Josh Mound Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 View full article 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 Thanks for the succinct review Josh! Josh Mound 1 Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
JoeWhip Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 Hi Josh. You may want to compare this DAC with the Yggy with the Unison USB installed. We added it last night and it is an improvement in detail, tone and dynamics. Not a ton but enough to make a nice improvement. Cheers. Link to comment
firedog Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 Since this DAC measures as state of the art and Josh says it also sounds really good, it seems like a good buy at it's price point. You'd probably have to spend a lot more to beat it in a significant way. I'm actually thinking of buying it's little brother, the Element i, which has a streamer built in. Josh Mound 1 Main listening (small home office): Main setup: Surge protector +>Isol-8 Mini sub Axis Power Strip/Isolation>QuietPC Low Noise Server>Roon (Audiolense DRC)>Stack Audio Link II>Kii Control>Kii Three (on their own electric circuit) >GIK Room Treatments. Secondary Path: Server with Audiolense RC>RPi4 or analog>Cayin iDAC6 MKII (tube mode) (XLR)>Kii Three . Bedroom: SBTouch to Cambridge Soundworks Desktop Setup. Living Room/Kitchen: Ropieee (RPi3b+ with touchscreen) + Schiit Modi3E to a pair of Morel Hogtalare. All absolute statements about audio are false Link to comment
Geoff13 Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 Nice review. Thanks you! Josh Mound 1 Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 were the listening comparisons done sighted or blind? Link to comment
Holzohr Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 Thank you very much for the review. I have this DAC, too and additionally the X-SPDIF 2 and the Element H. The predecessor X-Sabre was my very first DSD-ready DAC years ago. I am pretty happy with the X-Sabre Pro (MQA) also with its volume control but I would like to try it with a "right" preamp. Interesting that you have the Ragnarok. I plan to replace my semi-broken Freya (the first version) by a Freya + (or a Denafrips Hestia? 🤔). Btw, there is a newer USB driver from January 2020 https://www.matrix-digi.com/drivers/Matrix_Audio_All_Driver.rar Josh Mound 1 Euphony (NUC7DNKE: Roon or Stylus) --> Euphony EP (NUC7CJYH: Roon Bridge or NAA or StylusEP) --> Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 --> Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro (MQA) (I2S) --> Euphony (NUC7DNKE: Roon) --> WS 2019 Core (i7-8700: HQPlayer, JPLAY Femto, Roon Bridge, MinorityClean) / Matrix Audio Element H --> Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro (MQA) (USB) --> B & M Prime 6 Synology DS 112+ (LMS) --> pi3B+/HifiBerry Digi + Pro (PiCorePlayer) --> Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro (MQA) (SPDIF) --> bedroom: pi3/DigiOne (RoPieee) --> S.M.S.L M500 --> KRK Rokit 5 or AKG 712 Pro Link to comment
Popular Post Josh Mound Posted February 5, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 5, 2020 6 hours ago, Ralf11 said: were the listening comparisons done sighted or blind? Level-matched and sighted. (I don't feel like going through the effort to conduct blind tests for every review is worth the effort, since, as I outlined in the RME review, it doesn't seem to convince anyone.) The Computer Audiophile, emcdade and mav52 3 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to comment
Josh Mound Posted February 5, 2020 Author Share Posted February 5, 2020 9 hours ago, JoeWhip said: Hi Josh. You may want to compare this DAC with the Yggy with the Unison USB installed. We added it last night and it is an improvement in detail, tone and dynamics. Not a ton but enough to make a nice improvement. Cheers. I'm interested in the Unison based on what I've read. But I'm also happy with the Gen 5 and have various USB->SPDIF converter options. So I might wait until my Yggy's warranty lapses and then upgrade to the Unison to get the warranty refresh. 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to comment
Popular Post Josh Mound Posted February 5, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 5, 2020 From the No Good Deeds... category, the folks at ASR are mad that, in the context of my rave review of the Matrix, I suggested that the hated (by them) Yggrasil may be better in some areas than the Matrix. The Computer Audiophile, motberg and PYP 3 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to comment
sedest Posted February 5, 2020 Share Posted February 5, 2020 Amazing review. Thank you very much! My Matrix X-Sabre has been running flawlessly since 2014. Great piece of metal. Holzohr 1 Link to comment
