Matrix Audio element X2 Pure - Music Streamer/Headphone Amplifier

Matrix Audio Element X2 Music Streamer / Headphone Amplifier

A flagship all-in-one source component combining streaming, DAC, preamp, and headphone amp for the modern hi-fi system.

The Matrix Audio Element X2 is designed for users who want to simplify their audio stack without sacrificing performance. It serves as a music streamer, DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier all in one chassis. You can drive high-impedance headphones, feed power amplifiers via line output, or connect active speakers. Analog and digital sources are supported, and there’s even HDMI ARC so it can handle TV audio.

The DAC is an ESS ES9038PRO, paired with a Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock to reduce jitter and deliver clean, high resolution sound. The headphone amplifier is fully balanced, using eight independent amplification units arranged in parallel pairs to offer high current and power, with low noise and distortion. The preamp section offers +10 dB gain and delivers up to ~15.8 VRMS from XLR line outputs when gain is engaged.

For streaming and connectivity you get dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5 GHz), gigabit Ethernet, and support for many services including Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, etc. Controls include a front panel knob, a color LCD touchscreen (approximately 3.46 inches), and the MA Remote App on mobile.

Suits people who want one high-quality unit capable of doing it all: streaming, driving headphones, handling analog sources, and acting as a preamp.

Key Specifications — Matrix Audio Element X2

• DAC chip: ES9038PRO 
  
• Clock: Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock 
  
• Digital Inputs: Coaxial x2, Optical x2, I2S LVDS, USB-B, HDMI ARC 
  
• Analog Input: RCA stereo 
  
• Outputs: RCA line, XLR balanced line; Headphone outputs: 4.4 mm balanced, 6.35 mm single-ended 
  
• Headphone Power: ~2600 mW @ 33 Ω balanced, ~1100 mW @ 300 Ω, ~580 mW @ 600 Ω; ~1600 mW @ 33 Ω single-ended, etc. 
  
• Headphone Output Impedance: < 12 Ω balanced, < 6 Ω single-ended 
  
• Line Output Level (XLR): ~4.5 VRMS at 0 dB, up to ~15.8 VRMS with preamp gain engaged 
  
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): ~131 dB for XLR outputs; ~125 dB for RCA line outputs 
  
• Frequency Response: ~20 Hz to ~85,000 Hz (-3 dB at high end) 
  
• Power Supply Types: Independent power supplies for digital and analog parts; audio circuit uses linear power arrangement; full specification AC mains support globally 
  
• Size & Weight: ~340 mm × 259 mm × 58 mm, about 4 kg 
  

Top Questions About Matrix Audio Element X2

What is the Matrix Audio Element X2 designed for?
It is an all-round music streamer + DAC + headphone amplifier + preamplifier designed to reduce the need for multiple components, delivering high resolution audio and flexibility.

Can I drive high-impedance headphones with the Element X2?
Yes. The balanced headphone output can deliver over 1 W into 300 Ω, and still respectable power into 600 Ω. It has strong drive capability.

Does the Element X2 support HDMI ARC?
Yes. It includes an HDMI ARC input to get audio from TVs or displays using that protocol.

What streaming services or protocols does the Element X2 support?
It supports Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, etc.

Is there analog input on the Element X2?
Yes. There is stereo RCA analog input, useful for CD players or other analog gear.

How much gain does the preamp section offer?
It offers +10 dB analog gain, allowing higher voltage output for driving downstream amplifiers.

What is the DAC chip used?
ES9038PRO from ESS Technology.

How is noise and distortion handled?
With fully balanced headphone amplifier sections made from 8 parallel amplifier units, Crystek femtosecond clocking, and isolated block design for analog vs digital circuits.

What sampling rates and formats are supported?
PCM up to 768 kHz on certain inputs (I2S LVDS, USB-B), DSD up to DSD512 (native) depending on input; standard formats also supported.

How does the output level change with preamp gain?
With gain, XLR line outputs can go up to ~15.8 VRMS. Without, the level is lower (~4.5 VRMS at 0 dB setting).

What physical controls are available?
A volume knob on front panel, a 3.46-inch touchscreen for displaying info and touch keys, remote control, and mobile app.

Is wireless connectivity included?
Yes, dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 / 5 GHz) along with Ethernet.

Can the Element X2 be controlled via app?
Yes. The Matrix Audio MA Remote App allows browsing, streaming service control, configuration, and firmware updates.

What is the output impedance of the headphone outputs?
Balanced under ~12 Ω, single-ended under ~6 Ω.

What kind of power draw does it have?
Typical maximum power consumption is under ~50 W; standby under ~5 W. 

Does it support MQA?
Yes, certain inputs (e.g. USB-B) support MQA up to certain limits.

What distinguishes the X2 from cheaper streaming DACs?
Higher power, more inputs, preamplifier gain, better internal clocking, balanced headphone amp with strong drive, analog input, HDMI ARC, etc.

What size is it, and does it fit on a desk rack?
It’s about 340 × 259 × 58 mm and ~4 kg, so relatively wide and shallow; fits under many monitors or into a rack shelf of suitable depth.

Is the headphone amplifier section truly balanced?
Yes; the 4.4 mm headphone jack is a balanced output, and the amplifier design uses balanced architecture internally for that path.

Who should consider the Element X2?
Anyone who wants one high-quality device to handle streaming, headphone listening, analog and digital sources, acting as preamp, and integration with TV via HDMI ARC.