Matrix Audio MS-1C Music Streamer & Transport

Matrix Audio MS-1C Music Streamer & Transport

The Matrix Audio MS-1c is a premium digital music source from Matrix Audio's flagship M Series, designed for audiophiles who want the flexibility of both a high-performance built-in DAC and connection to an external DAC.

Powered by Matrix Audio's Linux-based MA Player Hi-Fi Streamer OS, the MS-1c combines high-resolution music streaming, local library playback, digital transport functionality and balanced analogue output in a refined full-width chassis. It is equally suited to a minimalist system with active speakers or a more ambitious separates system using an external DAC.

Key Features

• Premium Music Streamer & Digital Source – Designed as a high-quality source for modern two-channel Hi-Fi systems.

• Flagship AKM DAC Architecture – Uses AK4191 and AK4499EX DAC technology for high-resolution digital-to-analogue conversion.

• Lundahl Precision Audio Transformers – The analogue stage uses Swedish LUNDAHL transformers for signal coupling, contributing to Matrix Audio's warm and musical presentation.

• PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz – Supports extremely high-resolution PCM playback.

• DSD up to 24.58 MHz – Supports DSD1024-class resolution through compatible digital paths.

• Dual Femtosecond Clock Architecture – Separate precision clocks are used for 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz-based sampling rates.

• Multiple Digital Outputs – Optical, coaxial and AES/EBU outputs provide compatibility with conventional external DACs.

• IIS-LVDS Output – Provides high-bandwidth differential digital transmission for compatible high-performance DACs.

• USB DAC Output – Allows connection to an external USB DAC with support up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD up to 24.58 MHz.

• Balanced & Single-Ended Analogue Outputs – Provides both XLR and RCA analogue outputs from the integrated DAC.

• Adjustable Output Level – Two output-level settings allow better matching with power amplifiers and active speakers.

• Digital Volume Control – 100-step digital attenuation enables direct connection to suitable power amplifiers or active loudspeakers.

• Wi-Fi 6 & Gigabit Ethernet – Flexible network connectivity for high-resolution streaming.

• Internal NVMe SSD Expansion – M.2 NVMe storage can be installed for local music libraries.

• CD Ripping & Playback – An external USB CD drive can be used for CD playback and ripping.

• NAS Functionality – Internal music storage can be accessed over the network and used to serve music to other compatible streamers.

A Complete Digital Source

The MS-1c is designed to accommodate different system architectures rather than forcing the listener into a single configuration.

Its integrated DAC and XLR/RCA analogue outputs allow it to connect directly to a power amplifier or active speakers, while its extensive digital outputs allow it to function as a high-quality transport feeding an external DAC.

This makes the MS-1c particularly attractive for listeners who want to begin with a simple high-quality digital system while retaining a clear upgrade path.

High-Performance Dac Architecture

At the heart of the MS-1c is Matrix Audio's AKM VELVETSOUND-based conversion architecture using the AK4191 and AK4499EX.

The DAC section supports PCM resolutions up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to 1-bit/24.58 MHz, with Matrix Audio specifying a dynamic range of up to 125 dB.

The analogue output stage incorporates LUNDAHL precision audio transformers, giving the MS-1c a design philosophy that combines high-resolution digital performance with a more natural, analogue-inspired presentation.

Precision Clocking

The MS-1c employs two dedicated femtosecond clocks, with separate references for 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz-based sampling frequencies.

Combined with a high-speed FPGA and jitter-reduction processing, the architecture is designed to improve timing accuracy and minimise phase noise during digital signal reconstruction.

Digital Transport Flexibility

The MS-1c offers an unusually comprehensive selection of digital outputs for a music streamer.

Optical, coaxial and AES/EBU outputs support traditional external DACs, while the IIS-LVDS connection provides a higher-bandwidth differential digital interface for compatible high-performance DACs.

Its USB DAC output provides another route to an external DAC, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to 24.58 MHz.

Streaming & Ma Player

Matrix Audio's MA Player Hi-Fi Streamer OS provides the software foundation of the MS-1c.

The MA Remote App, available for iOS, iPadOS and Android, provides control of playback, libraries and system settings.