Popular Post The Computer Audiophile Posted February 5, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted February 5, 2020 26 minutes ago, JoshM said: From the No Good Deeds... category, the folks at ASR are mad that, in the context of my rave review of the Matrix, I suggested that the hated (by them) Yggrasil may be better in some areas than the Matrix. I love the Yggdrasil. P.S. Always write for yourself, and hope that others like and appreciate your writing. Never write for an audience, especially an audience that can’t be pleased. Dietmar Gsell, 4est, AudioDoctor and 3 others 3 3 Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
firedog Posted February 5, 2020 Share Posted February 5, 2020 3 hours ago, JoshM said: From the No Good Deeds... category, the folks at ASR are mad that, in the context of my rave review of the Matrix, I suggested that the hated (by them) Yggrasil may be better in some areas than the Matrix. The Yggy was measured there several times and did really badly (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-schiit-yggdrasil-v2-dac.3607/) so even if they haven't heard it, the people there get offended if anyone likes it. To them it proves you are lacking listening skills and are fooled by expectation bias. Because you must have tin ears if you like such a poorly measuring unit. Of course, they probably also couldn't "hear the measurements" in a non-sighted test. Main listening (small home office): Main setup: Surge protector +>Isol-8 Mini sub Axis Power Strip/Isolation>QuietPC Low Noise Server>Roon (Audiolense DRC)>Stack Audio Link II>Kii Control>Kii Three (on their own electric circuit) >GIK Room Treatments. Secondary Path: Server with Audiolense RC>RPi4 or analog>Cayin iDAC6 MKII (tube mode) (XLR)>Kii Three . Bedroom: SBTouch to Cambridge Soundworks Desktop Setup. Living Room/Kitchen: Ropieee (RPi3b+ with touchscreen) + Schiit Modi3E to a pair of Morel Hogtalare. All absolute statements about audio are false Link to comment
Popular Post JoeWhip Posted February 5, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted February 5, 2020 I know Amir a little from the HD DVD days and used to post at AS. Their haranguing of the Yggy without ever even hearing one turned me off and I dropped out never to return. Just one big CF over there. audiobomber, andrewinukm and Josh Mound 2 1 Link to comment
OldBigEars Posted February 5, 2020 Share Posted February 5, 2020 The new flavor of the month at AS is Soncoz. They have two models - one priced < $500, the other about half that amount. Both models measure more of less 'perfectly' and use the 9038 Sabre chip. People are falling over themselves to order based on Amir's lab results. Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
Popular Post firedog Posted February 5, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted February 5, 2020 I think this place is AS and Amir's site is ASR..... Josh Mound and The Computer Audiophile 2 Main listening (small home office): Main setup: Surge protector +>Isol-8 Mini sub Axis Power Strip/Isolation>QuietPC Low Noise Server>Roon (Audiolense DRC)>Stack Audio Link II>Kii Control>Kii Three (on their own electric circuit) >GIK Room Treatments. Secondary Path: Server with Audiolense RC>RPi4 or analog>Cayin iDAC6 MKII (tube mode) (XLR)>Kii Three . Bedroom: SBTouch to Cambridge Soundworks Desktop Setup. Living Room/Kitchen: Ropieee (RPi3b+ with touchscreen) + Schiit Modi3E to a pair of Morel Hogtalare. All absolute statements about audio are false Link to comment
Popular Post Josh Mound Posted February 5, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 5, 2020 7 hours ago, firedog said: The Yggy was measured there several times and did really badly (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-schiit-yggdrasil-v2-dac.3607/) so even if they haven't heard it, the people there get offended if anyone likes it. To them it proves you are lacking listening skills and are fooled by expectation bias. Because you must have tin ears if you like such a poorly measuring unit. Of course, they probably also couldn't "hear the measurements" in a non-sighted test. The Yggy has been measured now by Schiit themselves, Marv, AtomicBob, Jude, and a few others. On things like the unbalanced "droop," Amir is the outlier. (I've also measured that on mine, and it doesn't exist, FWIW.) But I just think there's a fundamental ideological disconnect between ASR loyalists and others. As I've advised people before, if they think the ASR suite of measurements tell the whole story, they should buy a Schiit Modi 3 or Khadas Tone Board for $99 and be done with looking at DACs. 4est and Foggie 2 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to comment
