The MET1 is designed to satisfy those who are seeking a great sounding multi-channel theater and music system. One that can bring home the joy of live music performances as well as the thrill of the movie theater. A system that can fully reveal the higher resolution of new digital formats. A system that sounds at least as good on stereo records and CDs as their two channel system did. And a system that works in a familiar, intuitive way.

Conrad-Johnson’s MET1 is part of our distinctively different approach to multi-channel audio. It is a 6-channel vacuum-tube analog preamplifier, intended to be used in conjunction with a high-end disc player with built-in digital decoding. It is the key element in assembling a component multi-channel system designed to the high standards that you’ve come to expect from an audiophile stereo system. There are several advantages to using the MET1 as the control center for your surround sound system.

What advantages does the MET1 offer?
Using a 6-channel preamplifier is the only way to enjoy the benefits of the high resolution SACD and DVDA formats. SACD players do not output a digital signal when the SACD layer is played, and DVDA players typically output only a down-sampled (CD quality) digital signal. Only the internal DACs of these players have acess to the high-resolution data, which is decoded to provide a full information analog output signal. Unlike surround-sound processors, the MET1 is an audiophile quality preamplifier capable of passing along this analog signal with no redundant digital conversions, no additional digital processing, and no substandard analog circuits. The listener is able to fully appreciate the remarkable musicality that these high-resolution formats offer.

With the MET1, there is no need to have separate systems for music and cinema. It seamlessly integrates your home theater with your music system without compromising the musical performance of the system. It is a true, audiophile class line-stage preamplifier, capable of high-end two channel performance as well as state of the art multi-channel playback.

The sonic refinements that are critical to high-end music playback are equally important to cinema playback. The MET1 will convey to you the subtle inflections and shading of voice that the best actors use to convey emotion in their performances. You will achieve a higher appreciation of the actors performance, just as you can with a musician's performance.

The MET1 features two sets of 6-channel inputs and three pairs of stereo inputs. With stereo inputs, an Ambience Retrieval Mode (ARM) can be enabled to extract six channels of information from the stereo source – a synthesized surround sound that is remarkably effective on live recordings, as well as early quadrophonic recordings.

The user interface for the MET1 has been designed for convenient and intuitive operation. An easily accessible setup mode allows quick adjustment of the relative levels of the six channels. All front panel controls are duplicated on the full-function remote.

As is expected from conrad-johnson, the MET1 is constructed exclusively of premium quality parts, carefully selected for unrivaled sonic performance and reliability. The audio circuits and related power supplies employ polypropylene and polystyrene capacitors and precision low inductance laser-trimmed metal foil resistors exclusively. The obsession for parts quality extends to the high quality, gold plated input and output connectors.

If you are ready to take the audiophile’s approach to surround music and theater, we invite you to visit us and discover for yourself just how simple and musically satisfying surround sound can be.

Specifications
MET1

Gain: 25.5 db
Maximum Output: 6V rms
Bandwidth: 2 Hz to more than 100 kHz
Hum and Noise: 100 dB below 2.5V output
Distortion: less than .1% THD at 1.0V output
Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
Tube Complement: 6 x M8080/6C4
Dimensions: 15.5D x 19W x 5H inches
Weight: 27 lb. net



 

All conrad-johnson products are carefully hand assembled and each is thoroughly tested to assure conformity to our exacting performance standards. C-j's confidence in these components is reflected in their three year limited warranty covering labor and parts. Service is a top priority at conrad-johnson. In the event that a product does require service, it will be handled promptly and efficiently.