If you've got a good DAC, make it a great DAC by feeding it from a source like Matrix Audio's X-SPDIF 3. This superlative, over-performing Digital-to-Digital Converter (DDC) turns your USB into a high-quality, excellent sounding HDMI I2S or AES/EBU stream for the benefit of your music. In other words, it turns your pedestrian USB computer, smartphone or tablet source into an Element S. In essence. X-SPDIF 3's I2S-generating heart is the same as that found in Matrix's excellent network streamer. X-SPDIF 3 takes asynchronous control over your USB input data, re-clocking it and clearly identifying your music's bit, master and word clocks to send in no uncertain terms to your downstream DAC. Matrix's little hub leaves no room for doubt – its SPDIF coaxial RCA and AES/EBU outputs leave USB sound quality in the dirt.  After FPGA processing, Element S generates pure I2S data and outputs it via HDMI to any Matrix, Denafrips, Holo Audio or other DAC complying with four pin-out standards for best DAC compatability. Otherwise, this I2S data as well as the source bit, master and word clock presided over by Accusilicon crystal oscillators may be packaged into S/PDIF with the premier standard of AES/EBU – perfect for dCS Data Conversion Systems Lina – backed up by co-axial RCA and optical outputs. Take it to new heights by upgrading its 12 volt DC power supply (not included) via one from iFi Audio, and forever forget the woes of USB sound. After discovering this cure to digi-itis, shop for a DAC from Matrix here, or view our other digital here.

Mini in name, but mega in intention. Matrix Audio's Mini-I 4 lands as a streaming DAC built upon the latest ES9039 chip. Yet its true headline act is the addition of a HDMI ARC input. Small in size and price-tag, it's Mini-I 4's home-theatre ambitions that extend massively. Boost the sound from your smart TV and projector affordably with Matrix's dedicated HDMI ARC capability around back. That promise to raise sound quality to match the stunning visuals from today's flagship TVs isn't made lightly. Matrix leverage their close relationship with ESS Technology to build in the exciting ES9039Q2M DAC – a surprise at this price. ES9039Q2M's patented Hyperstream pulse-width modulation technology from ESS is already a one-up on standard chip delta-sigma modulation. "Hitting a lot of key network streaming needs", Headfonics write "it won’t be a chokepoint in setting up a good home audio system offering both a pleasing technical performance and a beautiful design". And for Sennheiser and ZMF Headphones aficionados wanting a powerful balanced 4.4mm headphone output, check out Mini-I Pro 4 here! [See Product Desc. For More] Little wonder, then, that listeners are rushing to get their music decoded by Mini-I 4. Matrix make it easy. In addition to HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) for TVs, the usual streaming suspect of Gigabit Ethernet connectivity comes standard in typical Matrix style. At the source Mini-I 4 accepts audio data from your router, putting its Roon Ready status at your disposal or its growing, diversifying Matrix MA Remote OS – most lately adding the HIGHRESAUDIO streaming service to Tidal and Qobuz. The freeware of your choice may be used too, with first-choices Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect and UPnP/DLNA augmented with Apple AirPlay 2. With a new, modern quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU keeping things ticking over, Mini-I 4 runs smoothly no matter how intensive streaming inputs get. Digital gets turned over to Matrix's FPGA running proprietary code that re-clocks and de-jitters the data stream, before feeding pristine I2S to Mini-I 4's ES9039Q2M. Running on ESS' most advanced Hyperstream IV architecture, the futuristic stereo ES9039Q2M brings five new digital filters – many with low in-band ripple – to the party for new flavours to music reproduction. This DAC chip packs enough computational horsepower to run its 8x oversampling process in just two passes thus minimising rounding errors – an upgrade on other attempts that use a concatenation of three stacked 2x oversampling passes which compound errors. ES9039Q2M is an exercise in sonic purity, and outputs analog in current to a current-to-voltage I/V converter. That ensures small-signal is of highest quality to begin with, as conversion errors manifest as a DC offset that's easy to filter out – not more sinister total harmonic distortion. The voicing of Mini-I 4 is thus under Matrix's full control with their tuning of said I/V stage, and grants up to 127 dB of signal-to-noise ratio. This final DAC analog product can be output via XLR or RCA on the rear to an AV receiver or downstream amplifier. Because while you can choose to run Mini-I 4 beyond arm's length using Roon Remote, the stock MA Remote software, and Tidal Connect, Matrix add a 3.46 inch LCD touch screen for anyone keen to take advantage of this DAC in a desktop setting. Double tap to wake the screen, and swipe left and right to access a myriad of features at the lift of a finger. With HDMI ARC one of so many ways to input music into Mini-I 4, and an assortment of high-quality sonic outputs out, Matrix have a humbly-sized and priced winner on their hands that can accompany you on many a musical journey. Also view Mini-I 4 Pro for Wi-Fi connectivity, an included remote control and a balanced 4.4mm headphone amplifier here, Matrix's other flagships here, and all our other DAC/amps here.

