MATRIX MS-1 preamplifier version: the MS-1 PRE
The MS-1 PRE features an integrated preamplifier with resistor array volume control. This preamplifier is itself the result of the sum of numerous audiophile components, such as multi-stage operational amplifiers offering +10dB gain and enabling the MS-1 PRE to output a signal of up to 16Vrms. This makes it possible to connect the MS-1 PRE directly to a power amplifier or active speakers. In terms of technical performance, the MS-1 PRE’s integrated preamplifier matches the performance of the network player. In fact, it offers a very low level of distortion with excellent channel coherence, even at low volume levels. In addition to preamplified RCA and XLR outputs, the MS-1 PRE also features a fixed XLR output (5Vrms).
Matrix MS-1 PRE: a multitude of sources and digital inputs
The MS-1 PRE streamer gives you access to a multitude of audio sources. These include numerous local network streaming services such as Airplay 2, UPnP, DLNA, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, as well as high-resolution online streaming services such as HighRES AUDIO, Tidal and Quobuz. Of course, you can also take advantage of the many existing online radio stations (Radio Paradise, VTuner, etc.) and your locally stored files on SSD, USB-Disk and local NAS.
On the rear of the MS-1 PRE, numerous digital inputs allow you to connect it to any type of source, such as a CD player, video game console, TV and, of course, your computer, tablet and smartphone.
Perfect Creation
The all-new M series marks a milestone for Matrix Audio as it advances towards traditional Hi-Fi systems. This series includes the music streamer MS-1, the preamplifier MP-1 and the power amplifier MA-1, forming a complete flagship system of Matrix Audio that presents our understanding of Hi-Fi audio. The M series is the first lineup to adopt the new Matrix Design language, serving as a precursor to the future evolution of Matrix Audio products.
Matrix Design
aluating audio products from the dimensions of “listening” and “looking” has always been our consistent philosophy. From concept to design, every step contains the love for music and the pursuit of beauty. MS-1 is Matrix Audio’s brand-new flagship music streamer. Its industrial design showcases our concept of simplicity. With hundreds of circular perforations of varying sizes and depths arranged in an array on the simple hexahedron, resembling rhythmic beats dancing and emerging on the surface.
Focus On Software Experience
The source device is the soul of an audio system. Hardwares contribute the body of MS-1, while software is the soul. We not only prioritize audio quality but also focus on the user experience. We simplify the human-maschine interaction and emphosize music info display on the device screen. We insist on allowing you to comfortably control your entire audio system from your listening position, picking up your phone or tablet to operate it through the MA Remote App, rather than frequently getting up to touch the device. Even from the basic functions like volume change, track selection and playback to configurations such as filters, operating modes and display brightness, everything can be done on the app. This is all supported by our meticulously developed MA Player software system.
MA Player
This is a streamlined and optimized software system based on Linux. It is specially designed for Hi-Fi audio playback. Which is exclusively available for Matrix Audio’s products. Today, MA Player has evolved to a new level, not only enhancing its playback performance but also introducing numerous new features, improving the interactive experience.
MA Remote App
It serves as the core tool for controlling your music streamers. By installing the MA Remote App on your iPhone, iPad or Android phone, they become the most convenient control centers, allowing you to browse and play your local music, enjoy high-resolution music from streaming platforms like SONY Select, TIDAL, Qobuz and HIGHRESAUDIO, listen to exciting online radio stations. Even when music is streaming from other apps, you also can view the track information through the MA Remote App. Furthermore, the MA Remote App allows you to set every hardware configuration, completely changing the operation of an audio device.
PCM Resampling & DSD Conversion
You can let the built-in asynchronous upsampling and DSD conversion engine process all the audio data in digital stage. With asynchronous resampling and interpolation operations, jitters will be isolated and details will be improved. The DSD converter transforms all playing audio into DSD, enhancing sound density. The processing engine features adjustable PCM or DSD conversion configurations, allowing you to experience the sound differences under different settings.
IIS-LVDS Digital Output
MS-1 also works as a high-level audio transport that can output all playing audio as high-resolution signals through IIS-LVDS port. Including audio signals from analog input and phono input. Which enables you to connect to other DACs to achieve different listening experiences.
Analog Input & Phono Input
MS-1 has two pairs of line inputs and one pair of phono input. With XLR and RCA line inputs allowing you to integrate any device with analog output into the digital audio system. The built-in phono preamplifier supports both MM and MC modes, enabling direct connection to a vinyl turntable. All analog audio inputs are converted to digital audio through high-precision ADC, aggregated into the digital processing unit and applied PCM filters. These signals are also allowed to output from the IIS-LVDS port.
Digital Audio Input
Equipped with comprehensive digital input ports, MS-1 can be used as a high-end DAC. With USB, optical, coaxial or IIS-LVDS digital inputs, it can be connected to computers, CD transports, set-top boxes, game consoles and other devices, allowing the audio from these devices to be output through high-quality DAC in MS-1, creating a high-quality audio experience at every aspects.
