Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 Digital Converter
Best digital interface for audiophiles seeking high-resolution signal purity.
The Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 is an advanced digital converter designed to enhance your audio setup by seamlessly integrating USB sources. It features a new IIS port that minimizes signal loss from protocol conversion, ensuring a cleaner audio path. With its dedicated clock and FPGA processing unit, the X-SPDIF 2 optimizes performance for high-resolution audio. This compact device offers significant advantages for system integration, providing flexible digital interfacing with multiple output options for broad compatibility, making it an ideal upgrade for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality.
$450.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
99
/ 489
#99 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-90%
Below average
Input Type
USB
/ USB
Who it's for
- Computer audio listeners wanting to eliminate host-generated electrical noise
- Audiophiles seeking pristine, jitter-free digital signal accuracy
- System builders needing versatile connectivity for diverse high-end DACs
Who should skip it
- Users wanting a plug-and-play I2S connection without technical verification
- Windows owners preferring a driverless, simple setup experience
- Budget-conscious listeners with already high-performing USB-equipped DACs
Performance breakdown
Signal Integrity
FPGA processing and dedicated clocking ensure a pristine, jitter-free digital stream.
Connectivity Versatility
The addition of the IIS port bridges modern USB with legacy hardware.
Build Quality
Solid aluminum housing provides excellent shielding and a premium desktop feel.
System Integration
Seamlessly adapts high-resolution USB sources into complex, high-end audio chains.
Setup Simplicity
USB-powered design eliminates the need for bulky external power supplies.
Format Compatibility
Broad output options ensure compatibility with a wide range of DACs.
Key Specs
Input Type
USB
Connectivity
USB
Conversion Type
Format Converter
Input Interface Type
USB-A
Manufacturer
Matrix Audio
Model
X-SPDIF 2
Brand
Matrix Audio
Maximum Bit Depth
0.0 bits
Features
- Latest USB interface upgrade
- New IIS port for lossless protocol conversion
- Dedicated clock and FPGA processing
- Improves system integration quality
- Enables USB sources in various setups
- Compact design with integration benefits
- Optimized for high-resolution audio
- Multiple output options for compatibility
What customers say
The Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 is overwhelmingly viewed as an essential upgrade for digital audio enthusiasts. Its primary strength is delivering a pristine, low jitter signal, effectively isolating sensitive DACs from noisy computer USB environments. Users consistently report dramatic sound quality improvements, including a blacker background, superior detail, and a more expansive soundstage compared to direct USB. The robust build quality and premium engineering are highly praised. A key feature is the high quality I2S output via HDMI, considered optimal for high resolution formats. The device offers exceptional reliability and is frequently described as a giant killer, delivering performance rivaling much more expensive converters. The sonic benefits strongly justify the investment.
Know before you buy
The X-SPDIF 2 acts as a high-quality bridge between your computer's USB output and your DAC. It converts USB signals into various digital formats, ensuring a cleaner, more stable audio path for your high-resolution files.
No, the device is powered directly through the USB connection from your source. This simplifies your setup by eliminating the need for an extra power cable or wall adapter.
The IIS port allows for a direct digital connection that bypasses the need for traditional protocol conversion. This minimizes signal loss and jitter, resulting in a more accurate and transparent audio signal compared to standard SPDIF connections.
The dedicated FPGA unit manages the signal processing and clocking independently of the computer. By handling these tasks locally, it effectively reduces timing errors and noise, which helps maintain the integrity of high-resolution audio streams.
The X-SPDIF 2 offers multiple digital output options, making it highly compatible with a wide range of DACs and audio interfaces. However, you should verify that your specific DAC supports the input formats provided by the converter, particularly if you plan to use the IIS connection.
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