Matrix Audio element X2 Pure Music Streamer, DAC & Preamplifier

Immediately I can see a major problem — the existing page copy is entirely wrong. It's describing the element X2 (the headphone amp model) rather than the element X2 Pure (the DAC/streamer/preamp-only model with dual ES9039PRO chips). This is a significant error that will confuse buyers. I have all the X2 Pure research from my earlier searches. Here is the full grade and rewrite:

📋 CURRENT PAGE GRADE: D

What's Working:

• Has a specs block with some correct data ✅
• Contact info present ✅

What's Holding It Back:

• ❌ Critical error: The entire body copy describes the element X2, not the element X2 Pure. The product title in the body even says "Matrix Audio Element X2 Music Streamer / Headphone Amplifier" — completely wrong product name on the X2 Pure page
• ❌ Critical error: The X2 Pure uses dual ESS ES9039PRO chips in dual-mono configuration — the page says ES9038PRO, which is the X2's chip, not the Pure's
• ❌ Critical error: The X2 Pure does NOT have a headphone amplifier — the page describes a headphone amp throughout, which is wrong
• ❌ Missing entirely: dual ES9039PRO chips in true mono mode — 8 D/A units per chip all working in parallel per channel
• ❌ Missing: fully symmetrical left/right analog PCB layout with CNC aluminum shielding
• ❌ Missing: digital and analog circuits electrically isolated with completely separated ground wires
• ❌ Missing: ultra-low-noise LDOs powering D/A and analog circuits
• ❌ Missing: Nichicon KG series main filter capacitors
• ❌ Missing: CBVB ceramic ball vibration-absorbing feet — the X2 Pure was the first Matrix Audio product equipped with them
• ❌ Missing: PCM resampling and DSD conversion/upsampling engine
• ❌ Missing: analog inputs and how they work on the X2 Pure
• ❌ Missing: "10th anniversary" context — launched to celebrate Matrix Audio's 10th anniversary
• ❌ No comparison vs X2, M2, or the rest of the Element series
• ❌ Local SEO thin — dealer mention only at the very end

Product Title: Matrix Audio element X2 Pure Music Streamer, DAC & Preamplifier

Page Title (58 characters): Matrix Audio element X2 Pure Streamer & DAC | All Elite Audio

Meta Description: Buy the Matrix Audio element X2 Pure at All Elite Audio, Maryland's authorized dealer. Dual ES9039PRO DAC, CBVB feet, pure streaming excellence. In stock.

Matrix Audio element X2 Pure Music Streamer, DAC & Preamplifier

The purest expression of what the Element series can be — no headphone amplifier, nothing but the best possible DAC and streaming.

The Matrix Audio element X2 Pure is a dedicated network streamer, dual-mono DAC, and analog preamplifier that represents Matrix Audio's highest achievement in the Element form factor. Launched to celebrate Matrix Audio's 10th anniversary, the "Pure" name carries a specific meaning: the X2 Pure removes the headphone amplifier stage entirely and redirects every design decision toward the absolute purity of the digital-to-analog conversion and analog output path. Dual ESS ES9039PRO chips — ESS Technology's new flagship DAC IC, replacing the ES9038PRO — operate in true mono mode with all eight D/A conversion units from each chip working in parallel per channel, achieving maximum dynamic range and minimum distortion. Fully symmetrical left/right analog circuit boards shielded by CNC aluminum covers, complete electrical isolation between digital and analog grounds, ultra-low-noise LDO regulation for the conversion and output stages, Nichicon KG series main filter capacitors, and CBVB ceramic ball vibration-absorbing feet complete the picture. If you have a dedicated headphone amplifier and want the reference streaming DAC and preamplifier front end that the Element form factor can deliver, this is it.

Available now at All Elite Audio, your authorized Matrix Audio dealer in Timonium, Maryland — with in-store demos, expert guidance, and nationwide shipping.

Dual ESS ES9039PRO in True Mono Mode — 16 D/A Units Per Channel Total

The element X2 Pure's conversion stage is built around two ESS ES9039PRO DAC chips — the new flagship from ESS Technology, replacing the ES9038PRO used in the standard element X2. The X2 Pure uses one ES9039PRO for the left channel and one for the right, operating in true mono mode. In mono mode, all eight D/A conversion units within each ES9039PRO chip are dedicated to a single channel rather than split between two. This means 8 conversion units work in parallel to reconstruct one channel's signal rather than 4 — dramatically improving dynamic range and reducing the noise floor compared to a standard stereo mode implementation, while also eliminating any channel interaction that stereo chip operation introduces. The result is two completely independent, fully separated conversion chains from input to output, with each chip's entire conversion bandwidth focused on a single audio channel.