Preamplifier & Dual Balanced Output
MS-1 Pre features a built-in preamplifier and a precision resistor array volume control. The preamplifier is composed of multi-stage op-amps, which has a +10dB gain and can output audio signals up to 16VRMS. It compatible with power amplifiers or active speakers directly. Providing excellent channel consistency and distortion characteristics even at low volumes. Additionally, MS-1 Pre offers a pair of fixed-level XLR line outputs, which can be used simultaneously with the pre-out. Enables you to connect it to other recording and monitoring devices.
Dual D/A Chip Independent Channel Design
Matrix Audio’s first product based on AKM D/A solution, featuring dual AK4191 and AK4499 flagship D/A chipsets. Each chipset works in parallel in mono mode. The left and right channel PCB assemblies are mounted at two sides of the device separately, to form a completely dual mono design. Aiming to a precise signal reproduction and outstanding dynamic range, you can catch every micro details of sound, deeply restoring the essence of music.
Precision Resistor Volume Control
The volume control is a critical factor affecting audio quality, ensuring lossless attenuation and consistent volume levels between channels is the prerequisite for good sound. MS-1 Pre has a built-in preamplifier which uses voltage-divider volume control by resistor array. Four high-quality volume control units composed of 64 precision resistors with 0.001 accuracy and 32 fully sealed reed relays which are switched rapidly by the MCU. This control method not only minimizes any impact on sound quality but also ensures excellent consistency between the two channels. The operation noise of the reed relays is almost inaudible even when changing volume continuously.
DPLL High Precision Clock
Clocks are the cornerstone of digital audio systems. Unlike previous Matrix Audio products, the MS-1 is equipped with a high-performance DPLL clock synthesis circuit. The ultra-low phase noise reference clock works with the DPLL circuit generates an clock signal with jitter as low as 45fs in real-time, providing a reference for the entire digital audio circuitry. If you have a higher-precision 10MHz external clock, you can connect it to the clock input port to enhance the performance of the internal audio clock.
Expandable SFP Fiber Optic Network Port
In order to isolate high-frequency interference from switches and front-end network devices, we have added an SFP interface, enabling the music streamer to connect to the local network via fiber optic cables. With the electrical isolation properties of fiber optic transmission, the electrical connection between the front-end switch and the music streamer can be completely disconnected, ensuring a purer sound. Of course, we also retain the Ethernet port for convenient connection without altering your network structure.
NVMe SSD Slot
In order to avoid the annoying experience of frequently plugging and unplugging USB drives, we reserved an NVMe SSD slot on the bottom of the chassis of MS-1. You can install an high-speed SSD as internal storage, avoid of using a 2.5″ or 3.5″ HDD, completely eliminating the impact of vibration and noise of HDD on sound quality. Music resources stored on the SSD can be maintained through network sharing, or copy the music files from the external storage to the internal storage through MA Remote App.
Square Copper Wire Transformer & Linear Power
Power is the start point of an audio system. We customized two high-power toroidal transformers with square copper wire for the digital and analog sections of MS-1. Compared to traditional toroidal transformers with circular cross-section wire, square copper wire has a larger conductor surface, higher current capacity, and lower resistance, resulting in better transient response and richer low frequencies. Paired with the M-Lytic AG series filter capacitors from MUNDORF, it adds a silky smoothness and mellow to the sound. Dozens of low-noise LDOs and ultra-low-noise LDOs provide ample power supply to each circuit unit, even including the SSD, pursuing excellence at every stage.
H-Shaped Chassis Structure
The H-shaped structure is a unique design created by Matrix Audio for the M series products, born from two years of continuous optimization and improvement considering various aspects such as mechanics relationship, circuit layout, and exterior appearance.
The 20mm CNC aluminum plate become the support structure of the entire device after dozens of procedures, serving as the core of the H-shaped structure. All components are mounted on the aluminum plate, and the entire weight is supported by heavy-duty feet installed on the main beam, making it solid and stable. After the panels are installed, multiple isolated cavities are formed with the main beam. Different circuit modules are properly placed in each cavity, effectively reducing interference between circuit modules. The circuit modules for the left and right channels are symmetrically arranged on both sides, creating a balanced visual impression.
The 20mm CNC aluminum plate become the support structure of the entire device after dozens of procedures, serving as the core of the H-shaped structure. All components are mounted on the aluminum plate, and the entire weight is supported by heavy-duty feet installed on the main beam, making it solid and stable. After the panels are installed, multiple isolated cavities are formed with the main beam. Different circuit modules are properly placed in each cavity, effectively reducing interference between circuit modules. The circuit modules for the left and right channels are symmetrically arranged on both sides, creating a balanced visual impression.
Elegant Industrial Design & Refined Build Quality
The ingenious industrial design is an indispensable part of our product, flowing out the brand-new Matrix Design language from dots, lines and surfaces. Each component undergoes multiple delicate CNC machining and surface treatments, providing a exquisite and comfortable matte texture, allowing you to feel the unique craftsmanship in operation, displaying a distinctive elegant temperament.
