Description
Metric — A Visible Instrument of Power Metric is not conceived as a conventional amplifier, but as an instrument — one that reveals the energy of music as clearly as it reproduces it. Designed and built entirely in-house by IOM, it unites precision engineering, material integrity, and sensory experience in a single, deliberate form.
At its heart lies the large analog power meter that defines the amplifier’s presence. This is not a decorative gesture, but a true dynamic instrument that displays the instantaneous power delivered to the loudspeakers. Its movement follows the rhythm, weight, and breath of the music, adding a visual dimension that deepens immersion and strengthens the listener’s connection to the performance. The music is not only heard — it is seen unfolding in real time.
To achieve this natural responsiveness, the meter mechanism was developed to IOM’s own specifications. The custom coil avoids the slow attack and decay common to commercial long-needle meters, allowing the needle to move with speed, fluidity, and musical coherence, even at low listening levels. A logarithmic scale preserves dynamic expression across the full power range, while impedance calibration ensures that what is seen reflects what is truly delivered. A precision LED backpanel, developed with a specialist partner, provides carefully tuned colour and selectable brightness for optimal visibility in any environment.
The enclosure is sculpted from solid aluminium, CNC-machined from panels of 20 mm, 6 mm, and 5 mm thickness and finished in clear anodised aluminium. The 20 mm front panel conveys permanence and precision, while the absence of visible fasteners creates a seamless, architectural form. Elevated on a carefully engineered foot, the chassis appears to float, allowing the meter to remain calm, centered, and unmistakably alive.
Within, Metric is built around the Hypex NCX500 architecture, supported by a 1200 W power supply that provides effortless headroom and unwavering control. Its character is defined not by figures, but by experience: transparent, composed, and dynamically unrestrained. An in-house buffer stage based on OPA1656 op-amps, powered by ultra-low-noise regulators and dual discrete supplies, preserves signal purity and stability, supported by precision components where they matter most.
Cooling is achieved through silent natural convection, allowing the amplifier to remain only hand-warm while ensuring long-term reliability without mechanical noise. Integration is equally considered: switchable balanced and unbalanced inputs provide flexibility, while a 12 V trigger input and output enable automatic power on/off control and system synchronisation. A discreet front soft-touch power control offers manual interaction without disturbing the visual stillness of the design.
Each Metric amplifier is individually calibrated before delivery, ensuring that both performance and visual indication reflect real-world operation. Despite its performance, standby consumption remains only 0.3 W.
Key Features Exceptional sound quality with Hypex NCX500 architecture, 1200 W power supply, and an in-house OPA1656 buffer stage with ultra-low-noise regulation
Large dynamic analog power meter with custom coil and logarithmic response, enhanced by automotive-grade display engineering and precision LED backlighting, visually strengthening musical dynamics and immersion CNC-machined solid aluminium enclosure with 20 mm front panel, seamless screw-free design, and refined floating chassis
This product is made/assembled & shipped within 15 work days after ordering.
Price is displayed for 1 Metric 500 (mono) without VAT/BTW. If applicable this will be added at checkout.
For a stereo set you need 2 pcs (left & right).
B. Beks –
Ruim een jaar geleden wilde ik in de woonkamer weer écht goed geluid. Na jaren Bang & Olufsen en daarna het gemak (maar niet de magie) van Sonos, begon ik opnieuw. Met een WiiM Ultra en de IOM Ultra stond er al snel een verrassend volwassen set. De speakers begonnen klein, maar inmiddels staan er Martin Logan vloerstaanders — en dat klinkt fantastisch.
Toen Sipko bezig was met de nieuwe Metric‑lijn, wist ik meteen dat ik erbij wilde zijn. Zodra de Metric 500 klaar was, heb ik er twee besteld — niet voor de woonkamer, maar voor de Man Cave.
Daar staan ze nu aangesloten op Klipsch Heresy IV, en dat is een gouden combinatie. De Metric 500 geeft de Heresy’s precies wat ze nodig hebben: het live‑gevoel blijft volledig intact, maar wordt rijker en volwassener.
Wat begon als een zoektocht naar beter geluid in de woonkamer, eindigde in een versterker die mijn tweede luisterruimte compleet heeft getransformeerd. De Metric’s zijn zo mooi gemaakt, als er Apple op had gestaan had niemand raar opgekeken. Complimenten voor Sipko die niet alleen technisch snapt hoe je een perfecte versterker in elkaar sleutelt, maar ook een verfijnde behuizing heeft ontworpen die je in dit segment nimmer tegen zult komen.
R. Kunst –
IOM Metric Mono – love at first sight
My introduction to the IOM Metric Mono amplifiers was completely unexpected. A business contact showed me a few photos of the prototypes — not polished marketing shots, just raw workshop images. But they hit me instantly. So beautiful, so precisely built, that I said without hesitation: “I want the first two you make.”
It took another six months before they were ready, but the moment I unpacked them I knew: the wait had been worth it.
Hooked up and… magic
I connected them to my Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3, speakers that only truly come alive when you feed them enough clean power. The Metrics gave them exactly that — and more. The bass tightened and deepened, the midrange gained calmness and detail, and the highs became airy without any sharpness. It felt as if the speakers finally got what they had been asking for all along.
Power with finesse
What strikes me most is the effortlessness. The Metrics have power in abundance, but they use it with a kind of relaxed authority. No fuss, no showmanship — just pure control.
Final verdict
What started with a chance photo has turned into one of the best audio purchases I’ve ever made. The IOM Metric Monos lift my system to a level I didn’t know it had in it.
Gerard ten Berge –
Two weeks ago, I received the Metric 500 monoblocks, series 3 and 4.
And after listening intensively, I’m extremely satisfied.
From the moment IOM began developing the Metric 500, I’ve followed all the developments.
This has given me insight into the dedication and precision with which this cutting-edge technology was applied to create a truly high-end Class D monoblock amplifier.
After two weeks of playing with my Acoustic Energy Corinium speakers, I can only say what a soundstage and beautiful definition they deliver in every type of music!
The large VU meters only enhance the beautifully finished aluminum housing.
In short, what a beautiful and, above all, superb sound the Metric 500 delivers.