Matrix Audio X-Sabre 3 High-Resolution Audio DAC - Black - Ex-Demo

Matrix Audio X-Sabre 3 High-Resolution Audio DAC - Black - Ex-Demo

 

Please note: this product is in an as-new condition, opened once for demonstration purposes only.

 

Familiar appearance, new experience

With four years of technological expertise and research, Matrix Audio is now ready to announce the X-SABRE 3 and ignite a new generation in the X-SABRE line-up. Housed in a brand-new chassis, with a new user interface and sonic capabilities, the X-SABRE 3 DAC is now transformed to function fully as a network capable streaming host.

The difference in the details

The X-SABRE 3 is not just a remake, but fully redesigned without shortcuts, birthing a brand-new chassis and internal circuitry. The new X-SABRE 3 is 10mm wider and 2mm lower, lending the X-SABRE 3 sleeker, slimmer lines while retaining a sturdy build and look.

Creation based on innovation

We gave the X-SABRE 3 a brand-new high-resolution LCD display, allowing for crystal clear updates on the current operating status of the device. While streaming, album art covers will be displayed, aligning with current technological demands from a user’s perspective. A modern step forward, deserving the title of a new generation in our X-SABRE lineup.

High-speed connectivity

Tucked neatly under a top made from tempered glass is the secret to the capability. A set of 2.4GHz and 5Ghz dual-band Wi-Fi antennas are hidden away from view to retain the elegant lines of the X-SABRE 3. In areas of weak network coverage, a Gigabit Ethernet option is available to maintain stability of connection. High-sampling audio transfers within the local network can count on rock-solid stability for uninterrupted listening.

Local music streaming

Being a Roon Ready certified device means that you connect to Roon without further configuration, and bit-perfect audio is promised from Roon to your X-SABRE 3. With the Roon app, you can now control the playback, output volume and standby. With softwares that support UPnP or DLNA, you can stream with the original sampling rate in the local area network to X-SABRE 3.

Online streaming

X-SABRE 3 is the first of Matrix’s line up to include TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect. Detection of the X-SABRE 3 as a playback device with your choice of streaming service and enjoy lossless playback seamlessly. Playback and volume can be controlled via the apps. AirPlay is also supported.

 

Sync and Async mode

Switching of the working mode of the D/A chip can be conveniently done through the touch panel of X-SABRE 3. In the Async mode, the master clock of the D/A chip comes from the Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock inside the X-SABRE 3, and the clock from the front-end device will be abandoned; in the Sync mode, the built-in femtosecond clock will be turned off, and the D/A chip depends on the clock of the front-end device completely.

Trigger

The streaming capabilities of the X-SABRE 3 allow more ease of controls via your mobile phone. The standard Trigger port enables you no need to turn on and off the power amplifier manually. When the X-SABRE 3 powered on or entered standby, it will also turn on or off any connected 12V trigger device automatically.

Fully isolated design

As a result of involving network function, faster processing speed and higher clock frequency, it was necessary to place the D/A conversion part and output stage into independent chambers. We isolated the power supply, digital and analog circuitry of X-SABRE 3, and successfully eliminated the noise contamination and source of interference in this flagship of digital audio.

"The X-SABRE 3 Pro DAC is an upgrade in every sense of the word from the previous generation DAC. Matrix Audio has put a tremendous amount of effort into improving one of the best DACs on the market and making it even better, more resolute, and packed with the latest features bringing it up to date putting it ahead of the competition. The addition of Tidal and Spotify connect, combined with Roon Ready certification make the X-SABRE 3 the perfect hi-res streaming host to add to your system. The DAC is one of the best sounding on the market - hands down - and will provide a level of detail and clarity few DACs can match." (Read More) Equipment Review - Moon Audio - December 2021

Specification

• CPU: NXP i.MX 6Quad 4x Cortex-A9 @1.2 GHz
• D/A Chip: ES9038PRO
• Clock Source: Crystek CCHD-950

Digital Input

• Coaxial & Optical:
  
  • PCM 16-24 Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
  • DSD 2.8 MHz (DoP)
• IIS LVDS:
  • PCM 16-32 Bit /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, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (Native)
• USB Audio
  • 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 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP)
  • DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (Native)

Output

• XLR
  • SNR: >-134 dB
  • THD+N:<0.00010%@1k, <0.00025%@20Hz-20 kHz
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20 kHz ±0.05 -3 dB@86 kHz
  • Channel Crosstalk: >-151 dB
  • Output Level: 4.8 VRMS@0dB
• RCA
  • SNR: >-128 dB
  • THD+N:<0.00015%@1k, <0.00025%@20Hz-20 kHz
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20 kHz ±0.05 -3 dB@86 kHz
  • Channel Crosstalk: >-138 dB
  • Output Level: 2.4 VRMS@0dB

Network

• LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps
• WLAN 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz

MA Player Lite

• Roon Ready:
  • 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 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

 

• Weight 3.4 kg (7.49 pounds)
• Size:
  • Width: 310 mm (12.20 inches)
  • Depth: 218 mm (8.58 inches)
  • Height: 43 mm (1.69 inches)

 

• Power Voltage:
  
  • 230V position is fit for AC 220V-240V 50/60Hz
  • 115V position is fit for AC 100V-120V 50/60Hz
• Standby Power Consumption: < 4W
• Maximum Power Consumption: < 33W

Accessories:

• RM3 remote control: x1
• Power cable: x1
• Quick start guide: x1
• Warranty card: x1

 

About Matrix Audio

MATRIX Audio was founded in 2009, this is an audio brand located in the ancient city of Xi'an. MATRIX focus on the development, production and sales of digital Hi-Fi audio products. After more than 10 years of market testing, the MATRIX team has grown into a leading digital audio company. With the professional testers, advanced research facilities and audio analyzers, MATRIX provide high-quality audio DACs, audio amplifiers and other digital audio equipment, have established a good brand image and product reputation among audiophiles in China and around the world.

The name of the brand is derived from the mathematical concept "matrix". Matrix is built by portrait and landscape, they call the brand "matrix" because we are looking for the balance between the 2 dimensions. They examine audio products through listening and see, also incorporate this concept into their design. All of their products should not only have excellent sound performance but also have a great design that can be integrated into the home environment. Harmony is Matrix Audio's goal.