Yes I understand that. I should’ve said since the innuos works on separating the power and getting a cleaner USB signal does the matrix have that much improvement on an innuos vs a computer.
Luca, are you using a LPS for your matrix or just the power off the USB from the innuos in your evaluations?
No the degree of improvement would be far less with the USB from the Innuos than a computer. Might not notice any difference at all or even a degradation could be possible.
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Or as my father used to say to me “ don’t let money burn a hole in your pocket. “
Are you still using the Farad3 with the Matrix? I have had great experiences with Farad3 adding it to the Chord Dave. Wondering what benefits one gets from a good LPS? Seems like a budget or cheap LPS will just add more noise as ASR has shown …
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Yes, I will not run the Matrix without the Farad3. Although the Matrix is very good on it’s own, adding the Farad3 gives the sound even a greater sense of reality. The sound is cleaner and lower noise floor. Putting in a SR Purple fuse and using a better power cable to the Farad3 also pays dividend.
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Welcome, @somatic !
Nice. I’m going to get it. I also have the Farad3 sr purples on Dave and love it.
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I use the Matrix without any LPS, when I fed it with a modest Topping LPS I wasn’t able to hear improvements. Some folks here reported significant results using hi-end LPS with the Matrix. I didn’t go this way yet. Too much boxes and cables.
I don’t know if the fact that I like more the sound with the Matrix in my system is due to the I2S input of the DS DAC rather than the Matrix itself. The upcoming DS MK II will sport a galvanically isolated USB input, that promises to lift the USB path up to another level. If this comes true, I can happily say goodbye to my Matrix.
Meanwhile I’m thinking to give a try to a PhoenixUSB to see what it can bring to the equation ZENith > DS DAC (I and II).
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I believe it’s both the Matrix and I2S plays a part on improving the performance. The Matrix does not only converts, it also re-clocks and cleans noise in the signal. I remember when my brother brought over his Esoteric N-01XD Streamer/DAC, we tried running my Esoteric streamer > Matrix > XLR > N-01XD, it sounded a little better than just the N-01XD alone. But I have to take into consideration my streamer has it’s own separate power supply and is also isolated from his N-01XD, so no circuitry interference between streamer and DAC. It’s all about eliminating and preventing noise and jitter that can degrade the sound.
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Thanks. Just signed in today. 
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This warms my heart. 
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Planning to get a Farad3 with SR Purple fuses for the Matrix. I am currently running it off USB bus power. So I can get a 6v , 7v or 9v. Heard 9v is better? In my previous experience I have liked lower voltages on the Mscaler or Ferrum Oor. I just want a more analog, less high frequency sound. So 6v, 7v or 9v? Also LPS on the Matrix makes things sound better? I know once I added Farad3 a to the Dave it was like a 50% upgrade. Thanks for the help.
I cannot comment on whether a 9 volt is better than a 7 volt, but I have a 7 volt Farad to run my Matrix and it sounds great.
FWIW I know a few member who prefer the 9V setting.
Anyone compare the Hypsos vs Farad3 power in the Matrix? These seem to be the better options without going overkill.
I run mine with an Uptone Audio JS-2 set at 7 volts. I don’t recall there being a big difference when I had it set at 9 volts, so I’m just being conservative I guess…
I have always strongly preferred 9 volts. In my experience 7 volts is just meh sounding. As far as “what about the heat and wear the extra 2 volts brings?” I can only say my Matrix is still working after many years. YMMV.
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Agreed, I think the problem is the early Fared buyers bought the 7v one and said how good it was so no one wanted to risk buying an untested 9v product. I wish I had had the courage to buy the 9v Farad when I bought my 7v one
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I am comparing 2 Farad3’s, one is 7v and the other 9v both with SR Purple fuses installed right now and the 9v is richer and more palpable than the 7v feeding the Matrix, so I say since it cost the same, go with the 9v. As to how warm it gets, both units doesn’t get that warm at all. Maybe the 9v just a little more, not much, but the sound is a step above.
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