Стримеры — Matrix Audio element X2 Pure

The element X2 Pure is a music streamer that Matrix Audio launched to mark its tenth anniversary as a new member of the element series. Besides streaming and local file playback it works as an external DAC for CD players, portable players or computers, and it also accepts analog sources. The front carries an 88 mm LCD touch panel alongside playback touch keys.

Key specs that matter

Two ESS ES9039PRO chips each run in mono mode, with all eight conversion units of a chip working in parallel keeping the two channel circuits completely apart. They are clocked by a Crystek CCHD-950 oscillator, and an NXP i.MX 6Quad Cortex-A9 handles streaming. USB takes PCM up to 768 kHz, native DSD to 22.4 MHz and MQA, and IIS-LVDS accepts up to 32 bit. On XLR the output is 4.5 V RMS at 0 dB, with 131 dB A-weighted SNR, THD+N of 0.000068% at 1 kHz and crosstalk beyond -150 dB. RCA gives 2.2 V RMS at 0 dB and 127 dB. Balanced response is within 0.05 dB across 20 Hz to 20 kHz, reaching -3 dB at 85 kHz. The unit is 340 x 259 x 58 mm and weighs 3.9 kg, drawing under 50 W at most and under 5 W in standby.

Engineering and use context

Left and right analog boards use an identical, symmetrical layout and sit under a CNC aluminium shield that removes heat from the op-amps and blocks interference. Digital processing is electrically isolated from D/A conversion, with fully separate grounds, and ultra-low-noise LDOs feed the D/A and analog stages. Power comes from a custom O-core toroidal transformer with silver-plated, Teflon-insulated leads, and Nichicon KG series capacitors act as main filters. It was the first Matrix product fitted with CBVB feet, whose silicone rubber cores hold six ceramic balls each to reduce mechanical vibration. The RCA aux input accepts up to 2.1 V RMS with high, medium and low gain options, while HDMI ARC brings in TV audio and allows CEC control from the display. Async mode runs both DACs from the internal clock, and Sync mode follows the clock of the connected source. Networking is gigabit Ethernet plus 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi.

Pairing

A built-in preamplifier with +10 dB analog gain raises the output level, and Matrix Audio states that with its element P2 power amplifier no separate preamp is needed. A 12 V trigger output starts a connected amplifier, and the RM4 remote has two buttons programmable through the MA Remote app.

Alternatives

Matrix Audio also offers the element X2 as another music streamer in the element series.