[enricoclaudio]

Matrix Audio released today a public firmware update for the X-SABRE 3. You can update the firmware going into settings/firmware in your X-SABRE 3. Then check if the bugs reported by me were fixed. Thanks!!

 

[nicolasnh]

Hi Enricoclaudio, thanks for letting me know. I just installed it. I later test the dac after i finished listening to some music.
Kind regards.

 

[realmassy]

Any more sound impressions? this is a really good looking dac and I wish it was just as good sounding

 

[nicolasnh]

It is great sounding dac. It looks awesome and is very well designed.
Is very detailed and neutral. I personally find it a bit forward sounding in the midrange. But that is not a a bad or good thing.
It all depends on your system and personal preferences.

 

[nicolasnh]

I listen with speakers not with headphones

 

[enricoclaudio]

To me it sounds just right. Very transparent and revealing. It’s a keeper for me!!

 

[omniweltall]

I just wish the price can be less. Looking at the competition, $2000 would be a better price point, in my opinion, for a 9038 chip dac.

 

[nicolasnh]

Take into account that is a really good streamer as well

 

[enricoclaudio]

I just wish the price can be less. Looking at the competition, $2000 would be a better price point, in my opinion, for a 9038 chip dac.

What would be the competition? I don’t see anything from any other manufacturer that comes close to the X-SABRE 3 performance/features at this price or even higher. At least no one that is Roon Ready which is my main use.

 

[omniweltall]

What would be the competition? I don’t see anything from any other manufacturer that comes close to the X-SABRE 3 performance/features at this price or even higher. At least no one that is Roon Ready which is my main use.

Not that familiar with streamer as I never use one. I was only referring to the DAC only. A lot of competition from DAC standpoint.

 

[enricoclaudio]

If you only need a DAC then get a Topping D90SE which I also own. The X-SABRE 3 is in another league regarding features and capabilities!!

 

[omniweltall]

If you only need a DAC then get a Topping D90SE which I also own. The X-SABRE 3 is in another league regarding features and capabilities!!

Thank you very much for the kind recommendation. But I have never heard a Topping that I like.

When I said competition, Topping was not on my mind.

 

[realmassy]

OK, that puts things into perspective: if the matrix is comparable to the Topping (or even slightly better) I’ll take it off my list.

 

[enricoclaudio]

OK, that puts things into perspective: if the matrix is comparable to the Topping (or even slightly better) I’ll take it off my list.

Did I say anywhere that the X-SABRE 3 and D90SE are comparable? The OP was asking for a DAC only solution with ESS 9038 Pro DAC and both, the X-SABRE 3 and D90SE have 9038 Pro. That is all. In terms of SQ, functions and performance, the Topping D90SE is not even close to the X-SABRE 3. This is coming from somebody who owns both. For anybody not needing the streaming capabilities of the X-SABRE 3, then get the X-SABRE Pro MQA which can be found for $1999 every where.

 

[realmassy]

Did I say anywhere that the X-SABRE 3 and D90SE are comparable?

Well, you mentioned this

The X-SABRE 3 is in another league regarding features and capabilities

so I assumed the sound quality is on par with the Topping. Thanks anyway for your reply