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Review and Measurements of Matrix Audio Element X DAC/Streamer/Amp

raykkho

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Can anyone tell me if my Element X is using the MQA filters when playing FLAC stream or files?
There have been several posts on various forums saying this is the case with any DAC that incorporates MQA.
I only know of Mytek Brooklyn having this issue, quite well documented.
 

Matias

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Nice inside picture by HFN.
https://www.hifinews.com/content/matrix-audio-element-x-network-attached-dac-page-2

221matrix.ins.jpg
 

chi2

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Very clean build. But shouldn't the transformer be shielded? Or is this less relevant with toroid ones?
 

chi2

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"If you're thinking 'Matrix who?', you're in danger of missing out on one of the more conspicuous hi-fi bargains of the moment. In a world rapidly becoming over-populated with big-ticket DAC/headphone amps, this modestly-proportioned contender has the wherewithal to soar to the top, thanks to its flexibility, ease of use – either with the MA app or Roon – and performance that's never short of thrilling."

Modestly proportioned hifi bargain
roflmao
 

Matias

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Very clean build. But shouldn't the transformer be shielded? Or is this less relevant with toroid ones?

I thought the same, a steel cup around the transformer would add almost nothing to the overall cost. But then again no 50/60Hz noise is measured, so why bother?

Modestly proportioned hifi bargain
roflmao

It all depends on the point of view. ASR is very focused on mid to low prices in the hi-fi market. See how it compares to pricier DACs below.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-mola-tambaqui-measurements.10693/post-306420
 
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groovybassist

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I’m using a Matrix Audio Element X and am very happy with it from a hardware and performance standpoint. My only criticism is the MA Remote iOS app - I don’t think it’s level of development is commensurate with the rest of the unit. It’s not a huge issue for me as I’m running Roon, but still worth mentioning.

I run the Element X directly into a Tom Christiansen built Modulus-286, with KEF LS50 Meta loudspeakers. Simple, great sounding setup, but admittedly lacking in bass (something I’m noodling…).
 

Matias

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I’m using a Matrix Audio Element X and am very happy with it from a hardware and performance standpoint. My only criticism is the MA Remote iOS app - I don’t think it’s level of development is commensurate with the rest of the unit. It’s not a huge issue for me as I’m running Roon, but still worth mentioning.

I run the Element X directly into a Tom Christiansen built Modulus-286, with KEF LS50 Meta loudspeakers. Simple, great sounding setup, but admittedly lacking in bass (something I’m noodling…).
Add a KC-62 and problem solved. :)
 

groovybassist

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Add a KC-62 and problem solved. :)
Does seem like the simple, but costly way out, not to mention lack of availability. Rythmik is on my radar as well. Both allow for high pass to the LS 50s, but I’m struggling with introducing extra circuitry between the Element X and Mod-286. With the Element X and Mod-286 being engineered so thoroughly to minimize distortion/garbage, it’s counter-intuitive to me to add in less optimized circuitry. First world problems, I know…
 

Matias

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Does seem like the simple, but costly way out, not to mention lack of availability. Rythmik is on my radar as well. Both allow for high pass to the LS 50s, but I’m struggling with introducing extra circuitry between the Element X and Mod-286. With the Element X and Mod-286 being engineered so thoroughly to minimize distortion/garbage, it’s counter-intuitive to me to add in less optimized circuitry. First world problems, I know…
Just don't high-pass the LS50 Metas and use the sub to fill where they stop, 1st world problem solved.
 

groovybassist

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Just don't high-pass the LS50 Metas and use the sub to fill where they stop, 1st world problem solved.
Doesn’t that defeat one of the fundamental benefits of using a sub - relieving the satellites of bass duties? I’m concerned integration of sat/sub would be more difficult as well vs. high pass.
 

Matias

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Doesn’t that defeat one of the fundamental benefits of using a sub - relieving the satellites of bass duties? I’m concerned integration of sat/sub would be more difficult as well vs. high pass.
You are correct, but if you already like the speakers as they are today, they will remain the same with a sub added, it just won't get relieved of the bass. Still it is better than without a sub imo.
 

groovybassist

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You are correct, but if you already like the speakers as they are today, they will remain the same with a sub added, it just won't get relieved of the bass. Still it is better than without a sub imo.
I guess if giving up high-pass, that opens the door to more/cheaper sub alternatives as well.
 

Matias

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groovybassist

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Decided to pull the trigger on an SVS SB3000. Will run the LS50 Metas full range (XLR output from Element X to Mod-286) and use the RCA output on the Element X to the SB3000. I’m not one who likes to fool around and tweak stuff for hours on end - hoping the SVS Bluetooth app will enable me to dial things in relatively quickly from the main listening seat.
 

Aibek

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Should I turn off the Matrix at night? - when you don't listen to music or can you leave it on constantly?
 

groovybassist

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Decided to pull the trigger on an SVS SB3000. Will run the LS50 Metas full range (XLR output from Element X to Mod-286) and use the RCA output on the Element X to the SB3000. I’m not one who likes to fool around and tweak stuff for hours on end - hoping the SVS Bluetooth app will enable me to dial things in relatively quickly from the main listening seat.

Was a short-lived experiment. I ended up returning the SB3000 due to what I considered to be an unacceptable level of hiss/tweeting noise from the sub driver. I fully expected some level of self-noise given the active nature of the circuit, but being able to hear these noises 18" away from the driver, even when bass content was playing, was not acceptable to me. SVS was great to deal with in every way though - fast shipping, very responsive to my concerns and prompt, professional handling of the return.

I think when you start down the path of electronics that push noise/distortion to vanishingly low levels (the Element X and Neurochrome Mod-286 I have come to mind...), your expectations of partnering gear change. Onward...
 
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