Testing of the Audiophile Matrix S XLR was a great success. And I am pleased to share the results with you. This cable is the latest in the range of audiophile cables from Perkune. And slotted in-between the Matrix and the reference cables. But, after the test, realised this new cable was almost at the reference level. And offers tremendous value for money in every detail!
Audiophile Matrix S XLR Matrix S
Another great day in Vilnius, Lithuania, to test a new audiophile cable. The Matrix S XLR balanced cable. And temperatures over thirty-two degrees centigrade, how would we survive?
It was easy because the location had air conditioning. And the place was ‘Garso Namai’, located in Kauno g. 31 Vilnius, Lithuania, which was great because the air-conditioning works perfectly.
Matrix S
Perkune audiophile cables customers have great results with the recently added Matrix S series of audiophile cables. And now the Matrix S XLR balanced cable added due to customer demand. The audiophile always prefers a balanced audio cable because it allows more hearing from the music. And the latest audiophile Matrix S XLR cable certainly lives up to all expectations.
Information
I had spoken to the owner of ‘Garso Namai’, Lucas Svedas, the day before. And Lucas was in total agreement to test this new cable. Lucas and I have got to know each other well during the past year. And always happy to help with the testing procedure. It always makes sense to be familiar with the equipment used before as this aids to competence. The equipment is high-end, and I always enjoy working with Lucas during testing operations as he gives information and inspiration.
Source
We had chosen as a source the ProJect X1 turntable fitted with the Ortofon 2M silver cartridge for this testing session. And of course our favourite test album ‘Point’ from the artists known as ‘Yello’.
Also, chosen as source, the ProJect X1 turntable fitted with the Ortofon 2M silver cartridge for this testing session. And of course our favourite test album ‘Point’ from the artists known as ‘Yello’.
The 2M Series’ engines, coils and magnets configurations are not identical: Red, Blue and Silver are similar, so are the Bronze and Black, and so are the true mono variants 2M Mono and 2M 78. Likewise, 2M series styli are interchangeable within the below combinations:
- The 2M Red, 2M Blue and 2M Silver
- 2M Bronze and 2M Black
- And 2M Mono and 2M 78
Compatibility
REGA brand cartridges’ height from the stylus tip to the top cartridge mounting surface is lower than standard. Therefore you would need spacers to ensure the correct set-up of the Ortofon cartridge.
Specifications Audiophile Matrix S XLR
- Output voltage 5.5 mV
- Channel separation >25dB @ 1kHz
- Compliance dynamic/lateral 20/20 µm/mN
- Frequency response – 20-20.000 Hz + 3 / – 1 dB
- Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force *) – 70 µm
- Compliance, dynamic, lateral – 20 µm/mN
- The Stylus type – Elliptical
- Stylus tip radius – r/R 8/18 µm
- Equivalent stylus tip mass – 0.5 mg
- Tracking force range – 1.6-2.0 g (16-20 mN)
- The tracking force, recommended – 1.8 g (18 mN)
- Tracking angle – 20°
- Internal inductance 700 mH
- Recommended load resistance 47 kOhm
- Cartridge colour, body/stylus – Black/Silver
- 2M standard and 2M Verso cartridges weight – 7.2 g
Combination Audiophile Matrix S XLR
I have to say at this point how impressive the Project X1 turntable and the Ortofon cartridge worked together and gave a top-class hi-level performance!
The Phono stage was the AudioNote PH-1, which gave a fantastic performance. And as the test music warmed up, I knew we were off to a good start.
As the music played, I told Lucas his system sounded impressive and was a perfect sound. We were using the acoustic Acoustic-energy AE520 loudspeakers as they were our favourite for testing. And able to give so much more than the majority go loudspeakers, which is essential when testing.
The listening session paused because we had established our bass for measurements. Next, the AudioQuest XLR cable removed from the system and replaced by the Matrix S XLR cable. And the music resumed.
It only took a second for us to realise there was undoubtedly something different we were hearing: a cleaner and more transparent performance with a broader soundstage. We both agreed on this and also felt there was more air and space in the music.
I have to say I was surprised by how good the Matrix S XLR cable sounded. And it came very close to the reference XLR we tested in 2020.
If you have enjoyed reading ‘Audiophile Matrix S XLR’ information, please share – thank you
Author: Paul A. Goodwin (Perkune audiophile cables)
Dated: 13/07/2021
Perkune – Best budget Audiophile Cables