This all-new DAC from Matrix Audio uses an ESS ES9038 PRO D/A chip capable of decoding PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD 22.4MHz (Native). Stream TIDAL, Spotify, Roon, Apple Airplay, and more thanks to its hidden dual-channel WiFi antennas. This sleek and elegant DAC will elevate the style of any space you put it in.
Decoding dynamo
Decode the highest-quality sound files around. The X-Sabre 3 uses the ESS ES9038PRO advanced 8-channel DA chip and the next-gen XMOS XU216. This asynchronous transfer interface converts PCM 32-bit/768kHz, MQA, and DSD 22.4MHz (Native).
Go direct-to-DAC with the IIS input
The X-Sabre 3 has the most complete input ports of the Sabre series. In addition to optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, and USB ports, it even includes an IIS-LVDS input via HDMI. Bypass USB transmission and stream the original digital audio directly to the D/A chip with the IIS input port.
Roon Ready
Deliver bit-perfect audio to the X-SABRE 3 via Roon without any configuration. Stream audio files, and control playback, output volume, and more via the Roon app.
Connect with TIDAL and Spotify
Use TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect to stream lossless music to the X-SABRE 3 via WiFi. Playback, output volume, playlists, and more can be controlled through these apps.
Sync and async mode
Quickly change the mode of the D/A chip via the touch panel. In Async mode, the D/A chip uses the built-in Crystek CCHD-950 femtosecond clock in the X-SABRE 3. In Sync mode, the built-in femtosecond clock is turned off, and the D/A chip depends on the clock of the front-end device completely. Use sync mode with a high-quality digital interface to bypass the digital processing of the DAC through the IIS-LVDS interface and send digital audio directly to the D/A chip.
Newly-designed interface
See album artwork, menus, current status, volume, and more on the X-SABRE 3’s high-res LCD display.
Use dual-band WiFi or gigabit ethernet
Connect the X-SABRE 3 to your WiFi system with dual-band WiFi. A set of hidden antennas beneath the glass top of the device makes for an elegant and discreet network connection solution. Use a gigabit ethernet connection in an environment with poor wireless stability for high-sampling audio transfer.
Low-interference isolated design
A drawback of high-end digital systems is that faster processing speeds and higher clock frequencies create noise interference that can spill over into the analog portion of the system. The X-SABRE 3 avoids this pitfall by separating the digital and analog stages into fully independent cavities.
Product highlights
- ES9038PRO D/A chip
- PCM 32-bit/768kHz
- DSD 22.4MHz (Native)
- XMOS XU216
- Five inputs: optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, USB, IIS-LVDS
- TIDAL Connect
- Spotify Connect
- DLNA
- Roon Ready
- AirPlay
- MQA
- Hi-Res Audio
- Low-interference isolated design
- Sync and async modes
Specs
- CPU: NXP i.MX 6Quad 4x Cortex-A9 @1.2 GHz
- D/A Chip: ES9038PRO
- Clock Source: Crystek CCHD-950
- Coaxial and optical sampling rate: PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, DSD 2.8MHz (DoP)
- IIS LVDS sampling rate: 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 sampling rate: 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)
- 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
- LAN: 10/100/1000Mbps
- WLAN: 2.4GHz/5GHz
- 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
- 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
- Weight: 7.49lbs (3.4 kg)
- Size: 12.20” x 8.58” x 1.69” (310 mm x 218 mm x 43 mm)
What’s included
- Matrix X-Sabre 3
- RM3 remote control
- Power cable
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
Featured reviews
"This is one of the finest pieces of audio equipment I've ever touched." -Z Reviews
"This DAC has no problem meeting my standards and is probably performing at a level that is far beyond my capability as a listener." -Joshua Valour
"This is the best detailed and resolving DAC that I've ever heard." -The Honest Audiophile