Review: Matrix Quattro II

Now, I want to talk about a feature of the Quattro II that some people may not be too fond of, but that I love (since it benefits people like me).  If you go to the Matrix website, you will notice the price listed as $899.95.  If you go down to the available options pulldown menu, you can select whether or not you want the ability to decode DSD.  If you do, the cost is $899.95.  Should you not care about the DSD format, you can knock the price of the unit down to $749.95.  Obviously, not being a DSD man myself, I love this as that is a pretty nice chunk of changed I just knocked off the cost.  Also nice, since this is done completely at the software level, should I someday need that DSD capability, I can download the upgrade, and there I would be.  The people who are big into DSD might be crying foul right now.  And on one condition, I might even see their point.  That condition is whether or not it can hold its own as a $900 DAC.

Fortunately, the Quattro II more than holds up.  Man, I am getting tired of describing what is, essentially, a neutral sound signature.  The sound the Quattro II offers is very linear from bottom to top.  I don’t notice any spikes or deficiencies anywhere.  Also, banish from your minds the thought that the Sabre chips are analytical and not musical, because that is most certainly not the case here.  I think the best way to talk about sound here would be by comparison.

First, with the Mini-I Pro.  The sound here is pretty similar to the Pro with three small exceptions: fine detail is a little better, the highs are a touch smoother, and the bass has just a bit more body and weight.  That may not sound like much, but it makes quite a difference, especially that extra kick in the bass.  That is the one thing I really felt missing from the Pro.  I can say with all certainty that this is a nice step up.  I should also add that the Mini-I Pro I reviewed is not the 2015 model, so I can’t say what changes in sound occurred with the newer Pro.

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Of course, if I am going to do any comparisons at this level, the opponent has to be the Resonessence Labs Concero HD. When comparing the Quattro to the HD, which share a similar balance that doesn’t give favor to any particular frequency; it becomes obvious quite quickly that there presentations of the sound go in two different directions.  The Quattro here has a wider soundstage, and smoother, more laid back and spacious sound.  Of course, everything is laid back compared to the HD, so don’t take that to mean the Quattro is lethargic in any way.  In fact, you could argue that the Quattro has a more natural sound compared to the highly caffeinated Concero HD.  There are two places where I find the Quattro to give up ground to the HD: depth and micro detail.  The HD offers the image better depth than the Quattro, but not by a great margin.  With the added width, I still feel the Quattro has a slightly bigger soundstage.  As for the detail, that ability to pull out the little details in the music is my favorite thing about the HD, and the Quattro just isn’t quite up to that level.  I don’t find it lacking in any way, it just doesn’t have the same strength.  This is a pretty close fight between the two with both having the strengths.  I have a feeling that, unless they find their system feeling a bit slow, people might prefer the slightly more laidback Quattro II.  Let in not be said that Matrix doesn’t know how to make good sounding gear.  If you have the money and the desire, the Quattro II justifies its $749 cost.

So, let’s look at the built-in amp.  Since the DAC justifies the cost, the amp should be looked at as a bonus, and that’s where it stands.  It is a fine sounding amp, but nothing really special.  It is clean, and clear, but using the HE-400i as the test, the bass lost some tightness and control, and the highs lost a bit of sparkle compared to the V100 or M-Stage 3.  I would say it serves its purpose fine as an amp to use in a pinch, or afford a better one.  The M-Stage is still the best amp Matrix has to offer, but no shame in that!

I have really enjoyed my time (and music) with the Matrix Quattro II.  I am heartbroken that the sun will soon set on my time with the Quattro II.  It offers a strong showing in build, features and, most importantly, sound.  A slightly ugly look doesn’t diminish the Quattro II one bit.  If you are in the market for a DAC in this price range, don’t let a lack of flash or this reviews lack of rhetorical prowess stop you from giving this a serious listen.

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3.6/5 - (56 votes)
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8 Comments

  • Reply February 23, 2016

    dalethorn

    That was an excellent description of the back panel, but the front — is that 2 headphone jacks and only one volume control? Overall, a very thorough review.

    • Reply February 24, 2016

      Dave Ulrich

      Excellent point, Dale! Yep, 2 jacks and 1 volume control.

  • Reply February 25, 2016

    Tibor

    Thank you for the review.
    I am sorry, but my comment is a bit off topic,but…
    When you guys will get your hands on Schiit Gungnir Multibit + Mjolnir 2? Or perhaps Bifrost multibit please?
    Cheers 😉

    • Reply February 26, 2016

      Dave Ulrich

      I have contacted Schiit a few times to try and get a Bifrost review, but have never heard back. So, I would hold my breath.

      • Reply February 26, 2016

        dalethorn

        That’s surprising. Seems like they would want a good tech review to go along with all the ‘announcement’ reviews.

        • Reply February 26, 2016

          Headfonia_L.

          It’s always been like this with Schiit. “Yes sure you can get one” but then they never ship it and stop replying… Great service 😀

          • Reply June 17, 2018

            Piece O. Schiit

            Wow complete lack of integrity. Very interesting. That really makes me want to run right out, and buy something from them! :p. smh

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