Fully Symmetrical Analog PCBs With CNC Aluminum Shielding

Following a design principle Matrix Audio applies throughout their premium products, the element X2 Pure's left and right channel analog circuits use fully symmetrical PCB layouts — each channel's components are geometrically mirrored, ensuring identical electrical conditions on both sides of the stereo image. Any parasitic capacitance, trace length, or thermal effect that affects one channel affects the other identically, preserving the precision of the stereo field from the DAC output through to the line output connectors.

Each analog circuit board is enclosed under a CNC-machined aluminum shield that covers the op-amp stages and critical signal nodes. The aluminum cover serves two functions simultaneously: it acts as a heat spreader to keep the op-amps at stable operating temperatures, preventing thermal drift from altering the output characteristics during extended listening sessions; and it acts as an electromagnetic shield that blocks radio frequency interference from the digital processing circuits adjacent to the analog board from coupling into the sensitive analog signal path.

Complete Digital-Analog Electrical Isolation — Separated Ground Planes

The element X2 Pure's digital processing and D/A conversion circuit are electrically isolated from each other, with completely separated ground wires for the digital and analog sections. This ground isolation is one of the most fundamental and effective measures available in DAC design for reducing the noise floor — a shared ground between digital and analog circuits allows switching noise from the digital side to modulate the reference potential of the analog output stage, appearing as noise in the converted signal. By physically and electrically separating these ground planes, the X2 Pure ensures the analog output stage operates against a stable, uncontaminated reference. The D/A and analog circuits are powered by dedicated ultra-low-noise LDO (Low Dropout) voltage regulators providing extremely stable DC supply to the conversion and output stages — the cleaner and more stable this supply, the higher the achievable SNR and dynamic range.

Nichicon KG Series Main Filter Capacitors

The main power supply filter capacitors in the element X2 Pure are Nichicon KG series — an audio-grade electrolytic capacitor line specifically engineered for high-fidelity audio power supply applications. The KG series is characterized by extremely low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and low equivalent series inductance (ESL), which together allow the capacitors to respond quickly to dynamic current demands and maintain the power supply voltage with minimal sag during loud, transient-rich musical passages. The low ESR also reduces the high-frequency ripple component in the supply voltage — the same ripple that, if allowed to reach the DAC and analog stages, would increase the noise floor and degrade dynamic range. Nichicon's own specification for the KG series emphasizes matching the energy requirements of large dynamic swings and continuous rich low-frequency playback — precisely the conditions under which a reference DAC's power supply is most tested.

CBVB Ceramic Ball Vibration-Absorbing Feet — First in the Element Series

The element X2 Pure was the first Matrix Audio product equipped with CBVB vibration-absorbing foot pads — subsequently adopted in the SC-1 reference clock and other Matrix Audio components. Each CBVB pad contains six ceramic balls embedded in silicone rubber. The ceramic balls act as point contacts that concentrate the load onto small surface areas, while the silicone rubber provides elastic compliance that absorbs and dissipates mechanical vibration energy rather than transmitting it to the chassis. By decoupling the X2 Pure from the shelf or equipment rack it rests on, the CBVB feet reduce the transmission of mechanical vibration from speakers, air movement, or structural sources to the internal circuitry — particularly relevant for the analog output stage where microphonic effects in passive components can subtly affect the signal. Matrix Audio states the CBVB feet improve soundstage transparency and clarity.

PCM Resampling, DSD Conversion, and Multiple Filter Options

The element X2 Pure includes a hardware PCM resampling and DSD conversion processing engine, accessible through the front panel and the MA Remote app. This engine leverages the ES9039PRO chipset's capabilities to offer asynchronous PCM upsampling — converting incoming PCM audio to higher sample rates before D/A conversion — and DSD resampling. Multiple PCM digital filter options are available, allowing listeners to adjust the filter characteristic to suit their preference or the recording type. These features give the X2 Pure a degree of sonic customization that goes beyond simple playback, and allow experienced listeners to experiment with the presentation of their digital library.

Analog Inputs and IIS-LVDS Transport Output

Despite its "Pure" designation focusing on conversion quality, the element X2 Pure retains analog RCA line inputs, connecting external line-level sources into its signal chain. As with the element X2, these analog inputs are digitized through the X2 Pure's internal ADC and processed through the digital chain. The X2 Pure also includes an IIS-LVDS output via HDMI connector, allowing it to function as a high-quality digital transport sending PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD512 to a compatible external DAC — a useful feature for listeners who want to compare the X2 Pure's own conversion to that of another DAC in the system.

