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
- Brings quality streaming to any existing system
- Provides a premium selection of digital outputs
- Has an MA Remote App experience for easy control and integration of streaming services and local storage
- Features a 3.46-inch touchscreen for easy operation and display of music metadata
- Delivers pristine and clean digital data for purists who want a high-end music streamer
Product Considerations
- It is a streamer only, without a DAC or amp, so it should not be confused for an all-in-one solution
- Has a basic on-screen menu system
- Lacks bells and whistles like Bluetooth connectivity; it is exclusively for digital output options
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bluesound Node: The Element S has a more extensive selection of digital outputs, but the Node has an internal DAC and analog outs
Takeaway: The Matrix Audio Element S is a great choice for audiophiles who want to add quality streaming to their existing audio system. It delivers clean data and integrates easily with streaming services and local storage.
All
element S
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
Images
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Manufacturer's details
Features
Specifications
- CPU: NXP i.MX 6Quad Cortex-A9
- Network: LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps, WLAN 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
- Power Voltage: AC 100V-240V 50/60Hz
- Standby Power Consumption: < 5W
- Maximum Power Consumption: < 30W
- Weight: 2.4kg (5.29 pounds)
- Dimensions: 240mm x 245mm x 58mm (9.45" x 9.65" x 2.28")
Manufacturer product description (from their site)
element S is the first music streamer from Matrix Audio with USB DAC outputs. It easily enables streaming audio functionality for your current audio system. element S has rich digital output ports, not limited to USB ports, which are suitable for various outdated DACs. It is an indispensable streaming audio upgrade device in your system, and helps you to embrace the streaming audio world.
Overall product release timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and 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.
Select products
Product lineup breakdown
Every streamer here uses MA Player and the MA Remote app, so control works the same at every price. The Mini-i 4 is the entry point and adds HDMI ARC, so a TV plays through your DAC. The Element M2 adds a full-balanced 4.4mm headphone output that drives demanding headphones directly. The MS-1 tops the range with a preamp output that feeds a power amplifier or active speakers directly. The Element P2 and MA-1 are power amplifiers that drive the speakers.
- Start here. The Mini-i 4 suits a buyer wanting streaming, a DAC and a TV input in one box under $1,000.
- Sweet spot. The X-Sabre 3 suits a speaker system, since its trigger port switches your power amplifier on and off with it, and its ES9038PRO chip gives a higher XLR signal to noise ratio than the Element M2.
- All in. The MS-1 is a top model priced well above the Element X2 Pure, and its preamp output with a dual D/A chip, independent channel design gives a cleaner, more consistent signal to your power amplifier.
All products from this brand
Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
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 Chinese maker of DACs, streamers and headphone amplifiers. Its digital products carry a wide set of inputs, including less common ones such as IIS-LVDS and HDMI ARC. Owners control the streamers with the company's own MA Remote app, which reviewers find easy to use. The catalog also includes network switches, isolators and clock sources for the digital chain. The Mini-i 4 streams services such as Apple Music directly and is on our Best DACs and Best DACs Under $1,000 lists.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
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What other products pair best with yours?
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Used
Matrix Audio
All the brand's used products, not just this one
What if you spend more?
Aurender
A1000
3500
3500
/
2
Reviews
Aurender is a South Korean maker of music servers and network streamers, founded in 2010. It develops its own software as well as the hardware, and owners control its servers with the free Conductor app. Digital-output transports such as the N20 and N200 feed an outboard DAC, and analog-output players such as the A20 and A1000 have a DAC inside. The ACS10 adds CD ripping and mirrored library storage, and the AP20 puts a streamer, DAC and amplifier in one box. The N150 is on our Best Music Streamers list.
