Question What's your next HiFi purchase?

[Jasonovich]

I bet the Element X2 streamer with a pair of the P2 power amps in mono would be an incredible setup. This setup is nearly £7700 plus speakers so it would be out of most people's budget.

https://www.matrix-digi.com/product/99/MS-1

This flagship model looks amazing, but again the site is confusing and seems to imply there is a MS-1 and an MS-1 pre. They need to tidy up the specs and the feature sets, because it's very confusing.

It looks like this MS-1 needs the MP-1 preamp and MA-1 power amp to complete a system and it looks very pricey.

One thing that does concern me is the easy to catch mono/stereo/bridged switches on the high end models. If you move one of these by mistake, there is a real chance of destroying something.

I really like this brand and the plain and minimalist design really does appeal to me, but I still think there are too many products and model ranges to choose from.

I must admit the information on Matrix website isn't really clear. Hopefully someone will provide some clarity.

I like what Matrix, Eversolo and Rose are doing.
NAD is also doing some innovative stuff, particularly their all in one solutions.

The M33 is a streamer DAC amplifier and priced at £3999. Great if you're looking for small foot print, just wired them up to speakers and you're done.

View: https://youtu.be/J5LFXfNEPj0?si=EQlnatyvea4GdKBD

nadelectronics.com/product/m33-bluos-streaming-dac-amplifier/

 

[podknocker]

I must admit the information on Matrix website isn't really clear. Hopefully someone will provide some clarity.

I like what Matrix, Eversolo and Rose are doing.
NAD is also doing some innovative stuff, particularly their all in one solutions.

The M33 is a streamer DAC amplifier and priced at £3999. Great if you're looking for small foot print, just wired them up to speakers and you're done.

View: https://youtu.be/J5LFXfNEPj0?si=EQlnatyvea4GdKBD

nadelectronics.com/product/m33-bluos-streaming-dac-amplifier/

John Darko loves the M33 with the M23 amp. I can't afford this combo.

 

[Jasonovich]

John Darko loves the M33 with the M23 amp. I can't afford this combo.

Still pricey. You're doing the right thing being patient.

 

[podknocker]

I'm now considering the Element X2 streamer with a pair of the P2 power amps in mono, but does anyone know how the amp knows it's being used in mono, without a switch to select output mode? There is a manual and it does warn users to make sure the speakers are connected correctly, but there's nothing in there to explain how this works and doesn't blow your speakers to bits. Also, does anyone know the difference between the Element X2 streamer and the Element X2 PURE streamer? So many model ranges and products within model ranges, but very little chance of comparing stuff on the MA website. This one's for Jason really, because of his expereience with this brand.

 

[Jasonovich]

I'm now considering the Element X2 streamer with a pair of the P2 power amps in mono, but does anyone know how the amp knows it's being used in mono, without a switch to select output mode? There is a manual and it does warn users to make sure the speakers are connected correctly, but there's nothing in there to explain how this works and doesn't blow your speakers to bits. Also, does anyone know the difference between the Element X2 streamer and the Element X2 PURE streamer? So many model ranges and products within model ranges, but very little chance of comparing stuff on the MA website. This one's for Jason really, because of his expereience with this brand.

Pod I wasn't expecting you to throw back the questions at me! Ha ha ha

I think I've wrapped my head around it, looking at the manual (also sent you a link). If you're using it in mono configuration the two red binding posts become left and right, one for each amp and speaker. There's also a mono interconnect switch for input. So the XLR input is either your left or right input.

Didn't realise the element P2 was a class D amp, nice, explains all that power.

If in doubt Pod, give one of the dealerships a ring

element P2 | Audio Power Amplifier

www.matrix-digi.com

Manual

https://www.matrix-digi.com/pdf/element_P2_Manual_EN.pdf

Dealership

UK based

Search Results - Igloo Audio

Description

www.iglooaudio.co.uk

01892 532 995

Matrix Audio Element P2 Streaming System

The Matrix Audio Element P2 Streaming System is a powerful class D amplifier that is designed for use with a preamp and passive speakers. It can be used as a stereo amplifier or a bridged mono amplifier. The power output is 110 watts per channel into 8 Ohms, in stereo mode. In bridged mono mode...

www.audioaffair.co.uk

Sales Landline
0121 224 7300
0121 224 7401

UK Number
0844 504 0350*

Sales WhatsApp/iMessage
07706 203859 (opening hours only)

