Matrix Audio MP-1 Preamplifier

Flagship Class A Preamplifier For High-End Stereo & Reference Audio Systems

The Matrix Audio MP-1 is a flagship Class A preamplifier designed for high-performance audio systems where transparency, control, low noise and musical refinement are essential. As part of Matrix Audio's flagship M Series, the MP-1 is engineered to work alongside the MS-1 music streamer and MA-1 power amplifier as the central control stage of a premium stereo system.

Its fully differential transistor input stage, high-bias pure Class A output stage and carefully engineered power supply architecture are designed to preserve musical detail while delivering a warm, refined and highly controlled presentation.

Key Features

• Flagship Class A Preamplifier – Matrix Audio's first Class A preamplifier, developed as part of the flagship M Series.

• Fully Differential Transistor Input Stage – Designed for extremely low noise and excellent linearity.

• Pure Class A Output Stage – High-bias-current operation eliminates crossover distortion.

• Four Independent Fully Balanced Amplification Units – Two amplification units per channel handle the in-phase and inverted signals independently.

• 3 Pairs of XLR & 3 Pairs of RCA Inputs – Provides extensive connectivity for multiple high-end analogue sources.

• 2 Pairs of XLR & 1 Pair of RCA Outputs – Flexible output architecture for multiple power amplifiers and advanced system configurations.

• Precision Resistor-Array Volume Control – Uses 64 precision resistors and 32 sealed reed relays for accurate, consistent volume control.

• Independent Input Level Compensation – Each input can be individually adjusted to maintain consistent signal levels when switching sources.

• Dual Independent Power Supply Architecture – Two dedicated 60W square-copper-wire toroidal transformers separately supply the left and right channel circuits.

• MUNDORF M-Lytic AG Filter Capacitors – Selected for the power supply filtering stage.

• H-Shaped CNC Aluminium Chassis Structure – A rigid 20mm CNC-machined aluminium support structure forms the core of the M Series chassis architecture.

Pure Class A Musical Refinement

The MP-1's output stage operates in pure Class A with a high bias current, avoiding crossover distortion and providing a smooth, continuous amplification characteristic. The fully differential transistor input stage is designed for low noise and high linearity, while the low-noise power supply operates at up to 60V to support a wide dynamic range.

A DC servo circuit keeps output midpoint offset within 1mV, while the absence of output coupling capacitors allows a flatter frequency response and a direct signal path.

Fully Balanced Signal Architecture

The MP-1's main amplification section consists of four independent fully balanced amplification units. Each channel uses two amplification units to amplify the in-phase and inverted signals.

Even when using the RCA inputs, the single-ended signal is converted into a bipolar signal before amplification. This architecture is designed to suppress common-mode noise and improve dynamic performance throughout the signal path.

Extensive Analogue Connectivity

With three pairs of balanced XLR inputs and three pairs of RCA inputs, the MP-1 can accommodate a wide range of analogue sources in a sophisticated stereo system.

Each input can have its own level attenuation and compensation settings, helping maintain consistent signal amplitude when switching between different sources. This is particularly useful in systems incorporating multiple source components with different output levels.

Flexible Output Configuration

The MP-1 provides two pairs of XLR outputs and one pair of RCA outputs. Outputs can operate simultaneously or independently, with individual volume adjustment available when using separate outputs.

This makes the MP-1 suitable for advanced systems using multiple power amplifiers. With both XLR outputs active, the preamplifier can feed up to four power amplifiers for sophisticated bi-amping configurations, allowing separate amplification of the high/mid and low-frequency sections of compatible loudspeakers.

Precision Resistor-Array Volume Control

Rather than relying on a conventional potentiometer, the MP-1 uses a precision voltage-divider volume control based on resistor arrays.

Four high-quality volume-control units incorporate 64 precision resistors with 0.001 accuracy and 32 fully sealed reed relays. Controlled rapidly by the internal MCU, this architecture is designed to minimise the effect of the volume-control circuit on sound quality while maintaining excellent left/right channel consistency.

The sealed reed relays also keep mechanical switching noise extremely low during continuous volume adjustment.

Dual Independent Power Supply

The MP-1 uses two dedicated 60W square-copper-wire toroidal transformers, providing separate power to the left and right channel volume-control and main amplification circuits.

