Matrix – X-SABRE 3 WiFi DLNA AirPlay Roon Ready MQA DAC with preamp (32bit 768kHz DSD512)

REVIEWS

HIFI.NL – Matrix Audio X-Sabre 3 DAC (NL)

HIFI NEWS – Matrix Audio X-Sabre 3 Network-Attached DAC

X-SABRE 3 MA Remote app support

• Controller app MA Remote supported.
• Can login and play music from TIDAL, Qobuz and Internet radio from MA Remote.
• UPnP playback from MA Remote App supported.

DISPLAY

The X-SABRE 3 has a brand-new high-resolution LCD display, allowing for crystal clear updates on the current operating status of the device. While streaming, album art covers will be displayed, aligning with current technological demands from a user’s perspective. A modern step forward, deserving the title of a new generation in our X-SABRE lineup.

High-speed connectivity

Tucked neatly under a top made from tempered glass is the secret to the capability. A set of 2.4GHz and 5Ghz dual-band Wi-Fi antennas are hidden away from view to retain the elegant lines of the X-SABRE 3. In areas of weak network coverage, a Gigabit Ethernet option is available to maintain stability of connection. High-sampling audio transfers within the local network can count on rock-solid stability for uninterrupted listening.

Roon Ready music streaming

Being a Roon Ready certified device means that you connect to Roon without further configuration, and bit-perfect audio is promised from Roon to your X-SABRE 3. With the Roon app, you can now control the playback, output volume and standby. With softwares that support UPnP or DLNA, you can stream with the original sampling rate in the local area network to X-SABRE 3.

Online streaming

X-SABRE 3 is the first of Matrix’s line up to include Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect. Detection of the X-SABRE 3 as a playback device with your choice of streaming service and enjoy lossless playback seamlessly. Playback and volume can be controlled via the apps. Airplay is also supported.

Sync and Async mode

Switching of the working mode of the D/A chip can be conveniently done through the touch panel of X-SABRE 3. In the Async mode, the master clock of the D/A chip comes from the Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock inside the X-SABRE 3, and the clock from the front-end device will be abandoned; in the Sync mode, the built-in femtosecond clock will be turned off, and the D/A chip depends on the clock of the front-end device completely. In this mode, with a high-quality digital interface, you can bypass the digital processing part of the DAC through the IIS-LVDS interface, send the digital audio stream directly to the D/A chip to achieve different experiences.

TRIGGER ON/OFF

The streaming capabilities of the X-SABRE 3 allow more ease of controls via your mobile phone. The standard Trigger port enables you no need to turn on and off the power amplifier manually. When the X-SABRE 3 powered on or entered standby, it will also turn on or off any connected 12V trigger device automatically.

Fully isolated design

In order to preserve the famed noise and distortion performance that Matrix Audio is synonymous with, we have isolated the power, digital and analog circuitry in X-SABRE 3 into individual compartments carved from aluminium. As a result of the network streamer, faster processing speed and higher clock frequency, it was necessary place the D/A conversion and output stage into independent cavities. We successfully eliminated any noise contamination and source of interference in this flagship of digital audio.

SPECIFICATIONS