Description
Reference X2 Features
The Roon-Ready Reference X2 was developed as our most affordable Reference model. It produces a superior sound to the Revolution and Prodigy servers, with greater detail and soundstage. It has our Reference 75-Ohm BNC and 110 Ohm AES daughterboard with EMI shield, of course. It comes with a 300W linear power supply unit (LPSU) from HD-Plex. All internal power and audio wiring is cryo-treated silver from Revelation Audio Labs. The SOtM USB ports and clock cards are optional extras in case you want it all, such as playing native DSD to your DAC. It is far superior to our original Reference model in every way – sounds better, runs cooler, uses less power, does more. The Reference X2 comes in our mid-size case which can accept future upgrades simply. It even has HDMI 2.0 output and can handle 4K video files up to 24 frames per second.
The Reference X2 is available in silver or black. This model is currently on clearance, available only directly. We will soon not be able to make any more of these units, so talk to us about owning one of the last few.
Reference X2 Specs
- Reference AES/EBU and SPDIF (BNC) daughterboard with Cryo-silver cabling and EMI shield. Up to 192 KHz/24-bit
- HDMI 2.0 + HDMI 1.4
- 8 th generation i7 8700 6-core CPU, passively cooled
- 32 GB DDR4 RAM
- 2x Gigabit Ethernet
- Built-in Wifi
- 256 Gb OS drive SSD (With options to add extra internal SSD storage)
- 2x 4TB External USB 3.1 gen1 drives or 1x 8TB for media storage/backup
- Neutrik PowerCon DC power inlet
- External HD-Plex 300W Linear PSU with Analysis Plus (or optional Revelation Audio Labs) DC umbilical cord
- CD/DVD/BluRay reading drive
- Option for SOtM internal USB Hub and clock card, with cryo cabling and iFI external power adaptor
- Windows 10 Pro, stripped down to remove “bloatware”
- dBpoweramp CD ripper
- Runs Roon, Tidal, JRiver Media Center and any other streaming service available on Windows or the internet
*Subscriptions may be required for some services.
FAQ
What audiophile grade outputs does the Reference X series have?
These systems have our award-winning AES-EBU output powered by the Baetis Audio Reference daughterboard. The daughterboard also provides a SPDIF output, now available as either BNC or RCA. system. HDMI for high resolution multi-channel output is also included.
Can I run Roon on these models?
Yes, you can run Roon, JRiver Media Center, Audirvana, Tidal, Qobuz (if available) and much more. In fact, any music app that runs on Windows 10 can be run on this unit. All Baetis Audio models can serve as a Roon core, endpoint or both. Your Tidal streaming never sounded so good! Tell us what you want and we can set it up for you.
Can this unit play 4K video with HDR?
The Reference XV certainly can! The system is powered by an AMD APU, which handles 4K very well with HDR up to 30 fps. The Intel-powered Reference X2 can also display a crisp 4K image but it’s more limited in its HDR capability.
Can I control the unit with a tablet?
Yes, you can use an iOS or Android device to control playback. You can even use another computer, or control the system directly with a wireless keyboard and trackpad from your listening position.
What’s the difference between the Reference X2 and Reference XV?
The big difference is how they handle video. They sound the same for 2-channel audio, but the XV model handles 4K HDR beautifully at up to 30 fps. The X2 model works harder to produce a picture that is not quite as stunning. There are a few other minor differences that will not affect most users.
What’s the difference between the Reference X series and the Revolution X series?
They are similar, except that the Reference X series has better audio and power cabling on the inside and uses the Baetis Audio Reference daughterboard comes with an EM shield for superlative AES-EBU and SPDIF outputs. The Reference series also comes with a Linear Power Supply Unit (LPSU) as standard with an audiophile grade DC cable made by Analysis Plus or Revelation Audio Labs. The Reference systems also come with 32 GB of RAM compared to the 16 GB of the Revolution series.
What’s the difference between the Reference X series and the Reference 2 Series?
The Reference 2B has a warmer sounding codec, which some of the most discerning audiophiles prefer. It also comes in a larger chassis, which improves cooling and upgradability. The SOtM Ultra USB package, with a clock card and cryo-silver cabling comes as standard (but can optionally be removed). Both product lines include a linear power supply unit and audiophile grade DC cable, both of which improve the sound considerably over the Revolution series.
Can I get the Reference X Series with an SOtM USB, or an I2S or network output?
In addition to the AES-EBU, SPDIF and HDMI outputs, you can opt to get an additional audiophile grade USB, I2S or network output, which means pretty much all DACs are covered. If you need all the outputs possible in one unit, you should look at the Reference 3 systems.
Is there an optical drive in the unit?
The Prodigy, Revolution and Reference X -series are available with or without internally-housed optical drives. If you want to make back up of 4K UHD discs, we’d recommend no internal optical drive and choosing to add an external 4K reading drive instead.
What is the warranty on the Reference X Series?
There is a two year parts and labour warranty on these. However, as usual, we always listen to each case on its own merits and do the reasonable thing if you need service outside the warranty period, depending on the circumstances.
