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Matrix Audio - X-SABRE 3 - Music Streaming DAC
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Matrix Audio X-SABRE 3 – High-Resolution Streaming DAC for a New Generation
Familiar Design, New Experience
With over four years of audio engineering expertise and research, Matrix Audio proudly introduces the X-SABRE 3, the next evolution in the acclaimed X-SABRE line-up. This flagship digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) features a new chassis, advanced user interface, and upgraded sonic performance. More than just a DAC, the X-SABRE 3 is now a fully network-capable streaming host, bringing high-resolution audio streaming to your Hi-Fi system with unmatched precision.
High-Resolution Streaming for Hi-Fi Systems
The X-SABRE 3 streaming DAC is designed to integrate seamlessly with traditional Hi-Fi stereo and headphone systems, thanks to its versatile digital inputs: USB, coaxial, Toslink, and IIS-LVDS. By combining streaming and DAC functionality in one device, it offers a streamlined solution for audiophiles seeking uncompromised playback.
Through the MA Remote App, you can easily configure settings, browse music, and enjoy bit-perfect high-resolution playback. Every detail of your music is delivered with stunning clarity, ensuring a true audiophile-grade listening experience.
Precision Engineering and Refined Aesthetics
The X-SABRE 3 is not simply a refresh but a complete redesign. The chassis is 10mm wider and 2mm slimmer, creating a sleek and modern profile without compromising on durability. Its internal circuitry has been re-engineered to deliver maximum performance while maintaining Matrix Audio’s signature design language.
Innovation Meets Usability
Equipped with a high-resolution LCD display, the X-SABRE 3 offers clear status updates and displays album artwork during playback. This modern, intuitive interface enhances usability while complementing today’s streaming-first approach to music listening.
MA Remote App – Full Control at Your Fingertips
The MA Remote App transforms your smartphone or tablet into the ultimate control hub. Available for iOS and Android, it allows you to:
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Stream from services such as TIDAL, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO, SONY Select, QQ Music, Baidu Cloud
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Listen to online radio stations
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Control playback from Roon, UPnP, or DLNA applications
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Configure hardware settings directly from the app
This makes the X-SABRE 3 not just a DAC, but a versatile high-resolution music streamer.
Seamless Local and Online Music Streaming
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Roon Ready: Certified for Roon, delivering bit-perfect audio with effortless configuration.
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UPnP/DLNA Support: Stream your local music library at its native sampling rate.
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TIDAL Connect & Spotify Connect: Stream directly from your favourite apps with lossless playback.
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AirPlay Support: Instant compatibility with Apple devices for wireless streaming.
Advanced Connectivity and Stability
Hidden beneath its tempered glass top, the X-SABRE 3 houses dual-band Wi-Fi antennas (2.4GHz & 5GHz) for strong wireless performance. For areas with weaker Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet ensures stable, uninterrupted playback, even at high sampling rates.
Professional-Grade Clocking: Sync & Async Modes
The X-SABRE 3 features a Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock for precise timing.
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Async Mode: Prioritises the internal femtosecond clock for maximum accuracy.
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Sync Mode: Relies on the source device’s clock when required.
This flexibility ensures perfect synchronisation across different playback scenarios.
Smart Trigger and Automation
Thanks to its 12V trigger port, the X-SABRE 3 can automatically power on or off connected amplifiers when it enters standby mode, making it a smarter centrepiece for your Hi-Fi system.
Fully Isolated Circuitry for Pure Sound
To achieve its reference-grade performance, Matrix Audio has isolated the power supply, digital, and analogue circuits into separate chambers. This eliminates electrical noise and interference, ensuring clean, transparent audio reproduction worthy of a flagship DAC.
Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hardware Platform | CPU: NXP i.MX 6Quad, 4× Cortex-A9 @ 1.2 GHzD/A Chip: ES9038PROClock Source: Crystek CCHD-950 |
| Digital Input | Coaxial & Optical (PCM): 16–24 Bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHzCoaxial & Optical (DSD DoP): 2.8 MHzIIS LVDS (PCM): 16–32 Bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384, 705.6, 768 kHzIIS LVDS (DSD DoP): 2.8, 5.6, 11.2 MHzIIS LVDS (DSD Native): 2.8, 5.6, 11.2, 22.4 MHzUSB Audio (PCM): 16–24 Bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384, 705.6, 768 kHzUSB Audio (MQA/MQA Studio Stream): 16–24 Bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHzUSB Audio (DSD DoP): 2.8, 5.6, 11.2 MHzUSB Audio (DSD Native): 2.8, 5.6, 11.2, 22.4 MHz |
| Line Output – XLR | SNR: 134 dB (A-weighted)THD+N: <0.00010% @1kHz, <0.00025% @20Hz–20kHzFrequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz ±0.05 dB, –3dB @86 kHzChannel Crosstalk: > –151 dBOutput Level: 4.8 Vrms @ 0 dB |
| Line Output – RCA | SNR: 128 dB (A-weighted)THD+N: <0.00015% @1kHz, <0.00025% @20Hz–20kHzFrequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz ±0.05 dB, –3dB @86 kHzChannel Crosstalk: > –138 dBOutput Level: 2.4 Vrms @ 0 dB |
| Network | LAN: 10/100/1000 MbpsWLAN: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz |
| MA Player | Controller App: MA Remote AppLocal Playback (PCM): 16–24 Bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384, 705.6, 768 kHzLocal Playback (MQA/MQA Studio Stream): 16–24 Bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHzLocal Playback (DSD): 2.8, 5.6, 11.2, 22.4 MHzRoon Ready (PCM): 16–24 Bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384, 705.6, 768 kHzRoon Ready (MQA/MQA Studio Stream): 16–24 Bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHzRoon Ready (DSD): 2.8, 5.6, 11.2, 22.4 MHzStreaming: AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, vTuner, Radio Paradise, HIGHRESAUDIO (specs depend on provider) |
| Power Specs | AC 220V–240V 50/60Hz (230V setting)AC 100V–120V 50/60Hz (115V setting)Standby Power Consumption: <4WMaximum Power Consumption: <33W |
| Weight & Dimensions | Weight: 3.4 kg (7.49 lb)Dimensions (W×D×H): 310 × 218 × 43 mm (12.20 × 8.58 × 1.69 in) |
| Accessories | RM3 remote control ×1Power cable ×1Quick start guide ×1Warranty card ×1 |