Matrix Audio Ms-1 Music Streamer

Matrix Audio Ms-1 Music Streamer

Flagship Music Streamer, Dac & Digital Audio Hub

The Matrix Audio MS-1 is a flagship music streamer designed for high-end two-channel audio systems where digital playback, analogue source integration and system flexibility are equally important.

Part of Matrix Audio's flagship M Series, the MS-1 combines a high-performance network music platform with an advanced DAC, analogue and phono inputs, digital inputs, balanced outputs, extensive digital processing and a built-in preamplifier. It can function as the central digital source of a sophisticated Hi-Fi system or as a high-end streamer/DAC feeding a separate preamplifier or power amplifier.

Key Features

• Flagship Matrix Audio Music Streamer – Designed as the digital heart of a reference-quality two-channel system.

• Dual-Mono DAC Architecture – Uses dual AK4191 and AK4499 DAC chipsets, with independent left and right channel circuit assemblies for precise stereo reproduction.

• High-Resolution Digital Playback – Supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD playback up to DSD1024 through IIS-LVDS.

• Built-In Preamplifier – Provides variable XLR and RCA pre outputs, allowing direct connection to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers.

• MM & MC Phono Input – Integrates a turntable directly into the MS-1 through its built-in phono stage.

• Balanced & Single-Ended Analogue Inputs – XLR and RCA inputs allow external analogue sources to become part of the digital audio system.

• Extensive Digital Inputs – USB Audio, optical, coaxial and IIS-LVDS inputs allow connection of computers, CD transports and other digital sources.

• IIS-LVDS Digital Output – Allows the MS-1 to operate as a high-resolution digital transport with a compatible external DAC.

• MA Player Platform – Matrix Audio's dedicated Linux-based music playback platform.

• MA Remote App – Provides control over playback, music libraries, streaming services and hardware settings from compatible mobile devices.

• Network Streaming – Supports Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and additional internet-radio services.

• Internal NVMe SSD Expansion – Includes an M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe SSD slot for internal music storage.

• 10 MHz External Clock Input – Allows integration with an external precision clock.

• Dual Toroidal Linear Power Supply – Separate high-power toroidal transformers serve the digital and analogue sections.

Designed As The Heart Of A High-End System

Matrix Audio describes the MS-1 as its flagship music streamer and as part of the M Series system alongside the MP-1 preamplifier and MA-1 power amplifier. Its role extends well beyond network streaming: it is designed to bring streaming, local music, digital sources, analogue sources and vinyl into one sophisticated digital audio platform.

For a high-end stereo installation, this allows the MS-1 to become the central source component while retaining the flexibility to expand or change the rest of the system around it.

Dual-Mono Dac Architecture

The MS-1 uses Matrix Audio's dual-DAC architecture based on AKM's AK4191 and AK4499 chipsets. The DAC sections operate in mono mode, while the left and right channel PCB assemblies are physically separated within the chassis.

This architecture is designed to support precise channel separation, dynamic range and accurate stereo reproduction, giving the MS-1 the technical foundation expected from a flagship digital source.

High-Resolution Digital Processing

The MS-1 incorporates asynchronous PCM resampling and DSD conversion directly within its digital processing architecture.

Users can configure PCM and DSD processing modes through the system software, allowing different digital-processing approaches to be selected according to system requirements and listening preferences.

The MS-1 can handle extremely high-resolution signals, with IIS-LVDS supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD up to DSD1024.

Streaming & Ma Player

The MS-1 runs Matrix Audio's MA Player platform, a Linux-based music playback system developed specifically for the company's audio products.

The MA Remote App provides control from compatible smartphones and tablets, including music browsing, playback, streaming services, hardware configuration, filters, operating modes and display settings.

The platform supports Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, vTuner and Radio Paradise. Matrix Audio has also added Spotify Lossless support to the MS-1 through a firmware update released in December 2025.

Analogue & Phono Integration

One of the MS-1's major strengths is its ability to integrate conventional analogue sources into the same digital processing environment.

It provides two pairs of line-level inputs, including XLR and RCA connectivity, together with a dedicated phono input supporting both MM and MC cartridges. Analogue signals are converted through high-precision ADC circuitry before entering the digital processing section.

