Стримеры — Matrix Audio element i2

The element i2 is the entry-level model of the second-generation element series from Matrix Audio, and puts streaming, D/A conversion and headphone amplification in one chassis. It shares much of its technology with the higher element models, including the same quad-core processor and digital audio interface chip, which narrows the gap in specifications between them.

Key specs that matter

An ESS ES9038Q2M chip converts the signal, timed by a Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock, and an NXP i.MX 6Quad Cortex-A9 runs the software. The XLR outputs are rated at 4 Vrms and 120 dB A-weighted signal to noise, THD+N under 0.00025 percent at 1 kHz and under 0.00035 percent over 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and crosstalk beyond -138 dB. The RCA sockets give 2 Vrms at 118 dB, with THD+N under 0.00050 percent over the audio band. Frequency response is within 0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and reaches -3 dB at 80 kHz. The 4.4 mm balanced headphone jack provides 1,500 mW into 33 ohm, 950 mW into 300 ohm and 500 mW into 600 ohm at 1 percent THD, with output impedance below 22 ohm and 16.5 dB of gain. The 6.35 mm jack gives 1,200 mW into 33 ohm. Dimensions are 240 x 259 x 58 mm and the weight is 2.6 kg.

Engineering and use context

The headphone stage is a four-channel fully balanced design, with symmetrical circuitry for left and right. The i2 is listed as a full MQA decoder, and the internal clock is there to reduce jitter produced while the digital signal is transferred and processed. Digital inputs cover coaxial and optical at up to 24 bit and 192 kHz, IIS-LVDS at up to 32 bit and 768 kHz with native DSD 22.4 MHz, and a USB audio input with the same ceiling. The network side offers Gigabit Ethernet and an integrated dual-band Wi-Fi antenna for 2.4 and 5 GHz. A 3.46 inch LCD touch screen with playback touch keys shows track information, and the supplied RM4 remote adds two programmable buttons. MA Player reads USB drives and NAS libraries and supports Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect, with power use below 30 W.

Pairing

Used on its own, the i2 drives headphones directly, and its line outputs can go to a power amplifier or to active speakers. The single-ended jack has output impedance below 11 ohm and the same gain as the balanced one. Over the USB audio input it also works as a desktop converter for a computer.

Alternatives

The Matrix Audio element M2 is the next model up in the series, with an ES9028PRO converter, HDMI ARC input and a 128 dB XLR signal to noise figure.