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That depends on the starting point of the system. If the fundamentals are weak, such as entry-level speakers, poor setup, or missing core components, starting with the basics usually brings the biggest gains. A well-matched foundation allows later upgrades to shine.
If the system is already balanced, upgrading individual components can be very effective. Improvements such as a better cartridge, DAC, phono stage, or isolation can refine detail, clarity, and realism. The most rewarding upgrades tend to be those that address the system’s weakest link rather than focusing on one category alone.
In many systems, the biggest improvement comes from upgrading speakers or headphones, as these shape the sound more than any other component. For vinyl systems, the cartridge and phono stage are often the most influential upgrades. In digital systems, a higher-quality DAC or streamer can significantly improve clarity and timing.
Beyond electronics, addressing setup, isolation, and support is often overlooked but highly effective. Improving speaker positioning, adding proper stands, or isolating sensitive equipment can deliver noticeable gains without changing core components. The best first upgrade is usually the one that removes the most obvious limitation in the current system.
Standard power cables are designed to meet safety regulations at low cost, not to optimise audio performance. Upgraded power cables use higher-quality conductors, improved shielding, and better connectors to reduce interference and improve current delivery.
In resolving systems, this can result in clearer detail, improved dynamics, and a more stable soundstage. While the effect varies by system, power cables often become more beneficial as the overall quality of the equipment increases.
Dedicated power supplies or upgraded DC supplies are most commonly used with low-voltage digital equipment such as streamers, DACs, routers, and network switches. These components are particularly sensitive to electrical noise from standard switch-mode power supplies.
Upgrading the DC supply can improve timing, clarity, and background quietness. These upgrades tend to be most effective once the core system is already well balanced and you are aiming for refinement rather than a dramatic tonal change.
Clean mains power matters to both digital and analogue systems, but in different ways. Digital equipment can be affected by electrical noise that impacts timing, clarity, and perceived smoothness. Analogue equipment, especially turntables and phono stages, is sensitive to noise and interference that can mask low-level detail.
Improving power quality can help systems sound more composed, quieter, and more consistent. The more revealing the system, the more noticeable the benefits of cleaner power tend to be.
For most systems, speakers, headphones, and core electronics deliver the biggest initial improvements. Power upgrades are usually most rewarding once the system fundamentals are already strong.
That said, if you are experiencing noise, hum, or inconsistency, addressing power can bring immediate benefits. Power upgrades work best as part of a wider system approach rather than as a standalone fix.
A power block is the simplest solution. It distributes mains power safely to multiple components, often with improved internal wiring and better mechanical stability than standard extension leads.
A power conditioner goes further by filtering electrical noise and interference present on the mains supply. This can lower the noise floor and help systems sound cleaner and more controlled, especially in electrically noisy homes.
A power regenerator actively rebuilds the incoming mains supply into a new, stable waveform before feeding your system. Regenerators are typically used in higher-resolution systems where maximum consistency, stability, and noise reduction are required.
Hi-fi fuses are safe to use when they are the correct rating and type specified by the manufacturer. They function in the same protective way as standard fuses, but can use different materials, construction methods and optimisations.
Some listeners report improvements in clarity, focus, and low-level detail after fitting a hi-fi fuse. These changes are typically subtle and system-dependent, making fuses more of a fine-tuning option than a primary upgrade.
yes! In practice, with a 5.1 FLAC file and the right playback app + HDMI (preferably eARC) connection to an AV receiver, it can play 5.1 FLAC files in full multichannel audio. But if your setup or playback app doesn’t properly output multichannel PCM, you might only get stereo (a common Android/HDMI issue).
The Chord Rumour X (and larger, Odyssey X) are only available in white. Other brands offer a black cable, such as the Atlas Hyper range of speaker cables
Yes, the spindle on your turntable doesn't have to be threaded one. You can simply put this over the spindle and then tighten it.
Matrix Audio designs and manufactures high-performance digital hi-fi products, including music streamers, DACs, preamplifiers, power amplifiers and digital accessories. The brand focuses on modern digital playback, system integration and refined sound quality.
Yes. Matrix Audio is widely regarded as a high-end digital hi-fi brand, offering products aimed at serious listeners who want strong technical performance, clean design and reliable long-term use. Many models are suitable for reference-level systems.
Matrix Audio was founded in 2009 and is based in Xi’an, China. Product design, engineering and testing are carried out in-house, using advanced measurement equipment alongside extensive listening evaluation.
A Matrix Audio streamer is designed to handle digital music playback and output audio to an external amplifier. A streamer amplifier combines streaming, DAC and amplification in one unit, allowing you to drive speakers directly with fewer separate components.