The built-in preamplifier stage outputs to balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line outputs, with a +10 dB gain option for driving power amplifiers directly. Note that the element X2 Pure does not include a headphone amplifier — listeners who need headphone output should consider the element X2 or element M2.

Streaming Ecosystem and Control

The element X2 Pure runs Matrix Audio's MA Player OS, connecting via Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Streaming support includes TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA, UPnP, and internet radio. The X2 Pure is Roon Ready certified. Local library playback from USB drives and NAS storage is fully supported. The 3.46-inch color LCD touchscreen on the front panel displays track information and album art, with touch-sensitive playback buttons for direct control. The RM4 remote control adds playback functions with two programmable buttons.

Element X2 Pure vs Element X2 vs Element M2 — Which Is Right For You?

The element X2 Pure is the top of the Element series for listeners who prioritize maximum DAC performance and use headphones through a separate dedicated headphone amplifier. It uses dual ES9039PRO chips in true mono mode — a step above the single ES9038PRO in the standard X2 — with ground-isolated analog circuits, Nichicon KG capacitors, CBVB vibration-absorbing feet, and CNC aluminum analog board shielding. It does not have a headphone amplifier output.

The element X2 uses a single ES9038PRO, includes the eight-unit fully balanced headphone amplifier with 2,600 mW at 33 ohms, analog RCA inputs, and the Hyper-Control preamplifier. It is the choice for listeners who want the integrated headphone amplifier alongside the streaming and DAC functions.

The element M2 uses the ES9028PRO, has a four-unit balanced headphone amp with 1,800 mW at 33 ohms, one coaxial and one optical input, no analog line inputs, and a more compact form factor. It is the mid-tier choice for primarily streaming-based headphone listening setups.

Key Specifications

DAC Architecture: Dual ESS ES9039PRO — one per channel; true mono mode with all 8 D/A units per chip in parallel per channel Headphone Amplifier: None — streaming DAC and preamplifier only Analog Outputs: Balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA; +10 dB preamplifier gain option Analog Inputs: RCA line-level Digital Inputs: USB Audio (PCM 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD512, MQA), 2x Coaxial, 2x Optical, IIS-LVDS/HDMI (PCM 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD512 native), HDMI ARC Digital Output: IIS-LVDS/HDMI (PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD512) Analog PCBs: Fully symmetrical left/right layout; CNC aluminum shields over op-amp stages Grounding: Complete electrical isolation between digital and analog ground planes Power Supply: Ultra-low-noise LDOs for D/A and analog circuits; Nichicon KG series main filter capacitors Vibration Isolation: CBVB ceramic ball vibration-absorbing feet (6 ceramic balls per pad in silicone rubber) Processing: Hardware PCM resampling and DSD conversion engine; multiple PCM digital filter options SNR (XLR): Approximately 131 dB Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 85 kHz (–3 dB) Streaming: TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA, UPnP, internet radio Protocol: Roon Ready Network: Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Display: 3.46-inch color LCD touchscreen Remote: RM4 IR remote with playback controls and 2 programmable buttons OS: MA Player, MA Remote App (iOS and Android) Dimensions (W x D x H): Approximately 340 x 259 x 58 mm Weight: Approximately 4 kg Warranty: 1 year manufacturer warranty

Why Buy From All Elite Audio

All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer located in Timonium, Maryland — part of the greater Baltimore area. We carry the full Matrix Audio Element series including the element X2 Pure, element X2, element M2, and element I2, as well as the complete Matrix Audio M Series reference system. Our team can help you determine whether the X2 Pure, the X2, or another Element model is the right fit for your headphones, amplifier, and listening goals.

We offer white-glove service, in-store demos, and support before and after your purchase. Whether you are local to Maryland or ordering nationwide, we are here to help you get the most from your system.

Call: 443-402-5055 Text: 443-402-5064 Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093

Frequently Asked Questions — Matrix Audio element X2 Pure

What is the Matrix Audio element X2 Pure and how does it differ from the standard element X2? The element X2 Pure is a network streamer, dual-mono DAC, and preamplifier that represents the highest DAC performance in the Element series — without a headphone amplifier. It uses two ESS ES9039PRO chips (one per channel) in true mono mode, where all eight D/A units per chip work in parallel on a single channel. This produces higher dynamic range and lower distortion than the single ES9038PRO in the standard X2. The X2 Pure adds fully symmetrical analog PCBs with CNC aluminum shielding, complete digital-analog ground isolation, ultra-low-noise LDO regulation, Nichicon KG filter capacitors, and CBVB ceramic ball vibration feet. The standard X2 includes an eight-unit balanced headphone amplifier with 2,600 mW output and the Hyper-Control preamplifier, but uses the less advanced single-chip DAC architecture. Choose the X2 Pure if DAC performance is the priority and you have a dedicated headphone amplifier. Choose the X2 if you need the integrated headphone amp.