Mini in name, but mega in intention. Matrix Audio's Mini-I Pro 4 lands as a streaming DAC, pre-amp and 4.4mm headphone amp built upon the latest ES9039 chip. Yet its true headline act is the addition of a HDMI ARC input. Small in size and price-tag, it's Mini-I Pro 4's home-theatre ambitions that extend massively. Boost the sound from your smart TV and projector affordably with Matrix's dedicated HDMI ARC capability around back. That promise to raise sound quality to match the stunning visuals from today's flagship TVs isn't made lightly. Matrix leverage their close relationship with ESS Technology to build in the exciting ES9039Q2M DAC – a surprise at this price. Headfonia and Audiophile-Heaven have already placed Mini-I Pro 4 in their Halls of Fame. The patented Hyperstream pulse-width modulation technology from ESS is already a one-up on standard chip delta-sigma modulation, and now enters its fourth iteration with ES9039Q2M pushing nigh inaudible high-order distortion levels post-conversion further down. "Hitting a lot of key network streaming needs", Headfonics write "it won’t be a chokepoint in setting up a good home audio system offering both a pleasing technical performance and a beautiful design". [See Product Desc. For More] Little wonder, then, that listeners are rushing to get their music decoded by Mini-I Pro 4. Matrix make it easy. In addition to HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) for TVs, the usual streaming suspects of Gigabit Ethernet and 2.4/5Ghz Wi-Fi connectivity come standard in typical Matrix style. At the source Mini-I Pro 4 accepts audio data from any of its Ethernet or Wi-Fi inputs, putting its Roon Ready status at your disposal or its growing, diversifying Matrix MA Remote OS – most lately adding the HIGHRESAUDIO streaming service to Tidal and Qobuz. The freeware of your choice may be used too, with first-choices Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect and UPnP/DLNA augmented with Apple AirPlay 2. With a new, modern quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU keeping things ticking over, Mini-I Pro 4 runs smoothly no matter how intensive streaming inputs get. Digital gets turned over to Matrix's FPGA running proprietary code that re-clocks and de-jitters the data stream, before feeding pristine I2S to Mini-I Pro 4's ES9039Q2M. Running on ESS' most advanced Hyperstream IV architecture, the futuristic stereo ES9039Q2M brings five new digital filters – many with low in-band ripple – to the party for new flavours to music reproduction. This DAC chip packs enough computational horsepower to run its 8x oversampling process in just two passes thus minimising rounding errors – an upgrade on other attempts that use a concatenation of three stacked 2x oversampling passes which compound errors. ES9039Q2M is an exercise in sonic purity, and outputs analog in current to a current-to-voltage I/V converter. That ensures small-signal is of highest quality to begin with, as conversion errors manifest as a DC offset that's easy to filter out – not more sinister total harmonic distortion. The voicing of Mini-I Pro 4 is thus under Matrix's full control with their tuning of said I/V stage, and grants up to 127 dB of signal-to-noise ratio. This final DAC analog product can be output via XLR or RCA on the rear to an AV receiver or downstream amplifier – or through a 4.4mm high output impedance headphone amplifier that will delight Sennheiser and ZMF Headphones owners. Because while you can choose to run Mini-I Pro 4 beyond arm's length using Roon Remote, the stock MA Remote software, and Tidal Connect, Matrix add a 3.46 inch LCD touch screen for anyone keen to take advantage of this DAC in a desktop setting. Double tap to wake the screen, and swipe left and right to access a myriad of features at the lift of a finger while listening to its balanced headphone amp that can output over 2 watts. With HDMI ARC one of so many ways to input music into Mini-I Pro 4, and an assortment of high-quality sonic outputs out, Matrix have a humbly-sized and priced winner on their hands that can accompany you on many a musical journey. Also view Matrix's flagships here, or all our other DAC/amps here.

