Matrix Audio
Element X2 Music Streamer
$4,399.00 USDWhat's in the Box?
The Element series of music streamers from Matrix Audio are some of the most popular desktop music streamers on the market. And for good reason. The Element series is extremely easy to use, is equipped with tons of premium features, and the MA Remote App is an excellent way to access all your content remotely from your favorite mobile device. The Element i2 represents an amazing entry point for the Element series, giving you all the access to Matrix Audio's premium streaming experience with an integrated DAC and headphone amplifier.
The Element X2 is the latest generation flagship music streamer from Matrix Audio - effectively redefining what premium music streaming can sound like. The Element X2 is completely revamped, adding a 4.4mm balanced headphone jack, a new full-color touch LCD, and a styling that is classy enough to fit in with any high-end audio system. If you want some of the best music sound quality in streaming, then you'll want the Element X2 headphone amp and music streamer from Matrix Audio.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: The Silver Dragon USB Cable is our best-selling cable at Moon Audio and the perfect companion for the Element X2. The Silver Dragon USB transfers digital audio from a computer or portable device such as a Phone, Tablet, or DAP (digital audio player) to a USB-capable DAC.
The Next Generation of Music Streamer
The Element series of music streamers by Matrix Audio is a new design concept for their popular streamers that have taken the audiophile industry by storm. The Element X2 is the latest flagship - a full-featured standalone source device for your audio system. You can now easily bring your existing traditional two-channel system into the world of high-resolution music streaming.
A New UI for a New Generation of Music Streamers
The 2nd generation Element series of music streamers from Matrix Audio are equipped with a 3.46-inch LCD touch screen. The vibrant screen is able to display rich amounts of information regarding the track, artist, album, and more when playing over the network or playing local music via MA Player. The touch screen allows you to perform various operations from navigating track playback, the menu, and configuring settings. The newly added touch keys are also integrated into the glass panel and makes for a sleek and sophisticated user experience.
A Music Streaming Powerhouse - Everything In One Place
If you have a large digital audio library, then MA Player allows you to browse and play your music from USB external storage or NAS with ease. If you prefer high-resolution online music streaming, then streaming programs like TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, and Internet Radio will provide a massive amount of content for you, if you have a subscription (TIDAL and Qobuz specifically). The Element i2 is also equipped with Roon Ready, DLNA/UPnP, and AirPlay 2 which bring you different music streaming experiences.
Local Music Playback
Local Network Streaming
Online Streaming
Internet Radio
Control at Your Fingertips - MA Remote APP
MA Remote App is the control app used by Matrix Audio music streamers. You can browse and playback your local music files, online music streaming from apps like TIDAL and Qobuz, and even free radio internet stations through the app interface, bringing all your favorite music sources together under one roof. The MA Remote App is available for iOS on iPhone and iPad, as well as Android and all compatible Android OS devices. You can control and manage features like device configurations, firmware updates, and more straight from the MA Remote App interface.
More Power, More Gain, More Music
The Element X2 has built-in a superb pre-amplifier with +10dB analog gain. When the pre-amp is enabled, it can output high-quality audio signals up to 15.8VRMS. Combined with Hyper-Control technology, the entire output range of the Element X2 provides ultra-low noise and distortion. The Element X2 has some of the best measurements for a music streamer on the market. It will power just about every headphone and/or IEM out there with the exception of electrostatics. When paring with the brand-new audio power amplifier Element P2, there is no need to add a standalone pre-amp to the system. The matching design satisfies you with both visual and listening, providing abundant power to various speakers.
A New Fully-Balanced Amplifier
The Element X2 has a built-in fully-balanced, headphone amplifier, which is composed of 8 independent amplification units. Every two units are connected in parallel, providing higher drive current and output power with very low distortion and noise, as well as better control of micro-details to the headphone drivers. For the Element X2, there are no hard-to-drive headphones, just plug-and-play.
