Matrix Audio MS-1 Flagship

Overview

The Matrix Audio MS-1 is a flagship music streamer and digital to analog converter that combines a dedicated streaming engine with a reference grade DAC stage in a single chassis. It is built to be the digital heart of a high resolution system, drawing music from your network and services while decoding it through a high performance conversion stage and true balanced analog output. As a specialist in digital source and streaming components, Matrix Audio designed the MS-1 to deliver low noise, low jitter playback with a natural and composed presentation.

At the core of the MS-1 is a high-precision femtosecond master clock that tightens timing across the digital path, along with an external clock input for the Matrix Audio SC-1 reference clock so the system can be locked to an even more precise timing source. The streaming platform is native and full featured, offering Roon Ready operation together with TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, DLNA and AirPlay, all managed through the MA control app. It supports high-rate PCM, DSD and MQA, and its true balanced circuit feeds both XLR and RCA analog outputs.

The MS-1 is for the listener who wants a fixed output streamer and DAC to pair with a separate preamplifier or integrated amplifier, keeping the streaming and conversion stages in one purpose built component. It suits system builders who value engineering precision, app control and broad format support, and who intend to grow a resolving two channel system around a serious digital source.

Key Features

• Flagship network streamer and DAC in a single chassis for a resolving digital front end
• High-precision femtosecond master clock for low jitter timing across the digital path
• External clock input for the Matrix Audio SC-1 reference clock
• Roon Ready with native TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, DLNA and AirPlay support
• Controlled through the MA control app for library browsing and playback
• High-rate PCM, DSD and MQA decoding support
• True balanced circuit with balanced XLR and single ended RCA analog outputs
• Comprehensive digital inputs for connecting external transports and sources
• Designed to pair with a separate preamplifier or integrated amplifier

How the MS-1 Compares

Matrix Audio MS-1 vs Matrix Audio MS-1 Pre

The MS-1 Pre sits one step up in the range and adds full preamplifier functionality with variable output, letting it drive a power amplifier directly. The MS-1 focuses purely on streaming and conversion with fixed output, making it the choice when you already have a preamplifier or integrated amplifier. Choose the MS-1 Pre if you want an all in one source and control center. See the Matrix Audio MS-1 Pre.

Matrix Audio MS-1 vs Matrix Audio MS-1c

The MS-1c is the more compact streamer and DAC in the family, offering the same native streaming platform in a smaller package. The flagship MS-1 extends the design goal with its reference clocking, external clock input and true balanced output stage. Choose the MS-1c for a streamlined footprint and the MS-1 for the fuller flagship implementation. See the Matrix Audio MS-1c.

Matrix Audio MS-1 vs Luxman NT-07 Network Transport

The Luxman NT-07 is a dedicated network transport built to feed a separate DAC via digital output, reflecting Luxman's approach of isolating the streaming stage. The Matrix Audio MS-1 combines streaming and conversion in one chassis with analog output ready for a preamplifier. Choose the NT-07 if you already own a preferred DAC, or the MS-1 if you want streaming and conversion unified. See the Luxman NT-07 Network Transport.

Recommended Amplification and Speakers

The MS-1 is a fixed output streamer and DAC, so it pairs naturally with Matrix Audio amplification and a resolving pair of speakers to complete the system.

• Matrix Audio MP-1 Preamplifier This Class A flagship preamplifier gives the MS-1 a matched control stage and volume management through the balanced signal path.
• Matrix Audio MA-1 Power Amplifier The Class AB flagship power amplifier partners with the MP-1 to build a full Matrix Audio separates system around the MS-1 source.
• Matrix Audio MD-1 Streaming Integrated For a more compact system, the MD-1 integrated amplifier offers a single box companion to drive speakers directly.
• Spendor D7.2 Floorstanders The D7.2 offers a refined, full range presentation that rewards the low noise resolution of the MS-1 digital front end.
• Amphion Argon 7LX The Argon 7LX brings controlled directivity and clean imaging, a good match for revealing the detail the MS-1 delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Matrix Audio MS-1?
It is a flagship network streamer and digital to analog converter that combines a dedicated streaming engine with a reference grade DAC stage in a single chassis.

Does the MS-1 have a volume control or preamplifier stage?
No. The MS-1 is a fixed output streamer and DAC. If you want built in preamplifier functionality with variable output, the MS-1 Pre is the model that adds that capability.

Is the MS-1 Roon Ready?
Yes. The MS-1 is Roon Ready and also supports TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, DLNA and AirPlay natively.

How do I control the MS-1?
The MS-1 is controlled through the MA control app, which handles library browsing, service access and playback.

What file formats does the MS-1 support?
It supports high-rate PCM, DSD and MQA.

Does the MS-1 have balanced outputs?
Yes. The MS-1 uses a true balanced circuit and provides balanced XLR outputs along with single ended RCA outputs.

Can I connect an external clock to the MS-1?
Yes. The MS-1 has an external clock input designed for the Matrix Audio SC-1 reference clock, in addition to its own high-precision femtosecond master clock.

What clock does the MS-1 use internally?
The MS-1 uses a high-precision femtosecond master clock to reduce jitter across the digital path.

Can the MS-1 accept external digital sources?
Yes. The MS-1 includes digital inputs so you can connect external transports and sources to use its DAC stage.

What do I need to complete a system with the MS-1?
Because it has fixed output, pair the MS-1 with a preamplifier and power amplifier, such as the MP-1 and MA-1, or an integrated amplifier, plus a pair of speakers.

How does the MS-1 differ from the MS-1 Pre?
The MS-1 Pre adds full preamplifier functionality with variable output so it can drive a power amplifier directly, while the MS-1 focuses on streaming and conversion with fixed output.

How does the MS-1 differ from the MS-1c?
The MS-1c is the more compact streamer and DAC in the family, while the flagship MS-1 extends the design with reference clocking, an external clock input and a true balanced output stage.

Does the MS-1 support MQA playback?
Yes, the MS-1 supports MQA decoding along with PCM and DSD.

Can I use the MS-1 with a network switch or isolator?
Yes. Matrix Audio offers audio grade, galvanically isolated network switches and isolators such as the SS-1, SS-1 Pro and SI-1, which lower network noise ahead of the streamer.

What speakers pair well with the MS-1?
It pairs well with resolving speakers such as the Spendor D7.2 or the Amphion Argon 7LX when driven by matching amplification.

Is the MS-1 a good choice if I already own a preamplifier?
Yes. Its fixed output makes it ideal for feeding an existing preamplifier or integrated amplifier while adding flagship streaming and conversion.

Does the MS-1 connect to my network by Ethernet?
Yes, the MS-1 connects to your home network for streaming and app control.

Who makes Matrix Audio?
Matrix Audio is a Chinese high-fidelity electronics maker founded in 2010 that specializes in digital source and streaming components.

What warranty does the MS-1 carry?
It carries a 1 year parts and labor warranty from Matrix Audio for the original owner.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer based in Maryland, so your MS-1 arrives with full manufacturer support and warranty. We help you build a matched system and keep this model in stock.