Matrix Audio MA-1 Flagship Power Amplifier

Matrix Audio MA-1

High-power Class AB flagship power amplifier designed to anchor the M-Series flagship system with enormous headroom, precise control, and refined musical insight.

The Matrix Audio MA-1 is the power amplifier component in the M-Series trio (MS-1 streamer, MP-1 preamp, MA-1 amplifier). It is designed to deliver robust, clean, and dynamic drive for demanding loudspeakers while maintaining musical finesse and low distortion. With independent dual mono power supplies, sophisticated cooling, and selection of gain modes, the MA-1 is built to be the musical heart of a high-end two-channel system.

Key Specifications — Matrix Audio MA-1

• Amplifier Type: Class AB, dual mono topology
• Output Power (Stereo / Mono mode): 2 × 250 W @ 8 Ω; 2 × 450 W @ 4 Ω
• Bridged Mode Output: 1 × 500 W @ 8 Ω; 1 × 900 W @ 4 Ω (signal-dependent)
• Input Sensitivity: 1.48 Vrms in stereo/mono mode, 1.0 Vrms in bridged mode
• Input Impedance: XLR 40 kΩ, RCA 20 kΩ
• Gain Settings: +30 dB (normal); attenuated option at +24 dB
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz (+0/–0.15 dB), –3 dB at 160 kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ~119 dB A-weighted (@ +24 dB gain), ~123 dB at +30 dB gain
• THD + N: < 0.02 % at 250 W, 8 Ω (stereo/mono); < 0.06 % at 500 W, 8 Ω (bridged)
• Crosstalk: > 120–125 dB
• Damping Factor: ~350 at 8 Ω, 1 kHz
• Load Range: Stereo/mono mode: 2–16 Ω; bridged mode: 4–16 Ω
• Trigger: In DC 6–12 V (<10 mA), Out DC 12 V (≤50 mA)
• Power Supply: 1,250 VA total dual-mono supply; ±80 V rails; 14 × 6,800 µF filter capacitors per channel
• Cooling: Passive heat sinking plus an ultra-quiet 7.4-inch fan controlled by thermal sensors and MCU-based speed management
• Idle Power Draw: ~250–350 W
• Maximum Power Draw: < 1,250 W
• Standby Power: < 1 W
• Dimensions: 430 × 518 × 201 mm (W × D × H)
• Weight: ~42.4 kg
• Connections: RCA and XLR inputs, speaker binding posts, trigger input and output
• Accessories: Power cable, trigger cable, user manual

Top 20 Questions About Matrix Audio MA-1

What is the Matrix Audio MA-1 intended for?
The Matrix Audio MA-1 is a high-performance power amplifier in Class AB designed to drive demanding loudspeakers with authority while preserving musical subtlety.

How much power can the MA-1 deliver?
In stereo mode it delivers 250 W per channel into 8 Ω and 450 W per channel into 4 Ω. In bridged mono mode it can reach 500 W into 8 Ω or 900 W into 4 Ω (signal-dependent).

What amplifier architecture does it use?
It employs a Class AB topology with push-pull output stages, using ten high-power ON Semiconductor transistors per channel in parallel to lower output impedance and enhance control.

Does MA-1 use dual mono power supplies?
Yes — each channel has its own independent transformer and supply capacitors for better separation and lower interference.

What gain options are available on the MA-1?
It offers a standard +30 dB gain mode and a lower +24 dB mode to accommodate different preamp or source levels.

What is the input sensitivity and impedance?
Sensitivity is 1.48 Vrms in stereo/mono mode and 1.0 Vrms in bridged mode. Input impedance is 40 kΩ for XLR and 20 kΩ for RCA.

What is the damping factor?
Approximately 350 at 8 Ω and 1 kHz, providing firm control over speaker drivers.

How is cooling managed in the MA-1?
The unit uses large heat sinks and an ultra-quiet fan controlled by dual thermal sensors and an MCU. The fan only engages when needed and is isolated from airflow over sensitive components.

What protection or thermal control is in place?
The amplifier monitors heatsink temperature and only engages active cooling when thresholds are passed. The internal layout keeps airflow paths clean to avoid dust buildup.

Can MA-1 handle low-impedance speakers?
Yes, but within specifications: stereo/mono mode supports loads down to 2 Ω, and bridged mode supports 4 Ω minimum.

Are RCA and XLR both inputs supported simultaneously?
No, there's an input switch to select between RCA and XLR at any time.

What is the power consumption?
In idle, it draws ~250–350 W. Under full load it may draw up to 1,250 W. In standby mode, consumption is under 1 W.

How large and heavy is the MA-1?
It measures 430 × 518 × 201 mm and weighs approximately 42.4 kg, making it a serious presence in any rack or system.

What is the frequency response?
Flat from 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.15 dB, extending to 160 kHz before falling off.

What is the crosstalk performance?
Exceeds 120 dB, offering excellent channel separation.

What is THD + N under load?
Less than 0.02 % at 250 W into 8 Ω (stereo/mono), and under 0.06 % when delivering 500 W in bridged mode into 8 Ω.

Does it include trigger control?
Yes. It has a trigger input (6–12 V) and a trigger output (12 V, max 50 mA) for system automation.

Is the MA-1 compatible with the rest of the M-Series?
Yes. It is matched to the MS-1 streaming source and the MP-1 preamplifier in the M-Series flagship lineup.

What kind of circuitry isolates analog stages?
The MA-1 uses multiple isolated internal cavities, careful module placement, and symmetrical layouts to minimize interference.

Who can I contact for sales or support?
For assistance or product questions, call 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064 to reach our team at All Elite Audio, your authorized Matrix Audio dealer with a full home audio showroom.