Matrix Audio SU-1

Overview

The Matrix Audio SU-1 solves a problem that gets worse the more digital sources you own. A USB DAC has one USB input, but most systems now have a laptop, a music server and perhaps a streamer that all want to use it. The SU-1 takes three USB sources, two Type-B and one Type-C, and routes any of them to either of two Type-A outputs at the press of a button.

Switching is only half of what it does. Computers are electrically noisy, and a USB cable carries that noise straight into the converter alongside the audio data. The SU-1 places a digital isolation chip between the input and output sides, so the data crosses but the electrical connection does not. The ground loop and the high frequency rubbish that rides on a computer USB port stop at the SU-1.

The output side is then powered independently by a toroidal transformer and a regulated supply rather than by the host computer, and each Type-A output can deliver up to 1000 mA. That matters for bus powered devices, and it means the power reaching your converter is clean and steady instead of whatever the computer happened to be putting out. The unit also supports cable runs of 4 to 8 m, so the source and the converter no longer have to sit next to each other.

Key Features

• Three USB inputs, two Type-B and one Type-C, feeding two Type-A outputs
• Press button switching between sources with input and output status LEDs
• Digital isolation chip breaks the electrical connection between computer and converter
• Regulated supply from a toroidal transformer rather than bus power from the host
• Up to 1000 mA per output for bus powered devices
• USB 2.0 High-Speed throughout at 480 Mbps, so resolution is never the limit
• Supports 4 to 8 m cable runs for flexible placement of source and converter
• Compact 120 mm wide chassis that sits beside a DAC rather than dominating a rack

How the SU-1 Compares

Matrix Audio SU-1 vs Matrix Audio SI-1

The SI-1 does for Ethernet what the SU-1 does for USB. It is an audio grade network isolator, so it sits on the network cable feeding a streamer and breaks the electrical path there. If your source reaches the system over Ethernet, the SI-1 is the right tool. If it reaches the system over USB, the SU-1 is. Systems that use both often want one of each. See the Matrix Audio SI-1.

Matrix Audio SU-1 vs Matrix Audio SS-1

The SS-1 is an audio grade network switch, so it manages and cleans several Ethernet connections at once. The SU-1 is the USB equivalent of that idea, managing several USB sources into a converter. They solve the same class of problem on different cables, and neither replaces the other. See the Matrix Audio SS-1.

Works With These Matrix Audio Components

The SU-1 belongs in front of any USB converter, and it is particularly useful with the Matrix Audio components that accept a USB input.

• Matrix Audio TS-1 A streamer, converter and headphone amplifier that takes USB from a computer. The SU-1 lets a laptop and a server share it without reconnecting cables.
• Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 A compact all in one that is often used on a desk next to a computer, which is exactly where USB noise is worst and where isolation helps most.
• Matrix Audio MS-1 Pre A flagship streamer, converter and preamplifier. At this level the noise a computer injects over USB is well worth removing.
• Matrix Audio TT-1 A digital audio transport. The SU-1 keeps the USB path between source and transport clean and lets you switch between hosts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Matrix Audio SU-1?
It is a USB isolation switcher. It takes three USB sources and routes any of them to either of two USB outputs, while galvanically isolating the output side from the input side.

What problem does it solve?
Two problems. A USB converter normally has one input but you may have several USB sources, and a computer injects electrical noise into whatever it is plugged into. The SU-1 handles the switching and the isolation together.

How many sources can I connect?
Three. Two USB Type-B inputs and one USB Type-C input.

How many devices can it feed?
Two, on USB Type-A outputs. You select which input goes to which output from the front panel.

What does galvanic isolation actually do?
It passes the data across a digital isolation chip without passing the electrical connection. Ground loops and high frequency noise from the computer stop at the SU-1 instead of continuing into your converter.

Will it limit resolution?
No. The SU-1 runs USB 2.0 High-Speed at 480 Mbps throughout, which is the same standard your converter expects, so the format and sample rate limits are set by the converter rather than by the SU-1.

Does it need its own power?
Yes, and that is the point. It runs from an AC supply with a toroidal transformer, so the output side is powered by a clean regulated source instead of by the host computer.

How much current can it supply?
Up to 1000 mA per Type-A output, which is enough for bus powered devices that a computer port can struggle with.

Can I use long USB cables with it?
Yes. Matrix Audio rate it for cable runs of 4 to 8 m, so your computer and your converter do not have to sit together.

Does it work with a Mac and a PC?
Yes. It is a USB device that presents the host connection through to the converter, so operating system support is determined by your converter and its drivers.

Can I connect a phone or tablet?
The USB Type-C input accepts a source that can act as a USB host, so it depends on the device and its software rather than on the SU-1.

How do I switch between sources?
With the front panel button. Three input LEDs and two output LEDs show you what is routed where at a glance.

Does it change the sound?
It is not a tone control. What it removes is noise and ground loop related artefacts, which on a resolving system typically shows up as a quieter background rather than as a change in tonal balance.

Is it the same as the SI-1?
No. The SI-1 is a network isolator for Ethernet. The SU-1 is for USB. Many systems benefit from both because they clean different paths.

What size is it?
120 mm wide, 205 mm deep and 44 mm high, and it weighs 1.58 kg, so it sits comfortably beside a DAC.

What voltage does it run on?
It is built for either 100 to 120 V or 220 to 240 V and the voltage is set at the factory, so order the version for your region. Consumption is under 15 W.

Do I still need a good USB cable?
A competent cable still matters, but the SU-1 reduces how much the rest of the chain depends on it by breaking the electrical path and supplying its own clean power.

What warranty comes with it?
New Matrix Audio units carry the full manufacturer warranty of 1 year parts and labor for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.

Is All Elite Audio an authorized Matrix Audio dealer?
Yes, so your purchase includes full manufacturer support and warranty coverage.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer offering genuine products, full warranty coverage, and expert guidance on where isolation and switching will actually help your system.