Matrix Audio MS-1 Music Streamer

The Matrix Audio MS-1 Music Streamer is a cornerstone of the all-new M series that signifies Matrix Audio's bold leap into traditional Hi-Fi systems. This series, which includes the MS-1 music streamer, the MP-1 preamplifier, and the MA-1 power amplifier, forms a comprehensive flagship system that embodies Matrix Audio's deep understanding of Hi-Fi audio. The MS-1, as part of the M series, is a testament to Matrix Audio's commitment to innovation and excellence. It adopts the new Matrix Design language, setting the stage for the future evolution of Matrix Audio's products. Experience the pinnacle of sound quality and design sophistication with the Matrix Audio MS-1 Music Streamer, an essential component for any audiophile's system. The popular Matrix Element Series, featuring the Matrix Audio Element X2 Music Streamer and Headphone Amplifier is one of our favorite product lines at Moon Audio, so needless to say we are excited to welcome a new line of music streamers to our collection. Featuring Roon Ready certification, flagship ESS Sabre DAC chips, and headphone outputs, the Element X, Element I, Element P, and Element M (and their respective updates with touch screens) are some of the best all-in-one hi-res music streamers on the market.  Evaluating audio products from the dimensions of "listening" and "looking" has always been a consistent philosophy of Matrix Audio. From concept to design, every step reflects a love for music and a pursuit of beauty. The MS-1 is a brand-new class of flagship music streamers. Its industrial design embodies simplicity, featuring hundreds of circular perforations of varying sizes and depths arranged in an array on the simple hexahedron, resembling rhythmic beats dancing on the surface. Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Matrix Audio MS-1 Music Streamer with our popular Silver Dragon Interconnect. Sold in Pairs, the Silver Dragon V2 is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. We also recommend using the Black Dragon Power Cable, designed to be used with all equipment in mind: DVD/CD Players, Dacs, Home Theater Processor/Pre Amps, and speaker/headphone amps. The cable is dead quiet and rejects all EMI and RFI interference. Pure and Clear Sound for Streaming Your Favorite Music The MS-1 offers a pure sound characterized by natural and balanced tones that stay faithful to the original music without introducing any coloration. It meticulously interprets every detail in the music with a rational and neutral attitude, delivering a clear source to your audio system. Every aspect of the M series reflects Matrix Audio's commitment to excellence. From the sound you hear to the design you see and the construction you touch, each element represents the culmination of Team Matrix Audio's relentless pursuit of perfection. Through continuous trial and error, meticulous refinement, and precise calibration, Matrix Audio tirelessly strives to enhance both the aesthetics and the captivating sound of their products. Dual Chipsets per Channel for Precise Signal Reproduction Matrix Audio's first product based on the AKM D/A solution features dual AK4191 and AK4499 flagship D/A chipsets. Each chipset operates in parallel in mono mode, with the left and right channel PCB assemblies mounted separately on either side of the device, creating a completely dual mono design. This setup aims for precise signal reproduction and outstanding dynamic range, allowing you to catch every micro detail of sound and deeply restore the essence of music. Built-in preamp and precision resistor array volume control (only for MS-1 Pre) The MS-1 Pre features an integrated preamplifier that utilizes voltage-divider volume control via a resistor array. It employs four high-quality volume control units, each composed of 64 precision resistors with 0.001 accuracy and 32 fully sealed reed relays, rapidly switched by the MCU. This control method minimizes any impact on sound quality while ensuring excellent consistency between the two channels. The operation noise of the reed relays is virtually inaudible, even when adjusting the volume continuously. DPLL and External Clock Input Unlike previous Matrix Audio products, the MS-1 is equipped with a high-performance DPLL clock synthesis circuit. This circuit works with an ultra-low phase noise reference clock to generate a clock signal with jitter as low as 45fs in real time, providing a precise reference for the entire digital audio circuitry. For even higher precision, you can connect a 10MHz external clock to the clock input port to enhance the performance of the internal audio clock. A Focus on the Software Experience The source device is the soul of an audio system, and while hardware forms the body of the MS-1, the software is its essence. Matrix Audio prioritizes both audio quality and user experience, simplifying human-machine interaction and emphasizing music information displayed on the device screen. The goal is to enable you to comfortably control your entire audio system from your listening position. With the MA Remote App, you can operate your system from your phone or tablet, eliminating the need to frequently get up and touch the device. From basic functions like volume changes, track selection, and playback to more advanced configurations such as filters, operating modes, and display brightness, everything can be managed through the app. This seamless experience is powered by Matrix Audio's 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: MA Remote 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 can also 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 and DSD Conversion You can utilize the built-in asynchronous upsampling and DSD conversion engine to process all audio data digitally. This engine performs asynchronous resampling and interpolation operations, isolating jitters and enhancing details. The DSD converter transforms all playing audio into DSD, increasing sound density. The processing engine offers adjustable PCM or DSD conversion configurations, enabling you to experience distinct sound characteristics under different settings. IIS-LVDS Digital Output The MS-1 also functions as a high-level audio transport, capable of outputting all playing audio as high-resolution signals through the IIS-LVDS port. This includes audio signals from analog and phono inputs, allowing you to connect to other DACs for varied listening experiences. Analog Input and Phono Output The MS-1 features two pairs of line inputs and one pair of phono inputs. The XLR and RCA line inputs allow you to integrate any device with an analog output into your digital audio system. Its 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 a high-precision ADC, processed with PCM filters, and can also be output through the IIS-LVDS port. Digital Audio Input The MS-1 is equipped with comprehensive digital input ports, making it an exceptional high-end DAC. It