{"product_id":"matrix-audio-ms-1-pre","title":"Matrix Audio MS-1 Pre Flagship Music Streamer, DAC \u0026 Preamplifier","description":"\u003ch1 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMatrix Audio MS-1 Pre Network Streamer, DAC, and Integrated Preamplifier\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe only component in the M Series reference lineup that delivers a flagship network streamer, dual-mono AKM DAC, MM\/MC phono stage, and precision resistor-array preamplifier in a single chassis, engineered to drive a power amplifier directly without compromise.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Case for One Box: What the MS-1 Pre Actually Is\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe Matrix Audio MS-1 Pre occupies a position in high-end audio that very few components manage to fill with integrity. It is simultaneously a flagship reference-quality digital-to-analog converter, a fully featured network music streamer, an MM\/MC phono preamplifier, and a precision volume-control preamplifier with the signal path credentials to justify each of those descriptions independently. The standard Matrix Audio MS-1, which All Elite Audio also carries at $9,999, accomplishes everything except the last item: it provides fixed-level outputs designed for use with a dedicated external preamplifier such as the Matrix Audio MP-1. The MS-1 Pre adds a precision resistor-array volume control with ten decibels of gain and a maximum output of sixteen volts RMS on the balanced XLR outputs, which means it can drive any power amplifier on the market directly without a separate preamplifier in the chain. For a buyer building a reference two-channel system and asking whether a standalone preamplifier adds more than it costs, the MS-1 Pre presents a compelling argument for the one-box approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThat argument rests on something specific: the preamplifier section of the MS-1 Pre uses the same design philosophy as the Matrix Audio MP-1 dedicated preamplifier. Both use a precision resistor array switched by sealed reed relays, and both achieve channel tracking at 0.001 percent tolerance across the full volume range. The engineering rationale and the measurable results are the same. What the MS-1 Pre trades relative to the MP-1 is input flexibility: the MP-1 provides six line-level inputs and two independent XLR output pairs optimized for bi-amping configurations, and its maximum output of 36 volts RMS exceeds the MS-1 Pre's 16 volts RMS by a substantial margin. What the MS-1 Pre gains is the elimination of one chassis, one set of power cables, and the conversion step that every signal undergoes when it passes from a DAC's output stage into a separate preamplifier's input stage. Neither approach is universally superior. The MS-1 Pre is for the buyer who values system simplicity and wants to know that their source component and their volume control share a single precision clock, a single power supply architecture, and a single chassis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe DAC Engine: AKM Dual-Mono Architecture and 45-Femtosecond Precision\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe MS-1 Pre is built around AKM's current flagship two-chip digital-to-analog conversion architecture: the AK4191 digital filter processor paired with the AK4499EX current-output converter. These two chips function as a tandem system, with the AK4191 handling all upstream digital processing including oversampling and noise shaping, and the AK4499EX performing the final conversion from digital to analog. Matrix Audio implements this architecture in a true dual-mono configuration, meaning there are two complete AK4191 and AK4499EX pairs, one for each audio channel, mounted on physically separate circuit boards positioned on opposite sides of the chassis interior. The left and right channels share no circuitry from the digital filter stage through the output terminals. They do not share a signal path, a circuit board, or a power supply rail. The separation is architectural and physical, not cosmetic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe timing system governing this conversion architecture achieves a DPLL-generated clock signal with jitter measured at forty-five femtoseconds. A femtosecond is one quadrillionth of a second, and forty-five of them represents a timing uncertainty that approaches the practical limits of what current precision oscillator technology can achieve in a consumer audio component. The reason this matters is that jitter, which is the term for timing deviation in a digital clock signal, translates directly into conversion artifacts. When the moment of analog conversion is uncertain by even a small degree, that uncertainty manifests as low-level noise and distortion at the output. The DPLL circuit that generates the MS-1 Pre's clock signal operates independently of the incoming digital signal's embedded clock, which means conversion accuracy is maintained regardless of the quality of the source feeding its coaxial or USB digital inputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe measurement results confirm what the architecture predicts. The balanced XLR