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Matrix Audio Element S In the House

Just received the new Matrix Audio Element S streamer drop shipped from China.

Size is similar to the Element I2 minus the volume dial and headphone jacks.

One surprise - they apparently are not including a remote (cheap move)? Also it does not yet work with Roon so I had to test it with Tidal Connect.

How does it sound? I2S into R2R Pontus II DAC, Woo Audio WA22 balanced tube headphone amp XLR in, and Meze Elite with balanced cable:

Compared to Lumin U1 Mini with linear power supply upgrade using USB it sounds clearer, a little more depth, punchier....but mainly clearer like the Lumin has just a slight veil on it or is just slightly rolled off.

Compared to PI 2 Design Mercury 2 with linear power supply - it sounds exactly the same thru I2S connection. So why buy the more expensive Element? Nicer package all in one versus black box with external power supply.

Compared to anything else I have without the I2S connection - there is no comparison. Lots of gear up for sale soon.

Will report more later after it runs for a few days.

 

calieng

Showing 2 responses by gagecauchois

gagecauchois
11 posts
 

There is a Denafrips tutorial on YouTube for changing the pin-out configuration of the I2S input. I think it's 0-0-0-0.

Matrix Audio settings offer a few choices and I used setting "A" .

And as I said in my earlier message, the recent Matrix firmware update caused some streaming stuttering if using a WLAN connection. I changed to a LAN connection and this corrects the problem.

So for now, WLAN isn't really working. Maybe they'll fix it eventually with a firmware update.     Matrix and Apos both have pretty crappy service.

 

 

gagecauchois
11 posts
 

I had this same problem after the recent firmware update. Was able to fix the problem by changing from a WLAN to a LAN connection.

The Element S now works perfectly and sounds great!

Matrix Audio service and communication is terrible.

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