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Sound
I have used the Matrix Audio Element M2 mainly in my stereo HiFi chain, where it fed my PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC’s pre-amp over XLR. I gathered the following impressions with the Element M2 as the main DAC in my setup. The Gain Cell DAC fed my M700 mono blocks by PS Audio, which then powered my KEF R3 Meta or DALI Rubikore 2. Everything is cabled by Audioquest (Black Beauty interconnects, Robin Hood speaker cables). My entire gear is connected to my Audioquest Niagara 1200 power conditioner.
Most of the time I used Matrix’ own App, but I have also gone to Roon and Tidal.
The Element M2 delivers a refined and highly resolving sound with an overall neutral to natural tuning, that extends from top to bottom. It offers a detailed and transparent midrange, a tightly controlled bass and a harshness-free top end. The M2 presents a sound with top notch technical qualities, especially in terms of soundstage, imaging and dynamic range.
The bass of the Matrix Element M2 is precise, controlled and delivers superb speed. Low-end frequencies com across with a tight grip and excellent layering, which makes way for a detailed and articulate bass.
Lows of the M2 are clean sounding with high resolution, good, but not exaggerated, body and neutral weight. Those who desire more heft and weight might wish for something extra though. The M2 could certainly benefit from a little more flesh and weight, which might sound a little on the lighter hand at times.
The midrange of the Element M2 is in line with the bass response, although vocal appear to be slightly laid-back in the mix. While singers are clear and transparent, they aren’t pushed forward with any added warmth or richness. The characteristic voice of Leonard Cohen for example is rendered with high precision but could do with a dose of extra heft and richness.
Instruments sound natural and neutral in tone, where the delivered body is again on a balanced line. The Element M2 does not sound overly thick, which in turn gives us a resolved and spot on delivery. Each instrument is reproduced with excellent resolution and texture. You can pick out the finest nuances with the Element M2 in the midrange, which often has left me in awe.
In terms of technical performance, the Element M2 is a clear winner. It delivers high resolution, excellent layering and an absolute top soundstage. The M2 creates a wide, deep and tall image with superb instrumental placement. Couple that high resolution with a pitch-black background and the M2’s clean sound, and you have the perfect setting for superb imaging. The M2 creates a soundscape that feels tall and grand, allowing the instruments and musicians to breathe.
The treble of the Element M2 is as neutrally tuned as the rest of the spectrum. It doesn’t oversaturate any top-end notes, making them deliver excellent air and space. Cymbals, violins and other high-pitched instruments sound clean and spot-on. There is no harshness or metallic zing anywhere to be found. Everything just sounds natural and polished.
Comparisons
Streaming DACs have become more and more popular over recent years. Many new brands emerged from the sea and a lot of established companies invest heavily in this segment. This chapter compares the Element M2’s performance against its streaming competitors and a traditional DAC.
I compared all the units while they sat in my speaker setup.
Eversolo DMP-A8
The Element M2 and the DMP-A8 are both high end streaming DACs that offer a superb fidelity in their own right.
The DMP-A8 carves out a dent over 1,000 USD smaller in your pockets. The Element M2 offers headphone outputs, which the Eversolo clearly lacks. The DMP-A8 however comes with a multitude of digital outputs as well as the option to install an SSD for internal storage.
Albeit quite nuanced, the sound differences between the Element M2 and DMP-A8 are audible in my opinion. For example, the Element M2 offers a tighter and more controlled bass than the DMP-A8, which in turn puts more flesh on the bones. The Eversolo makes bass notes sound thicker and richer, while the Matrix is more precise and faster.
Both streaming DACs present a grand and airy midrange. The Matrix, however, creates a more holographic sound, which makes vocals appear bigger as a whole. The DMP-A8 in contrast, makes them sound a little more intimate, but weightier. The M2 gives instruments more accuracy, while the A8 is smoother and a touch more relaxed in comparison. In a tonality perspective, the Eversolo is a hint warmer than the Matrix, which is more transparent and neutral.
To me, the Element M2 edges out the DMP-A8 in resolution. It creates a finer rendered image, where micro details are brought out with more care. Both units construct a wide, deep and tall stage, where it is difficult to name one of the two as a clear winner. The M2 might stretch a bit more into height, but only marginally.
Chord Electronics Hugo TT2
The Chord Hugo TT2 is a pure DAC/Amp and does not offer any streaming capabilities, aside from Bluetooth.
It also lacks HDMI I²S or ARC inputs, which the Matrix Element M2 clearly offers. The TT2 however is an animal of a Digital to Analogue Converter, priced at a whopping 2,000 USD higher than the M2. The headphone output impedance of the Hugo TT2 is significantly lower than the Matrix’, which makes it suitable for a wider range of headphones (and earphones).
The two share some surprising similarities in their sonic characters but differ in others to give each their own standing in the audio world.
Both DACs control the low-end well, but the Hugo TT2 adds warmth and body, making it slightly more dynamic. The Element M2 delivers a neutral bass response, focusing on high resolution and detailed texture. The Hugo TT2 gives a slightly weightier and fuller presentation, where the Chord opts for an organic approach. Don’t think the M2 would sound anemic in comparison though, quite far from it. The Element M2 has a more neutral-natural signature here.
The Hugo TT2 paints midrange instruments and vocals with more warmth, while the Element M2 takes a more neutral approach. Both feature excellent transparency and air, while also creating big stages. The Chord knows how to fill this stage with an emotional presence of the singers though. Mids sound richer and wetter on the TT2 than on the precise M2.
Chord’s DACs are known to be detail monsters, delivering the utmost of information in the music. The Hugo TT2 is no exception, but here’s the thing, the M2 is not that far behind. Yes, the Hugo TT2 gets out finer nuances and is sharper in imaging, but considering the price difference of the two, the M2 holds absolutely solid value.
The treble of the Chord is a bit crisper and brighter in tone but has good softness to tame it down before it gets brittle and sharp. The M2 on the other hand is more neutral and cleaner.
The Element M2 offers similar technical performance to Chord, with key differences in coloration.
Conclusion
Matrix Audio has created a wonderful, albeit not perfect, streaming DAC with the Element M2. It offers enormous flexibility with its multitude of digital inputs. The inclusion of the ARC HDMI input makes it capable of being the heart of any home audio system in my opinion.
The Element M2 supports high-resolution audio formats and integrates seamlessly with Roon, enhancing its versatility. It is also compatible with streaming protocols like Tidal Connect, DLNA, UPnP, and AirPlay 2.
The Element M2 offers excellent sound across the board and combines that with an impressive array of features. It renders every note with precision and superbly high resolution, while keeping a natural-neutral, dynamic and enjoyable sound overall.
This combination of rich features, high end audio fidelity and superb usability makes the Matrix Audio Element M2 a top choice for those seeking a high-quality, versatile streaming DAC. The Element M2 delivers a sophisticated audio experience, satisfying both seasoned audiophiles and dedicated music lovers. It secures its place as a standout component in any premium audio setup.
For an extra dose of warmth and richness, you might best add a Class A or tube amplifier to the chain. The Element M2 will deliver all the resolution and details needed for an excellent pairing. To our Recommended Buy List it goes!
Summary
Pros:
Superb sound quality
Great user experience
Build Quality and Design
Future Proof
Flexibility
Cons:
App still has some bugs
High output impedance of headphone outs
Could benefit from extra warmth
