Potato score: 89.5

90%

Matrix Audio element X2 Pure #1
Matrix Audio element X2 Pure variant 1
Matrix Audio element X2 Pure variant 2
Matrix Audio element X2 Pure variant 3
Matrix Audio element X2 Pure variant 4
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Matrix Audio element X2 Pure variant 8

Matrix Audio element X2 Pure

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An outstanding work of sincerity

element X2 Pure as a music streamer, which is a new member of our element sereis, welcome! To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Matrix Audio, we launched the element X2 Pure. The word "Pure" indicates "to achieve the purest thing", it carries Matrix's original intention of pursuing the pure sound, also expresses the design concept of simplicity that Matrix always believed in. We make the product more excellent, just for your picky ears, enjoy the music and meet the expectations of every listening.


Dual D/A synergy

The dual D/A design makes the best use of the chips and reaches perfection. The element X2 Pure is equipped with 2 pieces of ES9039PRO which is the new flagship by ESS. Each chip works in mono mode, every 8 D/A conversion units from 1 chip work in parallel, which effectively improves the dynamic range and reduces audio distortion, while making the circuit of left and right channels completely separated. Every appropriate design ensures an accurate reproduction of the sound, bringing more powerful audio performance and excellent listening experience.

The beauty of symmetry, the art of balance

The golden rule of industrial aesthetics can be found all over the product. The analog circuits of left and right channels have the same layout and components. They are designed exactly symmetrical. The analog circuit is completely covered by the CNC aluminum shield, which effectively ensures the heat dissipation of the op-amps and isolates the interferences. No matter inside or outside, the element X2 Pure exudes a pleasing and meticulous design.

Electrical isolation, no fear of interference

The digital processing and D/A conversion circuit of element X2 Pure is electrically isolated, the ground wire of digital and analog parts are completely separated. The D/A and analog circuits are powered by ultra-low noise LDOs to obtain an extremely high SNR and dynamic range, leaving the background of music as silent as deep space.

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.

Enter the world of streaming audio

element X2 Pure integrates various streaming services and local file playback functions, which can be used as an excellent audio source. Through coaxial, optical and USB connection, it can be an external DAC of CD players, digital audio players or computers, which improves the sound performance of your existing audio system.

Digital and Analog Sources All-in-One

element X2 Pure 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 through element X2 Pure. There are high, medium and low input gain options available to adapt to the different output levels of front-end devices.

Early bird of TV Hi-Fi

The element X2 Pure has an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input. When connected to display devices such as TVs and projectors including HDMI ARC functionality, the digital audio from the HDMI signal can be transferred to element X2 Pure for higher quality playback. If the display device supports HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) protocol, the playback on element X2 Pure can be controlled by this display device.

Sweeter and louder

element X2 Pure 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. When paring with the brand-new audio power amplifier element P2, there is no need to add a standalone pre-amp to the system. The matching design satisfies you with both visual and listening, providing abundant power to various speakers.

Asynchronous or synchronous

Async and Sync modes still available for element X2 Pure. In Async mode, the 2 D/A chips use the Crystek CCHD950 ultra low phase noise femtosecond clock as the master clock, and the clock from the front-end device will be abandoned. In 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.

Everything In Your Hand

The brand-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 touch comfortable.

Easier To Use

The element X2 Pure is equipped with a 3.46 inch LCD touch screen. The playback touch keys, the MA Remote App and the physical remote control make the element X2 Pure easier to use.

High Speed Transmission

The integrated 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi antenna gives element X2 Pure a tidy and clean appearance and a flexible connection option. Equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet port, which gives a more stable connection when streaming high sampling rate audio files, ensures the music data transports into your audio system smoothly.

Ceramic Ball Vibration Buffer

The element X2 Pure is so lucky to be the first product equipped with CBVB pads. The core of CBVB is made of ceramic balls and silicone rubber. There are 6 ceramic balls in each pad to minimize the noises caused by mechanical vibration. The transparency of the sound is further improved, creating a wide and clear sound stage for you.

Top-notch components

We used KG series audio capacitors from Nichicon as the main filter capacitors of element X2 Pure. Its extremely low internal resistance and inductance can effectively match the energy requirements of large dynamics and continuous rich low frequencies playback.

