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Matrix Audio element X2
The evolution of elements
The element series music streamer, which represents the new design concept of「Matrix Audio」, is facing an update after they were announced three years ago. The element X2 will be a new start, it acts as a full-featured stand-alone source device for your audio system, and also brings your existing traditional two-channel system into the world of high-res streaming audio. Simplify your audio system and enjoy the music.
Perfect all-in-one solution
element X2 music streamer is a multi-functional audio source that can play local music files or online streaming audio. It has a built-in preamplifier and headphone amplifier, which can drive various of headphones directly, or connect to power amplifiers or active speakers easily. Besides of rich digital input ports, the element X2 even has a pair of analog input ports which allows you to connect vinyl turtables or CD players to it. The HDMI ARC input helps you get a better sound quality when watching TV. Roon Ready, UPnP and AirPlay are not absent as well. Excellent human-computer interaction, with the MA Remote App by「Matrix Audio」, you can easily configure your devices, browse and playback music files. For audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution which has superior resolution and presents all the details perfectly, element X2 might be your best choice.
New UI New impression
The 2nd gen element series music streamer is equipped with a 3.46 inch LCD touch screen. When playing over the network, or playing local music via MA player, rich information of the track is displayed on the screen. The touch screen allows you to perform various operations more conveniently. The newly added playback touch keys make the new generation of element music streamers easier to use.
MA Remote App
It serves as the core tool for controlling your music streamers. By installing the MA Remote App on your iPhone, iPad or Android phone, they become the most convenient control centers, allowing you to browse and play your local music, enjoy high-resolution music from streaming platforms like SONY Select, TIDAL, Qobuz and HIGHRESAUDIO, Baidu Cloud,QQ Music,listen to exciting online radio stations. Even when music is streaming from Roon or other apps, you also can view the track information through the MA Remote App. Furthermore, the MA Remote App allows you to set every hardware configuration, completely changing the operation of an audio device.
Sweeter and louder
element X2 has built-in a superb pre-amplifier with +10dB analog gain. When the pre-amp is enabled, it can output high-quality audio signals up to 15.8VRMS, combined with Hyper-Control technology, let the entire output range keep ultra-low noise and distortion. It's no need to add an additional pre-amplifier, simply feed to the amplifier to achieve pure sound.
Full of power Full of details
element X2 has a built-in full-balanced headphone amplifier, which is composed of 8 independent amplification units, every 2 units are connected in parallel, provides higher drive current and output power with a very low distortion and noise, and better control of micro-details to the headphone speaker units. For element X2, there are no hard-to-drive headphones, just plug and play.
Everything In Your Hand
We take every detail of the product seriously, even the remote control is no exception. The new RM4 remote control has added playback control functions, making it more convenient to switch tracks, play, pause and other operations. With the 2 programmable buttons which can be set to your frequently used functions through the MA Remote App. The material of aluminum and plastic makes the remote control comfortable to the touch.
Digital and Analog Sources All-in-One
element X2 not only has multiple digital input ports, it also has added analog input ports. Vinyl turntables with line outputs, CD players or other devices with analog outputs can be connected to your modern digital audio system by element X2. There are high, medium and low input gain options available to adapt to the different output levels of the front-end device.
Early bird of TV Hi-Fi
We have added HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input port to element X2. When connected to display devices such as TVs and projectors with HDMI ARC functionality, the digital audio from the HDMI signal can be transferred to element X2 for higher quality playback. If the display device supports HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) protocol, the playback on element X2 can be controlled by this display device.
Femto Clock Built-in
Digital audio is the art of time, a high-precision clock is the basis for accurate playback of digital audio. The element X2 has built-in a Crystek CCHD-950 ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clock, which can effectively reduce the jitter generated in the transmission and processing of digital audio signals, making the sound more realistic and the details more accurate. Laying a solid foundation for the good sound of element X2.
Asynchronous or synchronous, it's up to you
There are async mode and sync mode available on element X2. In the Async mode, the master clock of the D/A chip comes from the built-in Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock, and the clock from the front-end device will be abandoned. In the Sync mode, the built-in femtosecond clock will be turned off, and the D/A chip depends on the clock of the front-end device completely.
