Aesthetix Metis Linestage

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.

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.

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.

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.

We endeavour to despatch same day for orders placed up to 1pm on available stock items (items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 24 hours"). Please remember to check with us first for a physical stock check if next day delivery is important to you. Any items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 72 hours" are items that we do not hold in stock but order in from the importer or manufacturer as soon as a customer order is received. Occasionally these may be delayed beyond 72 hours due to importer/manufacturer stock levels but we will inform you as soon as we can if this is the case.

UK Orders

We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service – Free of Charge.  Non Mainland locations - Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer and are not Free of Charge. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail 24 or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as DPD or UPS.

International Orders:

Due to the nature of our products and brand restrictions we are only able to send certain items internationally. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail with International Tracked and/or Signed depending on value of item and availability of the service. Larger International shipments are sent by insured and tracked services using UPS. If there are any delays due to specific customs regulations, etc, you will be contacted by Hifisound or by the courier with a request for any further information required. Customs duties can apply for shipments to any countries outside of the UK depending on where the product you have bought is made. Customers are responsible for all taxes and duties incurred when the items enter their country.

Collect in Store or Home Install

At the request of the manufacturer some items cannot be supplied by mail order but you can click and buy them and then elect to collect them from our store or arrange a home install (if applicable). Applicable items clearly state that they are Collect in store or home install. Once ordered you will receive a message prompting you to contact us by phone or email to arrange for us to deliver and install or to reserve and collect from our store at your convenience, you will also be advised of the delivery time / stock availability as not all Home install / collect in store items are held in stock.