Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Offers a rich range of features, including Roon Readiness, Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify Connect
- Has a wide range of digital inputs, including Coaxial, Optical, I2S LVDS, USB B, and HDMI ARC
- Sound quality is very good
- Connectivity options include Coaxial, Optical, I2S LVDS, USB B, and HDMI ARC
Product Considerations
- The virtual keyboard on the touchscreen gets very small
- The app is not as elegant as it looks and could do with more options
- Apple Music is not supported
- Headphone outputs have quite a high output impedance, 4.4mm out being 22 Ohms, while the single ended is rated at 11 Ohms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Wattson Madison: Bass is tighter with more punch and power in rhythmic music
- Vs Naim ND5 XS 2: It's not on par with Naim, but it's not far off
- Vs Naim ND5 XS 2: The space in the soundstage is experienced as slightly larger
Takeaway: The Matrix Audio Element M2 is a versatile all-in-one product with great sound, offering a wide array of connectivity options for different audio sources and streaming services. It could be a good choice for those wanting to combine their computer, TV, and streaming needs into one device.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Element M2
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- CPU: NXP i.MX 6Quad Cortex-A9
- D/A Chip: ES9028PRO
- Clock Source: Crystek CCHD-950
- Weight: 3.5 kg (7.71 pounds)
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 280 x 259 x 58 mm (11.02 x 10.20 x 2.28 inches)
- Line Output XLR: 4VRMS@0dB
- Line Output RCA: 2VRMS@0dB
- Headphone Output Power (4.4mm balanced): 1800mW@33Ω, 1000mW@300Ω, 540mW@600Ω
- Headphone Output Power (6.35mm unbalanced): 1200mW@33Ω, 280mW@300Ω, 140mW@600Ω
- Network: LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps, WLAN 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
- Power Consumption: <50W maximum, <5W standby
Description
Under the design language of「Matrix Audio」family, the new genes of element M2/element M2S are ready to burst. It will be the most compact full-featured stand-alone source in your audio system, it will bring your traditional two-channel system into the high-res streaming audio world, and make your multimedia entertainment experience more immersive. The element M2/element M2S music streamer is a multi-functional audio source that can play local music files or online streaming audio. It has various input ports including toslink, coaxial, IIS-LVDS, USB audio and HDMI ARC. As a standalone music source, the element M2/element M2S drives various headphones directly, or can be connected to power amplifiers or active speakers for high-res music linstening.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Matrix Audio prioritizes comprehensive connectivity in its products, offering a wide array of digital inputs, including less common options like IIS-LVDS and HDMI ARC, alongside traditional connections.
- The brand is recognized for its well-designed and user-friendly MA Remote app, which provides intuitive control over their streaming devices, offering access to various streaming services, local files, and device settings.
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Select product comparisons
MA-PLAYER & MA-REMOTE APP:
- Positioning: An entry-level streaming and remote-control solution designed for simple digital connectivity.
- Description: Offers essential network streaming and remote-control features that are easy to use and set up in small or casual spaces. Stands apart from the more advanced processing units in the lineup by focusing on affordability and basic functionality rather than extended technical and connectivity features.
X-SABRE_3:
- Positioning: A mid-range digital audio component aimed at users looking for refined signal processing without the highest price tag.
- Description: Brings a well-balanced digital processing engine that improves clarity and noise performance compared to the entry-level solution. It is positioned between the simpler MA-PLAYER and the premium units, offering robust performance and connectivity.
ELEMENT X2 PURE:
- Positioning: A high-performance digital processor focused on delivering a very pure sound signal with low noise characteristics.
- Description: Uses a digital architecture that is designed for audio enthusiasts who demand extremely clean signal transfer in more controlled environments. Compared to the X-SABRE_3, it targets users with a slightly higher budget and refined sonic goals while not reaching the full suite of advanced features of the flagship system.
MS-1:
- Positioning: A flagship system built for advanced digital processing with comprehensive connectivity and high-end build quality.