This makes the MS-1 particularly interesting for systems where streaming, digital sources and vinyl need to coexist without requiring multiple separate source components.

High-End Digital Connectivity

The MS-1 can also operate as a high-end DAC for external digital sources.

USB Audio, optical, coaxial and IIS-LVDS digital inputs allow connection of computers, CD transports, set-top boxes, game consoles and other digital equipment. Its IIS-LVDS output additionally allows processed audio to be sent to a compatible external DAC.

Preamplifier & Balanced Outputs

The MS-1 incorporates a built-in preamplifier with precision resistor-array volume control.

Its variable XLR output can provide up to 16 VRMS, while the RCA pre output provides up to 8 VRMS. A fixed-level XLR line output can also be used simultaneously with the pre output for recording or monitoring equipment.

This means the MS-1 can be connected directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, potentially eliminating the need for a separate analogue preamplifier.

Network & Storage

The MS-1 provides both Gigabit Ethernet and SFP network connectivity, giving installers flexibility when designing high-end network audio systems.

For local music storage, the unit includes an M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe SSD slot. Music stored on the internal SSD can be managed through the Matrix Audio software environment. Two USB 3.0 ports are also provided for compatible external storage devices.

Precision Power Supply

Matrix Audio uses two high-power toroidal transformers with separate digital and analogue power sections.

The transformers use square copper wire, while MUNDORF M-Lytic AG series capacitors and multiple low-noise LDO regulators are used throughout the power architecture. The design is intended to provide stable, low-noise power to the MS-1's digital, analogue and storage-related circuits.

Features

• Flagship Matrix Audio music streamer.

• Dual AK4191 and AK4499 DAC architecture.

• Independent left/right channel DAC circuit design.

• Built-in preamplifier.

• XLR and RCA variable pre outputs.

• Fixed XLR line output.

• XLR and RCA analogue inputs.

• Built-in MM/MC phono stage.

• USB Audio input.

• Optical and coaxial digital inputs.

• IIS-LVDS digital input and output.

• PCM support up to 32-bit/768 kHz.

• Native DSD support up to DSD1024 through IIS-LVDS.

• PCM resampling and DSD conversion.

• Roon Ready.

• AirPlay 2.

• TIDAL Connect.

• Qobuz Connect.

• Spotify Connect.

• DLNA/UPnP.

• MA Player.

• MA Remote App.

• Gigabit Ethernet.

• SFP network connection.

• Two USB 3.0 ports.

• M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe SSD expansion.

• 10 MHz external clock input.

• Trigger input and output.

• Dual toroidal power supply architecture.

Specifications

• Model: MS-1

• Type: Flagship Music Streamer / DAC / Preamplifier

• DAC: Dual AK4191 + AK4499 architecture

• Digital Input: USB Audio, Optical, Coaxial, IIS-LVDS

• Digital Output: IIS-LVDS

• Network: 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN, 10/100/1000 Mbps SFP

• PCM: Up to 32-bit / 768 kHz

• Native DSD: Up to DSD1024 via IIS-LVDS

• Analogue Inputs: XLR, RCA

• Phono Input: MM / MC

• Fixed Line Output: XLR

• Pre Output: XLR / RCA

• Maximum XLR Pre Output: 16 VRMS

• Maximum RCA Pre Output: 8 VRMS

• External Clock: 10 MHz / 50 Ω

• USB: 2 × USB 3.0

• Storage: M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe SSD slot

• Trigger: Trigger In / Trigger Out

• Standby Consumption: <5 W

• Maximum Consumption: <60 W

• Dimensions: 430 × 353 × 106 mm

• Weight: 14.6 kg

In The Box

• Matrix Audio MS-1 Music Streamer

• RM4B Remote Control

• Power Cable

• User Manual

• Warranty Card

Why Buy From Soundtrails

Choosing a flagship music streamer is about more than selecting a component with impressive specifications. Network architecture, amplifier matching, DAC configuration, analogue sources, speaker requirements and room acoustics all influence the final performance of a high-end music system.

At SoundTrails, our Audio Video Architects help you design complete Hi-Fi and home audio systems around your listening preferences and space. From source selection and network audio configuration to amplifier and speaker matching, professional installation and after-sales support, we focus on creating complete systems that deliver exceptional long-term musical performance.