In this review we take a close look at the Matrix Audio Element M2, a streaming DAC that retails for 3,099 USD.
Disclaimer: Matrix Audio supplied the Element M2 for this review. Matrix is not related to Headfonia in any way and not a site sponsor.
Matrix Audio
Matrix Audio is a renowned audiophile brand from China. They have opened shop in 2006 with the DA-100 as their first product. Since then, Matrix has continuously developed new gear for the audiophile market, some of these products have been featured on Headfonia in the past.
Matrix has become a frontrunner in the streaming market over the past few years due to its growing popularity.
The portfolio of Matrix’ streamers has grown rapidly in the recent past. Today they offer different products in a total of four lines. There’s the mini-i series, which is their entry level line of products. The X-Sabre X series comfortably sits above it, while the Element series is offering the most flexibility in terms of usability. In the Element series you can find a product for all the different needs, scaling from smaller budgets to high-end and deep pockets.
The deepest of pockets are required for their M series though. This is where Matrix puts in all their maximum efforts to create the best possible products. This flagship series beholds a streamer (MS-1), a pre-amp (MP-1) and a power amplifier (MA-1), offering a complete digital HiFi system.
In today’s review, we are going to check out their Element M2 streamer. We already looked at the original M back in 2019. You can find that article here:
Element M2
The Matrix Audio Element M2 is a high-end streaming DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) that is designed to meet the needs of traditional stereo listeners and headphone enthusiasts alike. The Element M2 offers a rich range of features, that include Roon Readiness, Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify Connect.
The D/A Conversion is built around the ESS9028PRO chip, which offers highest resolution support for files up to 32bit/768kHz and native DSD512. We all know that the audio qualities of a DAC do not purely rely on the chip though. So Matrix Audio has ensured that the Element M2 has all the bits it needs to sound its best. They even implemented two independent power supplies for the ARM processor and the digital section of the Element M2. This guarantees an optimal performance for each individual segment.
The Element M2 has a sophisticated femtosecond clock built in to minimize jitter. Reduced jitter is essential for a cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction.
Being a network enabled streaming DAC, the Element M2 also supports a variety of different streaming protocols, including DLNA, UPnP and Airplay2. Meaning that you can access your NAS drives via the Element M2’s MA Remote App to build your library from there. As previously mentioned, it also is Roon Ready, which means a seamless integration into the Roon environment. For me, any streamer that hits the market should be Roon Ready, as this is simply a must-have feature in my books.
When looking at the ins and outs of the unit, we can see that the Element M2 offers a wide range of digital inputs. The unit comes with a Coaxial, Optical, I2S LVDS, USB B and HDMI ARC input. With the balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs, the Element M2 offers enough flexibility to find its place in any audio system. To round it all off, you can connect your external HDD or SSD directly to the unit via the USB-C input.
Add to that a 6.3mm and 4.4mm balanced headphone output on the front of the unit and you have yourself a complete package for audiophiles. The headphone outputs have quite a high output impedance, with the 4.4mm out being 22 Ohms, while the single ended is rated at 11 Ohms. They fire 1.8 Watts into 32 Ohms balanced and 1.2 Watts single ended.
The Matrix uses a dual band WiFi (2.4/5GHz) and a Gigabit Ethernet connection. I have almost exclusively used the Ethernet connection for its stability and speed. Although I didn’t have any issues with the WiFi at all. I’m just an old-fashioned audiophile.
The Element M2 also brings trigger in- and outputs to the table. Making it an easy integration with other 12V trigger capable devices.
The Element M2 also offers a vast selection of streaming services. Tidal, Highresaudio and Qobuz are all built-in into the MA Remote App and can be accessed directly there. You can also use the native Tidal and Spotify Apps and simply hit the connect button in it, where you can send streams directly to the Element M2 via Connect mode. On top of that, the Matrix also supports vTuner for internet radio stations.
You can get the Element M2 through Matrix’ extensive dealer network around the globe for $3,099 USD.
Package
The Matrix Audio Element M2 comes in a nicely designed black box that holds the Element M2, a power cord, a remote control (no AAA batteries included), and a quick start guide as well as a warranty card. There is also a 60-day voucher to try out Roon. If you don’t have a Roon subscription already, you should really try it out!
The M2 is packed very securely in the box, and nothing should happen during shipping.
The review continues on page two!
