Matrix Audio MA-1 Power Amplifier

Matrix Audio MA-1 Power Amplifier

Flagship Class Ab Power Amplifier For High-Performance Stereo & High-End Audio Systems

The Matrix Audio MA-1 is a flagship Class AB power amplifier engineered for demanding high-fidelity systems where power, control and musical refinement are equally important. Designed as the power amplification partner for Matrix Audio's M Series, the MA-1 combines substantial current capability with a carefully engineered dual-channel architecture to deliver authoritative, detailed and controlled performance.

With 250W RMS per channel into 8Ω and 450W RMS per channel into 4Ω in Stereo/Mono mode, the MA-1 provides the power required to drive demanding loudspeakers with confidence. For systems requiring even greater output, Bridged mode increases capability to 500W RMS into 8Ω and up to 900W RMS into 4Ω with music signals.

Key Features

• Flagship Class AB Design – Matrix Audio's first Class AB power amplifier, developed as part of the company's flagship M Series.

• 250W RMS × 2 at 8Ω – Delivers substantial stereo power with demanding loudspeakers.

• 450W RMS × 2 at 4Ω – Provides increased current capability for lower-impedance loads.

• Up to 900W RMS Bridged Output – Bridged operation delivers up to 500W at 8Ω and 900W at 4Ω with music signals.

• Stereo, Mono & Bridged Modes – Flexible operating configurations allow the MA-1 to adapt to different high-end system architectures.

• Dual-Mono Power Supply Architecture – Independent transformers for the left and right channels provide a total power supply capacity of 1,250VA.

• 190,000µF Filtering Capacity – Each channel uses 14 parallel-connected 6,800µF capacitors for substantial power-supply filtering.

• 10 High-Power ONSEMI Transistors Per Channel – Parallel push-pull output circuitry is designed to reduce output impedance and provide strong current delivery.

• Selectable Gain – Two gain settings, +24dB and +30dB, allow better matching with different preamplifiers and loudspeakers.

• Intelligent Silent Cooling – Temperature monitoring automatically controls the ultra-quiet 7.4-inch cooling fan when additional cooling is required.

Power & Control For Demanding Loudspeakers

The MA-1 is designed around a high-current Class AB amplification stage. Each channel uses ten high-power ONSEMI transistors in a parallel push-pull configuration, operating with a high bias current to achieve low output impedance and strong current delivery.

In Stereo/Mono mode, the amplifier delivers 250W RMS × 2 into 8Ω and 450W RMS × 2 into 4Ω. Bridged operation increases the available output to 500W RMS into 8Ω and 900W RMS into 4Ω when using music signals, making the MA-1 particularly well suited to high-end loudspeakers that demand substantial amplifier headroom.

Flexible Stereo, Mono & Bridged Operation

The MA-1 can be configured to suit different system requirements.

Stereo Mode provides conventional left and right channel amplification for a high-performance stereo system.

Mono Mode allows the amplifier to be used in configurations where each amplification unit is dedicated to a channel, making it suitable for advanced high-end system configurations.

Bridged Mode combines the amplification capability of two MA-1 units to provide substantially greater output for loudspeakers with demanding power requirements.

Massive Dual-Mono Power Supply

A high-performance power amplifier requires a power supply capable of responding quickly to demanding musical transients. The MA-1 uses independent transformers for its left and right channels, creating a dual-channel power supply architecture with a total capacity of 1,250VA.

Each channel incorporates 14 parallel-connected 6,800µF capacitors. The combined filtering capacity across both channels reaches 190,000µF. Using multiple capacitors in parallel helps reduce equivalent internal resistance and supports high-current output requirements.

Adjustable Gain For System Matching

The MA-1 provides two selectable gain levels: +24dB and +30dB. This allows the amplifier to be better matched with different preamplifiers and loudspeaker combinations, providing greater flexibility when integrating the amplifier into a carefully calibrated high-end system.

Engineered H-Frame Construction

Matrix Audio developed a dedicated H-shaped structural platform for the M Series. The MA-1 uses a 20mm CNC-machined aluminium plate as the core support structure, with internal components mounted around the central frame.