- Description: Offers sophisticated digital audio performance with extensive connectivity options that make it ideal for premium environments requiring maximum technical capabilities such as support for higher resolution video interfaces. It clearly outperforms the Element X2 Pure and other products in the lineup.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
18
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
136
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
14
Founding Year
2013
Our take on the brand
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Look inside the brand
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Matrix Audio
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What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality is achieved with precise and accurate reproduction, enhanced clarity and depth
- Versatile input options include S/PDIF, TOSLink, AES/EBU, BNC, USB, and optional HDMI, offering compatibility with various digital devices
- Excellent build quality is exhibited in its solid, retro-German appearance with high-quality materials
- Separate PCM and DSD processing use path separation technology with independent converters optimized for each media type
- Effective de-jittering employs T+A's De-Jitter Masterclock to minimize timing errors from connected digital components
Product Considerations
- A network audio input is absent, limiting standalone use without the MP200 music player
- Limited analog connectivity means the desired balanced analog input could enhance the preamplifier section's capabilities
- Remote control is reported to be far from intuitive, despite its solid build
- Output voltage in fixed mode may be lower than expected, requiring the use of the variable output setting
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to iFi Pro iDSD, the DAC 200 outperforms as a reference
- Compared to Linn Organik series DACs and MSB Premier DAC, the lush playback recalls more expensive options
Takeaway: The T+A DAC 200 is a versatile and high-performing DAC with many inputs that delivers great sound quality. Its robust build quality and comprehensive features make it a great choice for audiophiles seeking a top-tier digital-to-analog converter.
Video review
Our take on the brand
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with detail and an expansive soundstage
- Functions as a preamplifier with both digital and analogue inputs and analogue volume control
- Features Direct Data Recording (DDR) technology using a memory buffer to reclock audio data
- Has a dual-chassis design with copper shielding for electrical isolation
- Gains greater clarity and clout with everything from driving rock to complex classical music
Product Considerations
- The AURALiC control app (Lightning DS) is only compatible with Apple iOS devices and not Android
- Has only one analogue input, which might be limiting for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vega G2.2 preferred to a DAC that cost 5x more
Takeaway: The Vega G2.2 is a great streaming DAC and preamplifier that is easy to use. It can be slotted into a system to immediately bring more clarity, soundstage, and depth to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Product Page
Product Page
AURALiC
Aries G2.2
6099
6099
/
7
Reviews
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Completely redesigned interior with 90% new electronic components and cutting-edge technologies elevate performance
- New 'Purer-Power' low-noise linear power supply, with twice the capacity of the previous version and an even lower noise design, ensures a clean and stable power supply
- Upgraded Tesla G3 streaming platform is eight times faster than its predecessor
- New Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology connects the audio input and output directly to the processor, helping to reduce latency and jitter by a claimed 90%
- Lightning DS App is considered excellent and second to none for library and playlist management, and is extremely fast and responsive
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available on Apple iOS devices, which may be limiting for Android users
- The digital filter options within the Lightning DS app are considered marginal
- A reviewer missed the Vega/Altair selection knob from previous models for menu management
- The benefits of the ARIES G2.2 may only be fully realized with a high-quality system, making it a significant investment
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ARIES G2.1, the G2.2 offers a significant upgrade in performance with demonstrably lower noise, more detail, and a larger—more detailed—image, almost doubling the amount of musical data revealed
- Melco was more open and with better timing, while AURALiC had a smaller image, deeper bass, and possibly stronger bass
- Adding the ARIES G2.2 to the VEGA G2.2 allows the VEGA G2.2 to relax slightly
Takeaway: The AURALiC ARIES G2.2 is a high-end streamer offering a clear upgrade over previous models with a focus on reducing noise and increasing processing power, perfect for detail and nuance. With excellent software and solid construction, it is a great foundation for a top-tier system to enjoy music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Product Page
Product Page
Aavik
Aavik D-180
7200
7200
/
6
Reviews
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Praised for ultra-transparent sound, accurately converting digital signals into music with no digital signature, resulting in a natural and authentic sound
- Built with extensive noise-suppressing technology to boost clarity and performance
- Provides a very detailed sound without sounding etched or overly detailed
- Delivers a sound geared for well-developed tone, round edges, softness, moisture, hefty bass, density, and a pitch-black background
Product Considerations
- Uses a generic Apple remote, which is functional, but not custom-designed
- Sounds a little on the dark side of neutral
- The analog output only comes with RCA connection
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Has a naturally weightier, rounder disposition, while the Lampizator Pacific is quicker, more open, and energetic
Takeaway: The Aavik D-180 is a DAC that focuses on delivering a transparent and natural sound by minimizing noise and accurately converting digital signals. This DAC can hold its ground against competitors if you like the Aavik sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
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What competes at this price?
