Moon Audio ELEMENT Series User manual

MATRIX AUDIO ELEMENT SERIES
ELEMENT X - ELEMENT P - ELEMENT M - ELEMENT I
MANUAL
There are 4 devices in the Element Series.The X, P, M, and I. The ways to setup and use these devices are similar
enough that we decided to include them together in this manual.

THE MATRIX AUDIO ELEMENT X
In the summer of 2019, Matrix Audio introduced their most advanced headphone amplier, pre-amplier, DAC, DAP, and
music streamer to date: The Element X. The Element X streamer is the agship of Matrix Audio’s Element series line. The
Element X provides audiophiles and music lovers everywhere with a quality music player that has all the features of other
DACs at a lower price point.
The Matrix Audio Element X DAC section is outtted with the ES9038 PRO+ DAC chip and an ES9311 low drop-out,
low-noise voltage regulator. These two items are designed for high performance audio systems and are one of the
reasons the Element X is priced the way it is. It is also equipped with a Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock, which
provides options for both balanced and unbalanced listening with most headphones. The Element X has dual 3-pin and
4-pin XLR outputs for balanced listening, and quarter-inch outputs for unbalanced listening. No other Element series
streamer has such varied output connection options.
The Element X is double shelled with an inner shell of galvanized steel and an outer shell made from 4mm aluminum.
Matrix Audio sought to minimize resonance of its agship product by focusing on materials and the overall construction
of the device. One of the best things about the Element X is its volume control. Matrix Audio had the idea to combine the
functionality and advantages of analog audio control with the precision of digital audio control. Composed of a cluster
of relays, the Element X has several volume adjustments that can be made, giving the listener complete and accurate
control of their music (Note that for every 20dB of attenuation there will be an audible “click” in the relay).
The Element X is made with a Noratel 40W linear power supply that creates the foundation for its fantastic sound quality.
The device is equipped with linear regulators and a 4-layered printed circuit board (PCB) that assists in the reproduction
of original and accurate sound playback. As beautiful the device is on the inside, the outside is just as much so. The
design of the Matrix Audio Element X is a sleek and simplied streamer, stripped of eccentricities like curved corners and
a myriad of buttons. The design is timeless – minimalistic yet giving you ease of access to everything you need.
Combining a world-class DAC, DAP, headphone Amplier, pre-amplier, music streamer, incredibly low noise-oor, and
enough power to drive any headphone on the market, the Element X is one of the best listening experiences you can
have.

THE MATRIX AUDIO ELEMENT P
The Matrix Audio Element P is the only Element series streamer that’s congured for speaker connections and playback.
The Element P provides you with a 3-in-1 audio source, DAC, and speaker amplier. Connect it to passive speakers and
enjoy a complete Hi-Fi stereo system in one sleep package. The Element P uses a signicant amount of what makes the
Element X headphone amplier and streamer so great. They both share the same timing clock, digital input options, and
sampling rates of PCM up to 768kHz/DSD up to 22.4MHz. Mastered for MQA decoding and rendering, the Element P is
equipped to deliver the original sound of master recordings with your system.
The Element P is equipped with a ES9028 Pro DAC. The ES9028 PRO is designed to meet the demands of high quality
and performance that a SABRE DAC can give, but at a more economical price point. The inclusion of this chip over the
ES9038 PRO+ is one of the reasons that the Element P is priced the way it is. The volume controls in the other Element
models are either digital volume control (Element I & M) or hyper control relay array AND digital volume control (Element
X). The Element P’s volume control is a MUSES 73720 Resistor Divider. This volume control has incredibly low noise and
low distortion with a resistance ladder circuit. This type of control is optimal for the linear volume control of Hi-Fi audio
devices like the Element P.
The Element P is made with a custom Noratel 25W linear power supply designed for quiet operations and is equipped
with Nichicon audio grade capacitors that lter and cancel any further potential for noise. This conguration is what
creates the foundation of its fantastic sound quality. The amplier is the ICEpower 250ASX2 class D amplier module.
This module from Denmark has a rated power output of 230 Watts per channel at 4 Ohms. This output is capable of
driving small bookshelf speakers to small and medium standing speakers. Matrix Audio designed the Element P’s linear
power supply and placed it on the front end, instead of using the ICEpower module’s front-end circuit power output.
By using a separate linear power supply on the Pre-Amp/DAC section of the unit, it separates the ICEpower amplier
power supply from the front-end circuit. This prevents the bleed over of any potential noise. It also means that both power
supplies can operate at a more e󰀩cient rate. The separation of power supply duties is a plus for any circuit and is another
reason the Element P sounds so good.
Double-shelled with an inner shell of galvanized steel and an outer shell of 4mm aluminum like the Element X, Matrix
Audio sought to minimize the case resonance of its speaker streamer. By focusing on the materials that it’s made of,
Matrix Audio minimized the vibration of the player. This type of laser focus in engineering makes a minimally disruptive
streamer with respect towards playing operations and output. As their only speaker streamer option in the Element Series
line, the Element P allows for quick conguration and set up for any audiophile. If your speakers are on a bookshelf or are
freestanding, the Element P will make them come alive.

