Matrix Audio X-Sabre 3 Streaming DAC

Matrix Audio X-Sabre 3 Streaming DAC

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. 

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. In this mode, with a high-quality digital interface, you can bypass the digital processing part of the DAC through the IIS-LVDS interface, send the digital audio stream directly to the D/A chip to achieve different experiences.

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

In order to preserve the famed noise and distortion performance that Matrix Audio is synonymous with, we have isolated the power, digital and analog circuitry in X-SABRE 3 into individual compartments carved from aluminium. As a result of the network streamer, faster processing speed and higher clock frequency, it was necessary place the D/A conversion and output stage into independent cavities. We successfully eliminated any noise contamination and source of interference in this flagship of digital audio.

Main

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

Digital Inputs

Coaxial & Optical

• PCM 16-24 Bit /44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz 
• DSD 2.8 MHz (DoP) 

IIS LVDS 

• PCM 16-32 Bit /44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz, 705.6 kHz, 768 kHz 
• DSD 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz (DoP) 
• DSD 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz, 22.4 MHz (Native) 

USB Audio

• PCM 16-24 Bit /44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz, 705.6 kHz, 768 kHz 
• MQA 16-24 Bit /44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream 
• DSD 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz (DoP) 
• DSD 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz, 22.4 MHz (Native)

 
Line 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 Amplitude: 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 Amplitude: 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 /44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz, 705.6 kHz, 768 kHz 
• MQA 16-24 Bit /44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz 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 and size

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) 

UK Delivery

• FREE delivery via DPD Local By 12pm on orders to value over £300, including one hour delivery window service 'Predict & Follow My Parcel'.
• Royal Mail Special Delivery By 1pm costs between £5.00 - £10.00 on orders to value under £300, dependent on weight.
• Saturday or Sunday delivery available upon request for supplemental charge.

EU Delivery

• £25 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL Europe by Road service (5-7 days) which provides comprehensive tracking of shipments online.
• £50 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL Europe by Air service  (2-3 days) which provides comprehensive tracking of shipments online.
  Receiver is responsible for the payment of local Duties and Taxes.

USA & Canada Delivery

• Services based on your order being shipped to the U.S. and Canada are calculated as follows:
  £100 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL international 'Day Definite' service per parcel.
  Receiver is responsible for the payment of local Duties and Taxes.

Exceptions

• Not all products are available for order into Europe, USA & Canada

WARRANTY

• Full manufacturer's warranty on all new purchases. Standard warranty is typically 12 months to 2 years with some goods coming with 6 years manufacturer's warranty.
• Goods purchased in UK and EU are covered by the Consumer Contracts Regulations.