The square-conductor transformer design provides a larger conductor surface area, higher current capability and lower resistance compared with conventional circular-conductor toroidal transformers. The power supply is complemented by MUNDORF M-Lytic AG series filter capacitors.

Engineered H-Shaped Chassis

At the heart of the MP-1's mechanical design is Matrix Audio's H-shaped structural architecture. A 20mm CNC-machined aluminium plate forms the central support structure, with components mounted around the main beam.

The internal layout creates multiple isolated cavities for different circuit modules, helping reduce interference between sections. The left and right channel circuits are arranged symmetrically, combining functional engineering with the distinctive visual language of the Matrix M Series.

Refined Matrix Design

The MP-1 introduces Matrix Audio's new M Series design language, combining a minimalist geometric chassis with hundreds of circular perforations arranged in varying sizes and depths.

Each component undergoes multiple CNC machining and surface-treatment processes to create the refined matte finish and precise tactile character expected from a flagship Matrix Audio component.

Warm & Delicate Sound

The MP-1 is designed to deliver a warm and delicate presentation while maintaining powerful low-frequency performance and high-frequency detail. Its Class A architecture, fully balanced amplification stages and carefully engineered power supply are intended to provide both musical richness and precise control.

Whether reproducing intimate chamber music or the scale of a full symphony orchestra, the MP-1 is engineered as the central analogue control stage of a serious reference-level audio system.

Features

• Flagship Class A preamplifier.

• Fully differential transistor input stage.

• Pure Class A high-bias output stage.

• Four independent fully balanced amplification units.

• 3 pairs of balanced XLR analogue inputs.

• 3 pairs of RCA analogue inputs.

• 2 pairs of balanced XLR analogue outputs.

• 1 pair of RCA analogue outputs.

• Independent input level attenuation and compensation.

• Independent output volume adjustment when using separate outputs.

• Precision resistor-array volume control.

• 64 precision resistors and 32 sealed reed relays.

• 100-step volume control.

• +12dB gain.

• Dual 60W square-copper-wire toroidal transformers.

• MUNDORF M-Lytic AG filter capacitors.

• DC servo output circuit.

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

• 20mm CNC-machined aluminium H-shaped chassis structure.

• RM4C remote control.

Specifications

• Model: MP-1

• Type: Class A Preamplifier

• XLR Input Impedance: 40kΩ

• RCA Input Impedance: 20kΩ

• XLR Output Impedance: 40Ω

• RCA Output Impedance: 20Ω

• XLR Maximum Input Level: 9V RMS

• XLR Maximum Output Level: 36V RMS

• RCA Maximum Input Level: 4.5V RMS

• RCA Maximum Output Level: 18V RMS

• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz ±0.1dB; 250kHz @ -3dB

• XLR Output Dynamic Range: 129dB A-weighted / 125dB unweighted

• RCA Output Dynamic Range: 125dB A-weighted / 120dB unweighted

• XLR Output THD+N: <0.00015% A-weighted / <0.00020% unweighted

• RCA Output THD+N: <0.00040% A-weighted / <0.00040% unweighted

• XLR Crosstalk: -140dB

• RCA Crosstalk: -130dB

• Gain: +12dB

• Volume Steps: 100

• Trigger Input: DC 6–12V, <10mA

• Trigger Output: DC 12V / 50mA maximum

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

• Standby Power Consumption: <1W

• Maximum Power Consumption: <70W

• Dimensions: 430 × 349 × 106mm (W × D × H)

• Weight: 15.7kg

In The Box

• Matrix Audio MP-1 Preamplifier

• RM4C Remote Control

• Power Cable

• Trigger Cable

• User Manual

• Warranty Card

Why Buy From Soundtrails

A flagship preamplifier is the control centre of a high-end audio system, and its performance depends heavily on correct system matching with the source components, power amplifiers and loudspeakers.

At SoundTrails, our Audio Video Architects can help you build and integrate a complete Matrix Audio system around the MP-1, including source components, amplification and loudspeaker matching. From product selection and system design to professional installation and after-sales support, we focus on delivering a carefully engineered listening experience rather than simply supplying individual components.