MS-1 Pre

Perfect Creation
The all-new M series marks a milestone for Matrix Audio as the brand advances towards traditional hi-fi systems. The series includes the MS-1 music streamer, MP-1 preamplifier and MA-1 power amplifier, forming a complete Matrix Audio flagship system that reflects the brand’s understanding of hi-fi audio. The M series is the first range to adopt the new Matrix Design language, offering a preview of the future evolution of Matrix Audio products.

Matrix Design
Evaluating audio products through both listening and visual appreciation has always been central to Matrix Audio’s philosophy. From concept to design, every step reflects the brand’s love of music and pursuit of beauty. The MS-1 Pre is Matrix Audio’s flagship music streamer. Its industrial design expresses the brand’s vision of simplicity, with hundreds of circular perforations of varying sizes and depths arranged across a clean hexahedral form, resembling rhythmic beats dancing across the surface.

Focus On Software Experience
The source device is the soul of an audio system. Hardware gives the MS-1 Pre its body, while software provides its soul. Matrix Audio prioritises both audio quality and the user experience, simplifying interaction and placing greater emphasis on the display of music information. Listeners can control the entire audio system comfortably from their listening position using the MA Remote app on a phone or tablet, rather than repeatedly approaching the device. Everything from basic functions, such as volume adjustment, track selection and playback, to settings including filters, operating modes and display brightness can be managed through the app. This experience is supported by Matrix Audio’s meticulously developed MA Player software system.

MA Player
MA Player is a streamlined and optimised Linux-based software system designed specifically for hi-fi audio playback and available exclusively on Matrix Audio products. It has evolved to a new level, enhancing playback performance, introducing numerous features and improving the overall interactive experience.

MA Remote App
The MA Remote app is the central tool for controlling Matrix Audio music streamers. Installed on an iPhone, iPad or Android phone, it provides convenient access to local music, high-resolution services including Sony Select, TIDAL, Qobuz and HIGHRESAUDIO, cloud services such as Baidu Cloud and QQ Music, and online radio stations. When music is streamed through Roon or another app, track information remains visible in MA Remote. The app also gives listeners control over every hardware setting, transforming the way the audio device is operated.

PCM Resampling & DSD Conversion
The built-in asynchronous upsampling and DSD conversion engine can process all audio data in the digital stage. Asynchronous resampling and interpolation isolate jitter and improve detail, while the DSD converter transforms all audio during playback into DSD to enhance sound density. Adjustable PCM and DSD conversion settings allow listeners to explore the sonic differences between configurations.

IIS-LVDS Digital Output
The MS-1 Pre also functions as a high-performance audio transport, outputting all audio as high-resolution signals through its IIS-LVDS port. This includes signals from the analogue and phono inputs, allowing connection to other DACs for different listening experiences.

Analogue Input & Phono Input
The MS-1 Pre has two pairs of line inputs and one pair of phono inputs. Its XLR and RCA line inputs allow any device with an analogue output to be integrated into the digital audio system. The built-in phono preamplifier supports both MM and MC modes, enabling direct connection to a turntable. All analogue input signals are converted into digital audio by a high-precision ADC, passed to the digital processing unit and processed using PCM filters. These signals can also be output through the IIS-LVDS port.

Digital Audio Input
Equipped with a comprehensive range of digital inputs, the MS-1 Pre can also serve as a high-end DAC. Its USB, optical, coaxial and IIS-LVDS inputs support connection to computers, CD transports, set-top boxes, games consoles and other devices, allowing their audio to benefit from the MS-1 Pre’s high-quality digital-to-analogue conversion.

Preamplifier & Dual Balanced Output
The MS-1 Pre features a built-in preamplifier and precision resistor-array volume control. Its multi-stage operational-amplifier design provides 10 dB of gain and can output audio signals up to 16 Vrms, allowing direct connection to power amplifiers or active loudspeakers. It maintains excellent channel consistency and low distortion, even at low listening levels. The MS-1 Pre also provides a pair of fixed-level XLR line outputs that can be used simultaneously with the preamplifier output for connection to recording or monitoring equipment.