Streaming compatibility includes Apple Music, TIDAL, Qobuz and other high-resolution services, together with Roon Ready, Audirvāna, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA and NAA.

Local Music Libraries & Storage

The MS-1c can build a local music library from an internal NVMe SSD, USB storage or NAS.

Its M.2 NVMe expansion slot accepts compatible PCIe SSDs, while the internal storage can be accessed over the local network. Matrix Audio also allows the MS-1c to function as a NAS for serving stored music to other compatible streamers.

The platform can additionally access music directly from Dropbox, providing another option for managing large personal music collections.

Cd Ripping & Playback

Connecting a compatible external USB CD drive allows the MS-1c to play CDs and rip them into digital files.

This combines the convenience of physical CD playback with the organisational advantages of a network-based music library, allowing music to be archived and subsequently accessed through the MS-1c's streaming platform.

Network Connectivity

The MS-1c supports both Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6.

Wired Ethernet is particularly suited to installations where maximum network stability is required for high-resolution PCM and DSD playback, while Wi-Fi 6 provides a convenient alternative where network cabling is impractical.

Analogue Outputs

The integrated DAC provides both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs.

The XLR output provides up to 4.5 VRMS, while the RCA output provides up to 2.25 VRMS. Both output levels can be adjusted, allowing the MS-1c to be matched more appropriately with the input sensitivity of power amplifiers or active loudspeakers.

Features

• AK4191 + AK4499EX DAC architecture.

• LUNDAHL precision audio transformers.

• PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz.

• DSD up to 24.58 MHz.

• Dual femtosecond clock architecture.

• FPGA-based digital processing and jitter reduction.

• Optical digital output.

• Coaxial digital output.

• AES/EBU digital output.

• IIS-LVDS digital output.

• USB DAC output.

• XLR balanced analogue output.

• RCA analogue output.

• Adjustable analogue output levels.

• 100-step digital volume control.

• MA Player Hi-Fi Streamer OS.

• MA Remote App.

• Roon Ready.

• Audirvāna.

• TIDAL Connect.

• Qobuz Connect.

• Spotify Connect.

• AirPlay 2.

• UPnP/DLNA.

• NAA.

• Apple Music.

• TIDAL.

• Qobuz.

• Wi-Fi 6.

• Gigabit Ethernet.

• USB 3.0 storage support.

• Internal M.2 NVMe SSD expansion.

• CD ripping and playback with external USB CD drive.

• NAS functionality.

• Trigger input and output.

Specifications

• Model: MS-1c

• Type: Music Streamer / DAC / Digital Transport

• DAC: AK4191 + AK4499EX

• Digital Outputs: Optical, Coaxial, AES/EBU, IIS-LVDS, USB DAC

• Analogue Outputs: XLR / RCA

• XLR Output Level: 4.5 VRMS / adjustable

• RCA Output Level: 2.25 VRMS / adjustable

• XLR Output Impedance: 20 Ω

• RCA Output Impedance: 20 Ω

• XLR SNR: >126 dB A-weighted

• RCA SNR: >123 dB A-weighted

• THD+N: <0.02% @ 1 kHz

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.1 dB; -3 dB @ 83 kHz via XLR

• Network: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet + Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz

• PCM: Up to 32-bit/768 kHz

• DSD: Up to 24.58 MHz

• USB: USB 3.0, maximum 5 V/1 A

• Storage: M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD slot

• Trigger In: DC 6–12 V

• Trigger Out: DC 12 V / 50 mA maximum

• Standby Consumption: <5 W

• Maximum Consumption: <50 W

• Dimensions: 430 × 315 × 96 mm

• Weight: 6.5 kg

In The Box

• Matrix Audio MS-1c Music Streamer

• IR Remote

• Power Cable

• Printed Materials

Why Buy From Soundtrails

Choosing a music streamer at this level is about more than streaming-service compatibility. DAC architecture, network stability, digital transport requirements, amplifier matching and the possibility of future system upgrades all influence the final result.

At SoundTrails, our Audio Video Architects help you build complete Hi-Fi systems around your listening preferences, room and existing equipment. From digital source selection and DAC matching to amplifier and speaker integration, network configuration, installation and after-sales support, we focus on creating systems that deliver exceptional long-term performance.