I have a Matrix that has been on 24.7 at 9V for what, three years now? Have no fear.
9 volts is the best sounding to me.
How long now? Haha…haven’t heard too much about the latest mk3 version.
We know that batteries are quiet, likely far more quiet than any external power supply. I’m wondering if anyone has tried running the Matrix off a battery? Seems easy enough to build a small bank of probably 8 18650’s at roughly 8 volts, should likely run it for a decent listening session. I’ve read this whole thread (seriously) and don’t remember anyone mentioning it.
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Nobody that I know of. I have a battery operated phono pre that I like pretty well. It picks up tiny traces of bluetooth or wifi sometimes, but I know it’s not dirty power! LOL
At one time I bought two large 6 volt batteries to power gear. I did power my Matrix with batteries for a while. Theoretically it should be the purest power. But when I wrote about it people started sending me links to articles that said batteries are not the correct answer. Hmmmmm. I didn’t miss it when I stopped using them. I’d have one on the charger all the time and then I’d swap the charged for the discharged battery. No charger was ever connected to a battery in use.
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Interesting. So you were powering the Matrix with USB, then the battery and it wasn’t a dramatic difference? Did you ever compare battery power to a high end power supply?
Oh sure, several high end power supplies. Currently I am powering via an Sbooster or a Keces P8. I stopped there even though there is lots of evidence that better is available.
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My problem with the Matrix turning off was due to my using an old Mac Mini. When I got a newer model, all power issues stopped and the Matrix is always available. Didn’t want to unfairly criticize the Matrix.
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I thought someone was looking to buy a Matrix Spdif if so there is one on TMR for sale.
That was me… got one here in forum. same price.
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I’m wondering how well this device would integrate with Roon.
I use my Matrix X-SPDIF2 almost exclusively with Roon to drive my DSD Mk1 DAC. No problems. With a LPS driving the Matrix and a RAL interconnect cable for the I2S connection, it took the sound of my DAC to a new level. And removing the Bridge II card from my DAC improved the sound still more.
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I am also wondering if 5v ifi works? I just got a matrix 2 and directstream mk1 dac. Wondering which ifi to get for the matrix
I have a 7volt farad. Some people were going to 9. I think an external 5 was thought to be too low.
Yeah, mine’s a 7V Farad as well. I think the important point is to make sure you’re providing an external voltage source that’s ‘well’ above the standard USB voltage rail value. (Either that or ‘snip’ the USB voltage conductor. 
)
Yeah I use the 5V ifi ipower2 with mine. Works great.
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I have an Uptone UltraCap LPS 1.2 on the Marketplace for sale, worked great with the Matrix!
That’s a nice power supply. GLWS!
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Just to confirm matrix have confirmed external 5v psu is outside of spec and may not work. 7-9v is the spec.
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