Matrix Audio
Element i2 Streaming Music Player
$1,580.00 USDWhat's in the Box?
The Element series of music streamers from Matrix Audio are some of the most popular desktop streamers on the market, and for good reason. These streamers are incredibly user-friendly, packed with premium features, and the MA Remote App allows seamless remote access to all your content from your favorite mobile device. The Element i2 stands out as an exceptional entry point to the Element series, offering a premium streaming experience with an integrated DAC and headphone amplifier. Featuring the high-end ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC chip, a fully-balanced headphone amplifier, USB Audio, IIS-LVDS, a full-color touch screen, and MA Remote App integration, the Element i2 delivers remarkable clarity and detail in your music. It's challenging to find an entry-level device with such premium features at this price point. The Element i2 headphone amp and hi-fi streamer is the perfect starting point for elevating your music streaming experience.
This all-in-one device supports HDMI, Toslink, USB Input, and Digital input, as well as DSD, Spotify Connect, and PCM, making it incredibly versatile. Designed for audiophiles who demand superior sound quality, the Element i2 is a top choice among audio products. It's a perfect entry-point into the Matrix Audio ecosystem as other Matrix Audio products like the Matrix Mini-i Pro 4, Element X, Element X2 Pure, and X-Sabre 3. As a converter and preamp, the Element i2 offers everything you need to enhance your hi-fi system.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: The Silver Dragon USB Cable is our best-selling cable at Moon Audio and the perfect companion for the Matrix Audio Element i2. The Silver Dragon USB transfers digital audio from a computer or portable device such as a Phone, Tablet, or DAP (digital audio Player) to a USB-capable DAC.
Entry-Level Streamer, Top-Shelf Sound
Although the Element i2 is the entry-level model for the Element Series of music streamers by Matrix Audio, it shares a wide range of technologies with other models in the series. This narrows the gaps in difference in specs between all models in the series, providing a tremendous value at every price point. The Element i2 has complete local and streaming music playback functionality, flexible input and output selections, and a variety of settings and configurations which makes it an excellent companion for your music, entertainment, and gaming needs.
A New UI for a New Generation of Music Streamers
The 2nd generation Element series of music streamers from Matrix Audio are equipped with a 3.46-inch LCD touch screen. The vibrant screen is able to display rich amounts of information regarding the track, artist, album, and more when playing over the network or playing local music via MA Player. The touch screen allows you to perform various operations from navigating track playback, the menu, and configuring settings. The newly added touch keys are also integrated into the glass panel and makes for a sleek and sophisticated user experience.
Streaming Powerhouse- All Your Music In One Place
If you have a large digital audio library, then MA Player allows you to browse and play your music from USB external storage or NAS with ease. If you prefer high-resolution online music streaming, then streaming programs like TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, and Internet Radio will provide a massive amount of content for you, if you have a subscription (TIDAL and Qobuz specifically). The Element i2 is also equipped with Roon Ready, DLNA/UPnP, and AirPlay 2 which bring you different music streaming experiences.
MA Remote APP - Control at Your Fingertips
You can browse and playback your local music files, online music stream from TIDAL and Qobuz, and even Internet radio stations through the MA Remote App on your iPhone, iPad or Android phones. The device configurations, firmware updates also can be managed by the app.
A Powerful Music Streamer Inside and Out
Matrix Audio added a 4.4 mm balanced headphone jack for the element i2, making it convenient to pair with various headphones. The built-in headphone amplifier has been upgraded to a 4-channel full-balanced architecture. The fully symmetrical circuit design allows the left and right channel signals to pass through a nearly perfectly symmetrical amplification circuitry. Providing plenty of headphone output power at low distortion and noise.
A New Fully-Balanced Amplifier
The Element i2 has a built-in fully-balanced, headphone amplifier, which is composed of 8 independent amplification units. Every two units are connected in parallel, providing higher drive current and output power with very low distortion and noise, as well as better control of micro-details to the headphone drivers. For the Element i2, there are no hard-to-drive headphones, just plug-and-play.
The New RM4 Remote from Matrix Audio
Matrix Audio has designed a new remote control for their second-generation music streamer. The new RM4 remote control has added playback control functions, making it more convenient and easier to switch tracks, play, pause, and other operations. With two programmable buttons, the RM4 can be set to control whatever you want - like frequently used functions through the MA Remote App. The RM4 remote is made with the same care and craftsmanship as the Element series streamers.
Entry-Level Streamer, Not Entry-Level Performance
Despite being the entry-level model in the second generation Element Series of music streamers, the Element i2 is equipped with the same Quad-core CPU and digital audio interface chip as the other models in the series. This powerful processing ability lets the Element i2 process various sampling rates and audio files with ease. The Element i2 is a MQA full-decoder, giving you access to all the best - sound, performance, and components.
High-End Femtosecond Clock
Digital audio is the art of time and timing, and a high-precision clock is the basis for accurate playback of all your favorite digital music. Matrix Audio has designed the Element i2 with the CCHD-950 ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clock from Crystek, reducing jitter generated in the transmission and processing of digital audio signals. This makes the sound more realistic and the details more accurate.
High-Speed Gigabit Ethernet Port
The element i2 is equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet port to ensure amore stable connection when streaming high sampling rate audio files. Make the music data stream in your audio system smoothly.
Dual Band Wi-Fi
The integrated 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi antenna, gives the Element i2 a tidy and clean appearance and a flexible connection options.
Features:
- All-in-One DAC, Headphone Amplifier, and Hi-Res Music Streamer
- Multi-functional Audio Source
- New LCD Screen and Touch-Sensitive Buttons
- MA Remote App Integration
- 4.4mm Balanced and Quarter-Inch Single-Ended Headphone Jacks
- RM4 Remote Control Included
What's in the box?
