Thanks, that how I thought it should be as well - plug - and play. However, with my SMS 200 not working correctly (come to find out) this didn’t happen. I"ll report back here once I get things in order and hopefully the Matrix will there be working! Thanks for all the input everyone.
I’ve noticed that while I can get Tidal and Qobuz streaming (via Roon) to work on the SMS via the Matrix, Spotify doesn’t work - it seems to play but there is no sound. It works fine though when the SMS is connected directly via USB without the Matrix. It may be that for certain forms of playback there is some bizarre incompatibility created in the SMS/Matrix combination and this may be what is occurring in your situation too.
Got my matrix 2 running. Without the p5 and optical ethernet isolation inserted, the sound is already better than before. Excellent improvement in many aspects: full bass, less edgy treble, more easy and musical. Happy user.
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I’ve had my Matrix for about a month and am now thinking about a power supply. Arthur, the Matrix rep, recommended the Keces P3 which he sells. Not much posted here on the Keces and I’d be interested in hearing from people who have it. Seems like more people here are getting the Uptone so I’m hoping for some last advice before pulling the trigger.
I would get the Uptone since nobody here has regretted it. Why buy something else which might not be as good?
To my logic, the Keces is priced similar to the Uptone LPS 1.2. Given the overwhelming positive feedback for the Uptone, both on this forum directly associated with the Matrix, and across the audiophile forum universe in general, and with such limited feedback on the Keces, it stands to reason the Uptone is the way to go…
There are dozens of owners of the Keces P3 and P8 over on the Audioshark forum and I have not seen anyone that has expressed any dissatisfaction with their products. You also have the newest Sbooster units which are being sold by Upscale Audio. You can also buy the Keces units direct from them at
Another LPS manufacturer that seems to be excellent you might look at is FARAD, a spin off from Pink Faun who sell excellent products with great power supplies… FARAD Super3
https://www.faradpowersupplies.com/
I should add that, I’ve had the Bridge for several months on an extended trial, thanks to PS Audio. We were hoping for a software update which would get rid of the ticks and pops I hear using the Bridge input, and PS Audio generously extended the trial period hoping for a fix. After several months, we have concluded there is no fix in sight. As some on this board advised a long time ago, I’m returning the Bridge for a refund and using the Matrix. My server is a Roon hub so the Bridge isn’t doing anything. If a new version comes out some day, I may give it a try. I appreciate all the help PS Audio has provided and it’s too bad the Bridge problem couldn’t be resolved.
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Very happy with Sbooster 5-6.5V with Ultra upgrade. I am thinking of getting the USB isolator to block the 5v power supply. My local genius thinks the SBooster is the best LPS.
Mark H.
@markh - I’ve been running the Matrix Sbooster w/ Ultra at 6V (switched output) for over a month and it is flawless. Measured 6.15V @ Sbooster and 5.15V @ Ultra output. I like the power supplies at as low as I can run them for noise floor. Well, I’m trying the 18V FARAD Super 3 with a special double shielded 60cm cable (level 3) for my Nucleus+. The 18V Sbooster I have can’t use an Ultra (800mA load) is too much for the 18V Sbooster for N+. I have a 5V Sbooster w/ Ultra for AQVOX-SE & 5V Sbooster w/ Ultra for Giga FOIL filter. So, I will see about the FARAD, suppose to be blacker than Sbooster w/ Ultra… proof in the A/Bing… it should definitely be better than Sbooster w/ no Ultra.
I love Sboosters and they run very cool and are great for noise… I have also separated the (4) Sboosters (Ethernet/streamer supplies) from the P20 (DMP, DSD, BHKPRE, BHK300s, REL subs). Using EVO 3 Sirus from SR BLUE duplex 20A single run 10ga… All Sboosters have SR Delta NR power cables from EVO3 to the Sboosters…
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@markh - I went JMaxwell “data only” 12in USB cable (N+ to Matrix) to remove the USB power coming from the N+. But, like Ted points out, not a panacea, the usb signal originates from N+ so there is going to be signal w/ GND from the N+. That set-up works amazing w/ N+ and Matrix with the JMaxwell cable. I love Sboosters, just can’t use the Ultra on the N+ so I am looking to see how FARAD Super3 compares… You can pull the pins on the USB cable to stop the USB power (isolator) or buy “data only” usb cable understanding the Sbooster w/ Ultra as Matrix external PS…
Its not so much that there’s evidence of anything wrong with the Keces, just that when paired with the Matrix, there is much more feedback regarding the Uptone LPS… I’m sure both would be fine, but the Uptone has universal praise here on the Matrix forum…
If I was in the market for a power supply - I’d go w uptone. Great company. Owner is engaged and has made great products since the regen. No brainer
My only question with the Keces would be if you’re intending the P3 to only power the Matrix, why would you go with something that has dual output? Personally, if I were budgeted for the P3, I’d probably be more likely to invest those dollars in a sole purpose LPS. Focus the dollars where they’ll be used.
I believe the Keces only comes with dual outputs. However, its still less expensive than the Uptone, so there are no dollars to focus.
I have the Uptone 1.2 and I am really very, very happy with it. But I am envious of a dual output device as I have another device that needs an outboard power supply.
Since price isn’t an issue, I would suggest that you buy both and keep the one you like the most in your system. You’ll only know which is best in your system by trying them both. The advice here is helpful but not infallible.
Good luck
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Never said that price is not an issue. I’m not going to buy two power supplies just to compare them. I’d probably have a very hard time telling the difference between power supplies. I’m planning to order one or the other and move on.
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