Matrix Element S - finally a dedicated streamer from Matrix!

[FiGuY1017]

Sadly, but as a necessity I had to sell my Auralic Aries G2 .1 and have been without a streamer ever since.
I tried streaming from an old iMac and another laptop but that was not great.

Then i found that streaming from an iPad Pro sounded rather clean and significantly improved on imac and laptop. Using roon and direct from qobuz app

Curious if anybody here has compared the matrix element S to something like an iPad Pro and if it is a distinctive improvement

Thanks

Before I bought my ElementS I was using a iPad 2021 via cck it is imo better than or equal to the Wiim Ultra I had so it's definitely no slouch, but it has nothing on the Element S, especially through 1²s. It is one of the best purchases I've made, although it was buggy when I got it, it has since become a joy to use. Getting a PS Audio AirLens incoming so I'll compare it to the S, I'll be shocked if it can match it honestly

 

[project86]

I've also been surprised at how good an iPad can sound when streaming directly to a DAC. Some DACs don't seem to like that as a source, but others are fine with it and it really does sound better than most laptop/desktop PC solutions out there.

That said I agree the Element S is on another level. Obviously depends on your system though, and there may be other areas where the money would be better spent. If you've got most of that taken care of though, then the Element S should be a nice upgrade over an iPad.

@FiGuY1017 I look forward to hearing your thoughts about the Air Lens. Interesting piece of hardware. I've had mixed experiences with PS Audio ranging from disappointing to amazing so I never know what to expect with each new thing they release.

 

[FiGuY1017]

I've also been surprised at how good an iPad can sound when streaming directly to a DAC. Some DACs don't seem to like that as a source, but others are fine with it and it really does sound better than most laptop/desktop PC solutions out there.

That said I agree the Element S is on another level. Obviously depends on your system though, and there may be other areas where the money would be better spent. If you've got most of that taken care of though, then the Element S should be a nice upgrade over an iPad.

@FiGuY1017 I look forward to hearing your thoughts about the Air Lens. Interesting piece of hardware. I've had mixed experiences with PS Audio ranging from disappointing to amazing so I never know what to expect with each new thing they release.

This Stellar Gold was my first product from them and have to say, it's amazing imo

I have heard mixed opinions on the Airlens but got a almost brand new unit for 600.00 so with that offer, I had to take a chance on it

 

[project86]

$600 seems like a no brainer purchase, can't really go wrong for that price.

 

[JMR77]

Matrix just launched a new streamer (TT-1) above the Element S:

https://www.matrix-digi.com/product/115/TT-1

 

[loaizaprat]

Matrix just launched a new streamer (TT-1) above the Element S:

https://www.matrix-digi.com/product/115/TT-1

HiFi Rose-like screen looks awesome. Is it just the Element S with a bigger screen?

 

[thecrow]

Matrix just launched a new streamer (TT-1) above the Element S:

https://www.matrix-digi.com/product/115/TT-1

and the NT-1

Edit: just realised that’s a higher tier