If you are new to high-end audio, welcome. The gear can look intimidating at first, full of acronyms and specifications that seem designed to confuse. This guide takes a friendly walk through the Matrix Audio MS-1 Pre and explains, in plain terms, what it does, how each part works, and whether it might be the right heart for your music system.
What kind of device is the MS-1 Pre?
The MS-1 Pre is three things in one box: a network streamer, a digital to analog converter (DAC), and a preamplifier. That combination matters because it lets a single component handle almost everything between your music and your speakers. The streamer part pulls music from the internet or your home network. The DAC part turns digital audio into an analog signal your speakers can eventually play. The preamplifier part controls volume and sends that signal onward to a power amplifier. Instead of buying and connecting three separate boxes, you get one tidy unit that does the whole job.
Where does it fit in a system?
The MS-1 Pre sits at the center of your setup, between your music sources and your power amplifier. Picture the flow of music: it starts as a stream or a file, passes through the MS-1 Pre where it is converted and its volume is set, then travels to a power amplifier, which drives your loudspeakers. You supply the power amp and the speakers; the MS-1 Pre handles everything up to that point. That makes it a natural cornerstone for a first serious system.
Streaming and Network Features
How does it stream music?
The MS-1 Pre connects to your home network and plays music from popular services and your own library. It is Roon Ready and works with TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, DLNA, and AirPlay. In everyday terms, that means you can play from the streaming service you already use, share music stored on a home computer or network drive through DLNA, or send audio straight from an Apple device with AirPlay. Roon Ready is a nice bonus if you ever adopt Roon, a premium music management system that many enthusiasts love for organizing large collections.
How do you connect it to your network?
You can connect using Ethernet, SFP fiber, or Wi-Fi. Ethernet is a standard wired network cable and is the simplest reliable choice. Wi-Fi frees you from running a cable if your router is across the room. SFP fiber is a more specialized wired option that uses light instead of copper, which can help isolate your audio system from electrical noise on the network. Having all three means you can start simple and refine later.
How do you control it?
You control the MS-1 Pre with the MA control app. This is the everyday remote for your music: you use it to pick sources, browse and select tracks, and adjust volume from your phone or tablet. For most people the app becomes the main way they interact with the unit, so you rarely need to stand at the front panel.
Sound Conversion and Timing
What DAC does it use and why does that matter?
The MS-1 Pre uses a flagship ESS ES9038PRO configuration. The DAC is the part that turns digital music into an analog signal, and the ES9038PRO is one of the most capable DAC chips available. In daily listening, a strong DAC platform helps deliver clean, detailed, low-noise sound. You do not need to understand the engineering to benefit; you just hear music that sounds natural and free of harshness.
What file types can it play?
It supports up to 32 bit high rate PCM, native DSD playback, and MQA. PCM is the most common format for digital audio, and support for high resolution files means the MS-1 Pre can play the best studio quality downloads and streams without dumbing them down. DSD is a different high resolution format popular with audiophiles, and native playback means the unit handles it in its original form. MQA is a format used by some streaming catalogs. In short, whatever high quality music you throw at it, it can play.
What is the femtosecond clock, in plain terms?
The MS-1 Pre includes a high precision femtosecond master clock and also accepts an external clock input. A clock in digital audio keeps the timing of the signal steady. When timing wavers, the sound can lose focus. A very precise clock keeps everything locked tight, which supports clean, stable sound. The external clock input is for advanced users who want to add an even more specialized timing reference down the road.
Inputs: Getting Music Into the MS-1 Pre
What analog inputs does it have?
It offers balanced XLR and single ended RCA line inputs, plus an MM/MC phono input. The line inputs let you connect analog sources such as a CD player or another component. The phono input is the special one: it is designed for a turntable, and it supports both MM (moving magnet) and MC (moving coil) cartridges, the two common types found on record players. That means you can plug a turntable straight in without a separate phono stage.
What digital inputs does it have?
It has USB-B, optical, coaxial, and I2S via HDMI. USB-B connects to a computer for playing files stored there. Optical and coaxial are common digital connections used by devices like TVs, disc players, and game consoles. I2S via HDMI is a high performance digital connection that uses an HDMI shaped plug to carry audio in a way that can preserve timing especially well. Together, these cover just about any digital source you might own.
Outputs: Sending Music Onward
What preamp outputs does it have?
It provides variable balanced XLR and single ended RCA preamp outputs. Variable means the volume is controlled by the MS-1 Pre itself, so these outputs feed a power amplifier that turns the signal into enough power to drive your speakers. The XLR (balanced) connection is often preferred for longer cable runs and noise rejection, while RCA (single ended) is the more common connector type. You choose based on what your power amplifier accepts.
What is the fixed line output for?
There is also a fixed 5Vrms XLR line output. Fixed means its volume does not change with the MS-1 Pre's control; it always sends a steady signal level. This is useful when you want to feed another device that manages its own volume, such as an integrated amplifier or a separate recording setup, without the MS-1 Pre's volume interfering.
How does the preamplifier stage work?
The MS-1 Pre uses an analog volume control feeding a power amplifier. In practice, when you adjust volume, you are adjusting the analog signal directly rather than reducing digital detail, which helps preserve sound quality across the full volume range. The output then goes to your power amplifier, which supplies the muscle for your speakers.
Build Quality and Who It Suits
Why does Matrix Audio build quality matter?
Matrix Audio is known for careful engineering and solid construction, and that shows up in how a unit like this performs over time. Good build quality is not just about looking handsome on a shelf. Well designed power supplies, precise clocking, and thoughtful internal layout all help keep noise down and reliability up. When a component is built to a high standard, it tends to sound its best consistently and keep doing so for years.
Who is the MS-1 Pre a good fit for?
The MS-1 Pre suits anyone who wants a single, capable centerpiece for a modern music system. If you stream, own a turntable, and want room to grow with high resolution files and future upgrades, this one box covers a lot of ground. You add a power amplifier and speakers you love, and you have a complete, flexible system. For a newcomer who wants quality without juggling many components, it is a reassuring, sensible place to start.