Hugofrance Posted February 5, 2020 Share Posted February 5, 2020 I own all three DACs in your article. My ranking differs to yours. I have the RME on first place. RME has a feature I need: DSD direct. When used with HQ Player the RME ADI 2 Dac with DSD direct makes the first place. The Yggdrasil is my oldest DAC and my emotional favorite. It has the sound signature I am used to since many years. Drawback for me is the limitation to PCM 192. The Matrix is my newest purchase for SACD and DSD playback up to 512 without HQP. Plus it decodes MQA. First impressions are very good, but too new for final judgement. Might replace the Yggdrasil. Holzohr 1 Link to comment
KDinsmore Posted February 5, 2020 Share Posted February 5, 2020 I am fascinated by this DAC. First because the casing is like and MSB DAC. I'm Audio-antsy with my DAC(Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2v2SE) and my brain can't get past the Audio Science rating of best of all DAC's they've tested. Lest we forget the Audeze LCD-4 debacle which is still believe is the "emperor has no clothes" syndrome: That is more $$=BETTER. That being said I'd LOVE to listen to a DCS Bartok. Of course the only way is to buy one and find out for myself! Furutech GTX-D, GTX Wall Plate,106-D Cover > NCF Clearline >Custom Computer>J River [Current] > Curious Cable Evolved USB > Chord Hugo MScaler > WAVE Storm Dual BNC> Chord DAVE>DCA Stealth>my ears > audiophile brain Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted February 6, 2020 Share Posted February 6, 2020 it's been 3 hours - did you buy them both yet? Link to comment
OldBigEars Posted February 6, 2020 Share Posted February 6, 2020 23 hours ago, firedog said: I think this place is AS and Amir's site is ASR..... You are correct of - thanks for clarification Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
KDinsmore Posted February 6, 2020 Share Posted February 6, 2020 15 hours ago, Ralf11 said: it's been 3 hours - did you buy them both yet? I just read what I typed. Of course I worded it wrong. Only the Matrix is on the list. Still on the fence. An audio buddy of mine tells me that I do this every two years or so and I always am disappointed with the results. Unfortunately I’m not listening to him. Furutech GTX-D, GTX Wall Plate,106-D Cover > NCF Clearline >Custom Computer>J River [Current] > Curious Cable Evolved USB > Chord Hugo MScaler > WAVE Storm Dual BNC> Chord DAVE>DCA Stealth>my ears > audiophile brain Link to comment
Foggie Posted February 6, 2020 Share Posted February 6, 2020 On 2/5/2020 at 8:31 AM, JoshM said: Amir is the outlier. (I've also measured that on mine, and it doesn't exist, FWIW.) I had never saw that thread, interesting read for sure. People REALLY need to think for themselves and do their own do diligence. Every forum has “that” group but the asr site is just disturbing on so many levels. I’m sure a lot of intelligent and good individuals exists there (as well as the reverse) but man the extreme level is off the charts. Not sure what the draw is, but like anything else / any hobby, some just have to feel like they have to belong and follow - at any cost. It’s just audio!! Interesting psychology study. Sorry I digress Hugofrance 1 My rig Link to comment
audiobomber Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 An affordable DAC, with comparators. Great stuff, looking forward to more from @JoshM Main System: QNAP TS-451+ NAS > Silent Angel Bonn N8 > Sonore opticalModule Deluxe v2 > Corning SMF with Finisar FTLF1318P3BTL SFPs > Uptone EtherREGEN > exaSound PlayPoint and e32 Mk-II DAC > Meitner MTR-101 Plus monoblocks > Bamberg S5-MTM sealed standmount speakers. Crown XLi 1500 powering AV123 Rocket UFW10 stereo subwoofers Upgraded power on all switches, renderer and DAC. Link to comment
MPA1 Posted February 8, 2020 Share Posted February 8, 2020 On 2/6/2020 at 5:55 PM, Foggie said: I had never saw that thread, interesting read for sure. People REALLY need to think for themselves and do their own do diligence. Every forum has “that” group but the asr site is just disturbing on so many levels. I’m sure a lot of intelligent and good individuals exists there (as well as the reverse) but man the extreme level is off the charts. Not sure what the draw is, but like anything else / any hobby, some just have to feel like they have to belong and follow - at any cost. It’s just audio!! Interesting psychology study. Sorry I digress same can be said for this forum.. lets just be happy there are different flavours. Ralf11 1 Link to comment
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