THE MATRIX AUDIO ELEMENT M
With the introduction of the Element M, Matrix Audio improved upon the Element I’s design. The Element M strikes a
balance with the I and furthers its design elements while improving the performance and functionality of it all at a quality
price point. Like other Element products, the device is packed with numerous features making it one of the most versatile
music streamers on the market.
The Element M has a sampling rate support of up to 768 kHz and DSD up to 22.4 MHz The Element also supports a
TF card slot storage capability. This option provides the player with three storage options instead of only two. Lastly, the
Element M is equipped with a Linear 30W power supply that regulates the output voltage by dropping excess voltage.
Linear regulated power supplies like this one in the Element M have an incredibly low noise oor, which is one of the
reasons why the Element M sounds so great.
The Element M is optimized for MQA decoding and rendering. MQA is a British technology that delivers the sound of an
original master recording. The master le is then fully authenticated and made small enough to stream or download.
The headphone amp in the Element M contains an input stage that rejects common-mode distortion. The output stage
of the amp is set in a high quiescent current state that gives o󰀨 a mellow sound performance. It also has a ES9028 PRO
DAC The ES9028 is a quality DAC designed to meet the demands of high quality and performance that a SABRE DAC
can give, but at a more economical price point.
As sophisticated as the Element M is on the inside, the outside is no di󰀨erent. It is constructed with a double shell with the
inner shell consisting of galvanized steel and the outside made of 4mm aluminum. By focusing on the materials, Matrix
Audio was able to minimize the vibrations of the music player, thus reducing case resonance as well. The Element M
is Matrix Audio’s mid-range product for the entire product line and their most cost-e󰀨ective network streamer. It’s by no
means a budget device and competes with some of the best music streamers on the market.

THE MATRIX AUDIO ELEMENT I
The Matrix Audio Element I is the entry level streamer for Matrix Audio’s Element Series ampliers and streamers. The
Element Series has three other streamers, the Element P, Element M, and Element X. Matrix Audio’s Element I, M, and X
all have headphone ampliers built in. The Element P is a streamer + speaker Amplier. The Element I is a cost-e󰀨ective
streamer that provides you with several options on how to listen to music. Use the Element I and Matrix Audio remote app
to stream Tidal or Qobuz. Listen to your uploaded audio from an external hard drive with headphones or push your music
to Airplay or Roon. Hear how the Element I will leave a lasting impression and become a mainstay for your audio system
for years to come.
Matrix Audio’s Element I combines the audio circuits of the Element P and Element M streamers. Matrix Audio’s intention
behind this was to provide a quality streamer and headphone amp under a $1000 price point. It’s outtted with the same
ES9028 Pro DAC chip as the more expensive streamers in the Element series line. The ES9028 PRO is designed for
audiophiles who demand high quality performance at an economical price point. The Element I also uses a XMOS XU208
USB controller. The controller allows for input resolutions of up to 24 bit/384 kHz. These two parts of the Element I provide
more resolution than an average consumer’s digital music library resolution.
The Element streamers product line can be controlled manually for simple functions like volume adjustments and
powering it. However, Matrix Audio designed the remote app to provide its customers with a portable and mobile way to
control their devices. Download the Matrix Audio remote app from the Apple or Google Play store and connect your player
in the app with the video instructions provided in the setup and conguration portion of this guide.
The headphone amp on the Element I is the most discreet of the Element series streamers. Equipped with 1300 mega-
watts of power, the Element I is able to drive an array of hi-res audio headphones and IEMs. Whether your headphones
have high resistance or your IEMs are highly sensitive, the Element I will be up to the task.
The streamer is powered by an external 20W AC adapter power supply. While the Element I doesn’t have an external
linear power supply, you’re always able to upgrade according to what your system requires. Regardless, the powering unit
was never compromised during our testing of the streamer and the circuit units of it use independent multi-channel low
ripple low dropout (LDO.) This is what makes the Element I perform so well and sound so good.
At Moon Audio, we’re thrilled to o󰀨er Matrix Audio’s entire Element Series streamer line. The Element I provides our
customers with a quality streamer for a quality price. It’s a great streamer for those who are beginning their journey into
the world of audiophilia because of its price, design, and functionality. We hope you enjoy how the Element I gives you
more bang for the buck than you can imagine.

