Matrix Audio NA-1

Overview

The Matrix Audio NA-1 is a reference class headphone amplifier engineered to drive a wide range of demanding headphones with authority and low distortion. It pairs a fully balanced analog architecture with generous current delivery, allowing it to remain composed on sensitive in ear monitors and to command power hungry planar and dynamic designs alike. The result is a presentation that stays clean, dynamic, and neutral from soft passages to full crescendos.

Built by Matrix Audio, a Chinese high fidelity electronics maker founded in 2010, the NA-1 focuses on the analog amplification stage rather than trying to be everything at once. This dedicated approach means it is intended to sit downstream of a high quality digital source such as a Matrix Audio streamer or standalone DAC. Balanced and single ended headphone outputs let you match the amplifier to your favorite headphone terminations, while balanced and single ended line inputs make integration into an existing system straightforward.

The NA-1 is for the listener who has invested in reference headphones and wants a purpose built amplifier to realize their full potential. If you value transparency, control, and a quiet noise floor, and you already own or plan to own a capable source, the NA-1 is designed to be the final analog link in a serious headphone chain.

Key Features

• Reference headphone amplifier with a fully balanced analog signal path
• Balanced and single ended headphone outputs for flexible cable termination
• High current output stage that drives both sensitive IEMs and demanding planars
• Balanced XLR and single ended RCA line inputs for system integration
• Low noise floor for a black background behind fine detail
• Dedicated design focused solely on analog amplification quality
• Precision volume control for accurate channel matching
• Robust chassis engineered to manage heat and reduce vibration

How the NA-1 Compares

Matrix Audio NA-1 vs TEAC HA-507

Both are dedicated headphone amplifiers built for reference listening, but they pursue that goal with different design philosophies. The TEAC HA-507 is a pure analog amplifier and preamplifier that leans into a warm, full bodied analog character and doubles as a line stage. The Matrix Audio NA-1 concentrates on a balanced amplification stage with a very quiet background and firm control, making it a natural partner for a separate high resolution digital source. See the TEAC HA-507.

Recommended Headphones and Source

The NA-1 is an amplifier only, so pair it with a capable Matrix Audio source and reference headphones that reward its transparency and current.

• Matrix Audio MS-1 Streamer and DAC As a flagship streamer and DAC with a femtosecond master clock and Roon Ready, TIDAL, Qobuz and Spotify support, the MS-1 feeds the NA-1 a clean balanced signal for an end to end Matrix Audio chain.
• Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC The ND-1 is a focused DAC that provides a transparent, low noise source into the NA-1 balanced inputs, ideal if you already have a streaming front end in place.
• Audio Technica ATH-ADX5000 This open back reference headphone thrives on the NA-1 clean current and low noise floor, revealing airy detail and spacious staging.
• Audio Technica ATH-AWKT A wooden closed back reference design that pairs the NA-1 control and dynamics with a rich, intimate presentation for private listening.
• Matrix Audio TS-1 Streamer and DAC The TS-1 combines streaming, DAC and its own headphone stage, and its balanced line output makes an easy, native source for the NA-1 when you want a dedicated amplifier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Matrix Audio NA-1?
It is a reference headphone amplifier with a fully balanced analog signal path, designed to drive a wide range of headphones with control and low noise.

Does the NA-1 include a DAC?
No, the NA-1 is a dedicated analog headphone amplifier. It is intended to be paired with a separate digital source such as a Matrix Audio streamer or DAC.

What headphone outputs does it have?
The NA-1 offers both balanced and single ended headphone outputs so you can match it to your headphone cable termination.

What line inputs does the NA-1 accept?
It accepts balanced XLR and single ended RCA line inputs, allowing flexible integration with a variety of sources.

Can the NA-1 drive planar magnetic headphones?
Yes, its high current output stage is designed to handle demanding planar and dynamic headphones as well as more sensitive designs.

Is the NA-1 suitable for sensitive in ear monitors?
Its low noise floor helps keep sensitive in ear monitors quiet, though very sensitive IEMs always benefit from careful volume matching.

Is the NA-1 a fully balanced amplifier?
Yes, it uses a fully balanced analog architecture from input to output on its balanced connections.

What source should I pair with the NA-1?
A Matrix Audio streamer such as the MS-1 or TS-1, or a standalone DAC like the ND-1, provides a clean balanced signal that suits the amplifier.

Does the NA-1 support streaming?
No, streaming features live in Matrix Audio streamer models such as the MS and TS series. The NA-1 focuses on amplification and should be fed by such a source.

Can I use the NA-1 as a preamplifier?
The NA-1 is primarily a headphone amplifier. For a dedicated preamp with a headphone stage you may prefer a model designed for that dual role.

Does the NA-1 support MQA or DSD?
Those are decoding features of a DAC or streamer. As an analog amplifier, the NA-1 relies on the connected source for format decoding.

What kind of connections do I need from my source?
For the best performance use balanced XLR outputs from your source into the NA-1 balanced inputs, or single ended RCA if XLR is not available.

How does the NA-1 compare to the TEAC HA-507?
The TEAC HA-507 is a pure analog amplifier and preamplifier with a warm full bodied character, while the NA-1 emphasizes a very quiet background and firm control as a dedicated amplification stage.

What headphones are a good match for the NA-1?
Reference open back models such as the Audio Technica ATH-ADX5000 and closed back designs like the ATH-AWKT pair well with its transparency and current.

How is the NA-1 built?
It uses an aluminum chassis engineered to manage heat and reduce vibration, in keeping with a reference amplifier.

Does the NA-1 have a remote or app control?
App control is a feature of Matrix Audio streamer models such as the MS and TS series. The NA-1 uses onboard controls for volume and input.

Can I connect an external clock to the NA-1?
No, external clock input applies to Matrix Audio digital source components. Clocking is not relevant to an analog headphone amplifier.

What is the warranty on the NA-1?
The NA-1 carries 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 NA-1 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 coverage, and expert guidance to help you build the right headphone system.