The new X-SPDIF3 USB digital audio interface allows your computer, tablet or mobile phone to easily output high-quality digital audio signal to peripheral digital audio devices, transmit in USB asynchronous mode, and achieve from USB input to Optical/Coaxial/AES/IIS-LVDS output interface conversion. Compared with the previous generation, the IIS-LVDS output isolation is added, which completely isolates the digital output from the ground wire of the USB end, and bids farewell to the annoying noise of the USB front end. In addition, it supports up to 32Bit/768kHz PCM signal and 1Bit/DSD512 signal output, achieving an excellent output quality from both PC and mobile devices.
I don’t have a need for the new version. I have two of the old version that I am currently not using. But I may buy one anyway as I want to experience it!
I now am using the Matrix-3 between a i5NUC/Roon and my OG DSDAC, and an older -2 between a Dell PC, for streaming jazz concerts, and the DSDAC. I shot out the two on Roon, and the new Matrix is noticably quieter in my system.
Hi,
I’m still learning about the use of a DDC and have two questions:
Does the DDC do anything that my PS Directstream DAC (I) doesn’t already do internally once the signal reaches it?
Is the signal really going to be cleaner going from a USB output through the Matrix X-SPDIF3 and I2S than it would be just going direct from my streamer to the Directstream using a coaxial cable?
I can speak to question #2. I bought one after I bought a Gain Cell DAC so I could use the I2s connection and also for the galvanic isolation. The Matrix is between my PC and GCD. There is a substantial boost in sound quality with it in the system. Much more smooth and relaxed. Like the sharp edges have been removed. I took it out of the system once for about 30 seconds before I hooked it back in. The improvement was clear.
Welcome Peter!
I forgot, you can also use a linear power supply with the Matrix which I also have. I haven’t done any comparison with and without though.
Does anyone have a take on if running USB to Matrix and then I2S to Jr is inherently better than USB direct to Jr just based on the Utilization of the I2S connection?
Absolutely! and the cables used, both i2s and USB make a major difference. As does the external power supply for the Matrix. I have been running my Jr. this way for many years. I swapped many cables and power supplies to get to where I am at now.
The USB input on the Sr. and Jr. is sub par. I thought everyone knew this. On the MK2 the USB input is wonderful and no Matrix is needed.
When you update your DAC you most likely will not need be concerned. The issue was major with the Sr. and Jr. DACs. Not so much with any other brand. I think the bean counters needed money cut, so they cut on the USB input. This is the only forum where USB is trash talked in favor of I2S. I2S is wonderful, but properly designed USB is as well.
You are most likely fine with the cables you have. An extremely good Stealth USB cable can be had for $1350. My AQ Dragon HDMI cable cost met $1200. Those are the two mountain top cables for me. I could send you the Stealth so you could see if you hear a difference. It would be great if you couldn’t hear a difference!
Yes, when I bought my streamer, I should have looked to see if it had an I2S output or not. It doesn’t. On the other hand, it sounds pretty good with my DS1.
Ill be updating my dac this year. I bet the Stealth would make a difference if going direct from my Aurender (excellent usb output) to a excellent usb in.
In my case it would be from the Aurender and heading up to the Matrix. Not sure if that muddies the water?
Thank you for the Offer. Ill PM with any further questions. This has been helpful.
And now, back to your regularly scheduled programming…
If you are still using a PS Audio DSD Sr. or Jr. you never ever want to use its USB input if high quality sound you are looking for. Just those two DACs. The DSD MK2 is fine with USB.
If you ever get a thought that a Stealth cable might be something you are interested in, contact me first. I can help you with the purchase in a way you will appreciate.
Well, to answer my own question(s), I called PSAudio. The person on the line told me not to bother with the Matrix, as it would just introduce another element into the chain and it probably wouldn’t improve the sound that I’m getting going from my HifiRose streamer to my Directstream. That was easy. Money saved! My guess is that if I was coming from a computer the answer may well have been different.
Not to be disrespectful, but what you got from PSA was not an answer, it was a guess.
The ultimate answer lies in experience testing various configurations in your own home.
I get the “adding equipment cant help” thought process but in many cases (especially preamps) i have found that not to be true.
Your ears will tell you. I had a Rose streamer for two years running to a DSJ (and a couple other dacs). No question USB out to Matrix to I2S out was superior to any other configuration.
I had a modified Melco N1SZ10 for years running to a Directstream MK1. No question USB out to Matrix to I2S out was superior to any other configuration.
There is a Matrix thread here where SO MANY PEOPLE disagree strongly with the advice you got from PS Audio. The Matrix thread has more posts than most by a long shot.
This is so not a new issue. There is absolutely no question a Matrix, or similar device improves the sound when using a Sr. or Jr. DAC.