Matrix Audio MP-1 Flagship Class A Preamplifier

Matrix Audio MP-1 Flagship Class A Preamplifier

The command center of the Matrix Audio M Series — and the standard by which serious analog preamplifiers are measured.

The Matrix Audio MP-1 is Matrix Audio's first Class A preamplifier and the centerpiece of the M Series reference system. Pure Class A output eliminates crossover distortion entirely. A relay-switched resistor ladder volume control built from 64 precision resistors matched to 0.001% tolerance and 32 fully sealed reed relays provides volume adjustment accuracy that no mechanical potentiometer can approach. Dual 60W square copper wire toroidal transformers with Mundorf M-Lytic AG filter capacitors power left and right channels from fully independent supplies. Four fully balanced amplifier units per channel — two for in-phase, two for inverted signals — maintain complete differential operation even when single-ended RCA sources are connected. And three pairs of balanced XLR and three pairs of unbalanced RCA inputs, each individually calibrated for level attenuation and compensation, mean every source in the system presents at the same consistent amplitude. This is not a product that compromises at any point in the design. It is a statement about what a preamplifier can be.

Available now at All Elite Audio, your authorized Matrix Audio dealer in Timonium, Maryland — with in-store demos, expert guidance, and nationwide shipping.

Class A Output Stage — Matrix Audio's First

The MP-1 is Matrix Audio's first Class A preamplifier — a milestone in the company's engineering history and a deliberate design commitment that distinguishes the MP-1 from virtually every preamplifier at its price point. Class A operation means the output stage transistors conduct current through the full 360 degrees of the audio cycle, never cutting off regardless of signal level. This eliminates crossover distortion — the switching artifacts that occur at the zero-crossing point in Class AB designs when one transistor hands off to another — and ensures the output stage remains in its most linear operating region at all times.

The output circuit uses high-bias current operation, and this Class A output is fed by a fully differential transistor input stage with extremely low noise and excellent linearity. The main amplifier section of the MP-1 consists of four fully balanced amplifier units per channel — two handling the in-phase signal and two handling the inverted signal. Even when a source is connected via unbalanced RCA input, the signal is converted internally to a balanced bipolar signal before amplification, suppressing common-mode noise and improving dynamic performance throughout the gain chain.

Volume Control — 64 Precision Resistors, 0.001% Tolerance, Reed Relays

The MP-1's volume control is one of the most precisely engineered aspects of the design. It uses a voltage-divider resistor ladder architecture built from four high-quality control units, each containing 64 precision resistors with a tolerance of 0.001% — a matching specification that is tighter than the tolerance of most audiophile passive components and most relay-switched attenuators at any price. Thirty-two fully sealed reed relays per channel are switched by a microcontroller, selecting the appropriate resistor taps for each volume step.

Reed relays are inherently superior to conventional relays for audio applications: their sealed construction eliminates contact oxidation and contamination, their low contact resistance minimizes signal degradation, and their fast actuation allows the MCU to switch volume steps with almost no audible relay click — the operation noise of the reed relays is essentially inaudible even during continuous volume adjustment. The matched-resistor ladder ensures that left and right channel tracking is maintained to within the resistor tolerance across the entire volume range, eliminating the channel imbalance at low volumes that plagues conventional potentiometers.

Per-Input Level Attenuation and Compensation

A practical engineering feature that distinguishes the MP-1 from simpler preamplifiers: each of the six inputs — three XLR and three RCA — can be independently configured for level attenuation and compensation through the front panel. This allows each source in the system to be calibrated so that it presents at a consistent amplitude when selected, regardless of the output level of the connected device. Switching from a source with a 2 Vrms output to one with a 4 Vrms output produces no jarring volume jump — the MP-1 has already accounted for the difference. This is particularly valuable in systems with diverse sources such as a streaming DAC, a phono stage, a CD transport, and an AV processor.

Dual XLR Outputs — Independent Volume, Bi-Amping Capable

The MP-1 provides one pair of unbalanced RCA outputs and two pairs of balanced XLR outputs, all of which can operate simultaneously. When the two XLR output pairs are used simultaneously, each pair can have its volume adjusted independently — useful when connecting two power amplifiers driving different speaker sections at different required levels. When both XLR pairs are used simultaneously, it is also possible to connect four power amplifiers in a bi-amping configuration, with two amplifiers driving the high-frequency drivers of a speaker and two driving the low-frequency drivers. This makes the MP-1 one of the few preamplifiers at this price point to natively support active bi-amping without additional hardware.

Power Supply — Two 60W Square Copper Wire Toroidal Transformers With Mundorf Capacitors

The MP-1's power supply architecture starts with a fundamental engineering decision: two separate 60W toroidal transformers, not one. One transformer powers the volume control units for both channels; the second powers the main amplification stages. This separation ensures that the switching activity of the relay-controlled volume control cannot couple through the power supply to the amplification circuits.