features USB, optical, coaxial, and IIS-LVDS digital inputs, allowing connections to computers, CD transports, set-top boxes, game consoles, and more. This enables audio from these devices to be processed by the MS-1's high-quality DAC, ensuring a superior audio experience across all sources. Preamplifier and Dual Balanced Output The MS-1 Pre includes a built-in preamplifier with a precision resistor array volume control. Comprising multi-stage op-amps, the preamplifier provides a +10dB gain and can output audio signals up to 16VRMS, making it compatible with power amplifiers or active speakers directly. It ensures excellent channel consistency and low distortion even at low volumes. Additionally, the MS-1 Pre offers a pair of fixed-level XLR line outputs, which can be used simultaneously with the pre-out, allowing connections to other recording and monitoring devices. Precision Resistor Volume Control The volume control is crucial for maintaining audio quality, as lossless attenuation and consistent volume levels between channels are essential for good sound. The MS-1 Pre features a built-in preamplifier that utilizes a voltage-divider volume control with a precision resistor array. This system includes four high-quality volume control units, each composed of 64 precision resistors with 0.001 accuracy and 32 fully sealed reed relays that are rapidly switched by the MCU. This method minimizes any impact on sound quality and ensures excellent consistency between the two channels. Additionally, the operation noise of the reed relays is almost inaudible, even during continuous volume adjustments. Expandable SFP Fiber Optic Network Port To mitigate high-frequency interference from switches and front-end network devices, Matrix Audio integrated an SFP interface into the music streamer. This interface allows the streamer to connect to the local network using fiber optic cables. By leveraging the electrical isolation properties of fiber optic transmission, you completely disconnect the electrical connection between the front-end switch and the music streamer, resulting in a purer sound output. However, Matrix Audio also maintained the Ethernet port for convenient connectivity without requiring any alterations to your network structure. NVMe SSD Slot To alleviate the inconvenience of frequently plugging and unplugging USB drives, Matrix included an NVMe SSD slot at the bottom of the MS-1 chassis. This slot allows you to install a high-speed SSD as internal storage, eliminating the need for traditional 2.5" or 3.5" HDDs. By doing so, Matrix Audio completely eliminates the potential impact of vibration and noise from HDDs on sound quality. Music resources stored on the SSD can be managed through network sharing or by copying music files from external storage to the internal SSD using the MA Remote App. Square Copper Wire Transformer & Linear Power Power forms the foundation of any audio system, and it's where the MS-1 excels. Matrix Audio custom-designed two high-power toroidal transformers specifically for the digital and analog sections of the MS-1. These transformers feature square copper wire, a departure from the traditional circular cross-section wire. The square wire design offers a larger conductor surface, higher current capacity, and lower resistance, resulting in improved transient response and richer low frequencies. Paired with MUNDORF's M-Lytic AG series filter capacitors, this setup adds a silky smoothness and mellowness to the sound. Additionally, dozens of low-noise LDOs and ultra-low-noise LDOs ensure ample power supply to each circuit unit, including the SSD, ensuring excellence at every stage of operation. H-Shaped Chassis Structure The H-shaped structure is a unique design exclusive to Matrix Audio's M series products, crafted through two years of continual refinement and optimization. Taking into account mechanical relationships, circuit layout, and exterior aesthetics, this design is a culmination of meticulous engineering. At its core lies a 20mm CNC aluminum plate, meticulously processed through dozens of procedures to serve as the structural foundation. All components are meticulously mounted on this plate, and its weight is supported by heavy-duty feet attached to the main beam, ensuring robustness and stability. Once the panels are in place, the main beam creates multiple isolated cavities. Each cavity houses different circuit modules, effectively minimizing interference between them. Symmetrically arranged on both sides, the circuit modules for the left and right channels create a visually balanced impression, further enhancing the overall appeal of the design. What's in the Box RM4B remote control x 1 Power cable x 1 User manual x 1 Warranty card x 1 FAQ What is the Matrix Audio MS-1 Music Streamer? The Matrix Audio MS-1 is a compact, high-quality music streamer that allows you to stream music from various online services and local network storage to your hi-fi system. The MS-1 Pre also features an integrated preamplifier stage. What streaming services does the MS-1 support? The MS-1 supports popular streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and vTuner Internet Radio, as well as playback from local network storage and USB drives. Use the MA Remote App to incorporate your favorite music streaming services. What audio formats does the MS-1 support? The MS-1 supports a wide range of audio formats, including PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512, and MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) for high-resolution audio streaming. The MS-1 supports the following file formats: MP3 , WMA , WAV , AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE How do I control the MS-1? The MS-1 can be controlled using the free Matrix Audio app, MA Remote, available for both iOS and Android devices. It also features a front-panel display and buttons for basic controls. Can I use the MS-1 with my existing hi-fi system? Yes, the MS-1 can be connected to your existing hi-fi system using its various audio outputs, including balanced XLR, coaxial, and optical outputs. The MS-1 Pre can also be used as a standalone preamplifier in your existing hi-fi system. Does the MS-1 support Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity? Yes, the MS-1 supports both Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac) and Ethernet (10/100/1000Mbps) for stable and fast network connectivity. Can I use the MS-1 as a standalone DAC? Yes, this is Matrix Audio's first product based on the AKM D/A solution and features dual AK4191 and AK4499 flagship D/A chipsets. Each chipset operates in parallel in mono mode, with the left and right channel PCB assemblies mounted separately on either side of the device, creating a completely dual mono design. This setup aims for precise signal reproduction and outstanding dynamic range, allowing you to catch every micro detail of sound and deeply restore the essence of music.