Matrix Audio X-SABRE 3

Familiar design, new listening experience – the Matrix Audio X-SABRE 3

After four years of continuous development, Matrix Audio presents the new X-SABRE 3 – a completely redesigned generation of its high-end DAC that integrates streaming functionality at the highest audiophile level. The X-SABRE 3 combines elegant industrial design with state-of-the-art digital technology, heralding a new era within the X-SABRE series.

Pioneer of high-resolution network streamers

The X-SABRE 3 is much more than a classic digital-to-analog converter. As a high-resolution network player with integrated DAC functionality, it forms the heart of modern hi-fi and headphone systems. In addition to classic digital inputs such as Toslink, coaxial, IIS-LVDS, and USB audio, the device also offers native network streaming capabilities, combining streaming and digital signal conversion in a single device.

Music is controlled via the specially developed MA Remote app (available for iOS and Android), which allows users to conveniently browse their music library, manage playlists, and configure hardware settings individually.

Technology with attention to detail

The X-SABRE 3 is not just a simple facelift – both the housing and the electronics have been fundamentally redesigned. The new design is 10 mm wider and 2 mm flatter than its predecessor, giving it a sleeker yet more robust appearance. The housing is made of high-quality aluminum with an elegant cover plate made of tempered glass, which conceals the hidden Wi-Fi antennas—an example of functional aesthetics.

Modern display meets audiophile technology

A key new feature is the high-resolution LCD display, which not only shows the device's operating information but also visualizes album covers in real time during streaming – a clear commitment to user-friendliness in the digital age.

Convenient control with the MA Remote app

The MA Remote app acts as the system's central control center. It not only allows you to play local music files, but also to directly access numerous high-resolution streaming services, including TIDAL, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO, Sony Select, QQ Music, and even Baidu Cloud. Internet radio is also supported.

The app not only allows playback, but also complete hardware configuration – from input selection to display brightness – a unique feature in this device class.

Seamless streaming in your home network

The X-SABRE 3 is Roon Ready certified and can therefore be connected directly to Roon without any further configuration. Bit-perfect audio transmission is guaranteed. Playback, volume and standby functions are also controlled via the Roon software. In addition, the device supports UPnP and DLNA, enabling lossless streaming with the original sampling rate in your home network.

Online streaming directly integrated

The X-SABRE 3 is the first device in the Matrix series to support both TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect. The DAC is recognized directly in the respective apps as a playback device, and playback and volume control are intuitive within the streaming app. Apple AirPlay is also supported, which facilitates integration into Apple-based multiroom systems.

High-speed connection – Wi-Fi or Gigabit LAN

The elegant design of the X-SABRE 3 is not marred by external antennas – two dual-band Wi-Fi antennas (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) are concealed beneath the glass cover. A Gigabit Ethernet port is also available for maximum connection reliability at high data rates. This ensures that even high-resolution data streams can be transmitted without interference on the local network.

Conclusion:

With the X-SABRE 3, Matrix Audio redefines the concept of a network DAC: uncompromising sound quality meets intelligent streaming functions and contemporary product design. For discerning music lovers who want the best of both worlds – analog fidelity and digital flexibility – the X-SABRE 3 is a future-proof centerpiece for modern audio systems.