Matrix Audio SI-1

Overview

The Matrix Audio SI-1 is an audio grade network isolator designed to sit between your home network and your streaming component. Rather than acting as a full multi port switch, it focuses on a single job done well: breaking electrical ground loops and blocking high frequency network noise from reaching sensitive digital audio circuits. By galvanically isolating the Ethernet path, the SI-1 stops noise carried on the network from riding into your streamer or transport, where it can otherwise raise the noise floor of the downstream DAC.

Matrix Audio approaches the network stage as part of the signal chain, not an afterthought. The SI-1 uses photoelectric (optical) isolation on the Ethernet line to interrupt the electrical connection while passing data cleanly, which is a targeted, cost effective way to address network borne interference. It is compact, simple to install inline, and requires no configuration, making it an easy first step for listeners who want to hear what a cleaner network feed does for digital playback.

The SI-1 is ideal for anyone running a Matrix Audio streamer or transport who wants a low fuss upgrade to the network path. It suits systems where a full audio grade switch is more than needed, or as a complement placed close to the streamer for a final stage of isolation before the digital source.

Key Features

• Audio grade network isolator focused on galvanic isolation of the Ethernet path
• Breaks ground loops between your network and streaming component
• Photoelectric isolation blocks high frequency network noise from reaching the streamer
• Lowers the effective noise floor ahead of the DAC for cleaner digital playback
• Compact inline design that installs between router or switch and your streamer
• No configuration required, plug and play operation
• Passes network data cleanly while interrupting the electrical connection
• Pairs naturally with Matrix Audio MS and TS streamers and TT-1 and NT-1 transports

How the SI-1 Compares

Matrix Audio SI-1 vs Matrix Audio SS-1

The SI-1 is a focused inline isolator that galvanically breaks the network connection to your streamer, making it the simplest way to address ground loops and network noise. The SS-1 sits higher in the Matrix Audio range as a full audio grade network switch with multiple ports and its own noise reduction engineering, so it can serve as a system hub as well as a clean feed. Choose the SI-1 for targeted isolation close to the streamer, or the SS-1 when you want a dedicated audio grade switch at the center of your setup. See the Matrix Audio SS-1.

Matrix Audio SI-1 vs Silent Angel Bonn N8

The Silent Angel Bonn N8 is a multi port audiophile network switch built to serve as a central hub with low noise clocking across all of its outputs. The Matrix Audio SI-1 takes a different approach, concentrating on galvanic isolation of a single Ethernet line placed right before the streamer. Pick the Bonn N8 if you want a full switch feeding several devices, or the SI-1 if your priority is a compact isolation stage at the source. See the Silent Angel Bonn N8.

Matrix Audio SI-1 vs Silent Angel Bonn N8 Pro

The Bonn N8 Pro adds a linear power supply to Silent Angel's audiophile switch platform for the listener who wants a comprehensive, power optimized network hub. The Matrix Audio SI-1 is a minimalist isolator rather than a switch, targeting ground loop and noise interruption on one line. Consider the N8 Pro for an all in one network centerpiece, or the SI-1 as a lean, dedicated isolation step ahead of your streamer. See the Silent Angel Bonn N8 Pro.

Works With These Matrix Audio Components

The SI-1 makes no sound on its own; it cleans and isolates the network feed so a Matrix Audio streamer or transport can perform at its best. Place it just before one of these components.

• Matrix Audio MS-1 A flagship streamer and DAC whose sensitive digital stages benefit directly from a network feed with less noise, so the DAC can resolve fine detail against a lower noise floor.
• Matrix Audio TS-1 A streamer, DAC and headphone amplifier where a galvanically isolated network path helps keep interference out of both the digital source and the analog output.
• Matrix Audio TT-1 A digital audio transport that relies on a clean incoming stream; isolating the network line ahead of it reduces noise entering the digital chain.
• Matrix Audio NT-1 A reference digital transport where breaking ground loops and blocking network noise supports the cleanest possible digital output to your DAC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Matrix Audio SI-1 do?
It is an audio grade network isolator that galvanically isolates the Ethernet path between your network and your streaming component, breaking ground loops and blocking network noise from reaching the streamer.

Is the SI-1 a network switch?
It functions as an inline network device, but its purpose is isolation rather than distribution. It focuses on cleaning and isolating a single Ethernet line rather than acting as a multi port hub.

How does a network isolator improve sound?
Network borne noise and ground loops can ride into a streamer and raise the noise floor of the downstream DAC. By galvanically isolating the line, the SI-1 keeps that interference out, which supports cleaner, lower noise digital playback.

Where should I install the SI-1 in my system?
Place it inline on the Ethernet path close to your streamer or transport, between your router or switch and the audio component, for a final stage of isolation before the digital source.

Does the SI-1 require any configuration?
No. It is plug and play. You connect it inline on the network path and it works with no setup.

Will the SI-1 slow down my network connection?
It passes network data cleanly while interrupting the electrical connection, so it isolates without getting in the way of normal data transfer to your streamer.

Does the SI-1 work with any streamer?
It benefits any network connected streaming component. It pairs especially naturally with Matrix Audio streamers and transports such as the MS-1, TS-1, TT-1 and NT-1.

What connectors does the SI-1 use?
It uses standard RJ45 Ethernet connections, with an input from your network and an output to your streamer.

How is the SI-1 different from the Matrix Audio SS-1?
The SI-1 is a focused inline isolator that breaks the electrical connection on one line. The SS-1 sits higher in the range as a full audio grade network switch with multiple ports, so it can serve as a system hub as well as a clean feed.

Can I use the SI-1 together with an audio grade switch?
Yes. Many listeners run a switch as the hub and place the SI-1 close to the streamer as a final isolation stage before the digital source.

Does the SI-1 need a special power supply?
It is a simple inline isolator by design. Its value comes from photoelectric isolation of the Ethernet path rather than powered signal processing.

Does the SI-1 support high resolution streaming formats?
The SI-1 does not process audio itself. It cleans and isolates the network feed, and format support such as PCM, DSD and MQA is handled by the streamer or DAC downstream.

Will the SI-1 help with ground loop hum?
Galvanic isolation of the Ethernet line breaks ground loops carried through the network, which is a common cause of noise entering a streaming system.

Is the SI-1 a good first upgrade to the network path?
Yes. Because it is compact, affordable to install and requires no configuration, it is an easy and effective first step for listeners who want to hear the effect of a cleaner network feed.

Does the SI-1 replace my router?
No. It sits between your existing network and your streamer to isolate that connection. Your router continues to handle your network as usual.

Which Matrix Audio components pair best with the SI-1?
The MS-1, TS-1, TT-1 and NT-1 are excellent partners, since each relies on a clean incoming network stream for the best digital performance.

Can the SI-1 make a difference on a wired network only?
Yes. Its benefit applies to wired Ethernet, where it isolates the copper connection to your streamer and blocks noise and ground loops on that line.

How big is the SI-1?
It is a compact inline device intended to sit unobtrusively near your streaming component. For exact current dimensions we recommend confirming with us before purchase.

Is the SI-1 covered by warranty?
Yes. As an authorized Matrix Audio dealer, we supply the SI-1 with full manufacturer warranty support for the original owner.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer based in Maryland, so your SI-1 arrives genuine and fully supported. We offer expert guidance on integrating it with your streamer and the rest of your system, and this item is in stock.