Matrix Audio
X-Sabre 3
2999
/
Released
2021
With four years of technological expertise and research, Matrix Audio is now ready to announce the X-SABRE 3 and ignite a new generation in the X-SABRE line-up. Housed in a brand-new chassis, with a new user interface and sonic capabilities, the X-SABRE 3 DAC is now transformed to function fully as a network capable streaming host.
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wonderfully detailed sound signature and plenty of clarity create a rediscovering of your music
- Impressive flagship-level hardware delivers flagship-level results due to the ES9038 Pro chip
- The chassis is well-built with a premium feel due to the use of metal and tempered glass
- A low noise floor exists due to the isolation of power, digital, and analog circuitry in separate compartments inside the chassis
- Versatile streaming capabilities are available, including Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready certification
Product Considerations
- The screen is small and may not be useful unless you are sitting right next to the unit
- The tempered glass top is a fingerprint magnet
- Menu navigation is not the most intuitive, and there is a bit of a learning curve
- The touch-sensitive buttons have a short lag before the screen displays the change
- Some reviewers feel it does not support a few streaming services natively
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the McIntosh C2600 II preamp with a built-in DAC, the Matrix offers more clarity and transparency
- Compared to the Matrix Element I, the difference is night and day
Takeaway: The X-Sabre 3 is a well-built DAC streamer that provides detailed and clear sound. It is a versatile device that can enhance the listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Product Page
Product Page
Matrix Audio
Element M2/Element M2S
3099
/
Released
Under the design language of「Matrix Audio」family, the new genes of element M2/element M2S are ready to burst. It will be the most compact full-featured stand-alone source in your audio system, it will bring your traditional two-channel system into the high-res streaming audio world, and make your multimedia entertainment experience more immersive.
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Stylish and clean design with good build quality
- Good and well-resolved sound structure
- Supports various streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify Connect, and is Roon Ready
- Offers a wide range of digital inputs (Coaxial, Optical, I2S LVDS, USB B, HDMI ARC) and outputs (balanced XLR and single-ended RCA)
Product Considerations
- The touchscreen is functional, but small, making operation difficult
- The app is not as elegant as it looks and lacks a search function for internet radio
- Leans slightly clinical, with some brightness, possibly needing more weight and authority in the low end for some users
- High output impedance on the headphone outputs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AURALiC Altair G1.1, soundstage dimensions are some way off AURALiC Altair G1.1, and doesn't have the same depth
- Vs Naim ND5 XS 2, bass is not on par with Naim, but is not far off—soundstage is slightly larger
- Vs Wattson Madison, has tighter bass with more punch and power
Takeaway: The Element M2 is a versatile all-in-one product with great sound quality and numerous connection options, perfect for those who want a single device to handle streaming and audio needs. It supports various music services and offers a user-friendly experience, making it a worthwhile addition to any hifi audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Product Page
Product Page
Matrix Audio
Element X2 Pure
4499
/
Released
2023
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Matrix Audio, we launched the element X2 Pure. The word "Pure" indicates "to achieve the purest thing", it carries Matrix's original intention of pursuing the pure sound, also expresses the design concept of simplicity that Matrix always believed in.
