Yes, I’ve been using the Matrix with my MK 1 for a couple of years now and noticed an improvement as soon as I connected it to my DirectStream DAC.
You rock, thanks VacTubes!
I didn’t know Matrix 2 and 3 do not need external PS. But do they sound better with external PS?
No one has commented on 3, but 2 most certainly does if you use a quality (e.g. Farad 3) psu
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I used it always without any LPS and when I tried a cheaper one (Topping) I didn’t notice relevant differences in my system. I didn’t experiment more because of the upcoming MK II (with a possible new USB isolate input) and AirLens (with Ethernet/I2S) might change the need of a Matrix. Time will tell.
Same
That makes sense. I will wait for AirLens to come out and see how the review is.
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The difference in Matrix-2 by different external power supplies is very subtle. I compared iFi power x, Uptone lps-1.2, and Keces P3 all set at 9v and I couldn’t tell the difference. A small improvement compared to the internal power (?) but I wouldn’t hear the difference if I wasn’t aware of it. Like you, I am waiting for AirLens.
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That is useful information. Thanks!
I use an IFI iPower X plugged into P15 for the Orbi satellite that connects to the streamer. It made a surprising improvement to the streamer. It is just a plug, unlike LPS that occupied space.
I presently have both the new Matrix -3 and an older -2 connected to my DS Sr., and each sounds better to me with high value Small Green Computer 12v and 9v linear power supplies, respectively, than using straight USB 5v power.
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I don’t have any matrix yet. I’m gathering information for potential upgrade in future. Thanks!
I recently added a Matrix 2 from the Apos site with an iFi PS, using AQ USB TO THE Matrix and then HDMI to my DS. The problem is that the Matrix goes to sleep after a period of inactivity…When that happens my Mac Mini no longer sees it as an output option. Anybody else experience this? Is my unit faulty? I have to unplug the Matrix and reconnect to wake it.
I have never experienced a Matrix going to sleep. Mine is on 24/7 with no such issues.
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I’m not familiar with mac, but do you have the power management on your usb ports set to never go to sleep?
This shouldn’t be an issue if you’re using an external PS. My thought is perhaps the iFi PS is faulty or set too close to the threshold where power is taken from the USB connection instead? In this case the power management setting on the MAC may be relevant. At what voltage do you have iFi PS set?
I received my new Matrix SPDIF 2 yesterday (Sat 26th) and got it wired up to my SGCD. My only concern is the “Green light” it cannot be turned off. I was hunting around for the i2S on the SGCD, and for a brief moment, I had a horrible thought, as I could not see it (it was quite dark). And when I eventually got it sorted, I saw my music player, (Audirvana) said it was not connected… silly me had not installed the Matrix Windows driver, 10 mins later I was playing some tracks, and was gobsmacked at how good the sound was, and I was going for a change of speaker, but thats not happening for quite a while now. I just wished I had got this last year, as its very very good. Now just the powering to sort, as its running on USB power at the moment
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Thanks for the responses. I have a 9v iFi SMPS. The Matrix manual calls for 6-9v. I haven’t noticed any heat from the unit so doubt the higher voltage is responsible. I’ve left a message with Matrix but no reply yet.
Just curious. Did you try turning off power management for the USB connection on the Mac? It might help troubleshooting if the Matrix is not switching internally to the external PS.
When you plug in an external power supply, it disconnects the power from USB. When I unplugged the external PS at the back of the Matrix, the USB was connected but the Matrix still didn’t switch on. Maybe I could have restarted the Mac to see what happened, but I didn’t, maybe because I had read about benefits of the external PS and wanted to go that route.
if you are in the UK I have an Uptone Audio LPS 1.2 coming up for sale right now - works great with the Matrix
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