Does anyone already replace Matrix 2 with 3? What are the observed differences?
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My Matrix 3 arrived a week ago and while this is my very first experience with it I can only say it has made an improvement over my basic USB signal into the DSD from my innuos zenith Mk3. I’m also using Jay’s LPS
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Did you have the earlier version?
Very interesting comparison SPDIF 2 vs 3 and the new one with LPS vs without LPS. Which I2S cable are you using?
Thanks
A Matrix-3 from Power Holdings was FedEx drop-shipped from the Xi’an factory to VT via Korea and Alaska in six days. I placed it between a NUC10i5 (ROCK) and the DS Sr., powered by an SGC 12v LPS. And I inserted my old Matrix-2 between a Dell i5 laptop and the DS Sr., powered by an SGC 9v LPS. Both paths have mid-level Wire World cables throughout.
To my ears, the -3 is quieter than the -2, with both running on external linear power. I have played Qobuz hi res tracks through both, and the -3 is more resolving than the -2. The -3 stream is less noisy, leading to better definition, tighter bass and more air. The real plus, however, is streaming live concerts from, say, Jazz at Lincoln Center or Smoke through the laptop to the DS Sr. via USB to Matrix-2 to Sr. via i2S.: the older Matrix dramatically beats USB alone. Which, of course, has been a given for some years here.
I have not yet shot out the external powered Matrix-3 against internal 5v power. The -2 preferred an LPS in my system.
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Thanks for the feedback! So, would it be possible to conclude that the difference in quality between the 3 and 2 is not as big as the use of USB in the DS vs i2S with the 2?
Do you think it’s worth the investment in 3 vs 2?
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I did not so unfortunately I have nothing to compare it to.
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I am running an AQ FireBird 48 HDMI & Nordost Heimdall 2 USB and the combo along with the Jay’s LPS get my innuos very close to the same CD played off the SACD Transport.
My estimation would be if a CD player on an SACD Transport linked with an AQ Dragon is 100 then my streaming combo might very well be 90-95% of its performance.
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My X-Spdif 3 arrived. Posting some photos. Just unpacked and using first hour or so today. Even straight out of the box sounds better than X-Spdif 2. Better low end definition, more resolving. But I have to wait few days to start fair comparison 3 vs 2.
Fit and finish is top as always, the two units are almost the same, but new one is little bit shorter, because coax connector is not protruding as much as on 2. Led on the front panel is almost the same, same brightness, so hard to distinguish from the listening position which unit is on (2 or 3). New I2S HDMI socket is better quality, tighter than on 2, which I like, connection of my Siltech Classic HDMI cable is very firm and secure. Right now testing just I2S output (will test all others later), new unit was flawless plug and play experience, as Type A pinout is perfect match with Holo Spring 3 Alt 2 pinout. (Created I2S pinout compatibility graphic for those owning Holo Spring 3 dac.) No problem so far with any format I have tested, native DSD also working properly.
Will test with 12V external power supply (right now I have only iFi ps unit, I sold Uptone LPS 1.2, as there was no audible difference in SQ with it on X-Spdif 2 in my previous setup).
Will post my findings and comparison after 1-2 weeks.
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Thanks for taking the time to share your initial findings with us.
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Nice stack!
What are you placing the streamer and DAC on?
TIA.
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Streamer and DAC are on Isoacoustic Orea footers placed on the granite blocks. Rack plinth is solid oak.
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I was curious about the granite blocks. Thank you.
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Thank you for sharing with us!
A question the Matrix 3 only works with external 12v source? This would be a problem for me, I use a Sotm SPS500 that powers 3 devices (Switch Sotm, Ultrarendu and the Matrix 2) and all devices can work at 7 and 9V position.
Dont worry, X-Spdif 3 works with or without external power supply, same as X-Spdif 2. The only difference is voltage of optional external psu, which is 12V now. In fact I haven’t tried external psu with X-Spdif 3, so my unit runs flawlessly powered just from usb bus.
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I have always used the Matrix 2 without LPS too. After a few days with the 3 are you able now to share more thoughts about it compared to the 2?
Thanks.
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Yes. I was just about to post some comparison anyway.
After few days of burn in it is quite clear that X-Spdif 3 is better sounding compared to X-Spdif 2. I have compared the two on the same setup with the same cabling. Even the same level of different cables was used (AES/EBU, coaxial and HDMI all from Siltech Classic line).
Overall difference is not huge, but clearly audible. X-Spdif 3 sounds more dynamic, with better resolution, more detailed, bass is better too, tighter. This applies to all tested outputs (coax, AES/EBU and I2S) and with usb bus power. Haven’t tested with external 12v power yet. In my setup the biggest difference/ improvement is audible on I2S output, probably due to higher level of isolation on I2S (which is one of the new features of X-Spdif 3). So far so good. Already recommended.
Will test more, stay tuned.
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Thanks!
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My concern is precisely because of the change in voltage when using an external source from Spdif 2 to 3, luckily I still have an input left on Paul Pang’s PPAStudio source, thinking about buying a 3.
Newguy here, seeking some new guy advice.
Will the Matrix SPDIF2 or 3 work with the PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MK1. (PWD)? I’ve only seen guys hooking up to the newer DSD DAC.
Looking to hook my Aurender to my PS Audio MK1 from USB → I2S.
Thanks in advanced!!