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality is delivered through the AKM4490REQ Dual-Mono DAC
- It can be used as a music server, streamer, or dedicated DAC since it has a variety of digital inputs
- User-installable storage allows for customization
- Versatile connectivity options including HDMI ARC
Product Considerations
- An Ethernet cable is required, as it does not have built-in Wi-Fi, though it has Bluetooth/Wi-Fi antenna for Apple Airplay and Chromecast
- The single drive slot might be limiting for extensive local libraries
- There might be a learning curve for maximizing all features
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- PrimaLuna DAC is mentioned as an alternative external DAC
Takeaway: The A1000 is a versatile network player with great sound quality and multiple connectivity options, which makes it a good choice for audiophiles. It is designed to integrate well with both streaming services and local file playback.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a South Korean maker of music servers and network streamers, founded in 2010. It develops its own software as well as the hardware, and owners control its servers with the free Conductor app. Digital-output transports such as the N20 and N200 feed an outboard DAC, and analog-output players such as the A20 and A1000 have a DAC inside. The ACS10 adds CD ripping and mirrored library storage, and the AP20 puts a streamer, DAC and amplifier in one box. The N150 is on our Best Music Streamers list.
Product Page
Product Page
Aurender
N150
3500
3500
/
5
Reviews
Aurender is a South Korean maker of music servers and network streamers, founded in 2010. It develops its own software as well as the hardware, and owners control its servers with the free Conductor app. Digital-output transports such as the N20 and N200 feed an outboard DAC, and analog-output players such as the A20 and A1000 have a DAC inside. The ACS10 adds CD ripping and mirrored library storage, and the AP20 puts a streamer, DAC and amplifier in one box. The N150 is on our Best Music Streamers list.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with machined aluminium chassis
- Sounds controlled, rich, and quiet without being dull
- Built-in UPS protection and a sophisticated linear power supply
- The Aurender app works particularly well, especially on the iPad, for library management and playback
- Versatile storage options
- Offers only USB audio out
Product Considerations
- The Android app is a bit basic
- The 3-inch amoled display is not a full-color type with artwork
Takeaway: The Aurender N150 is a well-built, high-performing music server/streamer that delivers exceptional sound quality. With its user-friendly app and versatile features, the N150 is a great choice for audiophiles seeking a premium streaming experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a South Korean maker of music servers and network streamers, founded in 2010. It develops its own software as well as the hardware, and owners control its servers with the free Conductor app. Digital-output transports such as the N20 and N200 feed an outboard DAC, and analog-output players such as the A20 and A1000 have a DAC inside. The ACS10 adds CD ripping and mirrored library storage, and the AP20 puts a streamer, DAC and amplifier in one box. The N150 is on our Best Music Streamers list.
Product Page
Product Page
LUMIN
U2
5000
5000
/
5
Reviews
LUMIN is a Hong Kong maker of network music players, and the company says its first product, launched late in 2012, was the world's first DSD-capable streamer. LUMIN writes its own software alongside its hardware, including the LUMIN App. Every model has an all-aluminum chassis, and Leedh Processing volume control lets a player drive a power amplifier directly. The U2 and U2 Mini are transports for owners who already have a DAC they like, while the P1 Mini adds inputs and HDMI ARC so it can serve as streamer, DAC and preamplifier.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Exceptional accuracy, lifelike tonality, engaging musicality, and very low noise
- It presents the music with accurate, defined, and nuanced reproduction of timbre
- Excellent build quality with solid aluminum panels and a high-quality feel
- The linear power supply provides a generous bass and treble
- It is capable of decoding all current digital music file formats
Product Considerations
- The Lumin app, while good, had a couple of minor bugs
- It needs at least 300+ hours to sound its best, as the sound improved notably after this time
- The display window on the U2 might be too small for some users
- Upper midrange slightly recessed, a quality which might suit many an overzealous system
- Reticent midrange might also account for why the kickdrum lacked some oomph—it might not be the best choice for heavy hard rock or industrial metal
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bluesound Node: The Lumin U2 offers a more open sound
- Vs EverSolo DMP-A6: The Lumin will bring a more open sound
- Vs Lumin U2 Mini: The U2 has much more life, breath and warmth, a more mature sound, more refined over the Mini with more warmth and solidity, and the stage was absolutely amazing, richer, denser, and deeper and has just a bit more magic
Takeaway: The Lumin U2 is an exceptionally well-designed and engineered streaming transport, blessed with neutral and natural tonality. The U2 delivers fantastic sound into systems where it may well be the premier component and set you up for the next decade or more, delivering further free improvements.
