Matrix Element S - finally a dedicated streamer from Matrix!

[CFGamescape]

Yes you can switch modes via the front panel and also using the app. I can't imagine having to power cycle or move cables, that seems really inconvenient.

I think the only thing you can't do is run it as a DDC and also select the USB output to feed your DAC. That gets disabled in DDC mode, so you only get the other outputs like AES, coax, and optical.

If you strictly wanted a USB to USB filter/jitter reduction type device, something like the Stack Audio Link 2 would be a better bet.

Thanks! Seems like this would be a good solution for me!

 

[CFGamescape]

BTW, is this the only device that's a standalone streamer (i.e., no DAC/amp) that can switch the input via UI? I'm new to streamers and understand there are some that are many levels above this price point.

 

[Musikfan]

BTW, is this the only device that's a standalone streamer (i.e., no DAC/amp) that can switch the input via UI? I'm new to streamers and understand there are some that are many levels above this price point.

Hi, there are other devices at this price range that are only streamers, including the Sonore UltraRendu v3, the Mano Ultra mkiii (that comes with. Farad power supply), the Silent Angel Munich, Volumio Rivo and PS Audio Airlens. The PS Audio Airlens, Mano Ultra and Silent Angel have i2s ouput, whereas the UltraRendu and Volumio Rivo have usb output. I'm currently using an UltraRendu Volumio Rivo and the Matrix Element S. All 3 are solid performers and I've never had any issues with any of them. The Volumio app is top notch. The UltraRendu has no app and I use it as a Roon endpoint, but it's so easy to set up and reliable. I have to say that Matrix has been working hard to bring software upgrades for the app and also firmware updates to the Element S after it received Roon certification.

I am using the UltraRendu, LHY clock and Gustard U18 with the Gustard R26 and the sound I'm getting is really good. Very organic and relaxed, but also resolving with excellent imaging and soundstaging. I'm very happy with the combination right now.

I hope this helps.

 

[CFGamescape]

Hi, there are other devices at this price range that are only streamers, including the Sonore UltraRendu v3, the Mano Ultra mkiii (that comes with. Farad power supply), the Silent Angel Munich, Volumio Rivo and PS Audio Airlens. The PS Audio Airlens, Mano Ultra and Silent Angel have i2s ouput, whereas the UltraRendu and Volumio Rivo have usb output. I'm currently using an UltraRendu Volumio Rivo and the Matrix Element S. All 3 are solid performers and I've never had any issues with any of them. The Volumio app is top notch. The UltraRendu has no app and I use it as a Roon endpoint, but it's so easy to set up and reliable. I have to say that Matrix has been working hard to bring software upgrades for the app and also firmware updates to the Element S after it received Roon certification.

I am using the UltraRendu, LHY clock and Gustard U18 with the Gustard R26 and the sound I'm getting is really good. Very organic and relaxed, but also resolving with excellent imaging and soundstaging. I'm very happy with the combination right now.

I hope this helps.

Thank you, super helpful! It seems that the Matrix Element S still checks a lot of boxes for me that the others don't. Basically, I need a device that can switch input sources from my PC to ethernet/wifi and vice versa and output via I2S.

 

[Musikfan]

Thank you, super helpful! It seems that the Matrix Element S still checks a lot of boxes for me that the others don't. Basically, I need a device that can switch input sources from my PC to ethernet/wifi and vice versa and output via I2S.

Matrix Audio definitely makes great devices and the Element S is a terrific streamer. If you do end up deciding to get the Element S think about buying it from Power Holdings. Arthur is great to deal with and provides excellent customer service and is super helpful. I've purchased a number of gear from Arthur and have always been pleased. Let us know what you end up deciding to do and good luck.

 

[project86]

I'm actually not positive it can do USB in to I2S out. Seems like it should be able to, but the manual specifically says coax, AES, and optical, omitting the I2S option from that sentence. Maybe just a mistake on their wording though? I will have to try it when I get a chance.

 

[CFGamescape]

I'm actually not positive it can do USB in to I2S out. Seems like it should be able to, but the manual specifically says coax, AES, and optical, omitting the I2S option from that sentence. Maybe just a mistake on their wording though? I will have to try it when I get a chance.

This video at about the 1:30 mark seems to suggest I2S is an option.

 

[project86]

That's probably correct then, since that is an official video. I was just going by the wording on page 3 of the manual, and they seem to have forgotten to list I2S.

Plus it makes sense as you can use the Matrix X SPDIF 2 and 3 to go from USB to I2S. And the Element S basically contains an X SPDIF 3 inside, so the feature set should be identical.

 

[LevR]

Hello! Hope you are doing great!

