Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro Audio Grade Network Switch 8-Port

Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro Audio Grade 8-Port Network Switch

Matrix Audio proudly presents the SS-1 Pro Audio Grade Network Switch, specifically designed by Matrix Audio for Hi-Fi streaming audio scenarios. Unlike traditional network switches, this product is meticulously engineered to meet the requirements of Hi-Fi audio systems.

It includes comprehensive enhancements in its power system, clock system, cooling methods and component selection - all focused on ensuring the lossless transmission of high-definition streaming audio.

Key Features:

• Audio Grade 8-Port Network Switch
• 6 Ports @ up to 2.5Gbps + 2 Ports @ up to 100Mbps
• Additional Dual 10Gbps Isolated SFP/SFP+ Ports
• Independent RJ45 Sockets with Wider Spacing
• 10Gbps-grade Independent Ethernet Transformers
• Fully Shielded Ethernet Sockets
• Femtosecond Clock & High-Precision Ultralow Phase Noise RF Synthesizer
• Option to Use External 10MHz Clock Signal
• Custom O-core Toroidal Transformer + High-Speed Schottky Diodes
• Customisable Isolation Feet
• New "Matrix Design" language
• Elegant Industrial Design & Refined Build Quality

User Manual (PDF, 694KB)

Matrix Design

The SS-1 Pro's 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."

New Territory, New Evolution

Higher Speed, Better Performance

Matrix Audio's development of an audio-grade network switch with higher speeds stems from the perspective of digital circuit design. A system capable of supporting higher-speed signal transmission will inherently have a higher stability limit. This also means timing errors in high-speed equipment are relatively low when compared to low-speed equipment. Therefore, high-speed devices performing at low speeds exhibit superior performance compared to low-speed devices transmitting at the same lower speed.

Dual 10Gbps Isolated Ports

Two SFP/SFP+ ports with up to 10Gbps connection speeds allow you to install optical fibre or RJ45 modules according to your needs. This makes it possible to connect both upstream network devices and digital audio players simultaneously through SFP ports, achieving complete electrical isolation between network devices and audio equipment via fibre optic cables. This prevents high-frequency noise or interference from network devices from being transmitted through the ground wire into the audio equipment.

Independent Ethernet Sockets

SS-1 Pro not only has six Ethernet ports with speeds up to 2.5Gbps, but also an additional two lower speed ports that work at 100Mbps. The connection speed of audio devices can be reduced by connecting to these ports, to reduce the bit error that may occur during data transmission.

The ports are designed with independent sockets. The wider spacing between the sockets prevents crowding when using high-end cables. Additionally, Matrix Audio have used 10Gbps-grade independent Ethernet transformers and fully shielded Ethernet sockets. Each signal transformer is individually shielded by metal shells, enhancing resistance to radio frequency interference.

External Clock Input & RF Synthesiser

The clock system is critical for digital circuits, and network switches are no exception. It can be likened to a series of high-speed switches that must operate with extreme precision.

Inside the SS-1 Pro, this system consists of a femtosecond clock and a high-precision ultralow phase noise RF synthesizer. The SS-1 Pro supports two clock modes: In internal clock mode, the internal femtosecond clock serves as a reference for the RF synthesiser, which then generates a highly stable, low-phase-noise clock signal for the main controller. In external clock mode, the 10MHz clock signal from an external clock acts as the reference for the RF synthesiser. The DPLL then outputs a synchronised, highly stable, low-phase-noise clock signal to the main controller.

Configurable Indicator LEDs

The LED status indicators on the Ethernet ports can be turned off by pressing the setting button on the rear panel, ensuring that the LED lights do not interfere with your listening experience in dark or low-light environments.

Linear Power, Silent Cooling

A custom O-core toroidal transformer combined with high-speed Schottky diodes and nearly 10,000 uF audio-grade filtering capacitors forms the first-stage power supply of SS-1 Pro. Up to 6 ultra-low-noise LDO linear power supplies provide clean power to the clock system and the device's main control chip. Additonally the large passive heatsink for the main control chip, ensures SS-1 Pro operates without generating any noise.

Precision & Flexible Chassis Design

The precision-machined aluminium CNC chassis incorporates Matrix Audio's new "Matrix Design" language. With a reinforced steel base, the device is solid and stable.

Additionally, the device comes with four isolation feet by default, but you can change it to three easily to according to your preference and placement needs.