Video review
Our take on the brand
LUMIN is a Hong Kong maker of network music players, and the company says its first product, launched late in 2012, was the world's first DSD-capable streamer. LUMIN writes its own software alongside its hardware, including the LUMIN App. Every model has an all-aluminum chassis, and Leedh Processing volume control lets a player drive a power amplifier directly. The U2 and U2 Mini are transports for owners who already have a DAC they like, while the P1 Mini adds inputs and HDMI ARC so it can serve as streamer, DAC and preamplifier.
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LUMIN
L2
3500
3500
/
2
Reviews
LUMIN is a Hong Kong maker of network music players, and the company says its first product, launched late in 2012, was the world's first DSD-capable streamer. LUMIN writes its own software alongside its hardware, including the LUMIN App. Every model has an all-aluminum chassis, and Leedh Processing volume control lets a player drive a power amplifier directly. The U2 and U2 Mini are transports for owners who already have a DAC they like, while the P1 Mini adds inputs and HDMI ARC so it can serve as streamer, DAC and preamplifier.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Combines a dual-drive music library with an audiophile-grade network switch
- Requires zero configuration, making it plug-and-play
- Features a 4-port network switch with two SFP fibre ports for complete electrical isolation, reducing network noise
- CNC aluminum chassis provides excellent shielding and reduces vibrations
- Lumin provides detailed instructions for consumer installation of SSDs
Product Considerations
- The 8TB HDD version uses NTFS format, which may require additional software for Mac users
- Rear overhang may impact cable attachment and removal on some devices, mostly XLR connectors
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Melco N1, the L2 seems to have 'fixed' most of our issues with music storage', while the Melco N1 runs Minimserver, which is a different take on music server and storage
- Compared to Aurender ACS100, the Lumin L2 is like a dedicated NAS, while the Aurender ACS100 adds CD ripping but does not offer network switching
Takeaway: The Lumin L2 is easy to set up and use, and it helps improve sound quality by reducing network noise. If someone wants a simple way to manage their music library and improve their audio system, this could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
LUMIN is a Hong Kong maker of network music players, and the company says its first product, launched late in 2012, was the world's first DSD-capable streamer. LUMIN writes its own software alongside its hardware, including the LUMIN App. Every model has an all-aluminum chassis, and Leedh Processing volume control lets a player drive a power amplifier directly. The U2 and U2 Mini are transports for owners who already have a DAC they like, while the P1 Mini adds inputs and HDMI ARC so it can serve as streamer, DAC and preamplifier.
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What competes at this price?
LUMIN
U2 Mini
2400
/
Released
2022
The product that first launched our all-new processing system, LUMIN U2 Mini takes all of our latest software features and packs them into a new all-aluminium compact chassis. Capable of upsampling and downsampling all the way from 44.1kHz to 384kHz/DSD256 and supporting playback of DSD512, LUMIN U2 MINI is the perfect streaming partner for your DAC.