Customer Services Landline
0121 224 7350/7351

https://www.futureshop.co.uk/special-offers/hi-fi/matrix-audio-element-s-music-streamer?gad_source=1

0800 772 3688/0208 905 1555

Europe based
Netherlands

https://magnahifi.com/matrix-element-p2-class-d-power-amplifier-stereo-2x230w-mono-1x500w-8-ohm/

 

[podknocker]

I think the switch allows RCA or XLR input, but doesn't tell the amp if it's in stereo or mono mode. I'm assuming, but not sure that the use of the mono XLR input for each power amp tells the amp it's going to receive one channel only and the internals then operate in mono mode. I think this is the case. I do appreciate the response Jason, but I will be checking with the vendor/company if I do buy this setup. I'm really unable to buy the X2 and a pair of P2 amps at the moment, but this is the stuff I'm saving for now. No CD player, no phono inputs and no fiddly setup. I hadn't heard of this company until you posted info about your MA product. They are well made, have a full feature set with a minimalist design and the power available should be more than enough. I know I'd need to be careful with the volume level with potentially 850W of class D heading towards each speaker. My QA3030i need up to 75W each, so gently does it. I finally realised how the X2 and X2 pure differ and the pure doesn't have a headphone option.

 

[Jasonovich]

Oh Mama......here's a teaser.

View: https://youtu.be/ji3Uzz_WY4k?si=XW93kX5j85eU217Y

Matrix Audio

The brand name is derived from the mathematical concept "matrix". Matrix is built by portrait and landscape, we name the brand "matrix" because we are looking for the balance between the 2 dimensions. We examine audio products from listening and looking so we also incorporated this concept into...

www.matrix-digi.com

 

[podknocker]

MA look superb Jason. You've got me obsessed with this brand now. It's just the stuff I'm after. I do think with class D, the market will move towards a streaming DAC unit with pre amp built in, then the option of 1 or 2 power amps etc. I think Eversolo does this and it seems a sensiible path. Huge amounts of class D on tap with a very small footprint, carbon and physical. I'm unsure how the trigger out works when you have 2 P2 amps to activate. I wonder if the streamer triggers one of the amps and then the trigger output from this one then triggers the input of the other. I've been into HIFI for decades, but never had anything but an integrated amp and a pair of speakers. Still learning after all these years!

 

[Jasonovich]

I think the switch allows RCA or XLR input, but doesn't tell the amp if it's in stereo or mono mode. I'm assuming, but not sure that the use of the mono XLR input for each power amp tells the amp it's going to receive one channel only and the internals then operate in mono mode. I think this is the case. I do appreciate the response Jason, but I will be checking with the vendor/company if I do buy this setup. I'm really unable to buy the X2 and a pair of P2 amps at the moment, but this is the stuff I'm saving for now. No CD player, no phono inputs and no fiddly setup. I hadn't heard of this company until you posted info about your MA product. They are well made, have a full feature set with a minimalist design and the power available should be more than enough. I know I'd need to be careful with the volume level with potentially 850W of class D heading towards each speaker. My QA3030i need up to 75W each, so gently does it. I finally realised how the X2 and X2 pure differ and the pure doesn't have a headphone option.

No rush Pod
I was going to buy the Pro version of the Mini i-4 which has headphone socket but I knew I was going to purchase a separate headphone amp, so it was better for me to save the cash and opt for the standard Matrix Mini i-4.

https://www.matrix-digi.com/storage/files/89c5d1168008db823cb9b9efc8b603e3.mp4

 

[podknocker]

You are right Jason. That switch does allow use in mono. The picture on MA's website is dreadful, but I found a video illustrating this much better:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVR40lBNWqU

 

[Revolutions]

Wow, these all look awesome. But I’m surprised at the cost: this stuff isn’t cheap.

It makes me feel a bit less concerned that I overpaid with my choice of pre/streamer. Not that I’ll lose sleep, it’s more the stigma attached to the brand that plays with my ego. Sounds amazing, does exactly what I need & I had the savings to pay for it. Don’t suppose much else really matters.

 

[Jasonovich]

You are right Jason. That switch does allow use in mono. The picture on MA's website is dreadful, but I found a video illustrating this much better:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVR40lBNWqU

You might prefer the M rather than the X Element Streamer. It has headphone jack and I believe cheaper?

