@tedsmith is an optical pied piper 
I think you will. 
it will be interesting to see if it makes as big a difference as when I added HQPlayer to the Roon mix.
That was a huge improvement that I didn’t really expect. But now I’m used to it, so I need the next big fix.
I bought mine to use the I2S as well, but…
Decided to do a test with AES/EBU with the same line of cable as the I2S from Wire World just to see/hear…
I prefer the AES/EBU and have been using it ever since.
My .02
Ok, here’s some interesting behavior.
I have been using HQPlayer with Roon for months. (I’ve been amazed at the SQ improvement it provides.) Could it be that the Matrix doesn’t get along with it? (Or that HQPlayer doesn’t like the Matrix X-SPDIF 2?)
So I bypassed HQPlayer in Roon, and selected the X-SPDIF as a separate audio zone.
When I do this, it does work.
I can use the DSD upsampling conversion in Roon.
So, I guess I can’t use HQPlayer AND the Matrix at the same time. And I’ll keep comparing to see what sounds best.
Anyone else with this dilemma?
Found the setting within HQPlayer that allows it to work with the Matrix!
SDM Pack dropdown must be set to DoP.
I’m guessing someone in this thread already found the answer, but i missed it in the 2165 previous posts.
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That’s great. Yes, HQP, Roon and the Matrix all get along quite happily… wish HQP was more accessible as it scares folks off, but the SQ improvement to Roon is amazing…
Yeah, shout out to Arthur for persevering, as he and the Matrix folks just couldn’t believe there was a defective unit.
It does sound great, but i’m in the midst of the Stellar Phono beta, and my “comparison ears” are a bit fatigued, so I’m not going to be too analytical right now.
Just gonna listen to the music I reckon.
My Matrix was also defective and I’m eagerly awaiting shipping confirmation of its replacement 
oh that’s right, i remember this… from the post RIGHT BEFORE MINE 
Makes me wonder how rare them being defective actually is as we’re two out of a small pool…
(although as it turns out mine is fine. Just needed to tweak the HQPlayer settings.)
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My Matrix has begun her trek from Xian, China to Hawaii… Having lived 10 day without the Matrix, I can wholeheartedly affirm the musical life is much better with than without.
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I’ve been following this thread for a while. I took the plunge my matrix arrived yesterday my S booster arrived today I just hooked it up via MacBook Pro 2018 to matrix to my DS using wire world ultraviolet and USB wire world platinum, I had to post this because it is a very substantial upgrade .
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I know @tedsmith said that I2S on the DirectStream isn’t necessarily any better than USB. But, based on what I hear, I2S is MUCH better than USB. Oh, I was feeding the DirectStream USB from a very good low noise source with a high quality LPS.
Congrats! Which voltage SBooster did you buy?
I have the 5v-6 v- 6.5 v. I am running it right now at 6.5 v and very happy, when it has some hours on it I will experiment with different settings.
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Just ordered a Matrix. Now I’m freaking on exactly how to set it up.
Current setup:
- DSD Sr. with BridgeII ethernet connected via a Linksys SE2800 switch to my network
- Roon Nucleus+ ethernet connected to same switch to my network and using DSD Sr. BridgeII as a Roon endpoint.
So, if I get the idea, the Nucleus+ would run USB into the Matrix and provide power to the Matrix??
Then HDMI (I2S) from the Matrix to the DSD Sr. Already using one DSD Sr. HDMI (I2S) input for the DMP. Is that correct?
2 other questions: If I purchase an Uptone Ultra Cap LPS1.2 that provides the Matrix power rather than the USB?
Would I still be able to use the BridgeII and a Rood endpoint when I want - not simultaneously of course.
Haven’t even gotten to the appropriate HDMI and USB cables yet, which I can see have a profound effect. I can see altogether with good cables this could be a $1500-2000 upgrade
Thanks for any advice and I have read about 1200 of the posts in this.
Correct. Although to get the best from matrix, you want as a minimum to disconnect the Ethernet cable into the bridge. Otherwise noise coming down this cable will affect dac sound quality even if the bridge input is not selected. (And visa versa)
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On #2, if you supply power to the Matrix then use a “data only” USB cable. You will still have all the functionality of Roon / Tidal / Qobuz thru the Nucleus network connection.
At this location I don’t have wired internet yet so no Tidal but the Nucleus works well using a LAN less internet.
I do have to take it to a wired internet connection once a month so it can phone home and verify the license.