Isolated Design
There are 2 independent power supplies dedicated for the ARM processor and the digital audio processing part of element X2. We put the 2 parts in independent circuit units, and joint them by several optocouplers to achieve complete electrical isolation. The audio circuit part uses an independent linear power supply to present a pure music background to you.
Highway of audio data
The element X2 is equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet port to ensure more stable connection when streaming high sampling rate audio files. Make the music data stream in your audio system smoothly.
Follow your way
Under good wireless network signal coverage, you can choose Wi-Fi connection. The integrated 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi antenna, gives element X2 a tidy and clean appearance and a flexible connection option.
Get your pace
The newly added trigger ports allow you no need to turn the amplifier on or off manually, just let the element X2 work as a control center, and enjoy the music with a single touch.
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Matrix Audio element X2 — concise overview
Matrix Audio’s element X2 condenses a streamer, reference DAC and high‑current headphone amp into a single, sleek chassis. Reviewers praise its natural, richly textured midrange, tight, punchy bass and clear, unforced treble, all delivered across a vast, well‑defined soundstage. As Gary Alan Baker and Andrew Everard note, the X2 combines exceptional musicality, strong transient control and energetic dynamics with low distortion and high resolution. Built from rolled aluminium and fitted with a colour touchscreen and MA Remote app, it functions as a flexible system hub (Roon Ready, MQA, HDMI ARC, dual‑band Wi‑Fi). Its headphone section supplies ample power for hard‑to‑drive cans while variable XLR/RCA outputs let it act as a preamp. For listeners seeking an all‑in‑one, performance‑first front end, the element X2 offers a reference‑class package.
Pros
- Reference-grade musicality, tonal balance and large, well-defined soundstage.
- Powerful, low‑distortion headphone amplifier able to drive demanding headphones and IEMs.
- Extensive connectivity and streaming features (Roon Ready, MQA, USB‑C, HDMI ARC, MA Remote app, dual‑band Wi‑Fi) make it a versatile system hub.
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Cons
- Initial library indexing can be slow and cannot run in the background, making first‑time setup time-consuming.
- Significant price uplift versus the original Element X and only a minimal printed manual; some users may expect more comprehensive documentation.
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics and impact are repeatedly described as a strength: 'epic', 'invigorating, hard-hitting' and retaining control even with dense, high-impact material (HiFi News, EnjoyTheMusic). Reviewers also highlight excellent transient response and large soundstage, indicating strong macro- and micro-dynamic performance.
Noise Floor
86/100
Reviews do not flag audible hiss and the Element X2's measured SNR figures and reviewer impressions imply a very quiet background (spec SNR up to 131dB on XLR). However, explicit 'dead quiet' or 'black background' wording is absent and some tests omitted noise assessments, so score reflects 'very quiet, suitable for most IEMs' rather than reference-level silence.
Headphone Compatibility
90/100
Multiple reviewers state the unit has 'the power to drive any headphone' and recommend it for hard-to-drive models (EnjoyTheMusic, Audiophilepure mentions Susvara, HE6se, ABYSS). The specs back this up (up to ~2.6W@33Ω balanced, multiple gain settings), though output impedance (<12Ω / <6Ω) isn't the <1Ω ideal for some multi-driver IEMs — hence excellent overall but not perfect.
Build Quality
90/100
Build and presentation are described as 'sleek' with a rolled aluminum chassis and thoughtful design touches (EnjoyTheMusic). The unit's size/weight and included RM4 remote underline a solid desktop/hi‑fi build quality appropriate for its price tier.
Features Connectivity
95/100
The Element X2 is a full-featured network streamer/DAC/amp: ES9038PRO DAC, balanced 4.4mm headphone out, XLR line outs, USB, optical/coax, LAN/WLAN, Roon Ready, AirPlay2, MQA, MA Remote app and preamp outputs. Given its streaming, balanced outputs, high-end DAC and network features, it sits at the top of the allowed features band (capped at 95 per scoring rules).
Value for Money
91/100
Reviewers call it 'well in excess of its price class' and a 'one-stop product' that 'truly does it all' for the ~$4,399 price (EnjoyTheMusic, Audiophilepure). Multiple reviewers justify the premium for its combination of DAC, streamer and high‑power headphone amp functionality, so it earns a 'justified premium' value rating.
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