Mid-fi? Matrix Element i is a superb streamer and DAC. Here is its measurements which I showed in the review:
Look at the FFT spectrum top right. Its *highest* distortion spike is more than 120 dB lower than the signal. In absolute best case scenario, our hearing has a dynamic range of 115 dB. This means Matrix Element i is *
provably* and scientifically transparent to the source signal.
Most audiophiles flunk hearing distortions that rise up to -60 dB. So no way audibly this device at better than 120 dB can be considered "mid-fi."
Now, if you go by price alone, sure, the Element i is actually quite cheap given how much manufacturers rip off consumers with DACs in tens of thousands of dollars. But money doesn't determine fidelity. Proper instrumentation does. Or controlled listening tests.
Besides, as noted, there is not one device on the planet that has shown its output to vary let alone improve with EtherRegen. Not by the manufacturer, nor any press or consumers. You would think all of these people would be motivated to show a difference but they have not been able to. So your argument doesn't have merit regardless.