metrum Acoustics is no more.” This marked the end of an era for a brand that had carved out a niche with its unique sonic signature and technical philosophy.
The Legacy and the Rise of Sonnet Audio
While Metrum Acoustics ceased operations, its innovative spirit and design philosophy didn’t entirely vanish. A significant piece of the Metrum legacy transitioned with its lead designer, Cees. It is widely known and discussed that Cees, the brains behind Metrum’s distinctive DACs, moved on to establish Sonnet Audio.
Discussions among audiophiles frequently draw parallels between Metrum’s past offerings and Sonnet Audio’s current products. Many observe that Sonnet Audio’s DACs and bridges bear striking similarities to what could have easily been the next generation of Metrum designs. This continuity offers a degree of solace to former Metrum owners and fans, suggesting that the underlying philosophy and engineering expertise continue to evolve under a new banner.
As early as February 2016, there were discussions on Head-Fi.org about Cees “still being in business,” even as the parent company faced an “unnecessary risk” to its products. This suggests a potential shift or a growing awareness of future changes long before the official bankruptcy declarations.
Implications for Metrum Acoustics Product Owners
For individuals who own Metrum Acoustics equipment, the company’s dissolution presents several challenges:
- Support and Repairs: Official factory support, warranty claims, and repairs are no longer available. Owners must rely on independent technicians, former employees (if contactable and willing), or third-party services. The January 2021 incident where a former employee offered to repair an amplifier illustrates this reliance on goodwill and independent expertise.
- Parts Availability: Sourcing original parts for repairs or maintenance can become increasingly difficult as time progresses.
- Resale Value: While Metrum products were highly regarded, the lack of official manufacturer support can impact their long-term resale value, creating an “unnecessary risk in retaining a product for which the parent company is gone,” as noted in 2016 discussions.
- Upgrades: Opportunities for official upgrades or trade-ins, such as the example of upgrading an Onyx to a Morpheus, have vanished.
Despite these challenges, many Metrum Acoustics owners continue to cherish their devices for their exceptional sound quality. The community aspect, particularly on forums, remains a vital resource for troubleshooting, sharing information, and sometimes even finding independent repair solutions.
Metrum Acoustics is definitively no longer in business, having undergone bankruptcy proceedings around 2020-2021. While its operations have ceased, its influence lives on through the work of its former lead designer, Cees, who founded Sonnet Audio, continuing a similar design philosophy. For existing Metrum product owners, the focus has shifted from factory support to community reliance and independent service providers. The brand left an indelible mark on the high-end audio landscape, and its products are still valued by many for their unique sonic characteristics, even if the company itself is a part of audio history.
(Information accurate as of April 2026, based on publicly available discussions and reports.)