Pure & Clear
The MS-1 has a pure sound with natural and balanced tone that remains true to music without any coloration. It accurately interprets every detail in the music with a rational and neutral attitude, providing your system with a clear source.
Every detail of the M series embodies our pursuit of excellence. Everything you hear, see and touch is the final presentation by team Matrix Audio through continuous trial and fail, meticulous polishing, and careful calibration. We persevere tirelessly, striving to make things more beautiful and the sound more captivating.
| 1 | RCA/XLR stereo Pre-out (variable) | 8 | RJ45 Ethernet LAN port |
| 2 | External clock input 10MHz | 9 | SFP network port |
| 3 | 2x Coaxial input | 10 | Trigger IN/OUT |
| 4 | Optical Toslink input | 11 | Balanced XLR input |
| 5 | I2S LVDS input/output via HDMI | 12 | RCA input |
| 6 | USB-B input | 13 | Phono input |
| 7 | 2x USB-A Host input (storage) | 14 | Balanced XLR Line output (fixed) |
| 8 | RJ45 Ethernet LAN port | 15 | Switch ON/OFF – Fuse – IEC power supply |
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Product type | Streamer / DAC |
| DAC chip | 2x AKM AK4499EX + AK4191 |
| Inputs | 1x USB-B 1x Optical Toslink 2x Coaxial 1x I2S LVDS via HDMI 2x USB-A Host port (storage) 1x SSD slotWiFi1x XLR balanced analog input 1x RCA analog input 1x Phono input |
| Outputs | 1x XLR balanced output 1x RCA output 1x I2S LVDS output via HDMI |
| External clock inputs | 10MHz / 50 ohm clock |
| Trigger | In: DC 6-12V <10mA Out: DC 12V/50mA max. |
| Network | LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps SFP 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| USB-A compatibility (storage) | USB 3.0 5V 1.5A (FAT, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, compatibility with all storage media not guaranteed) |
| SSD storage expansion | M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe SSD |
| Supported samples rates | Toslink optical and coaxial: PCM up to 24bit 192kHz I2S LVDS: PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, DSD DoP up to DSD256, native DSD up to DSD512 USB-B: PCM up to 24bit 768kHz, DSD DoP up to DSD256, native DSD up to DSD512 and MQA |
| I2S LVDS output sampling rate | PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, DSD DoP up to DSD256, native DSD up to DSD512 |
| Interface | MA player |
| Application | MA Remote App |
| Supported audio formats | MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE |
| Supported network protocols | AirPlay 2 DLNA/UPnP TIDAL Connect Spotify Connect vTuner Radio Paradise |
| ANALOG INPUTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| XLR Balanced | Input impedance | 40kΩ |
| SNR | 118dB A-weighted | |
| THD+N | < 0.00026% @ 1k < 0.00030% @ 20Hz-20kHz |
|
| Frequency reponse | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.3 / -3dB @ 46kHz) | |
| Crosstalk | -135dB | |
| Input level | 4.9Vrms Max. | |
| RCA Single-ended | Input impedance | 20kΩ |
| SNR | 110dB A-weighted | |
| THD+N | < 0.00060% @ 1k < 0.00100% @ 20Hz-20kHz |
|
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.3 / -3dB @ 46kHz) | |
| Crosstalk | -125dB | |
| Input level | 2.35Vrms Max. | |
| Phono | Cell compatibility | MM and MC |
| MM input impedance | 47kΩ/100pF | |
| MM gain | +45dB | |
| MC input impedance | 100Ω | |
| MC gain | +65dB | |
| LINE OUTPUT | ||
|---|---|---|
| XLR Balanced | Output impedance | 20kΩ |
| Output level | 5Vrms Fixed | |
| SNR | 131dB A-weighted | |
| THD+N | < 0.000068% @ 1k < 0.000075% @ 20Hz-20kHz |
|
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.05 / -3dB @ 85kHz) | |
| Crosstalk | > -150dB | |
| PRE-OUT OUTPUTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| XLR Balanced | Output impedance | 40Ω |
| Output level | 0-16Vrms Variable | |
| Gain | +10dB | |
| SNR | 131dB A-weighted | |
| THD+N | < 0.000068% @ 1k < 0.000075% @ 20Hz-20kHz |
|
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.05 / -3dB@85kHz) | |
| Crosstalk | > -150dB | |
| RCA Single-ended | Output impedance | 16Ω |
| Output level | 0-8Vrms Variable | |
| Gain | +10dB | |
| SNR | 127dB A-weighted | |
| THD+N | < 0.000076% @ 1k < 0.000085% @ 20Hz-20kHz |
|
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.08 / -3dB@83kHz) | |
| Crosstalk | > -139dB | |
| GENERAL | |
|---|---|
| Power supply | AC 220V-240V 50/60Hz |
| Max. power consumption | < 60W |
| Standby power consumption | < 5W |
| Dimensions | 430 x 353 x 106mm |
| Weight | 14.6Kg |
| Color | Silver |
| Package | 1x Matrix MS-1 PRE network player 1x RM4B remote control 1x Power supply cable |
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