preamplifier output measures a signal-to-noise ratio of 131 dB A-weighted, total harmonic distortion plus noise of less than 0.000068 percent at one kilohertz, and channel crosstalk exceeding negative 150 dB. The balanced line input measures 118 dB A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio and less than 0.00026 percent THD+N. These are not aspirational specifications: they describe what the circuit produces under standard measurement conditions, and they place the MS-1 Pre's analog output performance among the highest-measured DAC-preamplifier combinations available at any price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Preamplifier Section: Precision Resistor-Array Volume Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eVolume control is the part of any preamplifier that most directly shapes the listening experience, and it is the part of most integrated streaming DACs that receives the least rigorous engineering attention. The MS-1 Pre's volume control uses a precision resistor array switched by sealed reed relays. For each channel, 64 resistors matched to 0.001 percent tolerance are combined in different configurations under the control of 32 sealed reed relays to produce discrete volume steps with precisely repeatable level at each position. The relays are sealed in glass envelopes, which means the contact surfaces are isolated from atmospheric moisture, oxidation, and contamination. A relay that seals cleanly on day one performs identically on day five thousand, something that a conventional potentiometer's mechanical wiper contact cannot provide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe result of this approach is channel balance that does not degrade at low listening levels. A conventional analog potentiometer's two channels track imperfectly across their range, and the divergence is largest at low settings, precisely when accurate channel balance matters most to stereo image stability. The relay-switched resistor array produces balance errors at or below 0.001 percent across the full volume range, which means a centered vocal remains precisely centered during quiet late-night listening. The preamplifier delivers ten decibels of gain with a maximum balanced output of sixteen volts RMS and a maximum single-ended output of eight volts RMS, both of which are sufficient to drive any power amplifier to full output. The XLR output impedance is 40 ohms and the RCA output impedance is 16 ohms, both low enough to drive long interconnect runs without high-frequency loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA fixed-level XLR balanced output operating at five volts RMS is also provided. This output bypasses the volume control entirely and presents the DAC section's output at a constant level appropriate for connection to a separate line-level preamplifier, a recording device, or a professional monitor system. In a configuration where the MS-1 Pre serves two systems simultaneously, the fixed output can feed one while the variable output governs another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConnectivity, Inputs, and Digital Sources\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe MS-1 Pre accepts a comprehensive range of both digital and analog sources. On the digital side, a USB Type B input supports PCM up to 24-bit 768 kilohertz and native DSD up to DSD512 with MQA decoding. Two coaxial S\/PDIF inputs and one optical Toslink input each support PCM up to 24-bit 192 kilohertz. An I2S LVDS input via HDMI connector supports PCM up to 32-bit 768 kilohertz, DSD DoP to DSD256, and native DSD to DSD512. Two USB Type A host ports on the rear panel accept external storage drives formatted in FAT, FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, and an internal M.2 NVMe SSD slot can be populated to create a high-speed internal music library that requires no connected external storage device. An external 10 MHz reference clock input on a 50-ohm BNC connector accommodates master clock integration for buyers who run an external reference oscillator in their system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe analog inputs include one XLR balanced pair at 40-kilohm input impedance, one RCA single-ended pair at 20-kilohm impedance, and a dedicated phono input supporting both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with full RIAA equalization. All analog sources, including the phono input, are processed through the ADC conversion stage and routed through the same precision clock-governed DAC pipeline as digital sources. This means the phono signal benefits from the same 45-femtosecond clock precision and six-position selectable digital filter architecture as any streaming source. The digitized phono signal is available not only at the analog outputs but also at the I2S LVDS output for connection to an external DAC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor network streaming, the MS-1 Pre provides a Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port and a secondary SFP cage that accepts a fiber optic module. The SFP fiber connection creates complete galvanic isolation between the home network infrastructure and the MS-1 Pre's internal circuits: there is no electrical