Matrix Audio MS-1c – High-End Network Streamer with Reference DAC and Preamplifier

High-end network player for uncompromising music enjoyment

The Matrix Audio MS-1c combines state-of-the-art streaming technology, a reference DAC, and a high-quality preamplifier in one elegant, high-end device. With its audiophile circuitry, uncompromising signal processing, and intuitive operation, the MS-1c forms the heart of sophisticated HiFi systems, delivering an exceptionally natural and detailed musical performance.

Reference DAC with AKM VELVET SOUND™ technology

At the center of the MS-1c is AKM’s latest flagship DAC architecture, consisting of the AK4191 digital processor and the AK4499EX digital-to-analog converter. The consistent separation of digital signal processing and analog conversion ensures exceptionally high resolution, minimal distortion, and an extremely low noise floor. High-quality Lundahl transformers in the analog output stage provide additional naturalness, warmth, and spatial depth to the sound.

Hi-Res Audio up to 32-bit / 768 kHz and DSD512

The MS-1c supports high-resolution PCM files up to 32-bit / 768 kHz as well as native DSD512, offering reference-level music playback. Even the finest details and dynamics are reproduced faithfully, making music feel particularly vivid.

Streaming without boundaries

Easily access your entire music collection and numerous streaming services.

Supported services include, among others:

• TIDAL Connect

• Qobuz Connect

• Spotify Connect

• AirPlay 2

• Roon Ready

• UPnP / DLNA

• vTuner Internet Radio

Furthermore, music files can be played from USB storage, NAS systems, or an optionally installed M.2 NVMe SSD.

DAC and preamplifier in one device

The MS-1c can be used both as a high-quality streaming DAC with fixed output level and as a full-fledged preamplifier with adjustable volume. Active speakers or power amplifiers can be connected directly – for a tidy and powerful HiFi system.

Extensive connectivity options

Thanks to its versatile outputs, the MS-1c integrates effortlessly into almost any high-end system.

Available options include:

• Balanced XLR output

• RCA output

• USB DAC output

• I²S-LVDS

• AES/EBU

• Coaxial (S/PDIF)

• Optical output (Toslink)

The MS-1c can be used both as a complete streaming DAC and as a pure digital source for external high-end DACs.

Network technology at the highest level

For stable and high-resolution music playback, the MS-1c supports both Gigabit Ethernet and modern Wi-Fi 6. This allows the streamer to be flexibly integrated into any listening environment – wired or wireless.

Officially Roon Ready

The MS-1c is officially Roon Ready certified and integrates seamlessly into existing Roon systems. The direct communication between hardware and software ensures maximum stability and ease of use.

Dual femto-clock for maximum precision

An elaborate dual femto-clock architecture with separate clock generators for 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz-based sample rates reduces jitter to a minimum. Combined with FPGA-controlled signal processing, this results in exceptionally precise spatial imaging, finer detail, and an impressively stable soundstage.

Low-noise power supply

Analog and digital signal processing are powered by separate power supplies with multiple low-noise LDO regulators. A specially developed linear power supply for the analog output stage additionally ensures maximum stability and a particularly natural musical reproduction.

Music server with integrated SSD expansion

Via the integrated M.2 2280 NVMe slot, the MS-1c can be upgraded to a powerful music server. Music files can be stored directly on an SSD and managed comfortably – completely silently and without mechanical hard drives.

CD ripping and direct playback

Using an external USB CD drive, audio CDs can be played directly or archived losslessly as FLAC or WAV files to an SSD, USB storage, or NAS.

Comfortable operation

The MS-1c can be conveniently controlled via the high-resolution touch display, the included remote control, or the free MA Remote App for iOS and Android. The modern user interface allows for fast and intuitive navigation through music libraries, streaming services, and system settings.

Low-resonance CNC aluminum housing

The precision-milled aluminum housing of the M-series reliably protects the sensitive electronics from vibrations as well as electromagnetic and high-frequency interference. At the same time, the MS-1c impresses with high-quality workmanship and a timeless design that perfectly integrates into modern high-end systems.

Technical Specifications:

• Product type: Network streamer / DAC / Preamplifier

• Digital outputs:

* Optical (Toslink)
* Coaxial (S/PDIF)
* AES/EBU
* I²S-LVDS
* USB-DAC

• Digital output (Optical / Coaxial / AES/EBU):

* PCM: 16–24 bit / 44.1–192 kHz
* DSD: DSD64 / DSD64 (DoP)

• I²S-LVDS:

* PCM: 16–32 bit / 44.1–768 kHz
* DSD: DSD64 to DSD512

• USB-DAC output:

* Maximum PCM 32 bit / 768 kHz
* Maximum DSD512 (24.58 MHz)
* Low-noise power supply: 5 V / 1 A

• Analog outputs:

* XLR (balanced)
* RCA (unbalanced)

• XLR output:

* Output impedance: 20 Ω
* Output level: 4.5 Vrms (fixed) / 0–4.5 Vrms (variable)
* Signal-to-noise ratio: >126 dB (A-weighted)
* THD+N: <0.02% @ 1 kHz
* Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.1 dB
* Channel crosstalk: >-130 dB

• RCA output:

* Output impedance: 20 Ω
* Output level: 2.25 Vrms (fixed) / 0–2.25 Vrms (variable)
* Signal-to-noise ratio: >123 dB (A-weighted)
* THD+N: <0.02% @ 1 kHz
* Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.3 dB
* Channel crosstalk: >-130 dB

• Network:

* Gigabit LAN (10/100/1000 Mbit/s)
* Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz

• USB:

* USB 3.0
* Power supply: max. 5 V / 1 A
* Supported file systems: FAT, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS

• Controller app:

* MA Remote App (iOS & Android)

• Supported audio formats:

* MP3
* WMA
* WAV
* AIF
* AIFC
* AIFF
* AAC
* FLAC
* OGG
* APE
* ALAC
* M4A
* DSF
* DFF
* CUE
* ISO

• Local playback:

* PCM up to 32 bit / 768 kHz
* DSD up to DSD512

• Streaming services:

* Roon Ready
* Apple Music
* AirPlay 2
* DLNA / UPnP
* TIDAL Connect
* Qobuz Connect
* Spotify Connect
* QQ Music
* vTuner Internet Radio
* Radio Paradise

• Trigger:

* Trigger In: DC 6–12 V (<10 mA)
* Trigger Out: DC 12 V / 50 mA

• Storage expansion:

* M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD
* Formats: 2230 / 2242 / 2280
* PCIe 3.0 / 4.0 / 5.0 compatible
* Maximum power consumption: 3.3 V / 3 A

• Mains voltage:

* AC 100–120 V, 50/60 Hz
* AC 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz (factory set)

• Standby power consumption:

* <5 W

• Maximum power consumption:

* <50 W

• Dimensions:

* Width: 430 mm
* Depth: 315 mm
* Height: 96 mm

• Weight:

* 6.5 kg

• Included in the box:

* Matrix Audio MS-1c
* Power cable
* IR remote control
* User manual / documentation

Herstellerangaben:

Matrix Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
Room 206, Block B, No. 58 Mingguang Road, Xi'an
710016 , Shaanxi
China
www.matrix-digi.com

Verantwortliche Person:

Drei H Vertriebs GmbH
8 Stormsweg
22085 , Hamburg
Germany
info@3-h.de