LUMIN is a Hong Kong maker of network music players, and the company says its first product, launched late in 2012, was the world's first DSD-capable streamer. LUMIN writes its own software alongside its hardware, including the LUMIN App. Every model has an all-aluminum chassis, and Leedh Processing volume control lets a player drive a power amplifier directly. The U2 and U2 Mini are transports for owners who already have a DAC they like, while the P1 Mini adds inputs and HDMI ARC so it can serve as streamer, DAC and preamplifier.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Refined digital sound that is transparent and resolves fine details, offering a clear and expansive sound image
- New processing system with resampling flexibility, allowing upscaling or downscaling between 44.1kHz and 384kHz/DSD256
- User-friendly Lumin app for iOS that supports playback from network attached storage, Tidal, Qobuz, and Internet Radio
- Versatile connectivity with a comprehensive array of digital outputs
Product Considerations
- Ethernet connection only, foregoing internal Wi-Fi conversion
- Sound quality is highly dependent on the quality and matching of the DAC used
- Transparency reveals the quality of upstream components
- Felt/cloth feet might cause the unit to slip more easily than its predecessor
- May reveal flaws in poorly made recordings due to its high resolution
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- U2 Mini offers more resolution and air on the stage compared to the Lumin U1 Mini, represents a completely new generation of digital transports with obvious musicality
- Lumin U2 Mini had more resolution, a more clearly defined and expansive sound image, and a riper sound to each musical element, compared to Totaldac's internal streamer
- Competes closely in performance with the AURALiC Aries G2.1, especially concerning the amount of information and extension of the stage depth
Takeaway: The Lumin U2 Mini is a versatile streamer that delivers high-quality audio and is easy to integrate into existing audio systems. It offers great sound, a user-friendly app, and supports various streaming services, making it a worthy upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
LUMIN is a Hong Kong maker of network music players, and the company says its first product, launched late in 2012, was the world's first DSD-capable streamer. LUMIN writes its own software alongside its hardware, including the LUMIN App. Every model has an all-aluminum chassis, and Leedh Processing volume control lets a player drive a power amplifier directly. The U2 and U2 Mini are transports for owners who already have a DAC they like, while the P1 Mini adds inputs and HDMI ARC so it can serve as streamer, DAC and preamplifier.
Product Page
Product Page
Eversolo
DMP-A8
1980
/
Released
Eversolo is a Chinese maker of music streamers, DACs and amplifiers built around digital playback. Its products pair a responsive touch screen with a well-designed control app, and reviewers describe the sound as neutral and nuanced. The designs put weight on clean power supplies and precise clocking to keep noise and jitter low. A range of inputs, including HDMI ARC, and internal storage options let its devices fit many kinds of systems, and the DMP-A6 and DMP-A8 are both on our Best Music Streamers list. The DAC-Z8 is on our Best DACs list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality with a luxurious aluminum body and sleek design
- Serves as a high-quality preamp, streamer, and DAC all in one device
- The DAC utilizes flagship AKM chips with 'Velvet Sound' technology, providing a warmer, richer, and more natural sound compared to the DMP-A6
- User-friendly interface with a responsive touchscreen and a well-designed control app
- Versatile connectivity options, including multiple digital and analog inputs/outputs, and support for various streaming services
Product Considerations
- The preamp section's performance is not on par with the digital streaming and DAC sections
- DSP functions are limited up to 192k sampling rate
- Spotify Connect has a lag in song switching at times
- The HDMI output is dedicated to I2S output, omitting the multichannel output capability of the DMP-A6
- Playlists cannot span music libraries; it is not possible to mix music from an internal SSD with tracks from TIDAL
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs DMP-A6: The DMP-A8 has better resolution, refinement, separation, and bass, sounding more 'analogue', while the A6 sounds brighter, lighter, and drier
- Vs HiFi Rose RS250a: The DMP-A8 sounds better if richness, warmth, and a big soundstage are valued, while the RS250a is preferred if analytical detail and an open top end are most important
- Vs Lumin U2 Mini: As a streamer only, the A8 is about the same as a Lumin U2 Mini but not quite up to the level of a Lumin U2 or HiFi Rose RS130
- Vs Geshelli Labs J2S AK4499 DAC: The sound was noticeably improved
- Vs RME ADI2 Pro: The DMP-A8 was preferable, as it sounded less flat and more three-dimensional in comparison
Takeaway: The DMP-A8 is a well-built and versatile streaming DAC that offers a rich and natural sound, along with a user-friendly interface and plenty of features. It is a great choice for audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution to elevate their music listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Eversolo is a Chinese maker of music streamers, DACs and amplifiers built around digital playback. Its products pair a responsive touch screen with a well-designed control app, and reviewers describe the sound as neutral and nuanced. The designs put weight on clean power supplies and precise clocking to keep noise and jitter low. A range of inputs, including HDMI ARC, and internal storage options let its devices fit many kinds of systems, and the DMP-A6 and DMP-A8 are both on our Best Music Streamers list. The DAC-Z8 is on our Best DACs list.
