Matrix Element S - finally a dedicated streamer from Matrix!

[project86]

I have not heard any updates, only "working on it" as of last month (and the past few months before that). They just released a new update with some bug fixes etc so definitely still active but no Roon yet.

There have been stories about waiting for Roon themselves to finish testing and certify the device. And at one point I heard they had to send it back to Matrix for some further bug fixes, which may have delayed things again. But I don't know how accurate those stories are.

Meanwhile I've gotten somewhat used to their MA Remote app on my Pixel 8 Pro. It does a pretty solid job with Tidal and Qobuz for the most part, but I don't care for it as much playing files from my local library. The streaming services are still a step down from Roon in terms of the user experience but not bad at all.

I've also tried using Roon via AirPlay and it works great as well, with the usual exception of sample rate being limited to CD quality. I don't hear any significant loss of SQ from the AirPlay "repackaging" process, which in theory is sort of like FLAC etc where it is just a container and the lossless audio still comes through. So if someone is frustrated with waiting for Roon on the Element S I'd say use that for now.

 

[loaizaprat]

I've had the element S for 2 or 3 months now. I'm also waiting for roon certification. In the meantime, I've been using the MA Remote app and very occasionally Roon through AirPlay (I don't want to limit to CD quality). The Matrix app is very buggy on my Samsung S22 phone. Every time I switch to another app in the phone and then go back to the Matrix app, I end up closing it because it's unresponsive. On the other hand, I have to either search on Tidal or search on Qobuz. I can't just search and see Tidal and Qobuz results combined, like in Roon. I also think streaming through Roon improves sound quality. It's useless to ask Matrix about Roon certification. They simply ignore you. I guess they are tired of the same question from multiple people. All of this have made me start looking at alternatives.

 

[JMN1999]

Looking at the matrix website there is no longer any reference to pending Roon certification on the element S. At least any reference I can see, This is pretty poor imo as it appears this may no longer be a sure thing.

 

[project86]

Interesting, I had not noticed that.

Theoretically, if they are strictly waiting for Roon to approve it, and they are tired of fielding questions about it so often, perhaps it makes sense to remove it as they have no control over how long the process takes. But that's a lot of assumptions.

 

[Musikfan]

I've had the element S for 2 or 3 months now. I'm also waiting for roon certification. In the meantime, I've been using the MA Remote app and very occasionally Roon through AirPlay (I don't want to limit to CD quality). The Matrix app is very buggy on my Samsung S22 phone. Every time I switch to another app in the phone and then go back to the Matrix app, I end up closing it because it's unresponsive. On the other hand, I have to either search on Tidal or search on Qobuz. I can't just search and see Tidal and Qobuz results combined, like in Roon. I also think streaming through Roon improves sound quality. It's useless to ask Matrix about Roon certification. They simply ignore you. I guess they are tired of the same question from multiple people. All of this have made me start looking at alternatives.

Hi, what streamer alternatives have you been exploring? Thanks! I know Silent Angel and Magna Hifi have streamers around this price range, and PS Audio has the Airlens for about $2K. I'm using the Volumio Rivo on a second system and I'm very happy with its functionality and the Volumio streaming app.

 

[project86]

Hi, what streamer alternatives have you been exploring? Thanks! I know Silent Angel and Magna Hifi have streamers around this price range, and PS Audio has the Airlens for about $2K. I'm using the Volumio Rivo on a second system and I'm very happy with its functionality and the Volumio streaming app.

That's a tough question because to me the Element S is pretty unique in terms of having those front panel transport controls, album art, etc. The Silent Angel and Magna devices you mention are indeed around the same general price range (and both look promising to be honest), but they both use the typical "headless" format with no displays or controls available. Ditto the Air Lens device. In the same general price range I would also consider the entry level Innuos models or the Stack Audio Link II with matching VOLT power supply (which I also use and love).

To me, the main competition for the Element S is the Eversolo DMP-A6. It's got that wonderfully large touch screen on front and runs almost flawlessly without bugs - Matrix could really learn from Eversolo. The only down side is that they try to be a jack of all trades rather than just a transport, and unsurprisingly the SQ isn't quite up to the same standard as the Element S. But frankly it's not far behind either, for significantly less money.

