The French company Métronome Technologie is presenting the new Kalista DreamPlay S and Kalista DreamPlay SC at Hifideluxe 2026 in Vienna, a small-scale trade fair taking place simultaneously with High End Vienna. The Kalista DreamPlay S is a network player without a DA converter, while the Kalista DreamPlay SC features an on-board DA converter.
High-level streaming
At the Arcotel Kaiserwasser in Vienna, Métronome Technologie presents the world premiere of two new devices from the Kalista (sub)brand at Hifideluxe 2026: the Kalista DreamPlay S and the Kalista DreamPlay SC. Both models are being shown to the public for the first time around High End Vienna 2026 and consistently expand the Kalista DreamPlay series into streaming at an absolute reference level.
The Kalista DreamPlay S is designed for users who already own a high-quality DA converter, while the Kalista DreamPlay SC features a reference-level streaming and DA converter on board. With this, Métronome Technologie views network audio not as an additional feature, but as an independent digital reference source, entirely in line with the style of the French luxury brand. Both models are handcrafted in France, featuring advanced power supplies, broad protocol support, and Kalista's signature choice of materials, and are intended to embody the brand's ambition for a new generation of streaming.
According to the manufacturer, the Kalista brand has long been synonymous with high-quality digital solutions where technology, materials, and design are inextricably linked. The brand, originating from Métronome Technologie, a French manufacturer with a history dating back to 1987, traditionally presents digital sources not as merely functional devices, but as consciously designed objects for uncompromising music reproduction. With the Kalista DreamPlay S and Kalista DreamPlay SC, this approach is now consistently applied to streaming. Yes, the devices have a distinctive and striking design.
Kalista DreamPlay S: Network player WITHOUT DAC
The Kalista DreamPlay S is a network player without a DA converter. The device natively processes linear PCM from 32-bit/44.1 to 384 kHz and DSD64 to DSD256. Linear PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD64 to DSD128 are available via DoP (Digital Output) via S/PDIF and AES/EBU, while DSD to DSD256 is natively output via I2S.
Connection to a network can be established via Ethernet and Wi-Fi, and there is USB 2.0 for external storage devices, I2S, S/PDIF, and AES/EBU. A service port is also present, as well as a separate power supply via the Elektra module, which is listed as a standalone device in the technical specifications.
Kalista DreamPlay SC: Network player WITH DAC
The Kalista DreamPlay SC expands the concept with integrated DA conversion. This makes it the ideal solution for users who want to combine streaming and digital signal conversion in a single Kalista system, without needing a separate DA converter. Métronome Technologie has incorporated the ES9039MPRO DAC chip.
According to the technical specifications of the Kalista DreamPlay SC's DA converter, the THD+N has a value of less than -122 dB and a dynamic range of 137 dB. In addition to the digital outputs I2S, S/PDIF, and AES/EBU, the DreamPlay SC offers balanced and unbalanced analog outputs, i.e., both RCA and XLR.
Streaming services and protocols
Both devices support the common streaming services and protocols used daily in audiophile network systems. These include DLNA/UPnP, Audirvana, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Deezer, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, and vTuner.
Qobuz Connect enables the direct transfer of the stream from the Qobuz server to the device, without the smartphone itself acting as the audio source. TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect perform a similar function for their respective platforms, while Roon Ready enables integration into Roon-based multiroom and music library environments. Audirvına, in turn, is attractive to users who want to combine their local music library, streaming services, and a consciously audiophile playback environment via specialized software.
The Métronome technology also offers support for MQA renderers up to 32-bit/384 kHz. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) and Ethernet (10, 100, and 1000 Mbps) are available for networking. External storage devices can be connected via USB 2.0.
Distinctive appearance
With the DreamPlay S and DreamPlay SC, Kalista remains true to its distinctive house style. The flat, sculptural form, the visible use of materials, and the meticulous craftsmanship are clearly aimed at the premium segment. Both models are available in two finishes: Black Pearl and Diamond.
With this, Kalista remains true to its commitment to digital audio technology, not only as a functional device, but as a visible element of a high-quality system. Despite all design considerations, the technical aspects clearly take center stage: low interference, accurate signal transmission, high-quality digital interfaces, and an architecture that views streaming not as a secondary function, but as a central source.
Prices and delivery information
Métronome Technologie presents the new Kalista DreamPlay S and Kalista DreamPlay SC at hifideluxe 2026 in Vienna, which takes place simultaneously with High End Vienna 2026. Pricing and delivery information have not yet been announced.
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