Matrix Audio Element X2 Streamer

Matrix Audio Element X2 streamer is the 2nd generation model from Matrix and features several upgrades. It can be used as a stand alone unit with headphones or active speakers, alternatively can be used as a streamer within your existing hi-fi system. 

Join the world of hi-res streaming and enjoy local files or stream from online sources, as well as playing all of your analogue sources. There is a new larger LCD touch screen. As you would expect the headphone amplifier is a high quality design made to get the best possible sound from a range of headphones models. It also features an analogue pre amplifier stage with three gain settings to best match legacy devices.

Great connectivity

As well as optical and coaxial digital inputs the X2 has an analogue input for turntables with a phono preamp, or CD players. There is also an HDMI ARC input to take the digital sound from your TV. The analogue input has three gain settings of high, medium and low. This allows you to match the volume level of connected legacy devices. You can also stream from online services such as Spotify. Finally, there is a wired Ethernet port as well as two hidden Wi-Fi aerials for a reliable wireless connection.

New LCD touchscreen

This next generation of Matrix streamers features a 3.46” touch screen. It is larger than previous versions and displays a range of information about the playing track and artist. The display can also be used to control playback and other functions. The usability has been improved as well as the front panel design.

The MA player application

The X2 is great for music lovers with lots of files stored on a NAS or other drive. Just connect the drive via USB and you can use the MA Player application, on your device, to control playback. Browse files and play them with ease. The X2 can also connect to online streaming services such as TIDAL, Qobuz or Spotify, not to mention internet radio. The X2 is also Roon compatible.

High-end preamplifier

The element X2 has a top-quality preamp built in. It is a high gain unit with +10dB of analogue gain. It can provide high quality audio signals to any connected amplifier or active speakers

Maximum quality headphone amp

There is now an eight channel dedicated headphone amp, in the X2. This is a fully balanced design that has eight independent amplifier units. For maximum power, two units are connected in parallel to provide higher drive current and lower distortion. Balanced headphones use a 4.4mm connector with four wires instead of three. In this way, each channel has full separation. This should reduce crosstalk and distortion.

Fully featured aluminium remote

The X2 comes with a fully featured remote control. It is simple to play, pause and switch tracks, as well as control the settings on the unit. There are also two programmable buttons, that can be set to your favourite artist or radio station. These are set through the MA Remote App. The remote has a plastic coated aluminium front panel for maximum durability.

Connect your TV sound with HDMI ARC

You can connect the digital sound output from your TV or projector via HDMI ARC(Audio return Channel). This will provide the best audio quality and convenience. The display device can also control the X2 if it is HDMI CEC enabled - in other words the TV can control the X2 directly.

DAC playback versatility

There are two DAC playback modes that can be set to whatever sounds the best. Async mode uses the built-in Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock to control the DAC chip. This then disables the connected device’s clock. Alternatively, in sync mode, the clock is controlled by the connected device and the internal clock shuts down.