Matrix Audio MD-1 Music Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Matrix Audio MD-1 Music Streaming Integrated Amplifier

The all-new M Series marks a milestone for Matrix Audio as it advances towards traditional Hi-Fi systems. This series includes the MD-1 streaming amplifier, MS-1 music streamer, the MP-1 preamplifier and the MA-1 power amplifier, forming a complete flagship system of Matrix Audio that presents their deep understanding and love of 2 channel Hi-Fi audio. The M Series is the first line-up to adopt the new "Matrix Design" language, serving as an introduction to the future evolution of Matrix Audio devices.

The MD-1 is a meticulously crafted streaming amplifier by Matrix Audio, innovatively integrating a music streamer and power integrated amplifier into a single device while incorporating a comprehensive streaming ecosystem. With just a single unit and a pair of passive speakers, you can build a high-quality Hi-Fi system, eliminating the complexity of traditional setups and offering a new, convenient solution for seamless home audio experiences.

Key Features:

• Hi-Res Music Streamer + High Quality Amplification in One Device
• 2 x 150 Watts @ 8 Ohms
• AKM AK4493SEQ Premium DAC
• XLR and RCA line inputs
• Dedicated Phono Input (Supports MM cartridges)
• Digital Inputs Including HDMI ARC, Coax, Optical & USB Audio
• Stereo Preouts
• Subwoofer Preout
• Supports Playback of Files up to PCM 768kHz, DSD 24.58MHz, MQA 384kHz
• Supports Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, vTuner etc
• Supports Optional M.2 NVMe SSD Drives & USB Mass-storage
• New "Matrix Design" language
• Silver Finish
• Elegant Industrial Design & Refined Build Quality

User Manual (PDF, 3.25MB)

Matrix Design

The MD-1s industrial design showcases a new concept of simplicity. With hundreds of circular perforations of varying sizes and depths arranged in an array on the simple hexahedron, resembling rhythmic beats dancing and emerging on the surface.

"Evaluating audio products from the dimensions of 'listening' and 'looking' has always been our consistent philosophy. From concept to design, every step contains the love for music and the pursuit of beauty."

MD-1 vs MD-1P

Exceptional Sound and Efficiency

Matrix Audio offers two variants of the MD-1, both delivering outstanding audio and power output. The MD-1 provides 150W per channel at 8 ohms, while the MD-1P offers an even more powerful 300W per channel at 8 ohms. Both bookshelf and floorstanding speakers can be effortlessly driven, and while utilising high-efficiency amplification technology, these amplifiers achieve strong power output with lower energy consumption, reducing heat generation. Additionally, advanced PWM signal processing technology effectively minimises audio signal distortion, ensuring pure, detailed, and flawless sound reproduction - perfectly catering to audiophiles' stringent demands for sound quality.

Custom Speaker Binding Posts

Matrix Audio's custom-designed gold-plated solid pure copper speaker terminals ensure lower resistance and a secure grip on speaker cables, preserving every detail of the audio signal.

The MD-1 includes speaker binding posts for a single pair of passive speakers, perfect for those with a simple traditional 2 channel Hi-Fi setup.

FPGA & Femtosecond Clock

The digital audio processing section features a dual femtosecond clock architecture with two custom-designed femtosecond clocks by Matrix Audio, providing precise reference signals for 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and their multiples. Combined with a high-speed FPGA implementing Matrix Audio's clock division and jitter reduction algorithms, it minimises phase jitter and enhances audio data accuracy, resulting in an "airy" sound.

Mastering-Grade DAC

Precision Preamp Volume Control

The MD-1 features a 256-step high-precision digitally controlled analogue preamp volume system, effectively eliminating the sound degradation caused by mechanical wear in traditional potentiometers. Supporting fine adjustments from -80dB to +12dB with 0.5dB steps, it optimises the voltage output curve through advanced algorithms to ensure perfect phase synchronisation between the left and right channels, preserving soundstage integrity even at low volumes. Additionally, a 12-step channel balance compensation allows for fine-tuning based on speaker placement and listening environment.

Preamp & Subwoofer Output

Equipped with preamp and subwoofer outputs featuring synchronised volume control, allowing for seamless integration with optional external power amplifiers. The low-frequency output precisely delivers audio signals below 150Hz, making it easier to connect an active subwoofer and extend the ultra-low-frequencies. Additionally, a trigger interface enables power synchronisation with active subwoofers, eliminating the need for manual power switching and enhancing convenience.