@Musikfan if you have a privilege to compare Element S and Volumio Rivo, could you please share your thoughts about it SQ differenses ? Im very interested in your thoughts because I also have R26 with U18 and now do streaming on Qobuz from Mac mini, audiorvana. I want to upgrade to dedicated streamer but can't audition it in my house and have to choose in blind) And now I hesitate between these two streamers. In the past I had Aurender n200 few days in my house and was very excited by its SQ, but can't afford its price now. So if you can compare them with Aurender would be great too) Anyway thanks for any thoughts from anyone!

 

[FBas74]

Good morning

User of the Matrix Audio Element S, I would like some advice regarding an I2S Audio cable to connect the Matrix S to a Gustard dac, and I don't know what to get. I live in France.
Your opinions and help are greatly appreciated.

 

[Musikfan]

Good morning

User of the Matrix Audio Element S, I would like some advice regarding an I2S Audio cable to connect the Matrix S to a Gustard dac, and I don't know what to get. I live in France.
Your opinions and help are greatly appreciated.

Hi, I think any Hdmi cable that is well made and transmits signal reliably will do. I purchased a reasonably priced hdmi cable from Ricable, a company in Italy. The hdmi cable is called Supreme mkii. Audioquest also makes good hdmi cables and I've used their Cinnamon cable that is reliable and doesn't break the bank. There is a US based company, DH Labs, that also makes good hdmi cables at reasonable prices. Also, try looking on Amazon which offers many hdmi cables. Hope this helps.

 

[project86]

Agree about DH Labs, exceptional bang for the buck with their stuff.

 

[FBas74]

Hi, I think any Hdmi cable that is well made and transmits signal reliably will do. I purchased a reasonably priced hdmi cable from Ricable, a company in Italy. The hdmi cable is called Supreme mkii. Audioquest also makes good hdmi cables and I've used their Cinnamon cable that is reliable and doesn't break the bank. There is a US based company, DH Labs, that also makes good hdmi cables at reasonable prices. Also, try looking on Amazon which offers many hdmi cables. Hope this helps.

 

[FBas74]

Hi, I think any Hdmi cable that is well made and transmits signal reliably will do. I purchased a reasonably priced hdmi cable from Ricable, a company in Italy. The hdmi cable is called Supreme mkii. Audioquest also makes good hdmi cables and I've used their Cinnamon cable that is reliable and doesn't break the bank. There is a US based company, DH Labs, that also makes good hdmi cables at reasonable prices. Also, try looking on Amazon which offers many hdmi cables. Hope this helps.

Thank you for the help, I know nothing about this type of cable and I thought that HDMI I2S-LVDS cables were difficult to find with this type of name

 

[Musikfan]

Hello! Hope you are doing great!

@Musikfan if you have a privilege to compare Element S and Volumio Rivo, could you please share your thoughts about it SQ differenses ? Im very interested in your thoughts because I also have R26 with U18 and now do streaming on Qobuz from Mac mini, audiorvana. I want to upgrade to dedicated streamer but can't audition it in my house and have to choose in blind) And now I hesitate between these two streamers. In the past I had Aurender n200 few days in my house and was very excited by its SQ, but can't afford its price now. So if you can compare them with Aurender would be great too) Anyway thanks for any thoughts from anyone!

I purchased the Volumio Rivo and LHY 5 volt linear power supply from Beatechnik.com. The Rivo is optimized for USB output and does not have an i2s output so I bought it to pair with a usb dac. You definitely want to get a power supply to use with the Rivo.The LHY LPS is inexpensive, very well built, feels and looks solid, and works without any issues. Rivo's design and operation are elegant and simple. The Rivo was extremely quick to set up and connected seamlessly with my network. One of the selling points is the Rivo runs on Volumio software, and it comes with a lifetime subscription to Volumio Premium. The Volumio app looks great and I'm finding it easy to navigate, with many options available for listening. The integration with Roon, Qobuz and Tidal has so far been flawless.

I bought the Elemenent S from Power Holdings. The Matrix Element S is a high quality streamer that looks great and has a lot of features, including a display. The remote app has been greatly improved, and now works well with Tidal and Qobuz. At times I have issues connecting the Element S to the network, but ultimately it always ends up connecting.

Both Volumio and Element S are Roon Ready, and connect via wifi and lan, and have options to connect external media with music files. The Rivo outputs 384kHz and 256 DSD, while the Element S outputs 768kHz and 512 DSD. Both streamers are able to stream music in a very balanced and precise way and bring a full, effortless and smooth music presentation to any system. Vocals and instruments are lifelike and natural. If pressed, I'd say that the Element S soundstage is wider, and detail retrieval, imaging and instrument separation are a bit better. However, both produce a rich, musical soundscape.

If you plan to use the streamer with dacs that offer both usb and i2s connections, and like a streamer with loads of features and a display, I'd go with the Element S. While the Rivo is a solid, very reliable streamer with an awesome app, I'd give the edge to the Element S. Matrix makes has a lot of experience making excellent audio products.

Hope this helps.