O-core Toroidal Transformer

We customized a new O-core toroidal transformer which has silver-plated output wires with Teflon insolation. Compared with regular toroidal transformers, the circular cross-section magnetic core reduces the resistance of the transformer, which increases efficiency and response speed of the transformer.

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Overall Score 90/100

Rating for [object Object]

Nicely Roasted

Matrix Audio element X2 Pure

Matrix Audio's element X2 Pure is a refined, feature-rich network DAC that pairs lively, detailed musicality with deep, controlled low end. Using dual ES9039PRO DACs in a symmetrical, essentially dual-mono layout, it delivers incisive midrange clarity, taut bass and wide, focused imaging — a sound reviewers at HiFi News, Part Time Audiophile and Audiophilepure described as revealing yet musical. Its low-noise architecture and LDO regulation preserve dynamic contrast and very quiet backgrounds for detailed microdynamics, while the MA Remote app, Roon Ready support and HDMI ARC/I2S/USB inputs make it a versatile digital front end. The compact aluminium chassis, DC-coupled audio path and touchscreen add convenience and refinement. Ideal as a streamer/DAC/preamp for serious listeners seeking top-tier connectivity and a punchy, analogue-like presentation, it represents strong value in its class.

HiFi News

"it's a genuine pleasure to use, and the upgraded DAC and analogue output stages yield a sound that's revealing and clean yet vibrant."

Pros

  • Revealing yet musical presentation with strong midrange clarity and controlled, weighty bass.
  • Comprehensive feature set and streaming flexibility — MA Remote app, Roon Ready, HDMI ARC, I2S, USB and network/Wi‑Fi support.
  • High-end engineering and quiet background: dual‑mono ES9039PRO implementation, DC‑coupled audio path and low‑noise LDO regulation deliver excellent dynamics and low noise floor.

&

Cons

  • No front‑panel headphone outputs — the 'Pure' trim removes the onboard headphone amp, reducing desktop/headphone‑first convenience.
  • Lacks a dedicated fibre‑optic Ethernet (Fibre Ethernet) option found on some rivals.
  • Initial setup and feature learning curve — touchscreen, app and remote sometimes require a bit of familiarisation.

Sound Quality

90/100

The unit is praised for microdynamics, transient engagement and low-octave drive — reviewers highlight its ability to capture timbral differences and microdynamics and describe drums that 'slammed' and bass that 'rolled appropriately' (HiFi News, Audiophilepure). The often-cited low-noise power design (LDOs) is credited with preserving dynamic contrasts and the music's punch (Part Time Audiophile).

Noise Floor

91/100

Noise performance is emphasized across reviews: Part Time Audiophile notes 'ultra-low noise LDOs' and 'black, velvety silences', and the reviewer heard a 'black, smooth, silent' presentation — language that maps to a near- reference-level, IEM-friendly noise floor. No reviewers reported audible hiss; the consistent praise for a very quiet background supports a top-tier noise-floor score.

Headphone Compatibility

76/100

Reviews focus on DAC/preamp performance and do not document a dedicated headphone output, output impedance, or measured headphone power delivery; the X2 Pure is primarily reviewed as a network DAC/preamp with variable balanced/unbalanced line outs. Because there's no clear evidence reviewers used or measured it as a direct headphone amp (gain stages, low-ohm headphone output, or dedicated headphone sockets), compatibility is rated conservatively despite excellent signal quality.

Build Quality

90/100

Build and engineering are praised: reviewers note a compact but impressive chassis, dual-ES9039PRO in a symmetric/dual-mono layout, DC-coupled audio path and machined aluminium shielding (HiFi News, Part Time Audiophile). The combination of thoughtful internal layout and solid external finish supports a high build-quality rating.

Features Connectivity

95/100

The Element X2 Pure is richly featured: fixed/variable balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line outs, USB-B, S/PDIF, HDMI ARC, I2S, network streaming (Ethernet/Wi‑Fi), AirPlay2/Tidal/Spotify support, MA Remote app and high-end ES9039PRO DAC implementation (HiFi News, Audiophilepure, Part Time Audiophile). That breadth of digital inputs, streaming services, and preamp functionality places it at the top end of feature sets for its class.

Value for Money

90/100

Reviewers explicitly call the $4,500 asking price 'reasonable' and commend the product for offering many features for the money (Part Time Audiophile), while other outlets praise its performance/feature balance. The consistent positive language about cost-to-performance supports a justified-premium value score.

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