As much as Matrix Audio have been on the digital ascendancy in recent years, sometimes you just want to share that goodness with other DACs. Enter Element S, Matrix’s first pure network music streamer that delivers digital I2S and AES/EBU to another DAC. John Grandberg was comprehensively impressed by Matrix's first dedicated audio streamer, after he "put it up against the Innuos ZEN Mk 3, or the Lumin U2, or even the AURALiC Aries G2.2 confident of a very tough fight". Begin your signal path, your entire audio chain, the right way. As the source Element S accepts audio data from any of its Ethernet or Wi-Fi inputs, putting its Roon Ready status at your disposal or its growing, diversifying Matrix MA Remote OS – most lately adding the HIGHRESAUDIO streaming service to Tidal and Qobuz. The freeware of your choice may be used too, with first-choices Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect and UPnP/DLNA augmented with Apple AirPlay 2. After FPGA processing, Element S generates pure I2S data and outputs it via HDMI to any Matrix, Denafrips, Holo Audio or other DAC complying with HDMI standards. Otherwise, this I2S data as well as the source bit, master and word clock presided over by Accusilicon crystal oscillators may be packaged into S/PDIF with the premier standard of AES/EBU – perfect for dCS Data Conversion Systems Lina – backed up by co-axial RCA and optical outputs. [See Product Desc. For More] Even the tricky topic of USB output is navigated expertly by Matrix, who built their interface with a 5 volt ultra-low noise power output that’s processed by a multi-stage ultra-low noise linear regulator and a power filter circuit. Even for downstream USB devices that are self-powered, a clean USB power line can make a world of difference. Certainly, listeners of MQA-certified USB DACs wanting to get a stream onto their downstream devices will be capably served by Element S unlike any other. Low noise is certainly a theme throughout, with the I2S output over HDMI galvanically isolated from power supply noise with fast optocouplers to prevent any power supply or ARM Cortex CPU noise from interfering with each clock type traveling to destination.  That plays a big part in Element S jitter reduction – yielding gains in imaging and soundstage realism on something as transparent as Denafrips and Holo Audio’s R2R DAC flagships. It’s not just DACs that comply to the PS Audio I2S over HDMI format that can enjoy Matrix’s quality. Up to four different pin-outs configurations can be chosen from in the settings of Element S. It’s in this way that Matrix don’t hog all the glory converting digital to analog themselves, but share the stage with others enabling them to perform the final step to analog with the best chance of success possible through Element S.  If you want Matrix to perform the whole process themselves then view their other sources here, or check out our other DACs here.

