Streamers — Matrix Audio element X2

The element X2 is a streamer, DAC and headphone amplifier made in China by Matrix Audio, a specialist in converters and network players. It combines network streaming, several digital inputs, an analogue input and HDMI ARC with a fully balanced headphone amplifier and line outputs. That lets it work as the digital hub of a system or as a desktop headphone source.

Key specs that matter

Conversion uses an ESS ES9038PRO, driven by an NXP i.MX 6Quad processor and a Crystek CCHD-950 clock. USB accepts PCM up to 768 kHz, MQA and native DSD up to 22.4 MHz, while HDMI ARC accepts PCM up to 192 kHz. The XLR line output gives 4.5 Vrms, or 15.8 Vrms with +10 dB of gain, with signal-to-noise above 131 dB and THD+N below 0.00012% at 1 kHz. The RCA output gives 2.2 Vrms. The 4.4 mm balanced headphone output delivers 2600 mW into 33 ohms and 580 mW into 600 ohms, with output impedance below 12 ohms. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.05 dB and -3 dB at 85 kHz.

Engineering and use context

Digital inputs are USB, two coaxial, two optical, I2S over HDMI and HDMI ARC, and there is one RCA analogue input for a CD player or a turntable with its own phono stage. Asynchronous mode clocks the converter from the internal Crystek femtosecond oscillator, ignoring the source clock. In synchronous mode the internal clock is switched off and the DAC follows the source. Two independent power supplies feed the ARM processor and the digital audio section, with optocouplers between them for complete galvanic separation, and the audio circuit has its own linear supply. HDMI ARC takes audio from a television or projector, and HDMI CEC lets the display's remote control playback. The headphone amplifier is fully balanced, with a 6.35 mm single-ended output next to the 4.4 mm balanced socket and two gain settings of +18 and +28 dB. The network connection is Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi, and the MA Remote App handles playback. A trigger input for 6 to 12 V DC and a 12 V trigger output link other components.

Pairing

Thanks to its variable balanced line output, the element X2 can feed power amplifiers or powered monitors directly. The headphone section drives demanding planar and high-impedance headphones.

Alternatives

Matrix Audio's element S is the brand's smaller network streamer with digital outputs only.