continuity between the incoming network signal and the audio circuits, which eliminates the conducted interference that enters many streaming DACs through a conventional copper Ethernet connection. WiFi is also supported for installations where wired network access is impractical. Streaming services include TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready certification, DLNA, UPnP, vTuner internet radio, and Radio Paradise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Supply Design and Chassis Construction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe MS-1 Pre's power supply uses two custom toroidal transformers wound with square-section copper wire rather than conventional round wire. The use of square cross-section wire reduces proximity effect losses at the boundaries between adjacent winding turns, improving transient current delivery and reducing the supply's effective impedance at frequencies relevant to the audio circuits. Mundorf M-Lytic AG capacitors filter both supply rails, providing the energy storage and low impedance that precision analog circuits demand during dynamic peaks. The two transformers serve separate functional sections of the component, following the same isolation philosophy applied in the MP-1 dedicated preamplifier: conducted interference between switching relay circuits and analog audio circuits is reduced at the power supply level, not managed reactively by filtering on the circuit board.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe H-frame chassis construction divides the interior into isolated cavities for the power supply, digital processing, DAC, and preamplifier sections. The H-frame describes the internal aluminum framework that stiffens the chassis and provides shielded mounting bays for each section. CNC-machined aluminum panels form the exterior, and the signature circular perforation array across the faceplate is shared with the MS-1, MP-1, and MA-1, making all three M Series components visually coherent as a system. Dimensions are 430 millimeters wide by 353 millimeters deep by 106 millimeters tall, and the unit weighs 14.6 kilograms. Power consumption is under 60 watts in operation and under 5 watts in standby. A 6 to 12-volt DC trigger input and output allow the MS-1 Pre to participate in a coordinated M Series power sequencing chain alongside the MA-1 power amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe MS-1 Pre and the Standard MS-1: Understanding the Difference\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe standard Matrix Audio MS-1, available at $9,999, contains the same DAC architecture, the same streaming platform, the same phono stage, and the same power supply as the MS-1 Pre. The fundamental difference is the output stage. The standard MS-1 provides a fixed-level XLR balanced output at a fixed four volts RMS and a fixed-level RCA output, both designed to feed a dedicated external preamplifier. It does not include a volume control or a variable output, which means it cannot drive a power amplifier directly in a practical system context. Buyers pairing the standard MS-1 with the Matrix Audio MP-1 gain a dedicated Class A preamplifier with six line-level inputs, two independent XLR output pairs for bi-amping, and a maximum output of 36 volts RMS, which exceeds the MS-1 Pre's 16 volts RMS variable output by a significant margin. The MP-1 pairing also provides greater input flexibility for listeners managing multiple source components beyond what the MS-1 Pre's four physical inputs can accommodate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe MS-1 Pre is the right choice for a buyer whose system centers on one primary source component and who wants to eliminate a separate preamplifier from the chain without compromising on volume control quality. It is also appropriate for buyers who prefer a one-chassis approach and who are satisfied that the 16-volt RMS balanced output is sufficient for their power amplifier's input sensitivity. All Elite Audio carries both the MS-1 and the MS-1 Pre and can help determine which configuration is right based on your amplifier's input sensitivity, your source component inventory, and your longer-term upgrade intentions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eKey Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Network music streamer, dual-mono DAC, integrated preamplifier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDAC Chipset: Dual AKM AK4191 digital filter + AK4499EX current-output D\/A converter, true dual-mono configuration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClock System: Internal DPLL circuit, 45 femtosecond jitter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreamplifier Gain: +10 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVariable Output, XLR balanced: 0 to 16 Vrms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVariable Output, RCA single-ended: 0 to 8 Vrms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFixed Output, XLR balanced: 5 Vrms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput Impedance, XLR pre-out: 40 ohm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput Impedance, RCA pre-out: 16 ohm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSNR, XLR