Finally got around to checking out a few new cables. As mentioned a while back, I have a little hook up on audioquest so I went that route. I actually got a a new power cable(NRG-y3) that does seem to has improved the realism of vocals a bit and perhaps a bit better lower end. It’s only baked in about 10 hours, but it’s staying.
More related to the Matrix: I have actually tried a cheap-o insignia toslink cable compared to the monster hdmi cable recently that seemed to open up the soundstage a bit and increase separation compared to the monster hdmi at the expense of a more fatiguing sound. As such I was interesting in trying something on that front as well. I picked up an audioquest carbon hdmi and a cinnamon toslink. After a few hours of listening there does appear to be an improvment with the carbon vs the old monster. Frankly, it’s not dramatic. I do think it is a bit more separation, improvement in soundstage(seems to expand a bit wider beyond the speakers), just a bit more overall detail, and a bit tighter low end. Of note, I seem to be noticing some of what I liked about the cheap-o toslink, but without the fatigue/perhaps overemphasized highs. Switching from the Carbon hdmi to the cinnamon toslink is actually pretty difficult to differentiate for me at this point. There are similar improvements, but perhaps just a bit less. The fatiguing nature of the cheap-o is gone. The cinnamon may have just a very small amount more separation as compared to the carbon. Stress very. I seem to prefer the overall sound of the Carbon HDMI. This preference is very small at best. Small enough that I can’t even say I’m certain. Less than 10 hours on the cables, so perhaps there will be some subtle changes(highly skeptical of any burn in on toslink, but I suppose enough people feel they hear changes in hdmi burn in that I’ll keep an ear on it).
On a larger note, I finally broke down and ordered a streamer/server to get away from the laptop. Decided to take a swing on the Wyred 4 sound MS. Functions as a server and streamer. I was about to pull the trigger on a sonictransporter i5 paired with an auralic aries G1 until I stumbled onto the wyred 4 sound. Opted for the single unit because I’d like to avoid extra cables/complications and the wyred 4 sound has an I2s output. This would allow me to sell the Matrix if it works out(again, less cables/complications/power supply etc). This is no criticism of the Matrix 2. It is definitely legit. On top of that, I had actually purchased a used microRendu with ifi ipower a few days prior. All should hopefully be arriving in a week or so. I’m interested in comparing the laptop to microRendu to matrix combo to the Wyred 4 sound. Lets see just how much all this extra cash actually makes a difference.
If I recall, Ted Smith purchased one to test various outputs including optical(which I believe he explicitly stated he thought it sounds good. It would make sense to use it for any of its outputs if you’re trying to convert from USB.
@badbeef. Thank you for the Opinion Piece. I think I am in agreement with you with regards to the Aries G1 simplicity and functionality, but will end up going down a little rabbit hole of testing to confirm your hypothesis. I have created a lot of potential permutations to test.
I have just ordered up an Auralic Aries G1 used and it will be feeding my DS DAC. The order of the feed will be my Router => Prodigy X server=> GigaFoil Ethernet Filter => Aries G1 => DS Dac. I just ordererd up WW Cat 8 Starlight Ethernet cables for all the ethernet connections.
I am intrigued by running the G1 wireless and avoiding all the other ethernet noise. Will report my findings and may end up having a bunch of WW Ethernet cables for sale in the marketplace if the wireless works well.
I will test out and report on the differences between:
Bridge II v Aries G1 (Guessing that I will need to remove the Bridge II to get the best sound out of the Aries G1 comparison)
Coax and Toslink between the Aries G1 and the DS. I am holding off doing the Martix shuflle out of the Aries G1 for now. Sorry @bootzilla.
With and w/0 Gigafoil and with and without the WW Cat 8 cables.
Roon and the Auralic Lightining Ap.
More information to follow and possibly stuff for sale when I find out what I like best. Thanks for your viewpoints and tips.