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PS Audio
AirLens
1999
/
Released
2023
The AirLens™ interface brings perfection to streaming. Streaming audio via Roon or other services like Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify offers millions of titles at the touch of a finger. Unfortunately, connecting your sensitive DAC to the noise generated by computers, routers, NAS, local networks, and modems via either WiFi or Ethernet cable is not a great-sounding solution to bringing high-performance audio into your listening environment. The PS Audio AirLens™ completely eliminates the problems of noise, jitter, and EMI influences through complete galvanic isolation and perfect reclocking of the digital audio signal.
PS Audio's signature idea is the power regenerator, which is designed to regenerate the AC from the wall into a clean, stable supply. The American company has designed in Boulder, Colorado, since 1973, and founder Paul McGowan answers listeners' questions on camera every day. Many of its amplifiers pair a tube input stage with a solid-state output stage, and designs are often tuned by ear. Its Aspen loudspeakers use planar drivers. Owners can see and control a PowerPlant from anywhere with PowerPlay, and the PowerPlant 12 is on our Best Power Conditioners list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Both an input stage and a galvanically isolated reclocking output stage ensures 100% isolation and noise-free delivery of perfect digital audio signals
- A DC-to-DC converter that is galvanically isolated allows the input and output stages to be completely isolated, allowing each to function as its entity electrically
- PS Audio uses its 'Digital Lens' technology to ensure the DAC gets the best audio data possible by storing data in a variable RAM buffer and sending it to the precision clocks within the AirLens
- The AirLens excels in performance with the I²s connection, delivering musical realism as well or better than any streamer under $5K
- The unit has a smaller frame component
- USB or Toslink inputs are absent
Product Considerations
- The PS Audio AirLens cannot stand toe-to-toe with the HiFi Rose RS-130 when it comes to design or features, as it is a basic box with no display screen
- There isn't a place to hook up a hard drive if one wants to stream stored music, since it is basically a streamer only
- The AirLens does not have a DAC
- It is not for the mainstream-streaming, non-audiophile consumer who uses Spotify and Apple Music, since it does not cater to features that audio enthusiasts will not use, such as AirPlay2, Bluetooth, or a proprietary music management application
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- HiFi Rose RS-130: The Air Lens does the 3D imaging thing better than the HiFi Rose, however, the HiFi Rose has a more meaty—punchy—refined analog kind of sound overall
- EverSolo DMP-A6: The PS Audio Air Lens far excelled above the A6 when it comes to sound quality, as the A6 sounded a little more digital in the treble area with grain and noise
- WiiM Pro Plus: Going from the WiiM Pro Plus streamer into the Denafrips DAC to the Air Lens, there is an increase in bass and energy in the holographic sound stage
- HiFi Rose RS250A, NAD C 700, Naim ND5 XS 2: The HiFi Rose RS250A, the NAD C 700, or even the Naim ND5 XS 2 all have Bluetooth and a DAC in their system, the AirLens does not
Takeaway: The PS Audio AirLens is a music streamer designed to eliminate digital noise and hash and bring an experience unlike most streamers on the market. It's perfect for audiophiles who want a simple, high-quality streamer that delivers exceptional sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
PS Audio's signature idea is the power regenerator, which is designed to regenerate the AC from the wall into a clean, stable supply. The American company has designed in Boulder, Colorado, since 1973, and founder Paul McGowan answers listeners' questions on camera every day. Many of its amplifiers pair a tube input stage with a solid-state output stage, and designs are often tuned by ear. Its Aspen loudspeakers use planar drivers. Owners can see and control a PowerPlant from anywhere with PowerPlay, and the PowerPlant 12 is on our Best Power Conditioners list.
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Metrum
Sonnet Hermes
1041
/
Released
HERMES is a lightweight, low jitter, bit-perfect plug and play Roon endpoint. Since HERMES is an open platform other software may be used as well.