Does the element X2 Pure have a headphone output? No. The element X2 Pure does not include a headphone amplifier or any headphone output. It is a streaming DAC and preamplifier designed to feed a power amplifier, active speakers, or an external headphone amplifier through its balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA line outputs. Listeners who need an integrated headphone output should consider the element X2 or element M2.

What makes the dual ES9039PRO configuration in the X2 Pure superior to the single ES9038PRO in the X2? Using two ES9039PRO chips — one per channel in true mono mode — gives each channel all eight of that chip's D/A conversion units working in parallel. In a stereo implementation of a single chip, those eight units are typically split four per channel. Having all eight units on one channel improves dynamic range and lowers the noise floor significantly compared to the four-unit arrangement. The ES9039PRO is also ESS Technology's newer flagship, incorporating circuit improvements over the ES9038PRO. Combined, the dual-mono architecture and the newer chip generation represent a meaningful step above the X2's single-chip stereo implementation.

What are the CBVB feet and why do they matter? CBVB stands for Ceramic Ball Vibration Buffer — Matrix Audio's proprietary vibration-absorbing foot pad, first introduced on the element X2 Pure and subsequently adopted in the SC-1 reference clock. Each pad contains six ceramic balls embedded in silicone rubber. The ceramic balls concentrate the load onto small, hard contact points while the silicone provides elastic damping that absorbs mechanical vibration energy rather than transmitting it to the chassis. This decouples the X2 Pure from the surface it rests on, reducing the amount of low-level vibration from speakers, air movement, or structural sources that reaches the sensitive analog output stage and passive components.

Why does the X2 Pure use Nichicon KG capacitors instead of standard electrolytics? The Nichicon KG series is an audio-grade electrolytic capacitor line with extremely low equivalent series resistance and inductance, specifically engineered for high-fidelity audio power supply filtering. The very low ESR allows the capacitors to respond rapidly to dynamic current demands with minimal voltage sag — important during loud transient peaks — and reduces high-frequency ripple that would otherwise appear as noise in the DAC and analog output stages. Nichicon specifies the KG series for applications requiring fast, high-dynamic current delivery combined with continuous rich low-frequency performance — a precise description of what a reference streaming DAC power supply needs.

Does the element X2 Pure have a preamplifier and what output levels does it achieve? Yes. The element X2 Pure includes an analog preamplifier stage with a +10 dB gain option. With gain engaged, the balanced XLR line outputs can deliver up to approximately 15.8 Vrms — sufficient to drive virtually any power amplifier or active speaker directly without a separate preamplifier in the chain. Without the gain boost, XLR output is approximately 4.5 Vrms at 0 dB volume. The element X2 Pure can therefore serve as a direct-connected streaming DAC and preamplifier for a power amplifier and loudspeaker system.

Does the element X2 Pure support hardware upsampling and digital filters? Yes. The X2 Pure includes a hardware PCM resampling and DSD conversion processing engine that supports asynchronous PCM upsampling to higher sample rates before D/A conversion, DSD resampling, and multiple selectable PCM digital filter options. These are accessible from the front panel touchscreen and the MA Remote app, allowing listeners to adjust the digital filter characteristic to match their preference or recording type.

What streaming services and formats does the element X2 Pure support? TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA, UPnP, and internet radio natively via MA Player OS. The element X2 Pure is Roon Ready certified. Supported formats include PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512 native and via DoP, MQA hardware decoding, and all major lossless and high-resolution audio formats. Local playback from USB drives and NAS storage is fully supported.

Can the element X2 Pure accept analog inputs? Yes. The element X2 Pure includes analog RCA line inputs for connecting external sources such as a CD player or a turntable with an external phono stage. As with other Element series models, the analog input is digitized through the X2 Pure's internal ADC and processed through the digital chain before conversion, making it available through the line outputs with full volume control.

What warranty does the Matrix Audio element X2 Pure include? The Matrix Audio element X2 Pure carries a one-year manufacturer warranty. All Elite Audio is a fully authorized Matrix Audio dealer, ensuring your warranty is valid and supported.

Where can I buy the Matrix Audio element X2 Pure and hear it in person? All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer with a full home audio showroom located at 1921 York Rd, Timonium, Maryland 21093. We carry the full Matrix Audio Element series and can help you compare the X2 Pure, X2, and M2. Call us at 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064. We also ship nationwide.