Hi,
For one time a french can answer...
I'm owning an AudioAero Capitol Reference - the last model shipped at the end of last year.
I've heard the top line Metronome on Lamm ML1.1 + JM Lab grade utopia BE
Metronome is building one of the best drive in the word, based on Philips Pro mecanism.
Like other drive with Philips Pro mecanism, it sound human, full.
Dac's are good, but I think you can find better.
For me Metronome is a very good choice - and has to be compared to CEC - it's more precise, compared to Accustioc Arts, it's better.
The AA is a "singer" - the message is simplified, but it's always singing ! It's another approach : more music, less Hifi ! You can hear it a lot of time.