Great choice!
DAC / streamer - Matrix Element M.
Wonderful one box solution.
Mytek Liberty DAC. Off a DigiOne Signature. sounds great.
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Bluesound Node 2i and Denafrips Ares II. I also have Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp that has a USB DAC, but I have not used it much as it is “just” 96/24 and the Phono-stage is where that amp shines.
SMSL M300 mk ii. Have it set up with a RBP running Ropieee for NAA, and using it in conjunction with networked HQP to upsample to DSD 256. absolutely loving the setup
Mytek Liberty as DAC and a Marantz 2235B amp.
The Liberty can’t properly drive my Sennheiser HD800s and the Marantz does it superbly.
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@ogdens_sliced, you have the Matrix Element M, are you using it as a preamp directly connected to a power amp ?
No.
Am running it into a tube integrated with volume output on matrix set to fixed.
So still using pre-amp stage of my integrated.
As mentioned, I used the DA-1, but the outboard DAC that I have is really quite audibly better. But the DA-1 sounded good. The DA-2 may be better and they are appearing in the after market although McIntosh warns you not to put one in yourself even though it is clearly not difficult
I ended up picking up a Denafrips Ares II and it rocks! quite a difference but not only a difference but an improvement.
That’s a great outcome, glad for you. Enjoy.
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What do you feed into the Denafrips DAC? A NUC or ? Do you use the Aries for CDs as well?
I use it for my main desk setup, an iMac is the RAAT endpoint, then USB to the Ares II, no CD or other sources, computer only.
Naim Uniti Atom via ethernet to NUC Rock.
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I suspect, based upon questions that I see asked is that people are conservative, in their chain of equipment. Roon has such wide applicability and people have such diverse components in their chain. It is great to hear of your pleasure with the Aries II.
Thanks, looks like our equipment chain may be in part somehow similar.
Mine in my main setup: Mac > Ares II > MA8900 > Ls50 meta (waiting for them to arrive…)
The chain is very similar. I also have a streamer (Auralic G2) in that chain and at the beginning a Audioquest Niagara 5000 conditioner. I do think that the Denafrips components are key to the sound in our system. The difference between CD quality files and high res files are so clearly audible to us.
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I’m now using the Matrix Element X directly connected to a power amp (the Benchmark AHB2). This set-up works quite well, IMO. A modern/digital twist on the integrated amp or receiver concept.
As a preamp, what’s it missing?
- no 12v trigger
- no turntable support
- no bass management
Matrix is interesting but I cannot find them here locally in Quebec, Canada. I need to make a audio test with my gears to make sure the match fits.
Cannot plunge some money on a DAC without at least listen to it.
Shame no local dealer in Montreal for Matrix
I bought my Element X from headphones.com, which offers a 365 day return policy. Their business office is in Portland, Oregon but they do offer free shipping to Canada (according to a Chat reply they just sent me). Inquiries: info@headphones.com
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