The New RM4 Remote Control
Matrix Audio has designed a new remote control for their second-generation music streamer. The new RM4 remote control has added playback control functions, making it more convenient and easier to switch tracks, play, pause, and other operations. With two programmable buttons, the RM4 can be set to control whatever you want - like frequently used functions through the MA Remote App. The RM4 remote is made with the same care and craftsmanship as the Element series streamers.
Digital and Analog Sources All-in-One
The Element X2 not only has multiple digital input ports, it also has added analog input ports. Vinyl turntables with phono outputs, CD players, or other devices with analog outputs can be connected to your modern digital audio system through the Element X2. There are high, medium and low input gain options available to adapt to the different output levels of the front-end device.
HDMI ARC - What is it?
Matrix added HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input port to the Element X2. When connected to display devices such as TVs and projectors with HDMI ARC functionality, the digital audio from the HDMI signal can be transferred to the Element X2 for higher quality playback. If the display device supports HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) protocol, the playback on the Element X2 can be controlled by this display device.
High-End Femtosecond Clock
Digital audio is the art of time and timing, and a high-precision clock is the basis for accurate playback of all your favorite digital music. Matrix Audio has designed the Element X2 with the CCHD-950 ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clock from Crystek, reducing jitter generated in the transmission and processing of digital audio signals. This makes the sound more realistic and the details more accurate.
Asynchronous and Synchronous Modes
The Element X2 offers both async and sync modes for your playback. In async mode, the master clock of the D/A chip is sourced by the built-in Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock, resulting in the clock from the front-end device being disengaged. In sync mode, the built-in femtosecond clock will be turned off, and the D/A chip works off the clock in the front end of the device.
Isolated Design
There are 2 independent power supplies dedicated for the ARM processor and the digital audio processing part of the Element X2. Matrix Audio put the 2 parts in independent circuit units, and joined them by several optocouplers to achieve complete electrical isolation. The audio circuit part uses an independent linear power supply to give you complete silence in the background so nothing gets in the way of your music.
High-Speed Gigabit Ethernet Port
The element X2 is equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet port to ensure a more stable connection when streaming high sampling rate audio files.
Dual Band Wi-Fi
The integrated 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi antenna, gives the Element X2 a tidy and clean appearance and a flexible connection options.
Trigger Functionality
The newly added trigger ports allow you no need to turn the amplifier on or off manually, just let the element X2 work as a control center, and enjoy the music with a single touch.
What's in the Box?
- Element X2 Music Streamer
- RM4 remote control
- Power cable
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
Matrix Comparison
Element X
ES9038 PRO
2x USB A
1x MicroSD
2x Coax, 2x Toslink, IIS, USB B
DoP 11.2MHz / Native 22.4MHz (USB DSD)
Up to 24bit / 768kHz (USB)
Up to 32bit / 768kHz (IIS)
Up to 24bit / 192kHz (Coax/Optical)
2x 3-pin XLR, 2x RCA
1x 4-pin, 2x 1/4" or 3pin XLR
1/4" 1150mW @33Ω
308mW @ 300Ω
152mW @ 600Ω
XLR: 1700mW @33Ω
1180mW @ 300Ω
650mW @ 600Ω
Ethernet & Wifi
Element X2
ES9038 PRO
1x USB C
2x Coax, 2x Toslink, IIS, HDMI ARC, USB B
DoP 11.2MHz / Native 22.4MHz (USB DSD)
Up to 24bit / 768kHz (USB)
Up to 32bit / 768kHz (IIS)
Up to 24bit / 192kHz (Coax/Optical)
Up to 24bit / 192kHz (HDMI ARC)
2x 3-pin XLR, 2x RCA
1x 4.4mm, 1x 1/4in
1/4" 1600mW @33Ω
280mW @ 300Ω
150mW @ 600Ω
4.4mm: 2600mW @33Ω
1100mW @ 300Ω
580mW @ 600Ω
Ethernet & Wifi
Specifications
Hardware Platform
| CPU | NXP i.MX 6Quad 4x Cortex-A9 @1.2 GHz |
|---|---|
| D/A Chip | ES9038PRO |