COMPARISON SPECIFICATIONS
ELEMENT X ELEMENT P ELEMENT M ELEMENT I
Price $3,419.00 $2,869.00 $2,049.00 $1,149.00
DAC
Quad-Core DAC: ES9038
PRO+ & ES9311
Quad-Core DAC: ES9028
PRO
Quad-Core DAC: ES9028
PRO
Dual-Core DAC: ES9028
PRO
USB Chip
XMOS XU216: PCM
16-24Bit 768kHz; DSD
11.2MHz (DoP); DSD
22.4MHz (Native)
XMOS XU216: PCM
16-24Bit 768kHz; DSD
11.2MHz (DoP); DSD
22.4MHz (Native)
XMOS XU216: PCM
16-24Bit 768kHz; DSD
11.2MHz (DoP); DSD
22.4MHz (Native)
XMOS XU208: PCM 16-
24Bit 384kHz; DSD 5.6MHz
(DoP); DSD 11.2MHz
(Native)
Clock
Crystek CCHD-950 Ultra
Low Phase Noise Femto-
second Clock
Crystek CCHD-950 Ultra
Low Phase Noise Femto-
second Clock
SiTime Low Phase Noise
Clock
SiTime Low Phase Noise
Clock
Digital Input
Optical (x2); Coaxial (x2);
IIS LVDS (x1); USB (x1)
Optical (x2); Coaxial (x2);
IIS LVDS (x1); USB (x1)
Optical (x1); Coaxial (x1);
IIS LVDS (x1); USB (x1)
Optical (x1); Coaxial (x1);
IIS LVDS (x1); USB (x1)
Line Out RCA (x1); XLR (x1) N/A RCA (x1); XLR (x1) RCA (x1); XLR (x1)
Headphone Out
4-pin XLR; Dual 3-pin XLR;
1/4” TRS (6.25mm)
(Speaker Out): x2
(230W@4ohm) 1/4” TRS (6.25mm) 1/4” TRS (6.25mm)
Output Level
1/4-in: 1150mW @33ohm,
308mW @300ohm, 152mW
@600ohm;
XLR: 1700mW @33ohm,
1180mW @300ohm,
650mW @600ohm N/A
1320mW @33ohm; 248mW
@300ohm, 124mW
@600ohm
1320mW @33ohm; 248mW
@300ohm, 124mW
@600ohm
Network
LAN: 10BASE-T/100BASE-
TX; WLAN: 2.4GHz/5GHz,
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
standard
LAN: 10BASE-T/100BASE-
TX; WLAN: 2.4GHz/5GHz,
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
standard
LAN: 10BASE-T/100BASE-
TX; WLAN: 2.4GHz/5GHz,
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
standard
LAN: 10BASE-T/100BASE-
TX; WLAN: 2.4GHz, IEEE
802.11 a/b/g/n standard
Sampling Rate Support
PCM up to 768kHz; DSD
up to 22.4MHz. MA Player:
PCM 768kHz/DSD512;
Roon: PCM 768kHz/
DSD256*; DLNA: PCM
768kHz/DSD512
PCM up to 768kHz; DSD
up to 22.4MHz. MA Player:
PCM 768kHz/DSD512;
Roon: PCM 768kHz/
DSD256*; DLNA: PCM
768kHz/DSD512
PCM up to 768kHz; DSD
up to 22.4MHz. MA Player:
PCM 768kHz/DSD512;
Roon: PCM 768kHz/
DSD256*; DLNA: PCM
768kHz/DSD512
PCM up to 384kHz; DSD
up to 11.2MHz. MA Player:
PCM 384kHz/DSD256;
Roon: PCM 384kHz/
DSD128; DLNA: PCM
384kHz/DSD256
Volume Control Mode
Hyper-Control Relays Array,
Digital Volume
MUSES 72320 Resistor
Divider Digital Volume Digital Volume
USB Storage
TF Card Slot (x1), USB
Host (x2)
TF Card Slot (x1), USB
Host (x2)
TF Card Slot (x1), USB
Host (x2) USB Host (x2)
Supported Formats
MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF,
AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC,
OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A,
DSF, DFF; MA Player,
AirPlay/DLNA, Roon Ready,
Full MQA Support, IR
Remote
MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF,
AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC,
OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A,
DSF, DFF; MA Player,
AirPlay/DLNA, Roon Ready,
Full MQA Support, IR
Remote
MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF,
AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC,
OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A,
DSF, DFF; MA Player,
AirPlay/DLNA, Roon Ready,
Full MQA Support, IR
Remote
MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF,
AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC,
OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A,
DSF, DFF; MA Player,
AirPlay/DLNA, Roon Ready,
IR Remote
Power Supply Noratel Linear 40W Noratel Linear 25W Linear 30W 20W AC Adapter
Dimensions
13.4” x 11.1” x 2.4”
(340x281×60mm)
13.4” x 11.1” x 2.4”
(340x281×60mm)
10.9” x 11.1” x 2.4”
(275x281×60mm)
9.5” x 8.7” x 2.2”
(240x220×55mm)
Weight 9.3 lb (4.2kg) 10.4 lb (4.7Kg) 8.1 lb (3.7kg) 3.3 lb (1.5kg)

