Matrix Audio Element M2

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.