View: https://youtu.be/52yxdXCikf0?si=QHJ2TiIdqZb7ROcc

 

[podknocker]

You might prefer the M rather than the X Element Streamer. It has headphone jack and I believe cheaper?

View: https://youtu.be/52yxdXCikf0?si=QHJ2TiIdqZb7ROcc

As I mentioned earlier, so many models to choose from and I think that can be a negative sometimes. MA need the aspirational M series and then perhaps just 1 more modular range, covering all bases. There are some very interesting devices on their site, but many have very similar specs and functions. I have the X2 streamer with 2 P2 power amps on my wish list now and I'm hoping they still make these when I can afford them, or even bring the current models down in price. They are quite expensive, but if the build and sound are top drawer, then they could be good value and a long term investment. I doubt I would need anything more powerful and the 850W per channel should kick any speaker up the backside!

 

[Jasonovich]

As I mentioned earlier, so many models to choose from and I think that can be a negative sometimes. MA need the aspirational M series and then perhaps just 1 more modular range, covering all bases. There are some very interesting devices on their site, but many have very similar specs and functions. I have the X2 streamer with 2 P2 power amps on my wish list now and I'm hoping they still make these when I can afford them, or even bring the current models down in price. They are quite expensive, but if the build and sound are top drawer, then they could be good value and a long term investment. I doubt I would need anything more powerful and the 850W per channel should kick any speaker up the backside!

You make an excellent point Pod, it is prudent to wait and yes so much to choose from, you're probably right, the prices are likely to come down.

Matrix Audio Element X2 Network-Attached DAC

Matrix Audio's Element X2 introduces design, control and input upgrades to the X's network DAC/headphone amp and preamp. All this and a colour touchscreen to boot At first glance, one might wonder why Matrix Audio felt any need to update its Element X network DAC [HFN Jan '21], the latter...

www.hifinews.com

 

[Friesiansam]

Just looked-up that Matrix device. Seems interesting except, I would be replacing a 2 grand (at today's prices) DAC/headphone amp with a 3 grand DAC/headphone amp/streamer. Would it sound better? I don't know but, likely not enough to justify the cost, especially when you consider my Pathos Converto is connected to my PC, which gives me access to as many streaming services as I could possibly want...

If I buy anything new in the next few years, it's most likely to be a headphone upgrade.

 

[Jasonovich]

If I find a second hand or greatly reduced priced Gustard X30 (Delta Sigma) or Denafrips R2R design DAC, I'm so tempted. Love the design and construction, shame about the plastic remote. Silver or Black?

View: https://youtu.be/VLkFoU3fu18?si=PH3AUe90rvNlIB_z

 

[gasolin]

New speakers

 

[Steve983]

I couldn't resist a fully serviced vintage NAD cd player from E bay - will report back when I've got it.

 

[gasolin]

New speakers

Im waiting for my speakers to arrive tomorrow

 

[Revolutions]

While putting off my cartridge upgrade due to being busy, I had a realisation that seeing as I have an MC input on my preamp maybe I should look beyond the new Rega ND7.

I‘ve been curious about the Hana SL for a long time. I’m going to sleep on this idea & see how I feel at the weekend.

 

[Jasonovich]

My recent purchase of FiiO FT1s really are shockingly good.
At £120ish these are excellent value, real wood!!! Though I have seen the prices starting to creep up, are as good as headphones many times their price.
Their main facet is vibrancy, and natural tones, I really can't fault them.
These down grade my planar EK ear plugs to the substitutes bench. Nice and comfy, keep my ears warm 😊

View attachment 7681

 

[Infiniteloop]

Just bought myself a pair of Franco Serblin Accordo Goldbergs. I set them up last night. The dealer said they would need 70-100 hours run-in on them, but they already sound really good.

 

[DougK1]

Just bought myself a pair of Franco Serblin Accordo Goldbergs. I set them up last night. The dealer said they would need 70-100 hours run-in on them, but they already sound really good.

They should sound really good for the eye watering price with their non-optional stands

 

[Al ears]

Just bought myself a pair of Franco Serblin Accordo Goldbergs. I set them up last night. The dealer said they would need 70-100 hours run-in on them, but they already sound really good.

Not jealous at all.......

 

[Infiniteloop]

They should sound really good for the eye watering price with their non-optional stands

They are my end-game speakers (retiring soon), so I thought I'd push the boat out. I listened to loads over the past few months and it came down to either Marten Parker Duo's or these. I listened to the Serblins in April and couldn't get them out of my head...