Dedicated Phono Input

For the MD-1, Matrix Audio includes a high quality dedicated MM cartridge phono preamplifier with a finely tuned low-noise RIAA curve. Simply connect your turntable’s phono output to the MD-1 to effortlessly set up a complete vinyl playback system. Immerse yourself in the unique musical charm of vinyl records, making it incredibly convenient for those exploring the vinyl experience.

XLR and RCA Line Inputs

The MD-1 is also equipped with XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced line inputs, making the MD-1 compatible with nearly all audio devices featuring analogue outputs.

Whether it's professional studio gear or common home audio devices, integration is effortless. Additionally, the input can be set to Bypass Mode, allowing the unit to function as a pure power amplifier. This feature greatly enhances connectivity with AV multi-channel systems, making it ideal for both Hi-Fi music listening and home theatre applications.

Comprehensive Digital Connectivity

Featuring up to four optical and coaxial inputs, the MD-1 effortlessly accommodates multiple devices in a home entertainment setup, whether it’s a set-top box, gaming console, or Blu-ray player. The HDMI ARC interface enables high-quality audio transmission from your TV, while the USB Audio input allows seamless computer audio playback. This ensures that music from both your TV and computer can be enjoyed through a high-fidelity sound system.

Seamless Network Connectivity

Gigabit Ethernet is undoubtedly the best way to connect the device, ensuring stable transmission of high sampling rate PCM and DSD audio. However, if wiring is inconvenient in your home setup and running a wired connection isn’t feasible, Wi-Fi 6 offers a simple and reliable alternative, allowing you to enjoy high-quality audio effortlessly.

HD Bluetooth

For situations where high-resolution streaming is not convenient, the MD-1 also offers HD Bluetooth playback. Featuring Bluetooth 5.0, it supports audio transmission up to 96kHz and multiple high-quality codecs including aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC, and LDAC. This ensures that audio streamed to your sound system maintains exceptional detail and overall listening quality, allowing you to enjoy high-fidelity music anytime, anywhere.

MA Player

The Matrix Audio MA Player app is a streamlined and optimised software system based on Linux. It is specially designed for Hi-Fi audio playback exclusively available for Matrix Audio 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.

Unlimited Resources at Your Fingertips

MA Remote App

The MA Remote App serves as the core tool for controlling Matrix Audio devices. By installing the MA Remote App on your iPhone, iPad or Android phone, they become the most convenient control centres, allowing you to browse and play your local music, enjoy high-resolution music from streaming platforms like SONY Select, TIDAL, Qobuz and HIGHRESAUDIO, Baidu Cloud, QQ Music, and listen to exciting online radio stations.

Even when music is streaming from Roon or other apps, you also can view the track information through the MA Remote App. Furthermore, the MA Remote App allows you to set every hardware configuration, completely changing the operation of an audio device.

NVMe SSD Slot

An NVMe SSD slot is located at the bottom of the chassis, allowing for easy installation of an SSD (not included). A specially designed, independent ultra-low-noise power supply ensures a quiet operating environment for the SSD - something that sets it apart from conventional computers.

With the SMB protocol, computers on the same network can easily access the device's storage, making it simple to manage your music library. Additionally, the device can function as a NAS, enabling other streamers on the same network to seamlessly play the stored music.

Digital Management

Simply connect a USB CD drive and use the MA Remote App, you can convert CD albums into digital audio files and save them to the device's internal storage. This process creates a digital copy of your precious CDs, seamlessly combining the high-quality audio of CDs with the flexible management of streamers. Users can enjoy the unique ritual of CD playback while transcending the limitations of physical media, turning valuable music resources into digital formats for convenient playback. Let music become a constant, beautiful companion in your life.

"We persevere tirelessly, striving to make things more beautiful and the sound more captivating."

Pure & Clear

The Matrix Audio MD-1 Music Streaming Integrated Amplifier has a pure sound with natural and balanced tone that remains true to the source music. It accurately interprets every detail in the music with a rational and neutral attitude, providing your system with a clear source. Every detail of the M Series embodies Matrix Audio's pursuit of excellence. Everything you hear, see and touch is the final presentation by team Matrix Audio through continuous trial and fail, meticulous polishing, and careful calibration.