Matrix Audio lead the way. These digital mainstays take advantage of their close relationship with ESS Technology, to release Element X2 Pure – the first elite network-streaming DAC pre-amp to bring not one, but two, new flagship ES9039Pro DAC chips to bear. Hi-Fi News loved the upgrade. It's a Part-Time Audiophile Reviewers Choice. Element X2 Pure is not merely an advertisement for Matrix, but for ESS. ES9039Pro's patented Hyperstream pulse-width modulation technology is already a one-up on standard delta-sigma modulation, and now enters its fourth iteration pushing nigh inaudible high-order distortion levels post-conversion further down. Perfectly exploiting the dynamic range and distortion headroom these futuristic ESS DACs provide is Matrix's implementation. A direct-coupled analog stage, an O-core power supply, galvanic isolation and a hybrid, relay-based, analog resistor volume control for pre-amp duty means Element X2 Pure sets the standard now, and for the future. Take advantage of Element X2 Pure's overbuilt hardware platform by getting all your music aboard via ethernet or Wi-Fi inputs. Matrix's streaming function is the modern audiophile's best friend. Its Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, UPnP/DLNA plus Apple AirPlay 2 functions will keep your tunes playing all day. [See Product Desc. For More] You'll absolutely want to hear your music from this Matrix pinnacle, and Element X2 Pure ensures it's easy getting your tracks aboard. Part of Element X2 Pure's point is input from this decade's generation of smart TVs. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) transfers audio from the signal to this Matrix for higher quality playback. The bustling conduit of inputs means electronic noise is inevitable from Element X2 Pure's CPU. That's why Matrix have built in full galvanic isolation with independent power supplies for general system CPU operation, and DSP audio processing work carried on a Xilinx FPGA. Re-clocked and de-jittered I2S is generated by said proprietary FPGA code and fed on to dual ES9039Pros running on ESS' most advanced Hyperstream IV architecture. These eight-channel DACs bring five new digital filters – many with low in-band ripple – to the party for new flavours of sonic reproduction, and pack enough computational horsepower to run their 8x oversampling process in just two passes thus minimising rounding errors – an upgrade on other attempts that use a concatenation of three stacked 2x oversampling passes which compound errors. It certainly pays to isolate this sophisticated digital section and that's provided through fast optocouplers. Plus, with total galvanic isolation consisting not just of separate power supplies, but separate grounds, Matrix have covered all bases. Quite literally too, with the chassis of Element X2 Pure dampened to vibrations and sitting pretty on ceramic ball vibration buffers. Six ceramic balls sit in each silicone pad to minimise the noise caused by mechanical interference – and there are 24 balls to turn vibration into harmless heat as they distribute pressure evenly around. As for the essence of pure audio, power supply is overbuilt. The ARM CPU draws from a switch-mode power supply. Meanwhile, a dedicated linear power supply built around a proprietary O-core transformer taking the place of a traditional toroid juices Element X2 Pure's FPGA, clock, and analog line and pre-amp. Matrix's circular O-core cross-section reduces the resistance of the transformer, which increases efficiency and response speed of the power supply in responding to sudden demands across its windings to charge a bank of premium Nichicon KG capacitors – increasing the quality of the lifeblood of great audio. All this plummets Element X2 Pure's noise floor, with this digital specimen touting over 130dB of dynamic range resolution. This is preserved even at lower volume levels running as a pre-amp with efficient speakers – Matrix's Hyper Control volume solution gives you all the low-level detail hidden in your music.  This combines the precision of a fine digital volume control with a relay-controlled analog solution for large steps. Hyper Control keeps the dual ES9039Pros in a position where the chips always maintain their full dynamic range capability, in tandem with the low noise of Element X2 Pure, for a wide range of listening volumes low to high. Element X2 Pure's potent DC-coupled line stage is transferred to its XLR and RCA outputs in this case, packing +10dB of extra gain for up to 15.8Vrms output to match various power amplifier input sensitivities. No pre-amp needed – this flagship Matrix solution fits all. Digitally a dedicated master of time is derived via a Crystek CCHD-950 clock that pushes phase noise and jitter down for a clean and precise decode. Matrix even give you the option to run Element X2 Pure in asynchronous or synchronous mode. It's not the clock that's always in charge of the music – it's you. Because you could choose to run Element X2 Pure as you've usually done, beyond arm's length using Roon Remote, the stock MA Remote software, and Tidal Connect. But now Matrix add a 3.46 inch LCD touch screen for anyone keen to take advantage of Element X2 Pure in a desktop setting. With so many options at one's disposal, and all of equivalent quality, Element X2 Pure promises to take up pride of place in a stereo system or one's headphone booth, outputting the best small signal to elevate the potential of your painstakingly assembled chain. Or headphone listeners can see what they can achieve with the rest of Matrix Audio's 4.4mm balanced output Element line here, and all our other full-sized DAC/amps here.