Separate internal cavities help isolate different circuit modules, while the left and right channel circuits are arranged symmetrically. This approach combines mechanical rigidity with thoughtful internal organisation and contributes to the MA-1's distinctive industrial design.

Intelligent & Silent Cooling

Despite its substantial power capability, the MA-1 is designed to manage thermal performance intelligently. Two temperature sensors continuously monitor the main heatsink, while an ultra-quiet 7.4-inch fan automatically adjusts its speed when additional cooling is required.

The isolated airflow path is designed so that electronic components do not sit directly within the airflow channel, helping minimise dust accumulation during long-term operation.

Refined Matrix Audio Design

The MA-1 introduces Matrix Audio's new M Series design language, combining a minimalist exterior with an intricate pattern of circular perforations across the chassis. These varying openings contribute to the amplifier's distinctive appearance while supporting airflow.

A substantial CNC-machined aluminium structure, carefully finished surfaces and symmetrical internal architecture give the MA-1 the physical presence expected from a flagship high-end power amplifier.

Features

• Flagship Class AB power amplifier.

• 250W RMS × 2 at 8Ω in Stereo/Mono mode.

• 450W RMS × 2 at 4Ω in Stereo/Mono mode.

• 500W RMS × 1 at 8Ω in Bridged mode.

• 900W RMS × 1 at 4Ω in Bridged mode with music signal.

• XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced analogue inputs.

• Selectable +24dB / +30dB gain.

• 1,250VA total power supply capacity.

• 190,000µF total filtering capacitance.

• Independent left and right channel transformers.

• Parallel push-pull output stage using 10 high-power transistors per channel.

• Intelligent temperature-controlled cooling fan.

• DC 6–12V trigger input and DC 12V trigger output.

• 42.4kg chassis designed for high-end system installation.

Specifications

• Model: MA-1

• Amplification: Class AB

• XLR Input Impedance: 40kΩ

• RCA Input Impedance: 20kΩ

• Input Sensitivity – Stereo/Mono: 1.48Vrms

• Input Sensitivity – Bridged: 1Vrms

• Output Power – Stereo/Mono: 250W RMS × 2 @ 8Ω

• Output Power – Stereo/Mono: 450W RMS × 2 @ 4Ω

• Output Power – Bridged: 500W RMS × 1 @ 8Ω

• Output Power – Bridged: 900W RMS × 1 @ 4Ω (Music Signal)

• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz (+0, -0.15dB)

• High-Frequency Extension: 160kHz @ -3dB

• SNR: 119dB @ +24dB gain, A-weighting

• SNR: 123dB @ +30dB gain, A-weighting

• THD+N: <0.02% @ 250W / 8Ω in Stereo/Mono mode

• THD+N: <0.06% @ 500W / 8Ω in Bridged mode

• Crosstalk: -125dB

• Gain: +24dB / +30dB

• Speaker Impedance: 2–16Ω in Stereo/Mono mode; 4–16Ω in Bridged mode

• Damping Factor: 350 @ 8Ω / 1kHz

• Trigger Input: DC 6–12V <10mA

• Trigger Output: DC 12V / 50mA maximum

• Power Supply: AC 100–120V or AC 220–240V, 50/60Hz, factory fixed

• Standby Power Consumption: <1W

• Idle Power Consumption: 250–350W

• Maximum Power Consumption: <1250W

• Dimensions: 430 × 518 × 201mm (W × D × H)

• Weight: 42.4kg (93.5lb)

In The Box

• Matrix Audio MA-1 Power Amplifier

• Power Cable

• Trigger Cable

• User Manual

• Warranty Card

Why Buy From Soundtrails

A flagship power amplifier performs at its best when it is correctly matched with the preamplifier, loudspeakers, source components and room. The MA-1 is designed for serious high-end systems where amplifier capability, system matching and installation quality all matter.

At SoundTrails, our Audio Video Architects can help you select and integrate Matrix Audio components with the right loudspeakers, preamplification and source equipment for your listening environment. From system design and product selection to professional installation and after-sales support, we focus on creating complete high-performance audio systems rather than simply supplying individual components.