balanced preamplifier output, A-weighted: 131 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTHD+N, XLR balanced preamplifier output, 1 kHz: Less than 0.000068%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannel Crosstalk, XLR pre-out: Greater than -150 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSNR, XLR balanced line input, A-weighted: 118 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTHD+N, XLR balanced line input, 1 kHz: Less than 0.00026%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolume Control: 64 resistors per channel (0.001% tolerance), 32 sealed reed relays per channel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital Inputs: 1x USB-B (PCM to 32-bit\/768 kHz, native DSD to DSD512, MQA); 2x Coaxial S\/PDIF (PCM to 24-bit\/192 kHz); 1x Optical Toslink (PCM to 24-bit\/192 kHz); 1x I2S LVDS via HDMI (PCM to 32-bit\/768 kHz, native DSD to DSD512)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalog Inputs: 1x XLR balanced (40 kilohm impedance); 1x RCA single-ended (20 kilohm impedance); 1x Phono (MM and MC, RIAA equalized)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStorage: 2x USB-A host (FAT, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS); 1x M.2 NVMe SSD slot (user-installed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNetwork: Gigabit Ethernet RJ45; SFP fiber optic port; WiFi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExternal Reference Clock Input: 10 MHz, 50-ohm BNC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrigger: 6 to 12V DC trigger in and out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStreaming Services: TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, DLNA, UPnP, vTuner, Radio Paradise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupported Audio Formats: PCM to 32-bit\/768 kHz; Native DSD to DSD512; MQA; FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, OGG, APE, DSF, DFF\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital Filter Modes: Six selectable PCM filters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eControl: MA Player Linux-based OS; MA Remote 4.0 app (iOS and Android); RM4B remote control included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower Supply: Dual custom toroidal transformers, square-section copper wire windings, Mundorf M-Lytic AG filter capacitors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower Consumption: Less than 60W operational; less than 5W standby\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 430 x 353 x 106 mm (W x D x H)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 14.6 kg (32.2 lbs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinish: CNC-machined aluminum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty: 1 year manufacturer warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrice: $11,999.00\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhy Buy From All Elite Audio\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAll Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer, which means every MS-1 Pre we sell is covered by the full manufacturer warranty and backed by a team with direct knowledge of the entire M Series lineup. We carry the MS-1, MS-1 Pre, MP-1, and MA-1 and can demonstrate each configuration in our Timonium listening room so you can hear the complete M Series system before committing to it. Whether you are building a reference rig from scratch or determining whether the MS-1 Pre belongs in your existing system, we are available to help before, during, and after the purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCall: 443-402-5055 Text: 443-402-5064 Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between the Matrix Audio MS-1 and the MS-1 Pre?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe standard Matrix Audio MS-1 and the MS-1 Pre share identical DAC architecture, streaming platform, phono stage, and power supply construction. The difference is entirely in the output stage: the standard MS-1 provides fixed-level outputs at four volts RMS balanced and two volts RMS single-ended, designed to feed a dedicated external preamplifier such as the Matrix Audio MP-1, while the MS-1 Pre integrates a precision resistor-array volume control that enables direct connection to a power amplifier. The MS-1 Pre adds ten decibels of gain and a maximum variable output of sixteen volts RMS balanced, which is sufficient to drive any power amplifier available. Buyers who already own a high-quality dedicated preamplifier or who intend to purchase one should consider the standard MS-1; buyers who want to consolidate streamer, DAC, and preamplifier into a single chassis will find the MS-1 Pre the more practical and economical choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the MS-1 Pre include a phono preamplifier?