So the Element X2 uses the same flagship-level DAC, the ES9038PRO, and the same clock, the Crystek CCHD-950, as the original Element X music streamer. That shouldn't really be a bother to most users, as the Element X was (is) one of the best sounding all-in-one boxes on the market. There's no need to mess with the sound in my opinion, and using some of the same components as the previous generation product isn't a downgrade as some might be led to believe. Tuning and optimizing established hardware, as opposed to new hardware, can sometimes yield better results than new chips. This is certainly the case with the Element X2. According to Matrix Audio, they have spent years developing and tuning this specific ESS chip to achieve the full potential of the hardware.

Of course, other factors come into play for the overall sound quality like noise isolation and circuit design, both of which are phenomenal in the Element X2. As mentioned in the overall build quality of the headphone amplifier and music streamer, the double-shell structure is constructed in a way that minimizes case resonance and the materials help to keep outside interferences away. The independent power supplies are also shielded for complete electrical isolation. But probably the biggest improvement is the power output. The Element X2 has a built-in preamp with +10dB analog gain. When using the preamplifier, the device can output signals up to 15.8Vrms. Despite this output, noise and distortion levels are super low, resulting in some great measurements for dynamic listening sessions. That’s the big takeaway for me when it comes to sound. More gain means more headroom which allows you to not only drive more powerful headphones but to power them more efficiently without sacrificing high-end sound quality or adding more noise to the signal. All these factors (and more) play a role in the overall sound quality of the Element X2.

As you can tell from the Meet the Team page, game soundtracks are absolutely one of my favorite genres. They're so pivotal in setting the mood and atmosphere of a game setting, it can either make or break the game. This is why when a soundtrack really hits the nail on the head, just listening to the music can transport you as if you were actually playing the game. Bryan Tyler's soundtrack for the Assassin's Creed pirate epic Black Flag is just that. Epic. And Pirates. Loud drums, strumming guitars, brass and fanfares make you feel like you're channeling your inner swashbuckler and ready to set sail on the high seas. It's fun, but at the same time, it's a great orchestration that accurately portrays the feeling of the era. Game soundtracks have come a long way since the 8-bit days, with budgets sometimes aligning more with their big-screen counterparts.

I like to think of the game soundtrack composers as the indie artists of classical music. They're not the big names (well some are getting there) of more well-known composers, but their arrangements and compositions are award-winning in their own right, winning Grammys, etc. Bryan Tyler's soundtrack has all the makings of a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The Element X2 is a forward-sounding machine, but that doesn't mean it can't put some bass out. Headphones will make a difference naturally, as shown by the 3 headphones I used for comparison. The Ananda provided the most low-end of the bunch, providing nice boomy drums and broad, sweeping strings that fill up the mid-frequency nicely.

The Meze Audio Liric on the other hand helps to show off the amazing detail and higher frequencies of the Element X2. No matter what headphone you use with the Element X2, you'll find that the music is much clearer and more detailed than other DACs and Amps in this price range. Some headphones will accentuate some frequencies more than others, but the benefit of the ES9038PRO is that those frequencies compete less with each other, providing a more dynamic and resolute listening experience over a consumer-level audio music player. In the case of pirate music, the percussive elements of the drums don't overpower the softer rhythmic strumming of the guitars, or more staccato sections of the high strings. They're still very audible, with great separation and imaging. This brings us to our next example.

The Element X2 brings out the nuances of the vocal performance(s) with great dynamics, and you can make out the differing intonations and attacks of each singer. It almost feels like it’s giving completely new life to these recordings. In another song, It Could Happen to You, the low slow picking of the stand-up bass is quiet but present in the "back" left of the stage, and the strings and vocals have a presence that is more indicative of a modern recording than the thin and empty-sounding recordings from the 1950s. It's a treat to hear this on the Element X2. I won't be able to go back to hearing it on anything else now.

Like its predecessor, the Element X2 is a great-sounding hifi music streamer. The sound signature is on the forward side, completely unveiling every detail and nuance of your music. The noise floor is incredibly quiet, lending to more dynamic listening sessions. Low-end presence is good, but if you're a fan of genres like R&B, EDM, and Heavy Metal, then you'll probably want to pair the Element X2 with a warmer headphone. It's not that the player can't put out bass, but there are better pairings for certain kinds of music. It's great for Classical, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Alternative, Pop, and more.

Matrix Audio went all-in on music streaming with the Element X2. TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, and Spotify Connect, Internet Radio, podcasts, vTuner, external library access via network or USB, Roon Ready, DLNA, Apple Airplay 2, and more. Any music source. Most music streaming services. Any connection. The Element X2 also works well to connect to a wireless library source like a NAS or music server if you want to configure it that way. It’s a versatile streamer for just about any music source out there.