This is the pinnacle, a streaming DAC pre-amp worthy of bearing the title of Matrix Audio's flagship. Element X2 impresses on every front, whether viewed from a digital or analog point of design. Hi-Fi News bestow it an Outstanding Product award and Hifi Pig sent Matrix 5 ❤️. The addition of HDMI ARC for use in home theatre is the obvious upgrade on its predecessor but watch out for its galvanic isolation making real headway for its measured noise performance and, most importantly, audible improvements. This galvanic isolation is the cherry on top of the cake. Noise was already suppressed by Matrix's Hyper Control volume solution mixing the advantages of combined analog and digital attenuation. Headphone Guru promises Element X2 combines power and transparency. No matter whether you choose to operate via ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi – even tethered to your TV – Element X2 runs as silently as the competition's tomb. [See Product Desc. For More]  Thorough circuit optimisation, layout and isolation means Matrix continue to reap the benefits from ESS Technology's ES9038Pro flagship, with over 130dB of signal-to-noise ratio. You'll absolutely want to hear your music from this Matrix pinnacle, and Element X2 ensures it's easy getting your tracks aboard. Stream from Spotify and Tidal Connect on top of its usual Roon Ready status, or browse network files via freeware MA Remote or your favourite UPnP/DLNA app. Even get your guests on your entertainment system using Apple AirPlay 2. Part of Element X2's point is input from this decade's generation of smart TVs. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) transfers audio from the signal to this Matrix for higher quality playback. If your TV or projector supports HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) protocol, Element X2's playback can be controlled by your display device. The bustling conduit of inputs means electronic noise is inevitable from Element X2's CPU. That's why Matrix have built in full galvanic isolation with independent power supplies for general system CPU operation, and DSP audio processing work carried on a Xilinx FPGA. This isolation is provided through optocouplers – and with total galvanic isolation consisting not just of separate power supplies, but separate grounds, Matrix have covered all bases. Indeed, power supply is overbuilt. The ARM CPU draws from a switch-mode power supply. Meanwhile, a dedicated linear power supply built around a toroidal transformer juices Element X2's FPGA, clock, and analog line and headphone stages. With dual topology supplies, the lifeblood of great audio is not only abundant, it's clean. Digitally a dedicated master of time is derived via a Crystek CCHD-950 clock that pushes phase noise and jitter down for a clean and precise decode. Matrix even give you the option to run Element X2 in asynchronous or synchronous mode. It's not the clock that's always in charge of the music – it's you. Because you could choose to run Element X2 as you've usually done, beyond arm's length using Roon Remote, the stock MA Remote software, and Tidal Connect. But now Matrix add a 3.46 inch LCD touch screen for anyone keen to take advantage of Element X2 in a desktop setting. Double tap to wake the screen, and swipe left and right to access a myriad of features at the lift of a finger while listening to its balanced 4.4mm headphone amp that outputs up to 2.6 watts. Element X2 doubles the number of output devices in parallel compared to Element M2, increasing current handling capability and damping factor. This headphone amp packs brute power but also finesse. Lower volume levels with sensitive headphones still preserve all the resolution in your music with Matrix's Hyper Control volume solution.  This combines the precision of a fine digital volume control with a relay-controlled analog solution for bigger steps. Hyper Control keeps the ES9038Pro in a position where the chip always maintains its full dynamic range capability, together with the low noise of Element X2, for a wide range of listening volumes. Its pre-amp function also takes advantage of Hyper Control. Element X2's potent line stage is transferred to its XLR and RCA outputs in this case, packing +10dB of extra gain for up to 15.8Vrms output to match various power amplifiers' input sensitivities. No pre-amp needed – the Element X2 solution fits all. With so many options at one's disposal, and all of equivalent quality, the Element X2 promises to take up pride of place in a stereo system or one's headphone booth, outputting the best small signal to elevate the potential of your painstakingly assembled chain. Or to see what you can achieve even more of with Matrix Audio view their collection here, and all our other full-size DACs here.

