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

[NumLock]

Quote:

Yes, the Matrix does very, very well with Grados.
You can find posts on this by clicking "Search this Thread" near the top of the page.

wow, I just now noticed that feature. I've been clicking on Advance Search all this time. This makes things so much easier, haha. 

 

[Chris J]

Quote:

wow, I just now noticed that feature. I've been clicking on Advance Search all this time. This makes things so much easier, haha. 

Thanks!
I've never noticed that feature either!

 

 

[chicolom]

I use that feature constantly.  Super useful.

 

[Majestyk]

Just got my M-Stage last week.  I'm going to be doing a lot of source comparisons with both the inputs in use at the same time.  How long do you guys think the toggle input switch will last?  

 

[ZenErik]

Heh. It's not the best switch, but I always have it on USB anyway. The DAC is more than adequate for now. Eventually I will upgrade.

 

[unixdog]

Hello,
I placed my order for an m-stage with CFG 6 days ago. I was informed by CFG that the order was shipped on 12/16 (US date) and he provided me with an EMS tracking number.  However, the tracking information for the order on the EMS site hasn't changed the slightest since I first checked it.  It's still indicating the following:
 
Timing                           Site                  Status 　
2011-12-18  21:14:00 HANGZHOU  Posting   　   
21:35:58                        HANGZHOU  Arrival at Sorting Center   　
2011-12-18  23:12:15 HANGZHOU  Despatch from Sorting Center
 
Do you think the order is being held up in China or could it be that it's no longer
being tracked by the EMS site?  I know I've ordered things overseas in the past and I've seen
situations where the tracking information stops updating,  but then all of a sudden
it shows up at your house.  Thoughts?  BTW, I did email CFG this morning to see if he could
provide any insight.  Thanks!

 

[ZenErik]

Could be held up. But also check http://www.usps.com/ because they'll likely be the ones delivering to you. Just input the same tracking number.

 

[unixdog]

Quote:

Could be held up. But also check http://www.usps.com/ because they'll likely be the ones delivering to you. Just input the same tracking number.

Thanks for the quick reply.  I guess I didn't realize that you could use the same tracking# for UPS.  Anyhow, it's
indicating similar information.
 
 

[size=1.1em] Origin Post is Preparing Shipment

	[size=1.1em]  [/size]	[size=1.1em]  [/size]	Proof of Delivery
			[size=1.1em] Processed Through Sort Facility[/size]	[size=1.1em] December 18, 2011, 11:12 pm[/size]	[size=1.1em] HANGZHOU, CHINA PEOPLES REP[/size]
			[size=1.1em] Acceptance[/size]	[size=1.1em] December 18, 2011, 9:14 pm[/size]	[size=1.1em] CHINA PEOPLES REP[/size]

[/size]  

 

[ZenErik]

I recently had ab EMS shipment from Japan that took a few days longer than usual. Perhaps due to the time of year. Be patient.

 

[unixdog]

Quote:

I recently had ab EMS shipment from Japan that took a few days longer than usual. Perhaps due to the time of year. Be patient.

Yep, I guess I have no choice.  I'm a little bummed as I have a pair of 650's and an HRT Music Streamer II showing up by tomorrow and I don't have another amp.  I'm tempted to order a cheap E11 along with an RCA->3.5mm cable to hook up to the HRT so that I can listen to my new HPs while I'm waiting for the m-stage to show up.  I'm pretty sure my iMac headphone out won't drive the 650's decently enough to make it worth listening to. 

 

[Androxylo]

Is there any reference on - how many versions of M-stage are there around, how to tell the version when buying? How do they differ?
 
Maybe wikipedia is the right place for that. 
 

 

[project86]

 
Quote:

Is there any reference on - how many versions of M-stage are there around, how to tell the version when buying? How do they differ?
 
Maybe wikipedia is the right place for that. 
 

It's confusing, but there really aren't as many as it seems. You've got:
 
1) Original version, as seen in the first post on this thread. 
 
2) Updated version, same thing but with minor revisions - different PCB to include an encapsulated transformer and some other minor changes (very minor). Externally it has a different enclosure, the most obvious change being a different knob for volume. 
 
3) Same updated version with integrated USB DAC. As far as I can tell, this is almost identical to #2 above, but with a slightly changed enclosure (swaps an RCA input for a USB input, has venting along the sides). The USB DAC appears to be an add-on daughter card type, so the actual amp section should remain untouched. This is just based on the pictures so I could be wrong.
 
That's really all there is. #1 was replaced by #2, which is still sold. #3 just came out.
 
If we are talking about similar amps that are not branded as "Matrix M-Stage" then yes there are other options. I'm just taking your question literally. 

 

[PelPix]

Thinking of replacing my input caps with Sonicaps.  Can anyone give me a quick runthrough of installation?

 

[Majestyk]

 
 

Hello,
I placed my order for an m-stage with CFG 6 days ago. I was informed by CFG that the order was shipped on 12/16 (US date) and he provided me with an EMS tracking number.  However, the tracking information for the order on the EMS site hasn't changed the slightest since I first checked it.  It's still indicating the following:

 
For now, don't worry about the tracking.  You'll just stress yourself out with it.  I ordered the non USB version from CFG via ebay, when they were on sale, and I never even bothered looking at the tracking. I can check how long it took if you want but I'm in Canada so it's kind of apples to oranges.  Keep in mind things are a little slower and chaotic at Christmas time.

 

[Chris J]

 
Quote:

Thinking of replacing my input caps with Sonicaps.  Can anyone give me a quick runthrough of installation?

 
I replaced the input caps with wire jumpers.
Just make sure your sources have no DC offset at the outputs.