[grokit]

Quote:

No, I mean bi-amp.
Using a software like Audiolense or a Motu for DRC and electronic XO, then feed a DAC stage, then 4-channel power amp, then speakers.

 
You are going to crossover the frequencies digitally before the DAC stage?

 

[fredhammersmith]

yes.
a friend of mine try to convince me to use the Motu, but I've heard too many bad things about the Motu DAC. Although I should listen to one before making a final call.
But I sure love the Matrix DAC. 

 

[T.IIZUKA]

My Matrix's Matrix. mod.2010.10.31
 
<Input>
COAX - Onkyo ND-S1 (iPod Transport) <--- iPod
TOSLINK - JAVS nano/S <--- iMac(2007)
AES/EBU - CEC CD3300R (CD Player)
USB <--- PC (Windows XP Pro. + ASIO4ALL)
 
<Output>
COAX - Audio-Technica AT-HDSL1 (COAX to TOSLINK) ---> Kenwood KAF-A55 ---> Fostex FE103E (Speaker)
Analog RCA - STAX SR-313 - Tokyo-Sound Valve-X
Analog XLR - CEC HD53
 
MATRIX mini-i is a convenient tool ! 

 
 

 

[Ph1lerAudi0]

Ah the digital amplifier. Nice  The next stage of digital audio evolution. 

 

[Hellenback]

I've been following this thread with interest but can't help wondering if all the mods done to the original Matrix (whether DIY or the Matrix V2) will give you as good or better sounding music than pairing the DAC of the Matrix with a Little Dot MKVII+ amp. It is the same price as the $400 mods and you're getting a balanced configuration (at least for headphone listening).
 
I use the MKVII+ paired with the Matrix Mini-i (un-modded) and have no real desire for an upgrade. The music is truly wonderful, especially good hi-res material played through Mediamonkey with a USB -> SP/DIF converter.

 

[Ph1lerAudi0]

Quote:

I've been following this thread with interest but can't help wondering if all the mods done to the original Matrix (whether DIY or the Matrix V2) will give you as good or better sounding music than pairing the DAC of the Matrix with a Little Dot MKVII+ amp. It is the same price as the $400 mods and you're getting a balanced configuration (at least for headphone listening).
 
I use the MKVII+ paired with the Matrix Mini-i (un-modded) and have no real desire for an upgrade. The music is truly wonderful, especially good hi-res material played through Mediamonkey with a USB -> SP/DIF converter.

I know this is a headphone community and I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority because I'm using my  matrix as a pre-amp connected to a Behringer EP 2000 power amplifier. So I need the headphone amp.

 

[Zorlac]

So is there an option to send in our existing Matrix Mini-i for strictly DAC upgrades? Also, I wonder if the firmware could be updated at the same time (assuming there are any updates available)?

 

[T.IIZUKA]

My version, v1.2 is. What is unknown can be updated.

 

[Hellenback]

Quote:

My version, v1.2 is. What is unknown can be updated.

Not sure what you mean here....is there an update process?

 

[T.IIZUKA]

Quote:

Not sure what you mean here....is there an update process?

Version with the serial number is written.
Displayed in the power ON.
 
Updater does not seem to be provided.

 

[T.IIZUKA]

 
Quote:

 
Inside View.
 

 

 
Make inferences.
 
PCB is 4-layer multilayer. (It is like PC's Mather Board ! )

Nichicon HD 25V2700uF x2 = Smooth Capacitor
Nichicon FW 35V220uF x2 x2ch = Coupling Capacitor for TPA6120 (Headphone amplifier)
 
OPA2134UA = I/V Conversion  (AD1955 to OPA2124)
Nichicon Muse 10V100uF x2 x2ch = Coupling Capacitor for OPA2134UA
 
OP275 (OP3) = Buffer for Analog Out
OP275 (OP4 & 5) = Buffer for Balance Out
 
This is reasoning of the amateur.
 
 
Add, CHIP ALUMINUM ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS.
 

 
 
Nichicon UD 16V100uF x6/ch = x12
Rubycon TZV 16V470uF x2

 

[Califf]

How does Mini-i compare to Yulong D100? Anyone?
 

 

[Ph1lerAudi0]

For those of you mating your Matrix to an Apple Airport Express, get a jitter eliminator. I recently added a used Theta TLC (~$100.00) to my setup and the difference was significant.
 
The Theta's standard wall wart power supply is very picky about where its plugged in. I had it plugged into a shared power strip which gave me unpleasant sound. Once I switched the wall wart to a wall socket, sharing only with the power amplifier, the sound improved a great deal.
 
  Listening to my music library again has revealed detail unnoticed from before, and more smoothness. That part tickles me. Especially changed, though, was the BASS! Solid. Strong. Coherent. I cant believe that jitter was hurting the bass that much.
 
That Theta has become a nice and very much prized addition to my stereo family
 
 
PA

 

[Hellenback]

Quote:

For those of you mating your Matrix to an Apple Airport Express, get a jitter eliminator. I recently added a used Theta TLC (~$100.00) to my setup and the difference was significant.
 
The Theta's standard wall wart power supply is very picky about where its plugged in. I had it plugged into a shared power strip which gave me unpleasant sound. Once I switched the wall wart to a wall socket, sharing only with the power amplifier, the sound improved a great deal.
 
  Listening to my music library again has revealed detail unnoticed from before, and more smoothness. That part tickles me. Especially changed, though, was the BASS! Solid. Strong. Coherent. I cant believe that jitter was hurting the bass that much.
 
That Theta has become a nice and very much prized addition to my stereo family
 
 
PA

There seems to be some very mixed reviews about this device. Although I've not heard it myself I have read some people like it, some claim it adds jitter in some applications....others call it snake oil. I guess it's something you have to hear and decide for yourself.

 

[T.IIZUKA]

Quote:

How does Mini-i compare to Yulong D100? Anyone?
 

I have never used a Yulong D100.
I understand only the numerical value in the catalog. 
 
 
Is it given priority to Headphone out or  Line Out?
Are there a lot of budgets?