Let’s talk about MA remote. MA Remote is the companion control app for the Element X2. Previous Element X owners will be familiar with it since it worked in much the same way. Going into the app you can access your network music, streaming apps, settings for the device, remote settings, and more. It’s a robust piece of software that will make your listening experience that much more convenient. The application is available for iOS and Android, and pretty much the only thing you'll need to do to start using the full potential of the streaming apps is to just sign in to your accounts. Check out the review video below for a more in-depth walkthrough of the app, how it works, and get the most out of your hires digital audio.

Another thing worth mentioning is the amazingly improved remote control. The previous remote for the original element X was nothing to write home about, but Matrix Audio has really improved the remote experience with more control this go around. Providing more buttons for control functions, the RM4 remote can not only change the tracks and volume, but set the source, change filters, and more. See the video review for more on the general layout of the remote and functions. The only downside is that the remote does not come automatically paired to the unit in the box. You'll have to go into the settings and select remote control, there you will see a diagram on the buttons to press and hold for 5 seconds until you hear a beep. Then your remote should be paired. You can see the tutorial for the pairing process in the video as well.

SO the next question – how does it compare to the original Element X?

It is better. Much improved. The streaming functionality is increased, the added touch screen, improved power and measurements across the board, and better I/O. In a sense, it’s like the perfect combination of two of my favorite streaming devices: the Element X and the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition. The Element X2 combines the pristine sound of the original Element X with a lot of the latest streaming integration, functionality, and user experience of the Naim Uniti Atom. It’s the best of both worlds in many ways, and the new Element X2 is a worthy addition to your music system because of it.

The difficult thing is to determine if it’s worth upgrading for existing Element X owners. It’s tough. I don’t think the sound improvements alone are enough to justify an upgrade. The thing that sells me however is the I/O and added streaming options. The touch screen is nice for the cleaner aesthetic, but you’re not missing anything per say from the older settings and filter options. If you’re set on having an XLR headphone jack then you’re just plain out of luck on this one. The ARC HDMI is a nice added feature for those wanting to incorporate their player into their home entertainment system, and overall it just feels like a more refined experience with a bigger bag of features and functions. The hardest pill to swallow however for those wanting to upgrade their existing Element X is the price. It’s almost a thousand bucks more than the original MSRP of the X1. And that fact alone makes it tough – you got the money? Go for it. Otherwise, my recommendation is to focus more on the M2 or I2 – there you’ll find all the upgrades in functionality but you’ll still have the amazing sound of the Element X without breaking the bank.

For my testing setup I used the Matrix Audio Element X2 music streamer with the Meze Audio Liric and a Silver Dragon Premium Headphone Cable for Meze Headphones. Black Dragon Premium headphone cables will work too depending on your headphone pairing, so be sure to check with us if you have any questions about which headphone cable will be right for you. The other thing to consider with the Element X2 is the USB Audio ports in the back. When connecting the device to your computer, we recommend using a Silver Dragon USB Cable for added detail and clarity. The same goes for the USB-C connection to an external device. Moon Audio has optimized our USB cables for audio transmission of large High Res files and helps to create less data packet loss when transferring large file sizes.

About Dragon Cables

Generally, stock audio cables are manufactured with subpar materials, metals with impurities, poor geometries, and an overabundance of layers to make them look and feel like a fire hose. Inconsistency and lack of quality control in stock cables can lead to poor sound quality and a veiled sound vs what the musician intended for you to hear and feel from the music. Dragon cables are handcrafted with the highest standards and made to order according to your specific needs. At Moon Audio, we create a custom cable for you using the highest quality UP-OCC silver or copper conductors that can be manufactured. UP-OCC metals are void of impurities and are optimized for signal transfer and sound quality. We have one of the largest collections of audio and headphone connection options available online and we create limitless audio cable options depending on your specific gear and needs.

Silver Dragon Sound Signature: The Silver Dragon is the original cable. Silver strands clarify instrument separation, increase the soundstage, and find previously lost high and mid-frequency sounds. Transients appear more cohesive and the bass tighter for a more controlled sound. The detail and clarity of the Silver Dragon make it a perfect match for classical music and other genres with many nuanced instruments.

Black Dragon Sound Signature: The Black Dragon is warm and smooth with a musical presentation. Copper strands enhance the body, shape, and immediacy of the music. The detail and expansiveness of the Black Dragon make it a flexible fit where a broad range of musical genres are played. It can also improve bass frequencies on bass-light headphones. The smooth, musical quality makes it a perfect fit for headphones that tend to sound a bit edgy or bright. Despite its warmth, the Black Dragon does not have a laid-back, lush sound. It is much closer to neutral, making it a very natural-sounding cable. For more information on finding your signature sound, visit our Sound Signature Guide.

What's in the Box

• Element X2 Music Streamer
• RM4 remote control
• Power cable
• Quick start guide
• Warranty card

Videos