Matrix Element i2 – new streamer with DAC on ES9038Q2M

The Matrix Element i2 is the entry-level model in Matrix Audio’s streamer range, but boasts good equipment.

The digital-to-analog converter (DAC) block is based on the ES9038Q2M chip from Saber Technologies, and the Crystek CCHD-950 clock generator, which operates with femtosecond accuracy, is responsible for digital signal synchronization. A large 3.46-inch LCD occupies almost the entire front panel of the device and can display both service information and album art being played. The model can be used as a pre-amplifier, and a balanced 4.4 mm jack and a regular 6.35 mm jack are provided for connecting headphones.

The Matrix Element i2 supports all major music apps including Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify and more. You can apply a digital signal to the Matrix Element i2 both over the air and through a gigabit Ethernet port, as well as IIS, USB and other physical connectors.

The Matrix Element i2 streamer will be available mid-May 2022.

Matrix Element i2 Specifications

• CPU NXP i.MX 6Quad Cortex-A9
• D/A Chip ES9038Q2M
• Clock Source Crystek CCHD-950
• Digital Input:
  – Coaxial & Optical PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz DSD 2.8MHz (DoP)
  – IIS LVDS PCM 16-32Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP) DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz, 22.4MHz (Native)
  – USB Audio PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz MQA 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP) DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (Native)
  – HDMI ARC PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
• Line Output:
  – XLR SNR: >-120dB A-weighting THD+N:<0.00025%@1k, <0.00035%@20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@80kHz Crosstalk: >-138dB Output Level: 4VRMS@0dB
  – RCA SNR: >-118dB A-weighting THD+N:<0.00035%@1k, <0.00050%@20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@80kHz Channel Crosstalk: >-130db Output Level: 2VRMS@0dB
• Headphone Output:
  – 4.4 mm balanced SNR: >-116dB A-weighting THD+N:<0.0006%@20Hz-20kHz 4VRMS Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@65kHz Output Impedance:<22Ω Output Power: 1500mw@33Ω, 950mw@300Ω, 500mw@600Ω, 1%THD Gain: +16.5dB
  – 6.35mm unbalanced SNR: >-114dB A-weighting THD+N:<0.0008%@20Hz-20kHz 2VRMS Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@65kHz Output Impedance:<11Ω Output Power: 1200mW@33Ω, 260mW@300Ω, 130mW@600Ω, 1%THD Gain: +16.5dB
• Network: LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps, WLAN 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
• Format Supported: MP3 , WMA , WAV , AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE
• Power Voltage AC 100-240V 50/60Hz
• Weight 2.6 kg (5.73 pounds)
• Size Width: 240 mm (9.45 inches) Depth: 259 mm (10.20 inches) Height: 58 mm (2.28 inches)