
Description
The source device is the soul of an audio system. Hardwares contributes as the body of MS-1, while software is the soul. We not only prioritize audio quality but also focus on the user experience. We simplify the human-maschine interaction and emphosize music info display on the device screen. We insist on allowing you to comfortably control your entire audio system from your listening position, picking up your phone or tablet to operate it through the MA Remote App, rather than frequently getting up to touch the device. Even from the basic functions like volume change, track selection and playback to configurations such as filters, operating modes and display brightness, everything can be done on the app. This is all supported by our meticulously developed MA Player software system.
The MA Player is a streamlined and optimized software system based on Linux. It is specially designed for Hi-Fi audio playback. It is exclusively available for Matrix Audio's products. Today, MA Player has evolved to a new level, not only enhancing its playback performance but also introducing numerous new features, improving the interactive experience. When paired with MA 4.0 Remote App, the MS-1 will be more powerful. MA Remote App is the core tool for controlling the device, it is available for both Android and iOS platforms.
The new MS-1 features built-in asynchronous upsampling and DSD conversion engine process all the audio data in digital stage. With asynchronous resampling and interpolation operations, jitters will be isolated and details will be improved. The DSD converter transforms all playing audio into DSD, enhancing sound density. The processing engine features adjustable PCM or DSD conversion configurations, allowing you to experience the sound differences under different settings.
The MS-1 features dual AK4191 and AK4499 flagship D/A chipsets. Each chipset operates in parallel in mono mode, with the left and right channel PCB assemblies mounted separately on either side of the device, creating a completely dual mono design. This setup aims for precise signal reproduction and outstanding dynamic range, allowing you to catch every micro detail of sound and deeply restore the essence of music.
The new MS-1 includes two pairs of line inputs and one pair of phono input. With XLR and RCA line inputs allowing you to integrate any device with analog output into the digital audio system. The built-in phono preamplifier supports both MM and MC modes, enabling direct connection to a vinyl turntable. All analog audio inputs are converted to digital audio through high-precision ADC, aggregated into the digital processing unit and applied PCM filters. These signals are also allowed to output from the IIS-LVDS port.
Clocks are the cornerstone of digital audio systems. Unlike previous Matrix Audio products, the MS-1 is equipped with a high-performance DPLL clock synthesis circuit. The ultra-low phase noise reference clock works with the DPLL circuit generates a clock signal with jitter as low as 45fs in real-time, providing a reference for the entire digital audio circuitry. If you have a higher-precision 10MHz external clock, you can connect it to the clock input port to enhance the performance of the internal audio clock.
The MS-1 features customized high-power toroidal transformers with square copper wire for the digital and analog sections of MS-1. Compared to traditional toroidal transformers with circular cross-section wire, square copper wire has a larger conductor surface, higher current capacity, and lower resistance, resulting in better transient response and richer low frequencies. Paired with the M-Lytic AG series filter capacitors from MUNDORF, it adds a silky smoothness and mellow to the sound. Dozens of low-noise LDOs and ultra-low-noise LDOs provide ample power supply to each circuit unit, even including the SSD, pursuing excellence at every stage.
MS-1 PRE:
The MS-1 Pre features an integrated preamplifier that utilizes voltage-divider volume control via a resistor array. It employs four high-quality volume control units, each composed of 64 precision resistors with 0.001 accuracy and 32 fully sealed reed relays, rapidly switched by the MCU. This control method minimizes any impact on sound quality while ensuring excellent consistency between the two channels. The operation noise of the reed relays is virtually inaudible, even when adjusting the volume continuously.
Specifications:
| Weight | 14.6kg (32.2 pounds) |
| Width | 430 mm (16.93 inches) |
| Depth | 353 mm (13.90 inches) |
| Height | 106 mm (4.17 inches) |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Digital Input - COAXIAL & OPTICAL | PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz DSD 2.8MHz (DoP) |
| Digital Input - IIS LVDS | PCM 16-32Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP) DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (Native) |
| Digital Input - USB Audio | PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz MQA 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP) DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (Native) |
| Digital Output - IIS LVDS | PCM 16-32Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP) DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (Native) |
| External Clock Input | 10MHz / 50ohms |
| Storage Extension | M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe SSD slot x 1 |
| Trigger Input | DC 6-12V <10mA |
| Trigger Output | DC 12V/50mA MAX |
| Audio Specifications | |
| Aux Input - XLR | Input Impedance: 40kΩ SNR: 118dB A-weighting THD+N: <0.00026%@1k, <0.00030%@20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.3 -3dB@46kHz Crosstalk: >-135dB Input Level: 4.9VRMS Maximum |
| Aux Input - RCA | Input Impedance: 20kΩ SNR: 110dB A-weighting THD+N: <0.00060%@1k, <0.00100%@20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.3 -3dB@46kHz Crosstalk: >-125dB Input Level: 2.35VRMS Maximum |
| Aux Input - Phono (MM Mode) | Input Impedance: 47kΩ/100pF GAIN: +45dB |
| Aux Input - Phono (MC Mode) | Input Impedance: 100Ω GAIN: +65dB |
| Line Output - XLR | Output Impedance: 20Ω Output Level: 5VRMS Fixed SNR: 131dB A-weighting THD+N: <0.000068%@1k, <0.000075%@20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.05 -3dB@85kHz Crosstalk: >-150dB |
| Pre Output - XLR | Output Impedance: 40Ω Output Level: 0~16VRMS Adjustable GAIN: +10dB SNR: 131dB A-weighting THD+N: <0.000068%@1k, <0.000075%@20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.05 -3dB@85kHz Crosstalk: >-150dB |
| Pre Output - RCA | Output Impedance: 16Ω Output Level: 0~8VRMS Adjustable GAIN: +10dB SNR: 127dB A-weighting THD+N: <0.000076%@1k, <0.000085%@20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.08 -3dB@83kHz Channel Crosstalk: >-139dB |
| Connectivity Specifications | |
| Network - LAN | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Network - SFP | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| USB Ports | USB 3.0 x2 Maximum power: 5V/1.5A Compatible with USB mass storage standard Supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file formats |
| Streaming & Playback Specifications | |
| Controller App | MA Remote App |
| Supported Formats | MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE |
| Local Playback - PCM | 16-24Bit/44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz |
| Local Playback - MQA | 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream |
| Local Playback - DSD | 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, vTuner, Radio Paradise Audio specs depend on the service provider |
| Power Specifications | |
| Power Voltage | AC 100V-120V 50/60Hz or AC 220V-240V 50/60Hz (Factory fixed) |
| Standby Power Consumption | <5W |
| Maximum Power Consumption | <60W |