Matrix Audio X-SABRE 3 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.

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. 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.

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

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.

Features

Hi-Res Audio

Sync and Async mode

2.4/5Ghz dual-ban Wi-Fi antennas

MQA Support

DLNA support

Tidal connect

Spotify connect

Roon ready

AirPlay

Specifications

HARDWARE PLATFORM

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 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz

DSD 2.8MHz (DoP)

IIS LVDS

PCM 16-32Bit /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 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz

MQA 16-24Bit /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)

LINE OUTPUT

XLR SNR: >-134dB

THD+N: <0.00010%@1k, <0.00025%@20Hz-20kHz

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.05 -3dB@86kHz

Channel Crosstalk: >-151dB

Output Amplitude: 4.8VRMS@0dB

RCA SNR: >-128dB

THD+N: <0.00015%@1k, <0.00025%@20Hz-20kHz

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.05 -3dB@86kHz

Channel Crosstalk: >-138dB

Output Amplitude: 2.4VRMS@0dB

NETWORK

LAN 10/100/1000Mbps

WLAN 2.4GHz/5GHz

MA PLAYER LITE

Roon Ready PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz

MQA 16-24Bit /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 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)

POWER

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