I’m contemplating one day to pull the trigger on a Matrix-2. Problem is I like the sound of the S/PDIF input when fed from my Sony UBP-X1000ES. For DSD 2.0, I use the DAC of the Sony. For 5.1 DSD, I use my Sony STR-DN1080 with the volume control bypassed with true balanced XLR’s that I tapped off the PCB inside the STR-DN1080. PCM playback is strictly from my X1000 using files form my PC. When I play WAV’s form my PC’s USB connection into my SGCD, it sounds thin and I know its the PC’s fault. It’s a fanless type but I’m sure it’s the USB circuitry on my motherboard that’s the weakness. Whereas the S/PDIF sounds very weighty without screwing up the high or bloating the Bass.
Hard to say what kind of improvement you’d see, but judging from the general consensus here I imagine you’d hear the difference.
In my situation, I noticed a clear sound upgrade moving from my laptop to the SOtM SMS 200 streamer (and I got it for $389 new on sale; Black Friday), and now with the Matrix it’s moved up significantly more. In fact, I’d say the Matrix provided an approximately equal upgrade from moving from a laptop to my dedicated SOtM streamer. And while it’s early to tell, the Matrix might in fact be more of an improvement.
I’m not sure what combination of things are at work here, but I’m loving what I’m hearing. Also, it’s noteworthy that I’m using an Sbooster 9v MK1 w/ booster PS for the Matrix, so I know this is helping and I haven’t tried it USB yet. Further, my SMS 200 is running an iFi 9v, so I imagine I’d see a further upgrade in sq if I put in a higher quality ps.
Not sure if this helps, but I can definitely attest to the fact that running a PC strictly over usb to your GCD isn’t ideal - you can do much better. Have you considered trying Audirvana? Give it a shot if you haven’t. You can do a 30 day trial for free and convert PCM to DSD on there over USB and it sounds fantastic. That alone would probably be noticeable to you. That was a great recommendation give to me on here by cxp.
Guys, do you think it make sense to use matrix 2 in my system with optical output?
PC (Foobar)>(currently Gustard u12l) >Chord Mojo(Optical)>AKG K3003I
I’m going to assume what you are really trying to ask is whether the optical output on the matrix would sound better than the optical output on the Gustard and then is that difference worth the cost of the upgrade in your particular case. Is that right?
Assuming that is right, I would wager that the outputs on the Matrix offer a sound quality upgrade broadly. I say that with no authority as I have not heard the Gustard. I would argue, however, that whatever differences there may be…I am skeptical that swapping out the Matrix for the Gustard in your case makes much sense. For example, I would wager you would get a better return by picking up that sonictransporter i5 someone posted above. Options are endless of course, but what made you focus on the Matrix specifically as an upgrade point?
$75 for a lifetime license. Definitely worth it. I’ll give it a try and let all of you know if my findings are comparable to what I’ve read here and elsewhere online. While I like the sound of the Native DSD DAC inside my Sony. I’d like to see if I can improve with Audirvana or the Matrix-2 (or both together $$).
Thanks for clarifying the question that really mattered and afcource for stating your opinion.
I had thoughts that it can improove sound quality out optical port i use even more than my current gustard u12.
Also what about microrendu sonore, is it worth insstead maybe having it ?
After are discussion in this thread last week I am curious about trying out the Euphony PTS 2 Music Server with the Keces P8 8 Amp Ultra Low Noise Linear Power Supply from Power Holdings. It looks pretty interesting as a potential replacement for my PC.
(that I love)(Love I say!)
Arthur seems like he knows things to me.
Another question and i know that probably this is not the right place, but would be vrlery thankfull.
Is there a device dedicated only for music playback which as source better than windows and mac?
There’s been a lot of happy users around here using Audirvana. My hunch is that you might prefer the sound of Audirvana converting PCM to DSD vs. your Sony I look forward to hearing which sounds better to you.
Like I said though…the Matrix still provided a substantial increase in sound quality. Sounds like you might be headed down the path of computer audio and subsequent upgrades
I look forward to hearing which sounds better to you.