Matrix Audio NT-1 Digital Audio Transport

Matrix Audio NT-1 Digital Audio Transport

High-End Network Streaming Transport For Precision Digital Audio Systems

The Matrix Audio NT-1 is a high-end digital audio transport designed for audiophiles who want to build a dedicated, uncompromising digital source around a separate DAC or digital amplifier. It combines Matrix Audio's MA Player streaming platform, precision clock architecture, extensive digital outputs and a fully linear power supply in a purpose-built transport.

Unlike an integrated streamer/DAC, the NT-1 focuses on delivering a clean, precisely timed digital signal to the downstream DAC. It supports network streaming, local music libraries, USB storage, internal NVMe SSD expansion and a wide range of digital output formats, making it a strong foundation for high-end two-channel systems.

Key Features

• Dedicated Digital Audio Transport – Designed to work with an external DAC or digital-capable amplifier without incorporating its own analogue audio output stage.

• MA Player Hi-Fi Streaming Platform – Provides access to local and network music libraries through the Matrix Audio MA Remote App.

• Roon Ready & Major Streaming Platforms – Supports Roon Ready, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, QQMusic, vTuner and Radio Paradise.

• Multiple Digital Outputs – Coaxial, optical, AES/EBU and IIS-LVDS outputs provide flexible connection to external DACs and digital audio equipment.

• Ultra-High-Resolution IIS-LVDS – Supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to 24.58MHz through IIS-LVDS.

• Dedicated USB DAC Interface – Electrically isolated USB DAC connectivity with a low-noise 5V/1A power supply.

• Dual-Mode Precision Clock – Internal femtosecond clock architecture can also accept an external 10MHz reference clock.

• 60W Toroidal Linear Power Supply – Independent transformer windings and multiple LDO regulation stages are used to supply the digital core and USB DAC interface.

• NVMe SSD Expansion – Internal M.2 NVMe storage allows the NT-1 to host an expanded local music library.

• Flexible Network Connectivity – Gigabit LAN and SFP interfaces provide options for conventional Ethernet or optical networking.

Precision Digital Transport Architecture

The NT-1 has been designed around the principle that the quality and stability of the digital transport can have an important role in a high-resolution audio system.

Its architecture provides multiple digital output options, allowing the NT-1 to act as the dedicated digital front end for a wide range of external DACs. Coaxial, optical and AES/EBU outputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz, while the IIS-LVDS interface extends support to PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to 24.58MHz.

Advanced Dual-Mode Clock System

Matrix Audio equips the NT-1 with a precision dual-mode clock system derived from its higher-end digital architecture.

In internal clock mode, the femtosecond oscillator provides the reference for an ultra-low-phase-noise RF synthesizer. The NT-1 can also accept a 10MHz external reference clock, allowing it to synchronise its digital audio timing with an external clock source such as Matrix Audio's SC-1.

This flexibility makes the NT-1 particularly suitable for high-end systems where clock architecture and digital-source optimisation are important considerations.

Clean Usb Dac Transmission

The NT-1 includes a dedicated USB DAC interface designed specifically for connection to an external USB DAC.

The interface incorporates electrical isolation between the USB ground and the device ground, while its power is supplied through an independent transformer winding and low-noise regulation circuitry. This approach is intended to reduce unwanted noise and interference during USB audio transmission.

The USB DAC interface supports connected DAC capabilities up to PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD 24.58MHz.

Complete Network Music Platform

The NT-1 combines its transport architecture with Matrix Audio's MA Player operating system, giving it the functionality of a sophisticated network music source.

Users can access music stored on network-attached storage, USB drives and internal SSD storage, while supported streaming services include Roon Ready, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2. DLNA/UPnP and several internet radio platforms are also supported.

The system is controlled through the MA Remote App on compatible mobile devices.

Internal Storage & Music Library

An internal M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD slot allows additional storage to be installed inside the NT-1.

The device can manage locally stored music and can also expose its storage over the network using SMB, allowing computers on the same network to manage the music library. The NT-1 can also function as a network storage source for compatible streamers.

Two USB 3.0 ports provide additional storage connectivity and support FAT, FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems.

Flexible Network & System Integration

The NT-1 provides both Gigabit Ethernet and SFP network connectivity. The SFP interface allows users to select an appropriate optical or electrical module depending on their network architecture.

For high-end installations, optical network connectivity can provide electrical isolation between the NT-1 and other network equipment, while trigger input and output connections allow the transport to integrate with compatible DACs, amplifiers and system-control equipment.

Features

• Dedicated high-end digital audio transport.

• MA Player Hi-Fi streaming platform.

• MA Remote App control.

• Roon Ready.

• Qobuz Connect.

• TIDAL Connect.

• Spotify Connect.

• AirPlay 2.

• DLNA/UPnP.

• QQMusic.

• vTuner.

• Radio Paradise.

• Coaxial, optical and AES/EBU digital outputs.

• IIS-LVDS digital output.

• USB DAC interface with electrical isolation.

• Dual-mode precision clock architecture.

• 10MHz external clock input.

• Gigabit LAN and SFP network interfaces.

• Dual USB 3.0 ports.

• M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD expansion.

• SMB network music-library management.

• Trigger input and output.

• 60W toroidal linear power supply.

Specifications

• Model: NT-1

• Product Type: Digital Audio Transport

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

• Coaxial / Optical / AES/EBU: PCM 16–24-bit / 44.1–192kHz; DSD 2.8MHz via DoP

• IIS-LVDS: PCM 16–32-bit / 44.1–768kHz; DSD up to 24.58MHz

• USB DAC: Up to PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD 24.58MHz, depending on connected DAC

• USB DAC Power: 5V/1A maximum, low-noise supply

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

• USB: 2 × USB 3.0

• Supported USB File Systems: FAT, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS

• External Clock Input: 10MHz / 50Ω / sine or square wave

• Storage Expansion: 1 × M.2 2242/2260/2280 NVMe PCIe SSD

• Trigger Input: DC 6–12V / <10mA

• Trigger Output: DC 12V / 50mA maximum

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

• Maximum Power Consumption: <50W

• Standby Power Consumption: <5W

• Dimensions: 330 × 267 × 97mm (W × D × H)

• Weight: 4.6kg

In The Box

• Matrix Audio NT-1 Digital Audio Transport

• Power Cable

• Printed Materials

Why Buy From Soundtrails

The Matrix Audio NT-1 is an ideal choice for listeners who want to build a serious digital front end around a dedicated DAC and amplifier rather than relying on an all-in-one source component.

At SoundTrails, our Audio Video Architects can help match the NT-1 with the right DAC, amplifier, network architecture and loudspeakers for your system. Whether you're building a high-end two-channel listening room or a carefully integrated digital music system, we focus on correct component matching, installation and long-term system performance using genuine products and professional integration.