Both transformers are wound with square copper wire rather than the round cross-section wire used in conventional toroidal transformers. Square cross-section wire provides a larger conductor surface area, higher current capacity, and lower resistance per turn than round wire of the same gauge — properties that translate to better transient response and richer, more controlled low frequencies in the audio signal. This is the same winding topology used in the MS-1's power supply and represents Matrix Audio's standard for M Series component power supplies.

The filter capacitors are Mundorf M-Lytic AG series — a silver-gold alloy electrolytic capacitor line used in reference-grade audio equipment for its combination of low ESR, extended high-frequency performance, and the sonic character Mundorf associates with their silver-gold formulation. The power supply compartment is physically separated from the audio circuit board by an internal shielding barrier to prevent stray electromagnetic fields from the transformer reaching the sensitive gain stages.

Fully Balanced Topology — Even from Unbalanced Sources

The MP-1 maintains a fully balanced, fully differential signal path from input to output — not only for XLR-connected sources but for RCA-connected sources as well. When a single-ended RCA signal enters the MP-1, it is immediately converted to a balanced bipolar signal before entering the amplification chain. From that point forward the signal is treated as a differential balanced signal throughout the four amplifier units per channel. The inverted and non-inverted halves of the signal are handled by separate amplifier units, recombined at the balanced output stage. This architecture suppresses common-mode noise — interference that appears identically on both signal conductors — which is why the MP-1 achieves a channel crosstalk specification exceeding 120 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio above 130 dB.

Build Quality, Display, and System Integration

The MP-1 chassis is CNC-machined solid aluminum with a multi-chamber internal layout that physically separates the power supply section, the audio circuit boards, and the control circuitry from each other. The front panel carries a large color display for input selection, volume display, and configuration menus. All functions are accessible from the display or from the included aluminum infrared remote control. A 12V trigger input and output allow the MP-1 to power on and off synchronized with the MA-1 power amplifier and other trigger-compatible components in the system, enabling one-button system power management.

The MP-1 shares its chassis geometry, circular perforation array aesthetic, and square copper wire power supply topology with the MS-1 and MA-1, forming a visually and sonically coherent M Series reference stack.

Key Specifications

Topology: Fully balanced, fully differential, Class A output stage Amplifier Architecture: Four balanced amplifier units per channel (two in-phase, two inverted); single-ended RCA sources converted to balanced internally Volume Control: Relay-switched resistor ladder; 64 precision resistors per channel, 0.001% tolerance; 32 fully sealed reed relays per channel; MCU controlled Inputs: 3 × XLR balanced, 3 × RCA unbalanced; per-input level attenuation and compensation Outputs: 2 × XLR balanced (independent volume control per pair; bi-amping capable), 1 × RCA unbalanced, 1 × RCA subwoofer Gain: +14 dB balanced, +8 dB unbalanced Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 100 kHz ±0.1 dB THD + N: Less than 0.0003% at 1 kHz, 2 Vrms output SNR: Greater than 130 dB (A-weighted) Channel Crosstalk: Greater than 120 dB at 1 kHz Input Impedance: 100 kΩ (XLR), 50 kΩ (RCA) Output Impedance: 75 Ω (XLR), 50 Ω (RCA) Power Supply: Two 60W square copper wire toroidal transformers (one for volume control circuits, one for amplification stages); Mundorf M-Lytic AG filter capacitors; shielded power supply compartment Trigger: 12V trigger in and out Display: Large color touchscreen Control: Aluminum infrared remote control Chassis: CNC-machined solid aluminum, multi-chamber internal layout, M Series circular perforation array design Dimensions (W × D × H): 430 × 349 × 106 mm Weight: 15.7 kg Warranty: 1 year manufacturer warranty

Why Buy From All Elite Audio

All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer located in Timonium, Maryland — part of the greater Baltimore area. We carry the complete Matrix Audio M Series including the MP-1 preamplifier, the MS-1 flagship streamer/DAC, and the MA-1 power amplifier, as well as the full Matrix Audio supporting ecosystem. Our team has hands-on experience with the complete M Series system and can help you configure the MP-1 correctly for your specific sources and power amplification.

We offer white-glove service, in-store demos, and support before and after your purchase. Whether you are local to Maryland or ordering nationwide, we are here to help you get the most from your system.

Call: 443-402-5055 Text: 443-402-5064 Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093

Frequently Asked Questions — Matrix Audio MP-1

What is the Matrix Audio MP-1 and what makes it special? The Matrix Audio MP-1 is Matrix Audio's first Class A preamplifier and the control center of the M Series reference system. It uses a fully balanced, fully differential circuit topology with a Class A pure output stage that eliminates crossover distortion entirely. A relay-switched resistor ladder volume control built from 64 precision resistors matched to 0.001% tolerance delivers the most accurate volume tracking of any control method. Dual 60W square copper wire toroidal transformers with Mundorf M-Lytic AG capacitors power left and right channels independently. Three pairs of XLR and three pairs of RCA inputs are each individually calibrated for level compensation. And dual XLR outputs support independent volume per output pair and bi-amping with up to four power amplifiers.