- RM4 remote control
- Power cable
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
FAQ
What are the key features of the Matrix Audio Element i2?
The Matrix Audio Element i2 features high-resolution audio playback, a built-in DAC, network streaming capabilities, balanced and unbalanced outputs, and support for various digital audio formats. It also includes a touchscreen for easy navigation, support for major streaming services, and a headphone amplifier.
How does the Element i2 differ from the Element X2?
While both the Element i2 and Element X2 are high-end streamers, the Element i2 is positioned slightly lower in the product lineup. It may have differences in DAC performance, output power, or other advanced features compared to the Element X2. However, it still offers excellent audio quality and most of the core features of its higher-end counterpart.
Is the Element i2 Roon Ready?
Yes, the Matrix Audio Element i2 is Roon Ready, meaning it can seamlessly integrate with Roon’s music management software for an enhanced user experience in music streaming and management.
What DAC chip is used in the Element i2?
The Element i2 uses the ESS ES9028PRO DAC chip, which is known for its high performance and ability to handle high-resolution audio with excellent detail and accuracy.
What types of inputs and outputs does the Element i2 offer?
The Element i2 offers a variety of inputs and outputs, including USB, optical, coaxial, and Ethernet inputs, as well as balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs. It also has a 6.35mm headphone jack for headphone listening.
Can the Element i2 be used as a preamplifier?
Yes, the Element i2 can function as a preamplifier. It features volume control and can be connected directly to a power amplifier or active speakers.
What streaming services are supported by the Element i2?
The Element i2 supports major streaming services such as TIDAL, Qobuz, and Spotify. It also supports DLNA, AirPlay, and Bluetooth for versatile streaming options.
How is the build quality of the Element i2?
The Element i2 is known for its high build quality, featuring a robust aluminum chassis, high-quality components, and a sleek, modern design. Users often praise its solid construction and premium feel.
What is the power output of the headphone amplifier in the Element i2?
The Element i2's headphone amplifier provides ample power to drive a wide range of headphones, including those with higher impedance, ensuring excellent audio performance.
How do I update the firmware on the Element i2?
Firmware updates for the Element i2 can be performed via the Matrix Audio Control App, which can be downloaded on your smartphone or tablet. The app will notify you of any available updates and guide you through the process.
Specifications
Hardware Platform
| CPU | NXP i.MX 6Quad Cortex-A9 |
|---|---|
| D/A Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Clock Source | Crystek CCHD-950 |
Digital Input
| Coaxial & Optical | PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz |
|---|---|
| DSD 2.8MHz (DoP) | |
| IIS LVDS | PCM 16-32Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz | |
| DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP) | |
| DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz, 22.4MHz (Native) | |
| USB Audio | PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz | |
| MQA 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, | |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream | |
| DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP) | |
| DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (Native) |
Line Output
| XLR | SNR: >-120dB A-weighting |
|---|---|
| THD+N:<0.00025%@1k, <0.00035%@20Hz-20kHz | |
| Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@80kHz | |
| Crosstalk: >-138dB | |
| Output Level: 4VRMS@0dB | |
| Output Impedance: 100Ω | |
| RCA | SNR: >-118dB A-weighting |
| THD+N:<0.00035%@1k, <0.00050%@20Hz-20kHz | |
| Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@80kHz | |
| Channel Crosstalk: >-130db | |
| Output Level: 2VRMS@0dB | |
| Output Impedance: 100Ω |
Headphone Output
| 4.4 mm balanced | SNR: >-116dB A-weighting |
|---|---|
| THD+N:<0.0006%@20Hz-20kHz 4VRMS | |
| Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@65kHz | |
| Output Impedance:<22Ω | |
| Output Power: 1500mw@33Ω, 950mw@300Ω, 500mw@600Ω, 1%THD | |
| Gain: +16.5dB | |
| 6.35mm unbalanced | SNR: >-114dB A-weighting |
| THD+N:<0.0008%@20Hz-20kHz 2VRMS | |
| Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@65kHz | |
| Output Impedance:<11Ω | |
| Output Power: 1200mW@33Ω, 260mW@300Ω, 130mW@600Ω, 1%THD | |
| Gain: +16.5dB |
Network
| LAN | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
|---|---|
| WLAN | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz |
USB
| The USB port provides a maximum power of 5V/1A. |
| The USB port works with the devices which conform to the USB mass storage standard and supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file formats, but is not guaranteed to be compatible with all storage devices. |
MA player
| Controller app | MA Remote App |
|---|---|
| Local Playback | |
| Format Supported: | MP3 , WMA , WAV , AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE |
| PCM Sampling Rate: | PCM 16-24Bit 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz | |
| MQA 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, | |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream | |
| DSD Sampling Rate: | DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz |
| Roon Ready* | *Under certification test |
| PCM Sampling Rate: | PCM 16-24 Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz | |
| MQA 16-24 Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, | |
| 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream | |
| DSD Sampling Rate: | DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz |
| AirPlay 2 | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| DLNA/UPnP | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| TIDAL Connect | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| Spotify Connect | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| vTuner | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
Power Specs
| Power Voltage | AC 100-240V 50/60Hz |
|---|---|
| Standby Power Consumption | <5W |
| Maximum Power Consumption | < 30W |
Weight & Size
| Weight | 2.6 kg (5.73 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Size | Width: 240 mm (9.45 inches) |
| Depth: 259 mm (10.20 inches) | |
| Height: 58 mm (2.28 inches) |