Matrix Audio Element M2 Streamer

Matrix Audio Element M2 music streamer can be used as the heart of a high-end audio system. It can play from any source both analogue and digital. Digital inputs include optical and coaxial. There is also USB and IIS-LVDS as well as HDMI ARC.

Element M2 can be used as a stand alone unit with headphones, or can be connected to an amplifier or active speakers. Hi-res music playback is also supported via Roon, UPnP or Airplay 2. Finally, there is the MA remote App, which makes the unit easy to control. The sound is accurate and musical with no digital harshness.

New LCD display

This is one of Matrix Audio’s 2nd generation of Element streamers. In addition to other improvements, it has been updated with a larger colour LCD screen. The 3.46” touchscreen displays a range of data about what is playing and artist information. You can also use the screen as a playback touch pad. Overall the M2 is easier to use than ever before.

MA player software

The M2 is great if you have a large library of music on a NAS drive or similar. These can easily be connected to the USB port and controlled with the MA player software. Then you can browse the files and play them with ease. You can also connect to streaming services such as TIDAL, Qobuz or Spotify, not to mention internet radio. An alternative is Roon for which the M2 is also compatible.

Fully balanced headphone playback

There is now a fully balanced 4-channel headphone amplifier on board. This is connected by a 4.4mm connector and is a fully symmetrical design. Balanced headphones use four wires instead of three. For example, instead of sharing a common earth they each have an individual return path, reducing crosstalk and distortion. It also increases the output power delivery.

New remote control

The supplied remote control now has playback control functions. It is easy to switch tracks, play, pause and do many more operations. Additionally, there are two programable buttons, for your favourite radio station or podcast. You can set the buttons through the MA remote App. Finally, the aluminium case is durable and strong.

New HDMI socket

The M2 now has an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input. This can be used to take the sound from TV’s and projectors with HDMI ARC functionality. In this way the digital audio can be sent from the TV for high quality playback. Additionally the display device can control the M2 streamer if it supports the HDMI CEC protocol.In other words the display device can then control the M2’s playback functions.

Two DAC playback modes

Two playback modes are available with the M2 Streamer. Async mode uses the built in Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock to control the DAC chip. In this mode the connected device’s clock is disabled. In sync mode the internal clock is turned off and the clock from the connected device is used. The switching should be set to the mode that sounds the best.

Upgraded power supply

There are now two separate power supplies. One feeds the ARM processor while the other powers the digital audio processing circuits. This reduces any mutual interference. Moreover, for complete isolation, each PSU is coupled by optocouplers. Additionally, the analogue circuit uses an independent linear power supply. This design is used for the best possible sound quality.

Reliable Wi-Fi or ethernet

Wi-Fi dropouts can be a problem, but shouldn't be an issue with the M2. The integrated 2.4 Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi aerials are hidden under the top cover yet give exceptional range and reliability. There is also wired Gigabit Ethernet available for hi-data-rate files.

The final new feature is a trigger input that allows the unit to switch on or off any trigger enabled connected device such as an amplifier.