100%. The matrix alone made a nice improvement versus USB. Adding the Uptone LPS took it to a whole other level. Changing to the Harmonic Tech HDMI was also a nice upgrade though not on the level of the Uptone.
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Have any you guys had any issues with repetitive clicking noises with the Matrix connected to the DS using the Native DSD mode for DSD files? This has happened to me a couple times and the only remedy seems to switch the DAC off and then back on again. I don’t really like the idea of using that switch every day, or even more than once a day. I guess I can try the other I2S input, but I’m kind of curious what could be going on. No problems with PCM at all.
Don’t use native DSD. Put all the dip switches in the off position and use DOP.
I use the Native DSD dip switch setting on the Matrix and I have not had issues with repetitive clicking.
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Me neither
This seems to happen if I disconnect my laptop and then connect it again. If you have a server and never disconnect it, it probably would never happen.
I popped on a Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 today!
Fun! Now you can enjoy the buying the power supply and fancy power cable part of the so very rewarding ritual. I may do it again as I now have a Jr. and Sr…
Just got my Matrix and finally figured out how to set it up (hint for other newbies- you have to enable the Matrix on Roon if you’re using it). I’m thinking of power supplies already. I’ve read good things about the Uptone and Keces models and there may be others. Does anyone have advice/recommendations?
You have two good options named already. General suggestion if there is one, says go to Uptone lps 1.2 with Matrix. But no matter what you choose it will be definite upgrade in SQ. Take your pick…
I ordered Hdplex 200 to power my lps 1.2 instead of Uptones own smps,also powers my 4g router and Aqvox switch when i get it in a week or so. And future dedicated streamer,being it Nucleus+ maybe. I haven´t decided yet which one to get.
So if I’m reading these posts correctly…I would be better off only connecting ONE source input to my Gain Cell DAC vs two source inputs?
I’m considering the Matrix myself to use between my SOtM SMS 200 (USB to Matrix to I2S on GCD), and I’ll also plan on running my Bluesound Node 2 into it as well as long as I can do input switching with it.
I, of course, want the best sound like everyone else, and if I’m able to do that more easily with only one input into my GCD then I will.
Great forum discussion on the Matrix…
Amen to the matrix. It’s a great little magical box.
Hi @dbanker, I don’t know about “better off” but you will certainly get a cocktail mix of both cables re sound quality.
The matrix is a single input / multi output device. So not sure where you would switch your inputs.
Thanks Chris5.
I’ll have to experiment with all of this a bit. Now, one more question - and I think Ted touched on this a bit - If I run my SOtM SMS 200 via USB into my GCD and my Bluesound Node 2 via Toslink into my GCD I shouldn’t get the same cable “cross talk” correct? Right now I have my Bluesound Node 2 running into the GCD with coax, but I might try my Toslink given the conversations here and Ted’s recommendations.
Didn’t realize the matrix was single input…that pretty much answers my question there. I though it was the other way around…multi in / single out.
Last two days or so, i worked myself through this 1494 replies. Pff. I was most surprised that so few people did follow Teds two or three times advice to check out the toslink on the matrix. My system has, since a week a cheap, 50$ breeze audio box, much like the matrix in functionality, powered by usb, between my noisy nuc, nice quality usb cable with a 40$ toslink out to the ds. When i red the advice of aangen (thank you sir!!), i implemented the free Finalizer. The combination is absolutely wonderful!! Gorgeous. From the clouds to heaven. Quite a flight. First enjoy this cheap tweak and then of course step to a matrix/lps2 combi 
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NB I forgot, this tweak also got me back to snowmass 3.0.6 ! A post from a wise guy predicted this: 3.0.6 is best suited for low noise systems, while 3.0.0 is better for noisy nuc systems. Forgot your name, but thanks anyway.
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Many of us want more bandwidth than TOSLink reliably offers…
That’s how this process started for me. I tried the Breeze USB/Toslink box. It bettered my USB direct set up. Moved up to the Topping D10 - another improvement - then the Matrix via I2S (and toslink). This set up via I2S has been the best sounding option by far. Out- classing both USB and Dig Coax.
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For me, more than 99,8% is within the 24/192 bandwidth. I would trade in those few 2x dsd files for the rest. And, maybe toslink dsd could be better than the same file in 2x dsd with i2s in some systems. Nice hobby to try both!
I use HQPlayer and upsample all my PCM to 24/352.8. So TOSLink is not even an option…
I tried toslink with the Matrix and I2S was clearly better to my ears…