What the Matrix Audio SI-1 is
The Matrix Audio SI-1 is an audio grade network isolator. Its single job is to place transformer based galvanic isolation on the Ethernet line that feeds your networked audio components. It has one Ethernet in and one Ethernet out over RJ45 connectors, and it requires no configuration at all. You place it in line, plug it in, and it works.
It is important to be clear about what an isolator does and does not do. The SI-1 does not make sound on its own. It is not a DAC, a preamplifier or an amplifier, and it will not replace any of those. Instead it serves the digital chain by cleaning up the path that carries your music data into your streamer or DAC, so the components that actually reproduce the sound can do their work in a quieter electrical environment.
The technology and design goal
The SI-1 uses transformer based galvanic isolation on the network line. In practical terms this breaks the direct electrical connection between the upstream side of your network, which includes routers, computers and general home networking gear, and the downstream side that reaches your audio system. By interrupting that shared electrical path, the SI-1 is designed to reduce the leakage currents and common mode noise that can ride along an Ethernet cable from noisy consumer network equipment.
This is a focused, single purpose device. There is no menu, no app and nothing to set. The design goal is to give the last stretch of your network before the audio system a clean transformer barrier, in a form that anyone can add without technical knowledge.
Where it sits in the Matrix Audio range
Within the Matrix Audio network family the SI-1 is the purpose built isolator, while the Matrix Audio SS-1 and the Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro are audio grade galvanically isolated network switches. The distinction is one of role rather than ranking.
The SS-1 and SS-1 Pro are switches, meaning they distribute network connections to multiple devices while adding isolation and audio grade design across those ports. Within that pairing the SS-1 Pro is the more ambitious of the two. The SI-1 by contrast is a simple two port isolator that inserts a transformer barrier on one link. If your network already has a switch you are happy with and you simply want to isolate the final connection heading into your audio system, the SI-1 is the direct and elegant answer. If you also need to fan out several audio connections from a single point with isolation, that is where the SS-1 or SS-1 Pro come into their own.
The system it belongs in
The SI-1 makes the most sense in a system that already streams over Ethernet. It sits between your home network and a Matrix Audio streaming source, adding its transformer barrier right before the music reaches the component that decodes it.
Because it is plug and play and self contained, it suits listeners who want a meaningful network improvement without adding another device that needs configuring, updating or managing. You keep your existing router and network layout and simply insert the SI-1 on the run that matters most.
Pairing thoughts
The SI-1 is at home ahead of any Matrix Audio component that pulls music over the network. It pairs naturally with streaming sources such as the Matrix Audio MS-1c Music Streamer and DAC and the Matrix Audio TS-1 Music Streamer, DAC and Headphone Amplifier, both of which live on the network and benefit from a clean feed.
For a streaming integrated system, the SI-1 slots in ahead of the Matrix Audio MD-1 Streaming Integrated Amplifier or the Matrix Audio MD-1P Streaming Integrated Amplifier, isolating the network line into an all in one that streams, converts and amplifies in one chassis.
In a more ambitious streaming front end, the SI-1 can serve the network side of the flagship Matrix Audio MS-1 Pre Flagship Music Streamer, DAC and Preamplifier. If your source is a digital transport rather than a networked streamer, such as the Matrix Audio TT-1 Digital Audio Transport or the Matrix Audio NT-1 Reference Digital Audio Transport feeding a DAC like the Matrix Audio ND-1 Audio DAC, the SI-1 still earns its place on any network link that reaches those components.
How it compares to other isolation options AEA carries
AEA also carries the Silent Angel network family, including the Silent Angel Bonn N8, the Silent Angel Bonn N8C, the Silent Angel Bonn N8 Pro with linear power supply, the Silent Angel Bonn N16 LPS and the flagship Silent Angel Bonn NX.
These Silent Angel models are multi port switches, several with dedicated linear power supplies, aimed at listeners who want to build their network distribution and power around a purpose designed switch. The Matrix Audio SI-1 takes a different approach, offering a compact, configuration free transformer barrier on a single link. It is a matter of what your system asks for. If you want a focused isolator to drop onto one connection, the SI-1 is the simplest route. If you want a full audio grade switch to sit at the heart of your network, the Silent Angel switches and the Matrix Audio SS-1 and SS-1 Pro are worth considering by design goal and the number of connections you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Matrix Audio SI-1?
The Matrix Audio SI-1 is an audio grade network isolator. Its single job is to place transformer based galvanic isolation on the Ethernet line that feeds your networked audio components. It has one Ethernet in and one Ethernet out over RJ45 connectors, and it requires no configuration at all. You place it in line, plug it in, and it works.
Where does the Matrix Audio SI-1 sit in the range?
Within the Matrix Audio network family the SI-1 is the purpose built isolator, while the Matrix Audio SS-1 and the Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro are audio grade galvanically isolated network switches. The distinction is one of role rather than ranking.
What should I pair with the Matrix Audio SI-1?
The SI-1 is at home ahead of any Matrix Audio component that pulls music over the network. It pairs naturally with streaming sources such as the Matrix Audio MS-1c Music Streamer and DAC and the Matrix Audio TS-1 Music Streamer, DAC and Headphone Amplifier , both of which live on the network and benefit from a clean feed.
How does the Matrix Audio SI-1 compare to the alternatives?
AEA also carries the Silent Angel network family, including the Silent Angel Bonn N8 , the Silent Angel Bonn N8C , the Silent Angel Bonn N8 Pro with linear power supply, the Silent Angel Bonn N16 LPS and the flagship Silent Angel Bonn NX .
Come listen
AEA is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer with a showroom in Timonium, Maryland. Demo units rotate and not every model is always set up, so please contact AEA to arrange a listen and we will help you plan the network side of your digital chain around the SI-1.