The designers of Matrix Audio never cease to amaze us. The in-depth knowledge of digital signal processing, combined with a kind of holistic approach where everything has to be right, is nothing short of impressive. In addition, Matrix Audio is deeply imbued with the ancient wisdom that every chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In the digital world, this means that isolation from interference is one of the biggest challenges. For that reason, we recently introduced the SS-1 and SS-1 Pro Audio Grade Network Switches. Two beautifully built ethernet switches with ultimate focus on isolation and optimization of the network path to our music streamers. Now we add the next step: Matrix Audio SC-1 Audio Grade Reference Clock.
Timing
In theory, an analog signal has an infinite number of different values. The digital domain has only two: 0 and 1. The digital presentation of an (analogue) signal is therefore represented by assigning a value to as many measuring points as possible. These measuring points are the samples, the value is the bitrate. Together they form a series of ones and zeros that must be transformed back into an analogue music signal when reconstructed in the DAC. In our digital products, the ones and zeros move from building block to building block on exact time command under dictation of the Master Clock. Simple or ultra-high-end, every digital audio component has such a clock oscillator built in. He determines the timing of the samples and is therefore crucial for the final reconstruction. Errors in that timing are classified as jitter – digital distortion that makes itself audible in the analogue signal during conversion. The quality of the Master Clock is therefore directly decisive for the sound.
Some digital audio products come with an external clock connection that allows you to sync the audio product with a better, external clock. Such as the Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro Network Switch and MS-1 Music Streamer. Here, the Matrix Audio SC-1 Reference Clock offers a magical upgrade option!
Matrix Audio SC-1 Reference Clock
Matrix Audio’s SC-1 is an external clock based on “Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator”. This means that the frequency determining element – the clock – is formed by a crystal oscillator in a special, temperature-controlled environment. The crystal is a piezoelectric element of quartz that resonates at one specific frequency when a constant voltage is applied to it. The Matrix Audio SC-1 uses a specially shaped SC-Cut Quartz crystal that is even more precise. No matter how accurate the actual oscillating element is, its stability is super dependent on the environment. It resonates according to the supply voltage, the more stable the power supply, the more accurate the oscillation frequency. Fluctuations in temperature also have a direct influence on that frequency. That’s why the perfect Clock Oscillator in an audio product is also quite a challenge. This is also the motivation of Matrix Audio to develop its own product for this – the SC-1 Audio Grade Master Clock.
The SC-1 is all about an extremely precise 10MHz Reference Clock. With a Phase-Noise (jitter) less than or equal to -118dBc @1Hz, measured at the clock output of the SC-1, Matrix Audio sets the new benchmark in this class. Superior frequency stability and phenomenally low jitter in a beautiful, 33 centimeter wide housing.
DESIGN
Both internally and externally, Matrix Audio leaves no detail untouched. The linear power supply with toroidal transformer contains two independent branches and regulation circuits. One for the crystal oscillator and one for its temperature-controlled sub-housing. Four independently buffered 10MHz Clock Outputs with BNC connector (50 Ohms), all coming from the same source clock for maximum synchronization. The housing is also well thought-out and ultra solid. Four special feet minimize mechanical coupling of vibrations while the thick construction of the chassis keeps interference out. In addition, the SC-1 is beautiful in all its anonymity and a perfect partner in the style of the Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro and NT-1 Digital Music Streamer. This is Matrix Audio’s vision of perfection. This is the SC-1 Audio Grade Reference Clock!
The SC-1 can be perfectly combined with the SS-1 Pro, NT-1 and MS-1 but also with various other DACs from other brands and is immediately available with a suggested retail price of € 6,599.
Enclosed you will find the complete new price list including a number of price changes.
Do you want to know more about Matrix Audio in general or specifically about the SC-1 Reference Clock? We would like to hear from you by email or by phone +31(0)36-3031880.
