Стримеры — Matrix Audio element S

The element S is a music streamer from Matrix Audio that contains no converter and has no analogue outputs - it adds network playback to an existing system by handing its digital output to a separate converter. The maker describes it as its first streamer with a USB DAC output, and the range of digital ports was chosen so that older converters without USB can be used as well. Matrix Audio now files it among its digital audio transports.

Key specs that matter

A quad-core NXP i.MX 6Quad Cortex-A9 chip does the processing. Through optical, coaxial and AES/EBU the element S sends PCM at 16 to 24 bit and 44.1 to 192 kHz, or DSD64 as DoP. The IIS-LVDS output and the USB DAC output both reach PCM 32 bit at 768 kHz and native DSD512, or 22.4 MHz. Gigabit Ethernet is joined by dual-band Wi-Fi at 2.4 and 5 GHz with an internal antenna. Mains input is 100 to 240 V, and consumption stays below 30 W in use and 5 W on standby. The casework is 240 mm wide, 245 mm deep and 58 mm high, and the weight is 2.4 kg.

Engineering and use context

Accusilicon supplies the two femtosecond reference clocks, rated for ultra-low phase noise and assigned to 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz and their multiples, with an FPGA managing the frequencies and choosing between them. The 5 V 1 A power line on the USB DAC port passes through a multi-stage ultra-low noise linear regulator and a filter circuit before it reaches the connected device. For the IIS-LVDS port there are four pin definitions and two MCLK modes, set in the MA Remote App, and the port is electrically isolated so the grounds of the streamer and the DAC stay separate. A USB audio input lets a computer, phone or tablet use the element S as a digital interface, passing the same maximum rates to the connected converter, and HID support lets the touch keys control playback software. The 3.46 inch touch screen shows album art, album name, track title and artist. The MA Player software covers Roon Ready, DLNA/UPnP, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Audirvana, plus local files from USB drives or network shares.

Pairing

Any DAC with USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU or IIS-LVDS inputs can follow the element S, and the configurable IIS-LVDS pinout widens the list of converters that accept that link. For converters with only S/PDIF-type inputs, the maker presents the element S as a way to bring streaming to older DACs, while newer models with USB or IIS-LVDS inputs can take the highest sample rates the streamer outputs.

Alternatives

The Matrix Audio TT-1 is a later mid-range transport from the brand, adding an NVMe SSD slot, CD ripping and an optional 12 V DC input for an external supply.