Matrix Audio MS-1c

Overview

The Matrix Audio MS-1c is a network streamer and digital to analog converter designed to serve as the digital heart of a high fidelity system. It combines native streaming with a high performance DAC stage, delivering a clean, low noise signal to your preamplifier or integrated amplifier. Built by Matrix Audio, a Chinese high-fidelity electronics specialist founded in 2010 that focuses on digital source and streaming components, the MS-1c reflects the brand's engineering priorities of precise clocking, balanced circuit design, and broad format support.

At its core the MS-1c pairs a resolving DAC section with a high precision femtosecond master clock to minimize jitter, along with support for high resolution PCM, DSD, and MQA content. Streaming is fully native and app driven: the unit is Roon Ready and works with TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, DLNA, and AirPlay, all controllable through the Matrix Audio MA control app. Balanced XLR and single ended RCA outputs let it integrate cleanly with a wide range of downstream electronics.

The MS-1c is aimed at the listener who wants a single, elegant streaming source that plays local library files and the major streaming services with genuine audiophile clocking and true balanced output. It is a natural anchor for a Matrix Audio system built around the MP-1 preamplifier and MA-1 power amplifier, or a compact MD streaming integrated amplifier.

Key Features

• Native network streaming with Roon Ready, TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, DLNA, and AirPlay
• Controlled through the Matrix Audio MA app for library browsing and playback
• High precision femtosecond master clock for very low jitter
• High resolution PCM, DSD, and MQA playback support
• True balanced circuit design with XLR and single ended RCA analog outputs
• Digital inputs and outputs for flexible integration with existing sources
• Compact, machined chassis in the Matrix Audio design language
• Ideal digital source for a Matrix Audio preamplifier and power amplifier system

How the MS-1c Compares

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

The MS-1 sits above the MS-1c in the range and, as the higher model, can offer more in terms of its DAC and streaming implementation. Both share the Matrix Audio streaming platform, femtosecond clocking, and app control, so the choice comes down to how much resolving power and headroom you want from your digital source. Step up to the MS-1 if you plan to build around a fully resolving reference front end. See the Matrix Audio MS-1.

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

The ND-1 is a dedicated DAC rather than a network streamer, so it is the choice when you already have a preferred streaming transport and simply want a clean conversion stage. The MS-1c folds streaming and conversion into one box with native Roon, TIDAL, Qobuz, and app control. Pick the MS-1c for an all in one digital source and the ND-1 when you want to add a converter to an existing digital chain. See the Matrix Audio ND-1.

Matrix Audio MS-1c vs Silent Angel Munich MU V2

The Silent Angel Munich MU V2 is a reference network streamer, DAC, and music server that leans toward server side library management and a warmer presentation. The MS-1c emphasizes Matrix Audio's clocking and true balanced output in a focused streamer and DAC package. Choose based on whether you want built in server functions or a streamlined streaming source for a separates system. See the Silent Angel Munich MU V2.

Matrix Audio MS-1c vs Audiolab 9000N

The Audiolab 9000N is a network streamer with a large front display and a feature rich interface that suits listeners who want on unit visual feedback. The MS-1c centers its experience on the MA control app and its femtosecond clocked DAC stage. Both feed a separate amplifier well, so the decision comes down to interface style and system character. See the Audiolab 9000N.

Recommended Amplification and Speakers

The MS-1c is a source, so pair it with Matrix Audio amplification and a set of speakers to complete a coherent system.

• Matrix Audio MP-1 Preamplifier This flagship Class A preamplifier gives the MS-1c a matched, low noise line stage and keeps the signal path within the Matrix Audio design language.
• Matrix Audio MA-1 Power Amplifier The MA-1 flagship Class AB power amplifier partners with the MP-1 to deliver the current and control needed to drive demanding loudspeakers.
• Matrix Audio MD-1 Streaming Integrated For a more compact system, the MD-1 provides amplification in a single chassis that shares the Matrix Audio streaming platform.
• Spendor A7.2 These floorstanders offer a refined, natural balance that reveals the low jitter clarity of the MS-1c across a wide range of music.
• Amphion Argon 3X A controlled dispersion bookshelf that suits smaller rooms and pairs cleanly with the resolving character of the MS-1c and Matrix Audio amplification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Matrix Audio MS-1c?
It is a network streamer and DAC that combines native streaming with a high performance conversion stage, serving as the digital source in a high fidelity system.

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

How do I control the MS-1c?
Playback and library browsing are handled through the Matrix Audio MA control app, and Roon users can control it from within Roon.

Does the MS-1c have a built in DAC?
Yes. It includes a high performance DAC stage, so it can feed a preamplifier or integrated amplifier directly.

What file formats does it support?
It supports high resolution PCM, native DSD, and MQA content.

Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. It offers true balanced XLR outputs along with single ended RCA outputs.

Does the MS-1c support high resolution streaming?
Yes. It plays high resolution content from services like TIDAL and Qobuz as well as local high resolution files.

What clock does the MS-1c use?
It uses a high precision femtosecond master clock to keep jitter very low.

Can I connect it to my existing amplifier?
Yes. Its balanced and single ended outputs connect to any preamplifier or integrated amplifier with matching inputs.

What amplification does Matrix Audio recommend?
For a full separates system, pair it with the MP-1 preamplifier and MA-1 power amplifier, or choose an MD streaming integrated amplifier for a more compact setup.

How does the MS-1c compare to the MS-1?
The MS-1 sits above it in the range and, as the higher model, can offer more from its DAC and streaming implementation while sharing the same core platform.

How does the MS-1c compare to the ND-1?
The ND-1 is a dedicated DAC without streaming, while the MS-1c combines streaming and conversion in one unit.

Does it work with local network files?
Yes. It plays files from network storage over DLNA and can be integrated into a Roon library.

Can I use it wirelessly?
Yes. It supports both wired Ethernet and wireless network connections.

Does the MS-1c support MQA?
Yes, MQA playback is supported.

Is a network switch worth adding?
An audio grade galvanically isolated switch such as the Matrix Audio SS-1 or SI-1 can lower network noise ahead of the streamer, which some listeners find worthwhile.

What speakers pair well with the MS-1c?
It pairs well with resolving, balanced loudspeakers such as the Spendor A7.2 or Amphion Argon 3X when driven by matched amplification.

Does it come with a warranty?
Yes. It is covered by a one year parts and labor warranty from Matrix Audio for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.

Is All Elite Audio an authorized Matrix Audio dealer?
Yes. All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer, so your purchase is covered by the full manufacturer warranty.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer offering genuine products, full manufacturer warranty support, and expert guidance to help you build the right system around the MS-1c.