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYes, the MS-1 Pre includes a full phono stage supporting both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with RIAA equalization applied. The phono signal is processed through an analog-to-digital conversion stage and routed through the same precision clock-governed DAC pipeline as digital sources, which means the turntable signal benefits from the same 45-femtosecond timing precision and six-position digital filter architecture as any network-streamed file. This also makes the phono signal available not only at the analog outputs but at the I2S LVDS output for connection to an external DAC if desired. Buyers integrating a turntable into a reference streaming system without wanting a separate outboard phono stage will find the MS-1 Pre's built-in phono capability fully appropriate for the price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat DAC chips does the MS-1 Pre use, and why does the implementation matter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe MS-1 Pre uses AKM's current flagship two-chip conversion architecture: the AK4191 digital filter processor and the AK4499EX current-output digital-to-analog converter. These two chips operate as a tandem system, with the AK4191 performing oversampling and noise shaping before handing a processed bitstream to the AK4499EX for the actual conversion. Matrix Audio implements two complete pairs of these chips, one per audio channel, on physically separate circuit boards positioned on opposite sides of the chassis interior. This true dual-mono layout means the left and right channels share no circuitry from the digital filter through the output terminals, which is a primary reason the channel crosstalk specification exceeds negative 150 dB. Chip selection and implementation are separate considerations: the AK4499EX appears in many flagship DACs at significantly higher prices, and what Matrix Audio's engineering contributes is the clock architecture, power supply isolation, and dual-mono layout that allow the chip to perform at the top of its capability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does 45-femtosecond jitter mean in practice?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eJitter is the measurement of timing uncertainty in the clock signal that governs when a digital sample is converted to an analog voltage. A femtosecond is one quadrillionth of a second, making forty-five femtoseconds an extraordinarily small timing deviation by any practical standard. When jitter is present in a digital-to-analog converter's clock, the conversion moment is uncertain, and that uncertainty appears in the output signal as low-level noise and distortion artifacts. At forty-five femtoseconds, the jitter-related artifacts produced by the MS-1 Pre's DPLL clock fall below the noise floor of the surrounding analog circuitry and well below what any loudspeaker, amplifier, or listening environment can resolve. The practical benefit of this specification is stereo image stability, clean transient reproduction, and a noise floor governed by the analog circuit design rather than by timing errors in the digital conversion stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat streaming services does the MS-1 Pre support?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe MS-1 Pre supports TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready certification, DLNA, UPnP, vTuner internet radio, and Radio Paradise, all managed through the MA Player operating system and the MA Remote 4.0 app on iOS or Android. TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect route streaming audio directly from those services to the MS-1 Pre without passing audio through a phone or tablet, preserving full resolution and bypassing the source device's internal DAC entirely. Roon Ready certification means the MS-1 Pre appears as an audio endpoint in the Roon application and accepts Roon's RAAT protocol, including MQA delivery where applicable. AirPlay 2 adds compatibility with Apple's ecosystem, including multi-room audio management through the Apple Home app.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the SFP fiber optic port, and do I need it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe SFP port accepts a standard small form-factor pluggable fiber optic module and allows the MS-1 Pre to connect to a home network via fiber rather than copper Ethernet. A fiber connection provides complete galvanic isolation between the network infrastructure and the MS-1 Pre's internal audio circuits, meaning there is no electrical path by which conducted interference from network switching equipment, cable modems, or other connected devices can enter the audio chain. In most home environments, a well-managed copper Gigabit Ethernet connection performs at a very high level, and the practical benefit of switching to fiber will depend on the specific electrical characteristics of the local network and listening room. The SFP port is not required for full functionality and is best understood as an upgrade path available to buyers in environments with measurable network-conducted interference or as an option for those who prefer to apply the theoretically optimal connection method regardless of measured necessity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the MS-1 Pre drive a power amplifier directly without an external preamplifier?