The Matrix Audio ND-1 is a network DAC and streamer, which means it does two important jobs in one box. First, it pulls music from the internet and from your home network so you can play it without a computer or a disc. Second, it converts that digital music into the analog signal your amplifier and speakers need to make sound. Think of it as the bridge between the world of digital files and the world of real, physical music you can hear.
Where does it fit in my system?
The ND-1 sits between your music sources and your amplifier. In a typical setup, your streaming service or network library feeds into the ND-1, and the ND-1 sends clean analog audio out to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier, which then drives your speakers. If you are building a modern hi-fi system and you want to stream high-quality music while also getting excellent sound conversion, this single unit handles both roles so you do not need a separate streamer and a separate DAC.
Streaming and Network Features
What streaming services can I use?
The ND-1 supports TIDAL, Qobuz, and Spotify. That covers a wide range of listeners, from people who want massive catalogs of everyday music to those chasing the highest-quality studio recordings. In practice, this means you open one of those services, pick your music, and the ND-1 streams it directly. You are not tied to a phone or laptop feeding the signal, because the ND-1 connects to your service on its own.
How does the ND-1 connect to my network and other devices?
The ND-1 offers Roon Ready, DLNA, and AirPlay for network playback. Each of these is simply a different way to send music to the unit. Roon Ready means it works seamlessly with Roon, a popular music management system beloved by serious listeners. DLNA lets it play files stored on a networked drive or computer on your home network. AirPlay lets you send audio wirelessly from Apple devices. Having all three means you can choose whichever method fits how you already listen.
How do I control the ND-1?
You control the ND-1 with the Matrix Audio MA app. This is the remote command center for the unit, and it runs on your phone or tablet. From the app you browse music, choose inputs, adjust settings, and start playback. Instead of squinting at a small front panel, you get a clear, modern interface in your hand. For someone new to high-end audio, this makes the whole experience feel familiar and approachable.
Sound Quality and Digital Support
What is the DAC stage and why does it matter?
The ND-1 uses an ESS Sabre DAC stage, which is the heart of how it turns digital data into music. The DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, is the component that reads the ones and zeros of a digital file and reconstructs them into a smooth analog waveform. ESS Sabre is a well-regarded family of converter chips known for detail and low noise. Day to day, a strong DAC stage means clearer, more natural sound with fine textures you might not have noticed before.
What does the femtosecond clock do?
The ND-1 includes a high-precision femtosecond clock, which keeps the timing of the digital conversion extremely accurate. In digital audio, timing errors are called jitter, and jitter can smear detail and flatten the sense of space in a recording. A femtosecond clock measures time in incredibly tiny increments, which helps reduce jitter. The practical payoff is tighter, more focused sound with a cleaner background, so instruments sit in their own space.
What file types and formats can the ND-1 play?
The ND-1 supports high-rate PCM, native and DoP DSD, and MQA. Those are the main formats you will meet in high-resolution audio. PCM is the most common format for high-resolution files and CD-quality streaming. DSD is a different digital format used on some audiophile recordings, and the ND-1 handles it both natively and through the DoP method. MQA is a format used by certain streaming and download services to deliver high-quality music efficiently. The bottom line is that whatever high-quality music you find, the ND-1 is ready to play it.
Connections and Inputs
What analog outputs does the ND-1 have?
The ND-1 provides balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analog outputs. These are the connections that send sound to your amplifier. RCA is the familiar pair of round connectors found on most home audio gear. XLR is a balanced connection, often used in higher-end systems, that can reject noise over longer cable runs. Having both means the ND-1 works with nearly any amplifier you choose, now or in the future.
What digital inputs are available?
The ND-1 accepts USB in both Type B and Type C, coaxial, optical, AES/EBU on XLR, and I2S delivered as IIS-LVDS through an HDMI connector. That is a generous set of digital inputs, and each one lets a different source feed the DAC. USB is common for computers. Coaxial and optical connect to devices like CD transports, TVs, and game consoles. AES/EBU is a professional-grade balanced digital connection. I2S over HDMI is a specialized high-quality link used by some digital sources. In short, the ND-1 is not only a streamer, it is also a full-featured DAC that many of your existing devices can plug into.
What is the 10MHz external clock input for?
The ND-1 has a 10MHz reference clock input on a BNC connector, which lets you connect an external master clock. While the built-in femtosecond clock is already very precise, some listeners choose to add a dedicated external clock to synchronize their system to an even more stable timing reference. This input gives you room to grow. If you never use it, the ND-1 performs beautifully on its own, but the option is there for the future.
Build Quality and Who It Suits
Why does Matrix Audio build quality matter?
Matrix Audio build quality matters because good sound depends on a stable, well-engineered platform. Careful construction helps keep electrical noise and vibration away from the sensitive circuits that handle your music, which protects the detail the DAC and clock work so hard to preserve. Solid build quality also means the unit should serve you reliably for years, which is part of what makes a high-end component a worthwhile long-term choice rather than something you replace often.
Who is the Matrix Audio ND-1 best suited for?
The ND-1 suits anyone who wants a single, capable source at the center of a serious music system without a stack of separate boxes. If you are new to high-end audio and you want to stream your favorite services in high quality, play high-resolution files, and still connect a few other digital devices, the ND-1 covers all of it. It is equally at home for a listener who already owns a good amplifier and speakers and simply wants a great streamer and DAC to feed them. With its wide range of formats, its comprehensive inputs and outputs, and its room to expand with an external clock, the ND-1 is a component you can settle into and enjoy for a long time.