Dual D/A Chip Independent Channel Design
The MS-1 Pre is Matrix Audio’s first product based on an AKM digital-to-analogue solution, featuring dual AK4191 and AK4499 flagship chipsets. Each chipset operates in parallel mono mode. Separate left- and right-channel PCB assemblies are mounted on opposite sides of the device to create a fully dual-mono design. This architecture supports precise signal reproduction and an outstanding dynamic range, revealing fine sonic details and restoring the essence of the music.

Precision Resistor Volume Control
Volume control is critical to audio quality, and lossless attenuation with consistent levels between channels is essential to good sound. The MS-1 Pre’s built-in preamplifier uses a resistor-array voltage-divider volume control. Four high-quality control units each comprise 64 precision resistors with 0.1% accuracy and 32 fully sealed reed relays, switched rapidly by the MCU. This method minimises any effect on sound quality while ensuring excellent consistency between the two channels. The operating noise of the reed relays is almost inaudible, even during continuous volume adjustment.

DPLL High Precision Clock
Clocks are the cornerstone of digital audio systems. Unlike previous Matrix Audio products, the MS-1 Pre incorporates a high-performance DPLL clock-synthesis circuit. An ultra-low-phase-noise reference clock works with the DPLL circuit to generate a real-time clock signal with jitter as low as 45 fs, providing the reference for the entire digital audio system. A higher-precision 10 MHz external clock can also be connected to the clock input to enhance the performance of the internal audio clock.

Expandable SFP Fibre-Optic Network Port
To isolate high-frequency interference from network switches and upstream devices, Matrix Audio has added an SFP interface that allows the music streamer to connect to a local network using fibre-optic cable. The electrical isolation provided by fibre transmission removes the direct electrical connection between the network switch and the music streamer, helping to preserve a purer sound. A standard Ethernet port is also retained for convenient connection without requiring changes to the existing network.

NVMe SSD Slot
To avoid repeatedly connecting and disconnecting USB drives, Matrix Audio has included an NVMe SSD slot on the underside of the MS-1 Pre chassis. A high-speed SSD can be installed as internal storage, avoiding the vibration and noise associated with 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch hard drives. Music stored on the SSD can be managed through network sharing, while files can be copied from external storage using the MA Remote app.

Square Copper Wire Transformer & Linear Power
Power is the starting point of an audio system. Matrix Audio has specified two high-power toroidal transformers wound with square copper wire for the digital and analogue sections of the MS-1 Pre. Compared with conventional toroidal transformers that use wire with a circular cross-section, square copper wire provides a larger conductor surface, greater current capacity and lower resistance, resulting in a better transient response and richer low frequencies. Paired with MUNDORF M-Lytic AG series filter capacitors, the design adds silky smoothness and warmth to the sound. Dozens of low-noise and ultra-low-noise LDO regulators provide ample power to every circuit unit, including the SSD, reflecting the brand’s pursuit of excellence at every stage.

H-Shaped Chassis Structure
The H-shaped structure is a unique Matrix Audio design created for the M series and refined through two years of continuous optimisation and improvement across mechanical relationships, circuit layout and exterior appearance. After dozens of processes, the 20 mm CNC-machined aluminium plate becomes the support structure for the entire device and forms the core of the H-shaped design. All components are mounted on this plate, while heavy-duty feet fitted to the main beam support the full weight of the unit, making it solid and stable. Once the panels are installed, the main beam creates multiple isolated cavities. Different circuit modules are positioned within each cavity to reduce interference effectively. The left- and right-channel circuit modules are arranged symmetrically on either side, creating a balanced visual impression.

Elegant Industrial Design & Refined Build Quality
Ingenious industrial design is an indispensable part of every Matrix Audio product, with the new Matrix Design language flowing through its use of dots, lines and surfaces. Each component undergoes multiple precision CNC-machining and surface-treatment processes to create an exquisite, comfortable matt texture. This allows listeners to experience the brand’s distinctive craftsmanship in use and gives the product an elegant character.

Pure & Clear
The MS-1 Pre delivers a pure sound with a natural, balanced tone that remains faithful to the music without added colouration. It presents every detail with a rational, neutral character, providing a clear source for the wider system. Every detail of the M series embodies Matrix Audio’s pursuit of excellence. Everything heard, seen and touched is the result of the Matrix Audio team’s continuous experimentation, meticulous refinement and careful calibration. The brand remains committed to making each product more beautiful and its sound more captivating.