Matrix Audio Element M2 – Hi-Res Streamer Dac

Full-Featured High-Res Music Streamer, Dac & Headphone Amplifier

The Matrix Audio element M2 is a compact, full-featured digital source designed to bring high-resolution streaming, local music playback and high-quality digital conversion into a traditional two-channel audio system. Combining a high-performance DAC, network music player, digital inputs, analogue outputs and a powerful balanced headphone amplifier, the element M2 can function as the central source component in a wide range of hi-fi systems.

With support for Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect and DLNA/UPnP, along with Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi, the element M2 provides flexible access to high-resolution music while retaining the connectivity required for modern home entertainment systems.

Key Features

• High-Resolution Music Streamer & DAC – Combines network streaming, local playback and high-quality digital-to-analogue conversion in one compact component.

• ESS ES9028PRO DAC – Uses the ES9028PRO D/A converter as the heart of its digital audio architecture.

• Crystek CCHD-950 Femtosecond Clock – Provides a high-precision internal clock for the D/A conversion stage.

• Roon Ready – Supports high-resolution playback through Roon.

• AirPlay 2, TIDAL Connect & Spotify Connect – Provides convenient access to popular network audio platforms.

• HDMI ARC – Connect a compatible TV or projector and route its digital audio through the element M2.

• Balanced XLR & RCA Outputs – Connect directly to a power amplifier, integrated amplifier or active loudspeaker system.

• 4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Output – Provides up to 1,800mW at 33Ω with a fully balanced headphone amplification architecture.

• 6.35 mm Headphone Output – Provides a conventional single-ended headphone connection.

• Gigabit Ethernet & Dual-Band Wi-Fi – Supports both wired and wireless network connectivity.

• Independent Power Supply Architecture – Separates the ARM processor, digital audio processing and audio circuit power sections for improved electrical isolation.

Designed As A Complete Digital Source

The element M2 is designed to replace multiple individual source components with a single compact unit. It can play music stored locally, access network-based music services and accept digital audio from external sources through optical, coaxial, IIS-LVDS, USB Audio and HDMI ARC inputs.

Its analogue XLR and RCA outputs allow it to connect directly to an external amplifier or active speakers, while the integrated headphone amplifier provides a separate listening option without requiring an additional headphone amplifier.

High-Resolution Digital Playback

The element M2 supports high-resolution PCM playback up to 32-bit/768kHz through its IIS-LVDS input and up to 24-bit/768kHz through USB Audio. It also supports native DSD playback up to DSD512 (22.4MHz) through IIS-LVDS and USB Audio.

USB Audio additionally supports MQA and MQA Studio streams up to 384kHz. Optical and coaxial inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 through DoP.

Precision Clocking For Digital Audio

The D/A section of the element M2 uses a Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock. Two clocking modes are available: Async mode uses the internal femtosecond clock as the master clock for the D/A chip, while Sync mode allows the D/A chip to follow the clock supplied by the front-end device.

This flexibility allows the element M2 to be integrated into different digital audio architectures according to system requirements.

Fully Balanced Headphone Amplifier

The element M2 incorporates a four-channel fully balanced headphone amplifier, providing a dedicated 4.4 mm balanced output alongside its 6.35 mm single-ended connection.

The balanced output delivers up to 1,800mW at 33Ω, while maintaining a THD+N specification below 0.00055% across 20Hz–20kHz at 4VRMS. This makes the element M2 suitable for a wide range of demanding headphones as well as conventional models.

Hdmi Arc For Tv & Home Entertainment

The addition of HDMI ARC allows the element M2 to become part of a high-quality TV-based audio system. A compatible television or projector can send its digital audio to the element M2, allowing the system to benefit from its DAC and analogue output stage.

Where HDMI CEC is supported, compatible display devices can also control playback functions on the element M2.

Isolated Internal Architecture

Matrix Audio uses separate power supplies for the ARM processor and digital audio processing sections. These sections are placed in independent circuit units and connected through optocouplers to provide electrical isolation.

The audio circuit uses its own independent linear power supply, helping maintain a clean signal environment for the analogue audio stage.

Flexible Network Connectivity

The element M2 features a Gigabit Ethernet connection for stable high-bandwidth network streaming, particularly when handling high-resolution music files.

For installations where wired networking is inconvenient, integrated 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi provides a flexible wireless alternative while keeping the rear panel and overall installation clean.

Simple Control & Everyday Convenience

The MA Remote App provides control over device configuration, music browsing and playback. The supplied RM4 remote control also includes dedicated playback controls and two programmable buttons that can be assigned to frequently used functions through the MA Remote App.

Trigger input and output connections allow the element M2 to integrate with compatible amplifiers and system components for convenient system power control.

Features

• ES9028PRO D/A converter.

• Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock.

• Roon Ready.

• AirPlay 2.

• TIDAL Connect.

• Spotify Connect.

• DLNA/UPnP.

• vTuner.

• Radio Paradise.

• HIGHRESAUDIO.

• HDMI ARC input.

• USB Audio input.

• IIS-LVDS input.

• Optical and coaxial digital inputs.

• Balanced XLR analogue output.

• RCA analogue output.

• 4.4 mm balanced headphone output.

• 6.35 mm single-ended headphone output.

• Gigabit Ethernet.

• 2.4GHz / 5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi.

• MA Remote App.

• 6–12V trigger input.

• 12V trigger output.

• RM4 remote control.

Specifications

• Model: element M2

• CPU: NXP i.MX 6Quad Cortex-A9

• D/A Chip: ES9028PRO

• Clock Source: Crystek CCHD-950

• Coaxial / Optical Input: PCM 16–24bit / 44.1–192kHz; DSD 2.8MHz DoP

• IIS-LVDS Input: PCM up to 32bit / 768kHz; Native DSD up to 22.4MHz

• USB Audio Input: PCM up to 24bit / 768kHz; Native DSD up to 22.4MHz; MQA up to 384kHz

• HDMI ARC: PCM up to 24bit / 192kHz

• XLR Output Level: 4VRMS @ 0dB

• RCA Output Level: 2VRMS @ 0dB

• XLR SNR: 128dB A-weighting

• RCA SNR: 125dB A-weighting

• XLR THD+N: <0.00020% @ 1kHz

• RCA THD+N: <0.00022% @ 1kHz

• XLR Crosstalk: >-145dB

• RCA Crosstalk: >-130dB

• 4.4mm Balanced Output Power: 1,800mW @ 33Ω; 1,000mW @ 300Ω; 540mW @ 600Ω

• 6.35mm Single-Ended Output Power: 1,200mW @ 33Ω; 280mW @ 300Ω; 140mW @ 600Ω

• Headphone Gain: +18dB

• Network: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet

• Wireless: 2.4GHz / 5GHz Wi-Fi

• Standby Power Consumption: <5W

• Maximum Power Consumption: <50W

• Dimensions: 280 × 259 × 58mm

• Weight: 3.5kg

In The Box

• Matrix Audio element M2

• RM4 Remote Control

• Power Cable

• Quick Start Guide

• Warranty Card

Why Buy From Soundtrails

The right streamer and DAC can become the digital heart of a modern hi-fi system, connecting music services, local libraries, televisions and external audio components through a single carefully engineered source.

At SoundTrails, our Audio Video Architects can help you integrate the Matrix Audio element M2 with the right amplifier, loudspeakers, headphones and network audio ecosystem for your listening environment. From product selection and system design to professional installation and after-sales support, we focus on creating complete, properly matched audio systems rather than simply supplying individual components.