Metrum Acoustics is a Dutch DAC maker whose converters are built around its own R2R ladder DAC modules. The designs are non-oversampling and skip digital filtering, an approach meant to keep the sound natural. To control volume, Metrum changes the modules' reference voltage instead of using digital attenuation or a potentiometer. The Onyx uses two DAC modules per channel driven by an FPGA, and the Adagio has volume control built in, so it can feed active speakers as a digital preamplifier. The Sonnet Pasithea is a DAC and preamplifier with eight DAC modules.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solidly made
- SD-card is easily accessible for swapping operating systems
- Offers many digital links: optical, coaxial, AES, and I2S
Product Considerations
- Does not have an on-board DAC
- Performance is equivalent to the Metrum Acoustics Ambre, which may be a consideration for users familiar with that product
- I2S output is specifically for Sonnet/Metrum products
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Metrum Acoustics Ambre: The Hermes has a different power supply, processing board, casing, and includes a display, with a more purposeful design for audio streaming
Takeaway: The Sonnet Audio Hermes is a well-built streamer with versatile digital connectivity and the flexibility to use different software packages. It is a great addition to a system, especially when paired with other Sonnet/Metrum products.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Metrum Acoustics is a Dutch DAC maker whose converters are built around its own R2R ladder DAC modules. The designs are non-oversampling and skip digital filtering, an approach meant to keep the sound natural. To control volume, Metrum changes the modules' reference voltage instead of using digital attenuation or a potentiometer. The Onyx uses two DAC modules per channel driven by an FPGA, and the Adagio has volume control built in, so it can feed active speakers as a digital preamplifier. The Sonnet Pasithea is a DAC and preamplifier with eight DAC modules.
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Musical Fidelity
MX-Stream
1149
/
Released
2022
The MX-Stream is a high-end zero jitter audio optimized streamer and network bridge.
Musical Fidelity's integrated amplifiers are built like separates in one box, with independent power supplies and, in the larger models, dual-mono power amplifiers. The company, founded in 1982 and proud of its British heritage, makes amplifiers, CD players, DACs and phono stages. The Nu-Vista models use the brand's Nu-Vista tube technology, and the A1 is on our All Class A Amplifiers list. Reviewers hear an energetic, engaging sound. The M8xi adds a DAC and digital inputs to its dual-mono amplifier, so digital sources connect straight to it.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Quad core ARM-based architecture with multiple regulated power supplies and high-grade clocks
- Solid aluminum chassis with a minimalist look that fits well in a system
- USB detox process cleans up noise on the USB line for a better data signal
- Users can flash it with an operating system of their choice, like MoodeAudio or PiCorePlayer
- Supports bit-perfect CD playback and can rip CDs to lossless FLAC files
Product Considerations
- Included power supply is of poor quality and emits an irritating whistling sound
- Front switches are tiny, fiddly momentary toggle switches that are not nice to use
- AirPlay and Bluetooth toggles are not persistent and are disabled each time the unit is rebooted
- Lacks configurable options for CD ripping, such as setting file format or quality
- Original software image isn't available for download on the Musical Fidelity website, which could be a problem if one chooses to experiment
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Premium competitor to the Box Design range of Pro-Ject Audio Systems
- Compared to the iFi ZEN Stream, AirPlay works perfectly on the MX Stream
Takeaway: The Musical Fidelity MX Stream is a compact network streamer with refined software and a good set of features. It delivers bit-perfect audio and offers flexibility for advanced users, making it a solid choice for streaming music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Musical Fidelity's integrated amplifiers are built like separates in one box, with independent power supplies and, in the larger models, dual-mono power amplifiers. The company, founded in 1982 and proud of its British heritage, makes amplifiers, CD players, DACs and phono stages. The Nu-Vista models use the brand's Nu-Vista tube technology, and the A1 is on our All Class A Amplifiers list. Reviewers hear an energetic, engaging sound. The M8xi adds a DAC and digital inputs to its dual-mono amplifier, so digital sources connect straight to it.
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