USED: MATRIX ELEMENT X2 PURE – MQA Streamer Headphone & pre- amplifier, dual Sabre ES9038PRO (768kHz DSD512)

REVIEWS

MATRIX AUDIO ELEMENT X2 PURE

The Matrix Element X2 Pure builds on the excellent architecture of the X2, shedding its headphone amplifier stage to enhance its digital-to-analog conversion section with the latest and greatest chips from ESS. This model is part of the brand’s line of network players, functioning as a complete standalone source device for your audio system and bringing your traditional HiFi system into the world of high-resolution streaming.

Dual ES9039Pro DAC

The dual DAC architecture allows to use the chips in the best way and to reach an optimal level of performance. The Element X2 Pure is equipped with two ES9039Pro conversion chips, the new flagship of ESS. Each chip independently processes the signal of one channel, significantly improving the dynamic range and effectively reducing distortion. This type of design ensures accurate and faithful sound reproduction.

A perfectly balanced circuit

In the Element X2 Pure, the analog circuits of the left and right channels are designed and implemented in a perfectly symmetrical way. It is also completely covered with aluminum shielding, which both insulates the components from interference and dissipates heat efficiently.

An elegant and intuitive graphic interface

The Element X2 Pure is equipped with a 3.46″ LCD touch screen. When playing from the network or locally with the MA player, a lot of information about the track is displayed. In addition, the touch control allows easy and intuitive navigation through the various menus of the device.

Many possible sources

With the Element X2 Pure, you can enjoy your music in many ways. Whether your files are stored on a device on your local network (computer, NAS…), on a USB storage device or on your smartphone, they are accessible from the Element X2 Pure. The streamer also supports DLNA and AirPlay2 streaming protocols as well as Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, allowing you to send your music to the X2 Pure directly from a smartphone, for example.

Many music streaming services are also accessible from the network player, such as Spotify, Tidal or Qobuz, but also to a wide range of web radios thanks to vTune

MA Remote App

With the free MA Remote mobile app you can browse your local music files, access your favorite streaming services and web radios, and control playback remotely, right from your smartphone. Firmware updates for the Element X2 can also be managed through the app.

  HDMI ARC

An HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port has been added to the Element X2 Pure. When connected to a display or projector that also has ARC, the digital audio signal can be transferred to the Element X2 Pure. In addition, if your device also supports HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), playback on the Element X2 Pure can be controlled directly by your display’s remote control.

Digital and analog inputs

The Element X2 Pure provides numerous digital inputs, but also a stereo RCA analog input. This makes it possible to connect the vast majority of HiFi devices to the streamer. In addition, a three-level gain control allows the X2 Pure to adapt to the output level of the source.

An efficient preamplifier stage

The Element X2 Pure features an excellent preamplifier with an analog gain of +10dB. When the preamplifier is activated, it can deliver audio signals at outputs up to 15.8Vrms. The Hyper-Control technology keeps noise and distortion levels extremely low.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DOCUMENTATION

Matrix Audio Element X2 PURE Manual (EN)