Matrix Audio SI-1 Network Isolator

@lalitk --

Thanks. It looks like the SI-1 needs a more lengthy run-in process than first anticipated to settle in sonically. More on that below. 

@mammothguy54 --

In terms of the SI-1 taking a turn for the worse in its development following its first some +50 hours of positive sonic progression, I can mirror that too. It didn’t make much of a difference after about 24 hours being turned on and with signal pass-through, but then just a few hours later approaching 30 hours it suddenly started to bloom and show its mettle more readily. This continued to some 65 hours (yesterday) after which it became leaner and more stifled again, only for the pendulum to swing in the opposite direction today with a slightly thick and congested imprinting. A rocky ride for sure. 

Actually this follows a more typical pattern of running in new component and cables in my setup with a positive development the first some 60-90 hours, then a turn for the worse in a rather fluctuating manner the next 75-100 hours after which things finally begin to settle in, so I’m not alarmed as is. Some prefer to be physically absent from this stage of running in components, but I’ve always liked to be "hands on" through the process - frustrating it may be. Right now I’m likely in the slump of things, so to speak, so I don’t expect the next few days to be a hoot.  

Great to learn though you appear to be on "the other side of things" and can now begin to appreciate the fuller qualities of the SI-1. How would you say the SI-1 has influenced the tonal balance compared to not using it? 

@audphile1 --

Indeed, 200 hours (or even more) seems to be a good mark for when to be able to assess the potential of the SI-1 more fully. Back to direct connection (in my case to a Delock filter) is an effective way to get a bearing on where one is headed with a new product, yes. So, as they say: to be continued. 

Having now passed 150 hours of use with the Matrix Audio SI-1 network isolator in my setup, I believe it safe to say that I’m past the worst of run-in fluctuations and that the sound has finally opened up with a close to full measure of tonal density, insight and stability in presentation.

However, as of only a few days ago I still lacked what I believed to be a more authentic richness and texture tonally while also missing a bit of immediacy, but once the SI-1 sailed past ~150 hours of use things have started to fall in place - impressively so, while addressing exactly what I felt lacking. Indeed I dare say getting at least 150 hours in the SI-1 is mandatory to get an idea of what this unit is really capable of, or rather what it facilitates sonically.

Others have already gotten into describing their impressions quite thoroughly here, and I’m not sure I can add anything worthwhile. However I would like to make it clear that the magnitude of improvement brought to light with the inclusion of the SI-1 in my setup context has surprised me, also in regards to the nature of improvement; it’s not what the SI-1 appears to bring into the "equation" with its own contribution, sonically speaking, but rather - to reiterate - what it facilitates in order to flesh out the fuller potential of your digital source. This, I believe, makes it all the more interesting. 

Good post with excellent info. Matrix is the real deal, they came up from extremely high value/low price gear to now offering very high class products that still emphasize bang for the buck. 

I've used Arthur from Power Holdings in the past, very highly recommended. I believe he was the original Matrix dealer in the USA if I'm not mistaken. Now there are others but Arthur always offers a more personal touch which I appreciate. 

@phusis 

Very well put, and I can completely relate to your observations. The best digital components don’t impose a signature as much as they remove barriers, allowing the source to breathe more naturally. Interesting (and encouraging) to hear how dramatically the SI-1 evolved through the 150-hour break-in period.

To all, I am wholeheartedly in agreement with the outline from @phusis, cited above.  When I first mentioned there was an apparent run-in period for the Si-1 that seemed to evoke others to evaluate it in the same manner.  I am confident that we all have experienced the run-in process with all of our components, phono cartridges, and cables.  I was somewhat surprised that the Si-1 needed a run-in time, but that was rather foolish of me, now in hindsight.  The good news is that indeed, after a run-in of 150 to 200 hours the Si-1 brings a refined and smooth presentation to my digital front-end sound experience.  Though my digital system sounded quite good, I was aware that it still had a bit of digital "glare", even with the Stack Audio SmoothLan in line.  Replacing that with the Si-1, and after a complete run-in process, I find it to be a relatively low-cost product that contributes greatly to sophisticated digital front-end systems.  I am very pleased to have added it in to my system.  I am just as pleased about how this thread has developed, for all of us and, hopefully, for others who search out information on the Si-1 and its peers.

Great thanks to @lalitk for starting this thread and to all who have contributed.  I'll be sure to watch for further additions and updates.