Don't be fooled by the Element M2's snazzy exterior – under the hood is a very serious audiophile network streaming DAC bringing every Matrix Audio design technique there is to bear.  The addition of HDMI ARC for use in home theatre is the obvious upgrade on its predecessor but watch out for its galvanic isolation making real headway for its measured noise performance and, most importantly, audible improvements. No matter whether you choose to operate via ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi – even tethered to your TV – Element M2 runs as silently as the competition's tomb. Element M2 lands on Headfonia's Recommended Buys list. Thorough circuit optimisation, layout and isolation means Matrix reap new performance from ESS Technology's ES9028Pro workhorse, with up to 128dB of signal-to-noise ratio. [See Product Desc. For More] You'll absolutely want to hear your music from Matrix's sweet spot, and Element M2 ensures it's easy getting your tracks aboard. Stream from Spotify and Tidal Connect on top of its usual Roon Ready status, or browse network files via freeware MA Remote or your favourite UPNP app. Even get your guests on your entertainment system using Apple AirPlay 2. Part of Element M2's point is input from this decade's generation of smart TVs. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) transfers audio from the signal to this Matrix for higher quality playback. If your TV or projector supports HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) protocol, Element M2's playback can be controlled by your display device. The bustling conduit of inputs means electronic noise is inevitable from Element M2's CPU. That's why Matrix have built in full galvanic isolation with independent power supplies for general system CPU operation, and DSP audio processing work carried on a Xilinx FPGA. This isolation is provided through optocouplers – and with total galvanic isolation consisting not just of separate power supplies, but separate grounds, Matrix have covered all bases. Indeed, power supply is overbuilt. The ARM CPU draws from a switch-mode power supply. Meanwhile, a dedicated linear power supply built around a toroidal transformer juices Element M2's FPGA, clock, and analog line and headphone stages. With dual topology supplies, the lifeblood of great audio is not only abundant, it's clean. Digitally a dedicated master of time is derived via a Crystek CCHD-950 clock that pushes phase noise and jitter down for a clean and precise decode. Matrix even give you the option to run Element M2 in asynchronous or synchronous mode. It's not the clock that's always in charge of the music – it's you. Because you could choose to run Element M2 as you've usually done, beyond arm's length using Roon Remote, the stock MA Remote software, and Tidal Connect. But now Matrix add a 3.46 inch LCD touch screen for anyone keen to take advantage of Element M2's low weight and compact size in a desktop setting. Double tap to wake the screen, and swipe left and right to access a myriad of features at the lift of a finger while listening to its balanced 4.4mm headphone amp that outputs up to 1,800 milliwatts. With so many options at one's disposal, and all of equivalent quality, the Element M2 promises to take up pride of place in a stereo system or one's headphone booth, outputting the best small signal to elevate the potential of your painstakingly assembled chain. Or to see what you can achieve even more of with Matrix Audio view their collection here, and all our other full-size DACs here.

Matrix Audio just don't build Element I2 like they used to, and that means a massive breath of fresh air for network audio enthusiasts. This streaming DAC brings legendary Matrix sound quality and adds a ton of features and usability. Spotify and Tidal Connect get added to the arsenal of this Roon-Ready, UPNP and Apple AirPlay 2 ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi streaming DAC, digital pre-amp and 4.4mm headphone amp. Built upon ESS Technology's workhorse ES9038Q2M chip, Matrix's know-how with ESS' top current-output DACs means that you'll be hearing whatever you play through Element I2 at their best. The evolution of this Element series entry claiming a signal-to-noise ratio of up to 120dB. [See Product Desc. For More] An upgraded Crystek CCHD-950 clock from the previous generation pushes phase noise and jitter down for a clean and precise decode. Matrix even give you the option to run Element I2 in asynchronous or synchronous mode. It's not the clock that's necessarily always in charge of the music – it's you. Because you could choose to run Element I2 as you've usually done, beyond arm's length using Roon Remote, the stock MA Remote software, and Tidal Connect. But now Matrix add a 3.46 inch LCD touch screen for anyone keen to take advantage of Element I2's low weight and small size in a desktop setting. Double tap to wake the screen, and swipe left and right to access a myriad of features at the lift of a finger while listening to its balanced 4.4mm headphone amp that outputs up to 1.5 watts. With so many options at one's disposal, the overachieving Element I2 promises to be the centre-piece of a stereo system or one's headphone booth. It outputs the best small signal to elevate the potential of your painstakingly assembled chain. Or to see what you can achieve even more of with Matrix Audio view their flagship DACs here, and all our other full-size options here.