 

[JMN1999]

Hi, what streamer alternatives have you been exploring? Thanks! I know Silent Angel and Magna Hifi have streamers around this price range, and PS Audio has the Airlens for about $2K. I'm using the Volumio Rivo on a second system and I'm very happy with its functionality and the Volumio streaming app.

I own the Magna Mano v2a streamer it is excellent and comes with an in built very quiet LPS. The roipee xl software is flawless. Using Roon I have no need for a colour screen on the streamer itself, imo this is somewhat a distraction especially if you sit at some distance from your gear.

 

[project86]

Oh I certainly agree it's not necessary in all situations. But imho it's just one aspect that separates the Element S (and the Eversolo for that matter) from most other streamers. If I sit right there in front of my gear, I can see album art and sample rate etc, and can also skip to the next track if I want.

That's handy in some circumstances. If you sit at a distance then of course controlling everything with a phone/tablet/laptop/etc gets the job done just fine. I guess it just feels like the Element S/Eversolo units somewhat approximate the feeling of using a disc-based player in that we can directly interact with the front panel of the machine to accomplish certain tasks.

Maybe I'm making too much of a big deal out of that feature but to me it is unique and desirable. If we just want a headless box then we have a dozen or more good options.

 

[JMN1999]

Oh I certainly agree it's not necessary in all situations. But imho it's just one aspect that separates the Element S (and the Eversolo for that matter) from most other streamers. If I sit right there in front of my gear, I can see album art and sample rate etc, and can also skip to the next track if I want.

That's handy in some circumstances. If you sit at a distance then of course controlling everything with a phone/tablet/laptop/etc gets the job done just fine. I guess it just feels like the Element S/Eversolo units somewhat approximate the feeling of using a disc-based player in that we can directly interact with the front panel of the machine to accomplish certain tasks.

Maybe I'm making too much of a big deal out of that feature but to me it is unique and desirable. If we just want a headless box then we have a dozen or more good options.

Understand. SQ for me takes precedence but each to their own.

 

[project86]

Element S has excellent SQ as well though, so I don't think it necessarily involves any compromise.

I just wish the Element S was as squared away, from a firmware perspective, as some of the other Element models with integrated DACs and headphone amps on board. I don't need any of those features so the pure transport would be perfect for me if it all worked flawlessly.

 

[loaizaprat]

Hi, what streamer alternatives have you been exploring? Thanks! I know Silent Angel and Magna Hifi have streamers around this price range, and PS Audio has the Airlens for about $2K. I'm using the Volumio Rivo on a second system and I'm very happy with its functionality and the Volumio streaming app.

I am looking for 4 characteristics (besides SQ, of course):

1- Screen that shows album art, track info, bit rate, etc.
2- IIS output
3- roon ready
4- Preferably just a network transport, as I have a very good DAC already with the Denafrips Pontus II

Having said that, element S was supposed to check all the right boxes for me. But we all know what has happened with roon certification.

Before buying the element S, I checked multiple other streamers around the same price tag: Denafrips ARCE, Eversolo DMP-A6, Innuos Pulse Mini, PS Audio Airlens, and Lumin U2 Mini. None of these check the 4 boxes above.

If the Eversolo DMP-A6 had an IIS output, I would probably have gone for that. Now they just released the DMP-A8, with an IIS output, though I'd be paying for a DAC and a preamp I won't use. If Eversolo had a network transport, I think that would be very interesting.

I'm tempted by the HiFi Rose RS130, though that one is way above in price.

 

[loaizaprat]

Matrix Audio just replied to a question I asked some days ago in their Facebook page. My question was if they were still pursuing roon certification for the element S. Their answer is, and I quote here, "Roon has informed us that the element S has been certified. Let's wait for the formal announcement by Roon Labs.".

So I guess now it's a matter of roon releasing an upgrade so we can use it with the element S.

 

[Dragon Leader]

Fresh from the Roon website.
Finally!

 

[loaizaprat]

Now they just have to release an upgrade.

 

[project86]

Yep still won't actually work with Roon but hopefully an update is just around the corner, now that the "hard" part is completed.