All
Matrix Audio
Website:https://www.matrix-digi.com/
Est. year: 2013
Matrix Audio is a Chinese digital audio company based in Xi'an, where three former classmates who had built loudspeakers together started the business in 2006. Its first product that year was the DA-100Plus DAC, and the mini-i DAC introduced in 2009 became its best-selling line. Trading as Matrix Electronic Technology Co., LTD, the company works with more than 200 distribution partners in over 50 countries.
Range & what it's known for
The range is built around digital sources. The element series combines streaming, DAC conversion and in some versions headphone or preamplifier stages in one chassis, with models such as the element M and the element X2. The element X2 Pure, released as a tenth-anniversary edition, uses two ESS ES9039PRO converter chips. Next to these sit the compact mini-i DACs, standalone headphone amplifiers, amplifiers and preamplifiers, digital transports, network switches, master clocks, isolators and cables. One notable trait is that the firm writes its own software, including the MA Player streaming platform used across its network products, so app and firmware come from the same team as the hardware.
Who owns it and where it's made
Matrix Audio is an independent private company. Its founders registered the Matrix Audio trademark and run research, design, manufacturing, marketing and sales from Xi'an under one roof. The team counts more than 50 people, including hardware and software developers and app designers, and the company holds its own intellectual property for the platform.
The lineup in this catalog
DACs and streaming amplifiers. Matrix Audio units cost roughly USD 500 at the low end and over USD 3,000 at the top.
Who it's for
Matrix Audio is aimed at a system whose digital front end streams and converts in a single box rather than a stack of separate units. A mini-i DAC is where most buyers start, for a desk or a second room, an element streamer adds network playback and headphone output, and the element X2 Pure is the step for owners who want the firm's top conversion. The switches, clocks and isolators let a buyer extend the same system later.
Range & what it's known for
The range is built around digital sources. The element series combines streaming, DAC conversion and in some versions headphone or preamplifier stages in one chassis, with models such as the element M and the element X2. The element X2 Pure, released as a tenth-anniversary edition, uses two ESS ES9039PRO converter chips. Next to these sit the compact mini-i DACs, standalone headphone amplifiers, amplifiers and preamplifiers, digital transports, network switches, master clocks, isolators and cables. One notable trait is that the firm writes its own software, including the MA Player streaming platform used across its network products, so app and firmware come from the same team as the hardware.
Who owns it and where it's made
Matrix Audio is an independent private company. Its founders registered the Matrix Audio trademark and run research, design, manufacturing, marketing and sales from Xi'an under one roof. The team counts more than 50 people, including hardware and software developers and app designers, and the company holds its own intellectual property for the platform.
The lineup in this catalog
DACs and streaming amplifiers. Matrix Audio units cost roughly USD 500 at the low end and over USD 3,000 at the top.
Who it's for
Matrix Audio is aimed at a system whose digital front end streams and converts in a single box rather than a stack of separate units. A mini-i DAC is where most buyers start, for a desk or a second room, an element streamer adds network playback and headphone output, and the element X2 Pure is the step for owners who want the firm's top conversion. The switches, clocks and isolators let a buyer extend the same system later.