Beginning the decade with a bang – that's what the streaming X-Sabre 3 DAC does for Matrix Audio. The package and capabilities are familiar. The expectations are higher. This ESS Technology ES9038Pro flagship DAC invites your proud Hi-Fi to enter the world of networked audio together. Hi-Fi News awarded X-Sabre 3 a "truly compelling" Outstanding Award in a review replete with measurements – confirmed on AudioScienceReview's test bench. Positive Feedback say this Matrix is a joy to own, as the complete package. John Grandberg of Darko.Audio fame considers X-Sabre 3 a relative bargain in high-end, after a headphone-centric review. Gramophone promise this won't be the last you hear of Matrix. What you loved from Matrix Audio hasn't changed. The same show stopping audio fidelity of previous generations – particularly the perfectly-measuring X-Sabre Pro (MQA) raved about – shows up in X-Sabre 3. It's now just more usable than ever. Hailed as a third-generation flagship DAC, it's learnt new tricks. Ethernet and 2.4/5Ghz Wi-Fi inputs allow you to easily integrate X-Sabre 3 onto your home network, where its Roon Ready status guarantees ease of use on Hi-Fi's most beloved audio management interface. [See Product Desc. For More] REVEALED Unlock X-Sabre 3's network capabilities Continue to put its Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities to good use. Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect status shows up – the latter pulls the full MQA stream right off the Tidal cloud, for which X-Sabre 3 is perfectly certified to unfold and decode to its full resolution. UPnP/DLNA also comes built in that sees X-Sabre 3 adapt perfectly into your home ecosystem of tablets and smart devices through your preferred app. Don't let this ease of use fool you, though. This is an utterly high-performance DAC that puts to use Matrix Audio's years of working with the ES9038Pro, a chip still unrivalled in its performance till today.  ESS' top dog is given the platform to perform by Matrix, with X-Sabre 3's power, digital and analog components entirely separate and CNC-carved from a single block of aluminium. A FPGA and Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock suppress jitter and phase noise; the ability to run in synchronous mode offering intriguing experimentation from your various digital sources. Analog decoded by the ES9038Pro then runs properly through a high-performance I/V stage that preserves the linearity of small signal perfectly. X-Sabre 3 is silent as a tomb. A claimed dynamic range above 130dB and 0.00010% total harmonic distortion? Believe it. X-Sabre 3 measures perfectly as you'd expect from China's premier digital company. Better, it sounds perfect any way and any how you choose to listen to it. Hopes couldn't be higher, and Matrix Audio have delivered again with this digital source-plus-converter duo. Also view everything from Matrix Audio here, or browse our other DAC/amps here.

The only digital front-end you might ever need. Matrix Audio's Element X builds upon ESS Sabre's flagship ES9038Pro and adds a relay-volume control, balanced headphone amplifier, Roon Ready ethernet or Wi-Fi streaming module and Tidal MQA integration for DAC, pre-amp and headphone amplifier duties. [See Product Desc. For More] Those features sound great: AudioScienceReview reports it sounds and measures great too. This is the lowdown from Soundnews on everything you can expect from a truly statement piece of DAC equipment for headphones and speakers alike. It's no surprise that Hi-Fi News recognised Element X with an 'Outstanding Product' award, its "flexibility, ease of use and performance that's never short of thrilling" establishing this flagship as "one of the more conspicuous Hi-Fi bargains of the moment". You'll be able to see everything from Matrix Audio here and all our other DAC & amp options here.

Matrix Audio took everything they learnt from designing Element X and focused on the most important core functionalities to give you the ESS Sabre ES9028Pro Element M. Headphone users, rejoice too, says Headfonia. [See Product Desc. For More] Built simply, to be the best performing Roon Ready, MQA-decoding streaming DAC and pre-amp at the price, Element M is a study of focus, simplicity and certainly, performance. View everything else from Matrix Audio here, and all our other DAC & amp options here.