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYes, and that is precisely what the MS-1 Pre's preamplifier section is designed to do. Its precision resistor-array volume control delivers up to sixteen volts RMS on the balanced XLR outputs and up to eight volts RMS on the RCA outputs, which exceeds the input sensitivity of any power amplifier in common use. The volume control uses the same relay-switched precision resistor architecture as the Matrix Audio MP-1 dedicated preamplifier, so the quality of the volume control function is not a compromise relative to a well-designed standalone preamp at this price. The buyer accepting one fewer chassis in exchange is primarily trading away the MP-1's input flexibility: six line-level inputs, two independent bi-amp-capable XLR output pairs, and a 36-volt RMS maximum output. For a system anchored by the MS-1 Pre as the primary source, those features are typically unnecessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat amplifiers are compatible with the MS-1 Pre?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe MS-1 Pre's 40-ohm balanced output impedance and 16-ohm single-ended output impedance are both low enough to drive any power amplifier in practical use, including amplifiers with long balanced interconnect runs, without high-frequency signal loss. The Matrix Audio MA-1 power amplifier is the designed M Series companion, and the trigger-chain integration between the two components allows coordinated power-up and power-down sequencing across the full system with a single command. The MS-1 Pre is fully compatible with any balanced or single-ended power amplifier from any manufacturer. All Elite Audio can advise on specific amplifier pairings based on your amplifier's input sensitivity, whether it accepts balanced XLR or single-ended RCA connections, and the loudspeakers you plan to drive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat else do I need to build a complete system around the MS-1 Pre?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAt minimum, a complete system requires the MS-1 Pre, a stereo power amplifier or monoblock pair, and a pair of loudspeakers. Interconnect cables from the MS-1 Pre to the power amplifier are not included and should be matched to the connection type you intend to use, either balanced XLR or single-ended RCA. If you plan to use a turntable, the built-in phono stage handles both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, so only the turntable and a phono interconnect cable are required. Network streaming requires a broadband internet connection delivered via wired Ethernet to the RJ45 port or via WiFi. An M.2 NVMe SSD can be installed in the internal slot for local music library storage, but this is entirely optional for listeners who plan to stream exclusively. All Elite Audio can build a complete system recommendation around the MS-1 Pre based on your room, your listening preferences, and your budget for amplification and loudspeakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does the MS-1 Pre's integrated preamp compare to pairing the standard MS-1 with the Matrix Audio MP-1?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe MS-1 Pre and the MP-1 share the same volume control philosophy: precision resistors matched to 0.001 percent tolerance, switched by sealed reed relays, producing channel balance errors that are effectively unmeasurable in a real-world system context. The practical performance of the volume control function in both components is very close. Where the MP-1 distinguishes itself is in output headroom and system flexibility: its 36-volt RMS balanced output exceeds the MS-1 Pre's 16-volt RMS by more than a factor of two, it offers six independent line-level inputs versus the MS-1 Pre's two analog line inputs, and it provides two independent XLR output pairs for bi-amping configurations. The two-component MS-1 plus MP-1 system costs approximately $16,998 combined versus $11,999 for the MS-1 Pre alone. For a listener whose system centers on network streaming with one or two additional analog sources and no bi-amping requirement, the MS-1 Pre's integrated approach delivers equivalent volume control quality in a cleaner, lower-cost configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere can I buy the Matrix Audio MS-1 Pre, and can I hear it before purchasing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAll Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer and carries the MS-1 Pre along with the complete M Series lineup for in-store demonstration at our Timonium, Maryland showroom. You can schedule a listening session to hear the MS-1 Pre driving the MA-1 power amplifier in a reference system configuration, or we can pair it with other amplification to match your specific system context. We ship the MS-1 Pre nationwide and provide pre-sale consultation and post-sale support by phone, text, and in person. Reach us by phone at 443-402-5055, by text at 443-402-5064, or visit us at 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matrix Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44738294284341,"sku":null,"price":11999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0632\/1704\/1461\/files\/MatrixAudioMS-12.png?v=1761597903","url":"https:\/\/alleliteaudio.com\/products\/matrix-audio-ms-1-pre","provider":"All Elite Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}