Just to confirm we are including the DSD option with these units.
This is a really impressive design built around the well-proven ES9018 chip. The implementation is very well-thought-out from the FPGA to the OpAmps selected to the capacitors used in the Linear Power Supply. Matrix has been in business for a long time and has built a very good reputation for quality. We stand behind our products and we try to offer the best customer service.
If anyone has any questions let me know and I'll do my best to respond here on MassDrop.
Arthur (Matrix Audio USA)
ArthurPowerSure, but is it technically powerful to handle MQA? If it is perhaps there is a very remote chance Matrix can make MQA firmware for it as a separate purchase.
g_v_lI am honestly not sure what the exact technical requirements are for hardware decoding of MQA since Matrix does not yet have any products with MQA decode. I can however say with a fair amount of certainty that a firmware update for this model to enable MQA is highly unlikely.
ArthurPowerRemember to set the unit voltage to the correct value for your country. Don't be like me and spend a day trying to troubleshoot the unit only to find out that the unit ships set for 230V and you need 120/115V. Oops.
Thanks to Arthur/Matrix for the fast and accurate reply.
foodleHave you set the voltage of the unit for your country? They ship @ 230 volts. There is a resesed switch on the left side. If you're in North America you need to change it to 115 volts.
The directions are on the cardboard sheet on top of the unit when you first open the box. Just use a small screwdriver or pen to slide the switch to the correct position.
Please let us know if this solves the problem for you.
foodleExcellent glad to hear it! I know people are excited when they receive a new toy, they open the box toss aside any documentation and plug it in. :)
ArthurPowerActually, I have a question.
Assuming I'm more interested in a well implemented ESS DAC to use in combination with a fully balanced headphone amplifier, which unit is better, this one, or the Mini-i pro 2S? It's kinda weird that the I pro 2S is cheaper, despite sporting a supposedly more advanced DAC chip and BT support.
Your response will be greatly appreciated.
badheinz1985The Mini-i Pro 2S is $620. Do you mean the Mini-i Pro 2 that was previously on MassDrop?
-Mini-i Pro 2 uses the ES9016S
-Mini-i Pro 2S uses the ES9026pro
-Quattro II uses the ES9018S
The Quattro II has a better headphone amp along with more inputs. The ES9018 is a higher class DAC chip as well. The ES9026pro is a newer version of the ES9016 but both are one step below the ES9018 series.
ArthurPowerThanks a lot for the clarification! I really appreciate the responsiveness.
I actually meant the newer Mini-i Pro 2S. When I compared prices, I meant the prices on the official Matrix website. The setup I'm considering now is:
1. Quattro II as a DAC.
2. HPA-3B as an amp (I'd really like to try a balanced class-A headphone amplifier).
Thanks a lot!
badheinz1985That's a great combo. The HPA-3B is a really powerful amp. 3800mW @ 33Ω, 1500mW @ 300Ω, 800mW @ 600Ω You won't find a better balanced headphone amplifier in that price range anywhere. Combined with a great DAC like the Quattro 2 you'll have a killer little system!
ArthurPowerIf the RCA analogue out is connected to an amp, and at the same time the XLR analogue out to another amp, will both amp play at the same time (which I want) without any problem ?
The remote can control the DAC volume right? Not just the headphone output.
MassdropovYes, both XLR and RCA outputs can be used simultaneously and the volume can be controled via the remote.
Example: XLR to a pair of powered monitors and the RCA to a powered subwoofer. :)
This is a really impressive design built around the well-proven ES9018 chip. The implementation is very well-thought-out from the FPGA to the OpAmps selected to the capacitors used in the Linear Power Supply. Matrix has been in business for a long time and has built a very good reputation for quality. We stand behind our products and we try to offer the best customer service.
If anyone has any questions let me know and I'll do my best to respond here on MassDrop.
Arthur (Matrix Audio USA)