Стримеры — Matrix Audio X-SABRE 3

The X-SABRE 3 is a streaming DAC from Matrix Audio that opened a new generation of the X-SABRE line after four years of development. It keeps the DAC role of earlier models, with coaxial, optical, IIS-LVDS and USB inputs, and adds full network playback through the MA Remote app. The chassis is new, 10 mm wider and 2 mm lower than before, with a tempered glass top and a high-resolution LCD that shows album art during streaming.

Key specs that matter

An ESS ES9038PRO chip handles conversion, clocked by a Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond oscillator, while an NXP i.MX 6Quad processor with four Cortex-A9 cores at 1.2 GHz runs the streaming side. USB and IIS-LVDS accept PCM up to 768 kHz and native DSD to 22.4 MHz, with MQA decoding on USB. The balanced XLR output reaches 4.8 V RMS with 134 dB signal-to-noise A-weighted, THD+N under 0.00010% at 1 kHz and crosstalk beyond -151 dB. The RCA output delivers 2.4 V RMS at 128 dB. Response holds within 0.05 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and reaches its -3 dB point at 86 kHz. Dimensions are 310 x 218 x 43 mm and weight 3.4 kg, and the unit draws under 33 W at most and under 4 W in standby.

Engineering and use context

Because network processing brings higher clock frequencies, Matrix Audio placed the D/A conversion and output stage in separate chambers, isolating power supply, digital and analog circuits from each other. A touch control switches the DAC chip between two modes. In Async mode the internal femtosecond clock is master and the clock from the source is ignored, whereas Sync mode turns the internal clock off and follows the front-end device. The unit is Roon Ready certified, so Roon connects without extra configuration and controls playback, volume and standby. It was the first Matrix model to include TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect, and AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA, vTuner, Radio Paradise and HIGHRESAUDIO are also supported. Dual-band Wi-Fi antennas are hidden under the glass top, with gigabit Ethernet available where wireless coverage is weak. A rear switch sets the mains input for 115 V or 230 V regions.

Pairing

A 12 V trigger output switches a connected power amplifier on and off together with the X-SABRE 3 as it wakes or enters standby. Matrix Audio positions it for traditional stereo systems as well as headphone setups, and the RM3 remote in the box adds handheld control.

Alternatives

Matrix Audio's element X2 Pure is another streamer from the brand, using two ES9039PRO chips.