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

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

Hardware Platform

CPU: NXP i.MX 6Quad 4x Cortex-A9 @1.2 GHz
D/A Chip: ES9038PRO
Clock Source: Crystek CCHD-950

Digital Input

Coaxial & Optical
PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
DSD 2.8MHz (DoP)
IIS LVDS
PCM 16-32Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP)
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (Native)
USB Audio
PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz
MQA 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP)
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (Native)

Line Output

XLR Analogue 
SNR: >-134dB
THD+N: <0.00010%@1k, <0.00025%@20Hz-20kHz
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.05 -3dB@86kHz
Channel Crosstalk: >-151dB
Output Amplitude: 4.8VRMS@0dB

RCA Analogue
SNR: >-128dB
THD+N: <0.00015%@1k, <0.00025%@20Hz-20kHz
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.05 -3dB@86kHz
Channel Crosstalk: >-138dB
Output Amplitude: 2.4VRMS@0dB

Network

LAN: 10/100/1000Mbps
WLAN: 2.4GHz/5GHz
MA player Lite

Roon Ready
PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz
MQA 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz
AirPlay 2
The audio specs depend on the service provider
DLNA/UPnP
The audio specs depend on the service provider
Tidal Connect
The audio specs depend on the service provider
Spotify Connect
The audio specs depend on the service provider

Weight and size

Weight
3.4 kg (7.49 pounds)
Size
Width: 310 mm (12.20 inches)
Depth: 218 mm (8.58 inches)
Height: 43 mm (1.69 inches)

Power

Power Voltage
230V position is fit for AC 220V-240V 50/60Hz
115V position is fit for AC 100V-120V 50/60Hz
Standby Power Consumption: < 4W
Maximum Power Consumption: < 33W
Accessory

RM3 remote control x 1
Power cable x 1
Quick start guide x 1
Warranty card x 1

Download X-SABRE manual