New Matrix Audio Element X2, M2 and i2 Music Streamers - Headphones Amps!!

[enricoclaudio]

Matrix Audio just updated their Element Series with 3 new products that would be available by mid-May. All of them have now touchscreen display and the remote has playback functions. Can't wait to see the reviews. I currently own a MA X-SABRE 3 and I love it but if I was currently looking for a 1 box solution, the MA Element X2 would have been my choice for sure.

Matrix Audio

www.matrix-digi.com

 

[VintageFlanker]

Price listed... Beautiful, yet not cheap:

MATRIX ELEMENT I2 Streamer WiFi AirPlay 2 DLNA ES9038Q2M 32bit 768kHz DSD512 MQA - Audiophonics

The Matrix Element I2 is part of the brand's line of network players, functioning as a complete standalone source device for your audio system and bringing your traditional HiFi system into the world of high-resolution streaming.

www.audiophonics.fr

MATRIX ELEMENT M2 Streamer WiFi AirPlay 2 DLNA ES9028Pro 32bit 768kHz DSD512 MQA - Audiophonics

The Matrix Element M2 is part of the brand's line of network players, functioning as a complete standalone source device for your audio system and bringing your traditional HiFi system into the world of high-resolution streaming.

www.audiophonics.fr

MATRIX ELEMENT X2 Streamer WiFi AirPlay 2 DLNA ES9038Pro 32bit 768kHz DSD512 MQA - Audiophonics

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[Tks]

Why'd they move away from the XLR headphone-out connectors? Pretty much the only flaw I see (besides the periodic firmware issues people report here and there).

And boy did they start upping their prices. Still, love the work these guys put out.

 

[Nonick]

No bluetooth support on i2, M2 and X2.

 

[enricoclaudio]

Yes, I noticed the price increase but due the current circumstances (supply chain issues, pandemic, AKM factory fire and global inflation) + added functionalities like touch screen, TIDAL and Spotify Connect, remote with playback buttons and new look, I think the price increase is totally justified. Regarding BT? Who uses BT these days anyways?

 

[Jimbob54]

For that money I would want a 10 band PEQ with multiple possible presets programmable via a decent phone app. They would have a potential customer then.

 

[enricoclaudio]

For that money I would want a 10 band PEQ with multiple possible presets programmable via a decent phone app. They would have a potential customer then.

That has a name already: ROON

 

[Arnas]

All look beautiful, but no amp or dac on the market look as beautiful as Sabre 3 silver...

 

[Jimbob54]

That has a name already: ROON

That also has a price- been there, done that. Also, I want to cut out the PC etc as the Core- Currently PC to DAC with EAPO doing EQ duties on the PC works fine, but a world where I just need to turn the one box on and use Tidal Connect from the phone is long overdue. The processors in this new line should be able to handle some EQ if the RME DAC has been able to do 5 band PEQ for a few years.

 

[enricoclaudio]

All look beautiful, but no amp or dac on the market look as beautiful as Sabre 3 silver...

I disagree, the X-SABRE 3 Black looks better

 

[Arnas]

I disagree, the X-SABRE 3 Black looks better

View attachment 203116

Hh ha im just messing with you man. Different strokes for different folks.
Both look amazing.

 

[Arnas]

I disagree, the X-SABRE 3 Black looks better

View attachment 203116

P.S Enrico does Matrix display can be turned off when not in use?

 

[enricoclaudio]

P.S Enrico does Matrix display can be turned off when not in use?

Yes Sr. It goes to sleep mode with the screen off if you set it up that way. Mine is set to go to sleep after 5 mins of not music playing. You can setup sleep mode either from the X-SABRE 3 or from Roon.

 

[icenine]

I wonder how the headphone section is on this. Would this compete w/Chord HugoTT2 minus the streamer?

 

[Wunderphones]

Sweet.

 

[Snoopy]

Is it true that these matrix devices only support Updates through a Windows computer?

 

[enricoclaudio]

Is it true that these matrix devices only support Updates through a Windows computer?

You don’t need a computer to update the firmware on these units, neither in the X-SABRE 3 or in the mini-i Pro 3. They just need to be connected to the internet via Ethernet or wifi, go into settings/firmware and check for new firmware. If there is a new firmware available, then proceed with the update.

 

[Snoopy]

Jus noticed that preorders are possible:

Matrix Audio Element i2 Streaming Music PlayerDefault Title

Features:- >Premium ES9038Q2M DAC chipset. >Built-in Fully Balanced Headphone Amplifier. >Digital & Analog Source Support(IIS, USB, RCA, and more). >Built-in Femtosecond clock. >Isolated design. >Dual-band WiFi antenna. >Gigabit ethernet port for high-speed internet. >Pre-amp output. >Bal

hifigo.com

Really like the design

 

[enricoclaudio]

In the US, Power Holdings have all three models in stock.

Matrix

Matrix Audio is a high-fidelity digital audio brand established by a group of young people who are passionate about music and electronic technology. From their high-school days, the three founders would always get together to study DACs and amplifiers, share music, and play musical instruments...

power-holdings-inc.com

 

[headwhacker]

Just when I'm looking for an all in one box (streamer, DAC, headphone amp) and set on Element I, the 2 series is almost out. How come only the element I is discontinued from the previous generation?

Is it just me who thinks the 2 series Elements is a slight regression spec-wise on the headphone amp? Not that the difference is audible in most situations. But just surprising to see the latest generation of an audio gear takes a bit of a step back in some of the objective performance from a company which is known for engineering high quality products objectively.

Speaking of the I series the latest generation is an improvement design-wise and as far as UI goes it looks much better. In the end, the Element I, I think would be a better choice for me as it can do basically anything I can think of for my use case, the assurance that it will not have any issue with a variety of headphones/iem and then there is a price difference.

I contacted my local retailer that carries MA products and they will check if they can get an Element I for me. Otherwise, the I2 will have to wait until it is measured and review here before I consider it. Unfortunately, there is not much of an option out there for an all-in-one streamer like the MA audio offers that ticks many boxes objectively/quality-wise.