Introduction Matrix Audio’s M-Series

There is something magical about good sound. The subcutaneous sensation of a piece of music that tickles all your senses, from head to heart, is and remains the ultimate goal. It is no secret that we are also audio enthusiasts who get a kick out of technology. We therefore recently proudly introduced the addition of Matrix Audio to our range. We fell on Matrix Audio because of sound, looks and function. Seriously high-quality audio circuits with beautiful linear power supplies and sophisticated digital signal processing in a sleek outfit, masterful price-quality ratio and strong focus on Streaming – that is Matrix Audio.

Although Matrix Audio attracted attention in international reviews, with its fantastic Streaming Audio products, it also has deep expertise in analog signal processing. Of course, almost all models have a DAC, but it is mainly the sophisticated linear power supply, interference shielding and analog output stage that makes a Matrix Audio such an exceptionally nice-sounding product. Especially in relation to the price range! With that expertise and the desire to control the music signal from digital stream to speaker terminal, Matrix Audio engineers have brought all their knowledge together in a completely new, all-out M-Series.

The M-series represents the very best of Matrix Audio in four models: a dedicated MS-1 Audio Streamer/DAC with analogue Line Level output, the MS-1P which adds an analogue volume control to the MS-1, the MP-1 Pure Class A preamplifier and the massive MA-1 stereo power amplifier. That Matrix Audio takes its designs seriously is clear from the first glance. The massive top plate is symbolic of the build quality and pride with which Matrix Audio develops its products. A beautiful perforation pattern for the necessary cooling, interrupted by Matrix Audio’s milled initials. Bold but stylishly executed, just like every line of this stylistic High End series that shows that Matrix Audio thinks about everything.

We said it before: Matrix Audio caught our attention thanks to the striking consistency in the reviews at home and abroad. Both the subjective and objective test reports underlined a quality product with superior sound and build quality, with the Streaming Audio/DAC models in particular performing extremely positively. Until then, the Matrix Audio X2 Pure marked the top of the range. That position is now handed over to the MS-1.

The MS-1 is a music streamer with a large, touchscreen display, fantastically intuitive operation via the display and MA Remote App, ROON compatibility and a variety of smart functions and usage options. In our opinion, the core of the MS-1 is the extreme attention to detail to get the most out of the digital music stream. Two completely separate, linear power supplies based on ‘square-copper-wire’ transformers followed by a sophisticated rectifier circuit and Mundorf Buffer capacitors form the independent foundation of the analogue and digital circuit. The power supply line of each sub-circuit is then stabilized independently of the other to ensure the very best operating conditions.

The Digital to Analog conversion is done by the AKM chipset combination around two AK4191 and AK4499 DA converters. Connected in parallel in Dual Mono Mode for maximum dynamics and noise/distortion suppression. The physical structure of the left and right signals has also been separated as much as possible to keep the channel separation as large as possible. Linked to a powerful internal processor, the user can determine how the internal digital data is processed. Asynchronous Resampling and various PCM and DSD conversion settings provide ultimate flexibility in oversampling and therefore subtle but clearly audible sound differences.

It is exemplary of Matrix Audio’s approach with extreme attention to every aspect of signal processing and you can hear that. The tonal balance of the MS-1 is fantastic. On the one hand, it lets you look deep into the recording and unravels even the smallest details, while on the other hand, it has something wonderfully smooth and rich. A special combination that almost makes you rediscover your music.

However, the MS-1 is much more than a music streamer with DAC. To be able to write out all his capabilities, we almost have to create a seperate MailChimp account, so here is a brief summary:

• Balanced Analogue input for analogue sources with XLR connector
• Single-Ended Analogue input for analogue sources with RCA connector
• A Single Ended RCA input for direct connection to a turntable (MM and MC)
• Processing of analogue inputs via super high-quality Analogue to Digital converter
• I2S LVDS digital input and output
• Coaxial digital in via RCA, Optical digital in via Toslink and USB-B digital input
• USB-A inputs for USB stick or USB drive
• Standard Ethernet and SFP Fiber Optic network connections
• NVMe SSD slot for direct recording of an SSD disk with music in the bottom plate
• ROON Endpoint
• Full control including internet radio, Tidal and Qobuz via MA Remote App
• Input for external clock

The MS-1 Music Streamer/DAC has a recommended retail price of € 11.599,-

MS-1P Music Streamer/DAC with Hybrid Volume Control

The MS-1P is in fact an MS-1 with the addition of a super precise volume control. This enables the opportunity to enable the MS-1P as a high-quality preamplifier. Depending on the desired volume, the reed relay-controlled circuit selects the correct resistance configuration for the voltage divider to achieve extremely accurate, analog volume control. The line-level signal from the internal DAC is controlled precisely, efficiently and with minimal loss, allowing the MSP-1 to be connected directly to an active speaker or power amplifier.

MS-1P Music Streamer/DAC with Hybrid Volume Control has a recommended retail price of € 13.199,-

In addition to the MS-1P, which actually converts the line-level output of the MS-1 into a volume-controlled output, the M-series also includes a fully optimized analog preamplifier for its task. The MP-1.

Equipped with only analog inputs, the MP-1 receives the line-level signal on one of its 3 Single Ended RCA or Balanced XLR inputs and then processes it as pure as possible. Because the MP-1 only needs to focus on the analog signal, the entire audio circuit can be optimized for this. The power supply, the fully balanced construction, relay-controlled volume control and Class A output Stage – everything has been perfected for the most honest volume control and signal amplification.

The MP-1 exceeds the qualities of the already fine MS-1P by a considerable margin. Peace, convenience and color are all even more tangible with the MP-1, which of course also offers connection options for other audio sources.

De MP-1 Analog Pre Amp has a recommended retail price of € 8.399,-

The MA-1 is without a doubt the most impressive member of the M-Series family. Weighing just under 43 kilograms and 20 cm high, the sleek MA-1 is a very serious power amplifier. Behind the sleek, 20mm thick, matte silver front, the left and right channels are supplied with individual optimized powerlines. From the power cord connection, the circuits for the left and right channels follow a completely separate path. The toroidal transformers supply the 10 ONSEMI High-Power transistors with a rectified supply voltage of + and – 80 Volts! Each channel relies on 14 parallel-connected 6800uF buffer capacitors with a total capacity of more than 95,000uF. The MA-1 guarantees a comfortable 250 Watt per channel at 8 Ohm with a huge reserve.

Internal compartmentalization minimizes electromagnetic interference, making it the silence that makes the MA-1 so special. Powerful? Absolute but also refined and elastic in sound with a deep understanding of even the smallest details. Insanely handsome! In addition, the MA-1 is even happy to grow with you thanks to a Bridge-Mono option. Start with one MA-1 in stereo and later add a second one so that each MA-1 in Bridge-Mono mode controls one speaker for ultimate grip and 500 Watts of power at 8 Ohms.

De MA-1 Stereo Power Amplifier has a recommended retail price of € 9.799,-

It is clear that we are extremely enthusiastic about Matrix Audio. The build quality, design, sound and flexibility with fantastic proprietary MA Remote are truly impressive. The MA series goes a step further and is a harbinger of the future. So into the Matrix.