About the Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC

Audition it in your system. Dedicated Audio offers a return policy if I’m not mistaken. That’s the only way to know if it’s what you’re looking for. 

I think one you should consider at the same price is the Gustard R30.  It’s an R2R DAC and has gotten some very favorable reviews and seems very well engineered.  Thought you’d find this review interesting as directly compares the R30 favorably to the more expensive Venus 15th (and his considerably more expensive Rockna DAC), which would obviously be a significant upgrade from your Pontus II.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 

https://soundnews.net/reviews/sources/gustard-r30-dac-review-the-r2r-perfection/

@soix 

FYI, Terry on Pursuit Perfect Sound compares the R30 to the Matrix, starting at the 13 minute mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF9R4OfNQbM

@curiousjim -- I’m sure you won’t disagree that @audphile1 makes an excellent point. It depends how badly you’re eager to try it. I looked around for a shop that 1) sells the Matrix and 2) offers a return policy without a restock fee and could not readily find one. Dedicated mentions a "possible re-stock fee". You could ask them for clarification. 

https://www.dedicatedaudio.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=470094203&gbraid=0AAAAAD_BbC9EEgmTUClUI0hiULCOM4IV9&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsYm-2KHilAMVdSdECB37lgFeEAAYASAAEgJzy_D_BwE

@audphile1 

I did see the 14 day trial and I’m probably going to do it.

Thanks.