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Cutting-edge ESS Sabre DACs
- Compact size for its features
- It's a DAC, streamer, and preamplifier
- Impressive build quality
- CNC-machined aluminum shield over the circuitry
- Touch screen requires a combination of it, the MA Remote App, and a remote control to customize the unit
Product Considerations
- Spatial presentation has a compression towards the center of everything
- Internal streamer might need some improvement in future iterations
- It's a little bit neutral bright from its balanced outputs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It holds its own against the Electrocompaniet ECI 6 DX, which is more expensive and has fewer features
- The Ferrum Vondla and Hypsos power supply stack plus Allo USB bridge sounds better because of its more accurate spatial presentation
Takeaway: The Matrix Audio Element X2 Pure is a DAC, streamer, and preamplifier, making it a great solution for simplifying digital audio systems. It sounds good and has many features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Product Page
Product Page
Matrix Audio
element X2
4399
/
Released
2022
The element X2 is a multi-functional audio source that can play local music files or online streaming audio. It has a built-in preamplifier and headphone amplifier, which can drive various headphones directly, or connect to power amplifiers or active speakers easily. Besides rich digital input ports, the element X2 even has a pair of analog input ports which allows you to connect vinyl turntables or CD players to it.
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Flagship-level DAC (ES9038 Pro) and clock (CCHD950) contribute to excellent sound quality
- Improved power output with a built-in preamp allows for driving more powerful headphones efficiently
- Enhanced streaming functionality and connectivity options
- Features a new 3.46-inch LCD touchscreen
- Minimalist design is both beautiful and functional—reducing noise and vibrations
Product Considerations
- Instructions for accessing all the features are not very clear
- Low end presence is good, but may not be ideal for bass-heavy genres without pairing with warmer headphones
- The triple XLR ports that existed on the last Element X were discontinued
- Remote does not come paired and requires manual setup
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The X2 has RCA aux in ports, while the Element M2 does not, and the M2 also has a downgraded DAC
- The Element i2 removes the HDMI ARC port and trigger ports
- The X2 has increased streaming functionality, added touchscreen, improved power measurements, and better IO, compared to the original Element X
Takeaway: The Matrix Audio Element X2 is a detail-rich sounding music streamer with a forward sound signature that has great build quality and improved features, especially in power and streaming. If one wants a modern all-in-one device for playing high-resolution audio, the Element X2 could be a suitable choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
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Ferrum
Wandla
2933
/
Released
2023
With WANDLA, we are making a statement to the current and next generation of music lovers. WANDLA represents tomorrow's standard of high end digital-to-analog conversion.
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Unique features and impressive performance in a compact form factor
- Exceptional build quality
- Larger, responsive, and intuitive touchscreen UI
- Considered by one reviewer to be the best sounding DAC they have heard under $3,000
- Genuinely neutral and lifelike sound signature, without compromising resolving capability
Product Considerations
- Expensive, at $2,800 or 2,800 euros, which is a significant investment
- Limited display viewing angles, due to using a TN panel instead of an IPS, VA, or OLED
- Hypsos power supply is a subtle upgrade, not necessarily worth the extra cost unless already owning other Ferrum products
- Stock power supply is not as good as the Hypsos
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Gustard X18, Wandla lacks the sterile presentation, offering a more genuine neutral sound
- Compared to EverSolo DAC Z8, Wandla is closer to a true neutral sound signature and overall more realistic sounding
- Compared to Holo May KTE, Wandla was happily trading blows on outright soundstage size, and resolution was pretty much on par
- Compared to Chord Dave, Wandla provides similar sound and performance at a more attractive price
- Compared to Rockna Wavedream Signature, Wandla has similar liquidity and refinement but at a fraction of the price
Takeaway: The Wandla is an impressive DAC focused on sound quality, offering a number of unique features and customizability options. It is a great option for those looking for high end sound in a small package.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
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