Additional Element Series Features
• AirPlay and DLNA (Element X, P, M, I)
• MQA Decoding and Rendering (Element X, P, M, I)
• New USB Interface (Element X, P, M)
• Built-in Pre-amplier (Element X)
• ICEpower Digital Amplier Module (Element P)
• High Performance Power Supply System (Element X)
• Double Shell Structure (Element X, P, M)
• Hybrid Digital Volume Control (Element X)
• Digital Volume Control (Element P, M, I)
• Roon Ready (Element X, P, M, I)
• MA Remote Compatible (Element X, P, M, I)
Main Set Up
A few things to touch on before we go further with set-up.
• The X, P and M devices come with two possible voltage options. When your unit arrives it might come set to 220VAC.
• Look at the bottom of your device and look for a red switch. This can show either “230” for 220 to 240VAC or “115” for
110 to 120VAC.
• If using this device in North America this switch should show “115” Option before you power it on.
(The Element 1 converts to DC in the wall wart, so it does not have this switch)

Input Options
• If you plan on using this device with your network, we strongly recommend using the direct LAN(9) connection
for the best experience possible. If you do need to use Wi, attach the included antennas to the antenna ports(6) and
make sure you are as close as you can get to the main router.
• Mesh Networks and Signal Repeaters can have issues with any streaming devices (including the Matrix Audio
Element series), so you do have a Mesh Network set up or if you need to use a Network repeater, you should check if
using a direct Ethernet cable will be possible!
• Additionally there are some drivers, found at Matrix-digi.com, under the downloads page. Here you can not only
download the drivers, but you can also download your device’s latest rmware, and access a PDF version of your
manual.
• There is also a Matrix Audio app found on both Apple I devices and Android devices. This app can control settings for
your device and update the rmware for your unit.

If you are using any Element Series device with digital source such as a CD Transport, PC, MC, or Game Console there
are the following connections available:
Coxial (5), Optical(12), and USB(10) as well as an IIS(“eye-Squared-ess”) Low-Voltage Di󰀨erential Signaling Input(11).
This looks very similar to an HDMI port, however this is for IIS data stream sources only. (For Example the Matrix Audio
X-SPIDF 2 or
The PS Audio SACD Transport.) It will NOT WORK with any standard HDMI audio source.
You can also store your music les directly to this device via the Micro SD(7) and USB (8)data connections on these
devices. Just plug in your music drive!

Selecting your listening device:
Output Options
If you have the Element X it is strongly recommended to use the Balanced Output as it provides a great listening experi-
ence. It is also one of the major factors that separates the X from the P, M, and I.
If you don’t have a balanced audio cable for your headphones, you can purchase one from the moon-audio.com website.
There are also Unbalanced and Speaker Preouts on the Element X, so you can use whichever best matches your set-up.
The Element P
• Just has speaker outs.
The Element M
• Similar to X but no balanced headphone out and only one unbalanced headphone port.
The Element I
• Has the speaker pre outs and just a quarter inch jack on the front.