Matrix M-Stage amp review: simple, cheap, and excellent.

[EraserXIV]

I'm really liking the sound of my HD650 through the M-Stage, and I definitely don't feel like it's too dark. If anything, I actually wouldn't mind a little more bass quantity and slam. I am using the LME49720HA which is more balanced and cleaner than the stock opamp. I've been meaning to check out the OPA627, but haven't gotten around to it, especially since it's hard to discern between genuines and fakes.
 
Any other suggestions for opamps?

 

[Mad Max]

You are better off installing bass boost than opamp-rolling as far as increased bass.

 

[SleazyC]

Quote:

Have tried plugging it straight into the wall at work, i.e. not plugging into the UPS?
Could the Matrix be sitting on another piece of equipment with a large transformer in it? This could cause the hum.
Does it still hum with a source connected to it?
 
 
 

 
I have tried plugging the amp straight into the wall and get the same humming. The amp still hums with a source connected as well.
 
As for near anything with a large transformer in it, it is surrounded by several pieces of computer equipment (2x monitors + a desktop to its left and my laptop to the right as well as a phone + wireless mouse charger near it) and I suppose those could be causing some kind of interference. At home I had the amp near my sole monitor but it was a couple feet away from my laptop and my desktop. 
 
Quote:

Poke a hole in a piece of note card and put it around the headphone plug to shield current that may be accidentally flowing into the case from reaching the headphones.
Solved the problem completely for me.  Turns out current was going into the case for some reason and entering the headphones through the metal rim of the plug.

 
Will try this out, thanks for the suggestion.
 
 

 

[HydronQc]

Quote:

I have a question for the New Matrix M-Stage USB. Is the dac working when using the RCA input or its only working when the usb input is used.
Thanks

? for those who received the new m-stage
 

 

[GreatDane]

Quote:

You are better off installing bass boost than opamp-rolling as far as increased bass.

I'm not into opamp rolling but a good EQ (hopefully digital) can work wonders. I've had an Aphex 204 for a few years and it works better than digital parametric for adding "slam" and overall improvement in bass excitement.I combine EQ and the 204 . WIth the 204 my T1 can become a bass monster. ARRGGHH! 

 

[alphaphoenix]

Quote:

I have a question for the New Matrix M-Stage USB. Is the dac working when using the RCA input or its only working when the usb input is used.
Thanks

 
DAC is working only when the USB input is used.  The input switch on the front switches between the two inputs (RCA and USB).  I had my CD transport connected at the same time playing as well as the USB and you can only listen to one or the other.  If your question is regarding the output, I can't answer that. 
 
Also, the DAC can play up to 24bit/96khz for those of interest. 

 

[HydronQc]

thanks I will place my order on monday

 

[ZenErik]

I've got the Matrix M-Stage amp + USB DAC coming my way very soon thanks to alphaphoenix. Can't wait! Finally something that's not an E10 to power my Q701s.

Soon I will also be adding Ultrasone Pro 900s to the finally as well. Hope they match up well with the M-Stage.

 

[chicolom]

Wow.  Alphaphoenix, you sold your M-stage already?! 

 
Why?
 
 
 

 

[alphaphoenix]

Wife won't buy me custom IEM for Xmas and complains she can hear my music with my Grado chained to the amp.  Such as life.

 

[Tribbs]

  Divorce!

 

[GamerOne]

Been planning on getting an M-stage, but this new version with the USB DAC seems interesting. Its the same amp only with a built-in DAC if I understand it correctly? How good is the DAC? Would it be on par with the DAC on an Essence ST? I currently use an Essence ST, but maybe it would be worth replacing it with this new M-stage? Should also mention that I'm using a pair of K701's

 

[ZenErik]

I'll let you know my impressions, but the only DACs I have ever owned are an Oritek and the FiiO E10.

 

[ZenErik]

Does the M-Stage pair well with the Beyerdynamic DT990 600ohm? I am now fairly certain that that is the 2nd pair of headphones I will get. That is, if the M-Stage is powerful enough to drive them well. Thanks ahead of time for your input!

 

[BmWr75]

Quote:

Does the M-Stage pair well with the Beyerdynamic DT990 600ohm? I am now fairly certain that that is the 2nd pair of headphones I will get. That is, if the M-Stage is powerful enough to drive them well. Thanks ahead of time for your input!

Yes, the M-stage pairs well with any Beyer 600 ohm can.  I speak from experience cause I own the 770/880/990, all 600 ohm.