| Clock Source | Crystek CCHD-950 |
Digital Input
| Coaxial & Optical | PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz |
|---|---|
| DSD 2.8MHz (DoP) | |
| IIS LVDS | PCM 16-32Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz | |
| DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP) | |
| DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz, 22.4MHz (Native) | |
| USB Audio | PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz | |
| MQA 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, | |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream | |
| DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP) | |
| DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (Native) | |
| HDMI ARC | PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz |
AUX Input
| RCA | SNR: >-106dB A-weighting |
|---|---|
| THD+N: <0.0025%@1k, <0.0030%@20Hz-20kHz | |
| Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.07 -3dB@43kHz | |
| Channel Crosstalk: >-102dB | |
| Input Level: 2.1VRMS Maximum |
Line Output
| XLR | SNR: >-131dB A-weighting |
|---|---|
| THD+N: <0.00012%@1k, <0.00020%@20Hz-20kHz | |
| Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.05 -3dB@85kHz | |
| Crosstalk: >-146dB | |
| Output Level: 4.5VRMS@0dB,15.8VRMS@+10dB | |
| Output Impedance: 100Ω | |
| RCA | SNR: >-125dB A-weighting |
| THD+N: <0.00012%@1k, <0.00020%@20Hz-20kHz | |
| Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.05 -3dB@85kHz | |
| Channel Crosstalk: >-137dB | |
| Output Level: 2.2VRMS@0dB, 7.5VRMS@+10dB | |
| Output Impedance: 100Ω |
Headphone Output
| 4.4 mm balanced | SNR: >-119dB A-weighting |
|---|---|
| THD+N: <0.00055%@20Hz-20kHz 4VRMS | |
| Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@85kHz | |
| Output Impedance:<12Ω | |
| Output Power: 2600mW@33Ω, 1100mW@300Ω, 580mW@600Ω, 1%THD | |
| Gain: +18dB@Low Gain, +28dB@High Gain | |
| 6.35 mm unbalanced | SNR: >-116dB A-weighting |
| THD+N: <0.00055%@20Hz-20kHz 2VRMS | |
| Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@85kHz | |
| Output Impedance:<6Ω | |
| Output Power: 1600mW@33Ω, 290mW@300Ω, 150mW@600Ω, 1%THD | |
| Gain: +18dB@Low Gain, +28dB@High Gain |
Network
| LAN | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
|---|---|
| WLAN | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz |
USB
| The USB port provides a maximum power of 5V/1A. |
| The USB port works with devices which conform to the USB mass storage standard and supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file formats, but is not guaranteed to be compatible with all storage devices. |
Trigger
| Trigger in | DC 6-12V<10mA |
|---|---|
| Trigger out | DC 12V/50mA MAX |
MA player
| Controller app | MA Remote App |
|---|---|
| Local Playback Format Supported: | MP3 , WMA , WAV , AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE |
| PCM Sampling Rate: | PCM 16-24Bit 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz | |
| MQA 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, | |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream | |
| DSD Sampling Rate: | DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz |
| Roon Ready* | *Under certification test |
| PCM Sampling Rate: | PCM 16-24 Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz | |
| MQA 16-24 Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, | |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream | |
| DSD Sampling Rate: | DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz |
| AirPlay 2 | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| DLNA/UPnP | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| TIDAL Connect | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| Spotify Connect | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| vTuner | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
Power Specs
| Power Voltage | AC 100V-120V 50/60Hz / AC 220V-240V 50/60Hz |
|---|---|
| Standby Power Consumption | < 5W |
| Maximum Power Consumption | < 50W |
Weight & Size
| Weight | 4 kg (8.82 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Size | Width: 340 mm (13.39 inches) |
| Depth: 259 mm (10.20 inches) | |
| Height: 58 mm (2.28 inches) |
Accessory
| RM4 remote control | x1 |
|---|---|
| Power cable | x1 |
| Quick start guide | x1 |
| Warranty card | x1 |