What does Class A output mean and why does it matter in a preamplifier? Class A operation means the output stage transistors conduct current through the entire 360 degrees of the audio signal cycle without ever cutting off. This eliminates crossover distortion — the switching artifacts that occur in Class AB designs when one transistor stops conducting and another takes over at the zero-crossing point. In a preamplifier handling extremely small signals that will be amplified again by the power amplifier, crossover distortion compounds through the gain chain. The MP-1's Class A output stage, combined with high-bias current operation, ensures the output transistors remain in their most linear operating region regardless of signal level or frequency.

How does the relay-switched resistor ladder volume control work? Each channel of the MP-1 contains four volume control units, each composed of 64 precision resistors with 0.001% tolerance and associated reed relays. A microcontroller selects the appropriate resistor taps for each volume step by actuating the reed relays. Reed relays are used specifically because their sealed construction prevents contact oxidation, their low contact resistance minimizes signal path degradation, and their fast actuation produces almost no audible switching noise even during continuous volume adjustment. The 0.001% resistor tolerance ensures left and right channels track within that margin across the entire volume range — performance no mechanical potentiometer can approach or maintain over time.

What is the bi-amping capability of the MP-1's dual XLR outputs? The MP-1 provides two independent pairs of balanced XLR outputs that can operate simultaneously, each with individually adjustable volume. When both XLR pairs are active simultaneously, it is possible to connect four separate power amplifiers — two handling the high-frequency drivers of a speaker and two handling the low-frequency drivers — in an active bi-amping configuration. This allows each amplifier to operate in its optimal power range for the frequency band it handles, reducing intermodulation distortion and improving dynamic separation between the bass and treble sections of the loudspeaker. No additional active crossover hardware is required for this configuration with compatible speakers.

Why does the MP-1 use two toroidal transformers instead of one? The two transformers serve two distinct and potentially interfering circuit functions. One transformer powers the volume control units — the relay-switching circuits that introduce brief transient current demands each time a volume step is actuated. The second transformer powers the main amplification stages — the Class A output circuits that require stable, ripple-free DC supply to maintain their linearity. Combining both functions on one transformer would allow the current transients of the relay switching to couple through the shared supply into the sensitive amplification stages. The two-transformer architecture eliminates this path entirely.

Why does the MP-1 use square copper wire toroidal transformers? Square cross-section copper wire provides a larger conductor surface area, higher current capacity, and lower DC resistance than round copper wire of the same nominal gauge. The larger surface area also improves the transformer's high-frequency performance by reducing skin-effect resistance at audio frequencies. The result is better transient response — the transformer can deliver current more quickly when the amplification stages demand it — and richer, more controlled low-frequency performance. This winding topology is consistent across the entire Matrix Audio M Series.

What is per-input level compensation on the MP-1 and how is it configured? Each of the six inputs on the MP-1 — three XLR and three RCA — can be assigned an individual level attenuation or compensation value through the front-panel menu. This value is stored and automatically applied whenever that input is selected. It allows the user to normalize the output levels of different source components so that switching from one source to another does not produce a volume jump. Configuration is done through the front panel touchscreen or the MA Remote app and requires no test equipment — simply adjust the compensation value by ear until all sources match at the same volume control setting.

Does the MP-1 have any tone controls or DSP processing? No. The MP-1 maintains a pure analog signal path with no digital conversion, no DSP processing, and no tone controls of any kind. Every signal that enters the MP-1 exits as an analog signal that has been switched, attenuated, and amplified entirely in the analog domain. This is a deliberate design choice for listeners who want the purest possible preamplifier stage without any digital artifacts or processing in the chain.

How does the MP-1 fit into the Matrix Audio M Series system? The M Series comprises three components designed to work together as a complete reference system: the MS-1 music streamer and DAC (source and digital conversion), the MP-1 preamplifier (volume control, input switching, and gain), and the MA-1 power amplifier (power amplification). In the standard M Series configuration, the MS-1's fixed-level XLR outputs feed the MP-1's XLR inputs, the MP-1's XLR outputs feed the MA-1's XLR inputs, and the MA-1 drives the loudspeakers. The 12V trigger chain allows the entire system to power on and off from a single command. All three components share the same chassis geometry and M Series design language.

What warranty does the Matrix Audio MP-1 include? The Matrix Audio MP-1 carries a one-year manufacturer warranty. All Elite Audio is a fully authorized Matrix Audio dealer, ensuring your warranty is valid and supported.

Where can I buy the Matrix Audio MP-1 and hear it in person? All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer with a full home audio showroom located at 1921 York Rd, Timonium, Maryland 21093. We carry the complete Matrix Audio M Series and can demonstrate the MP-1 as part of a full reference system. Call us at 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064. We also ship nationwide.