Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE

Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE is a high-end network audio player, the flagship of Matrix Audio’s new M series, redefining the standards of digital sound reproduction. Equipped with a sophisticated built-in preamplifier and a dual-mono architecture using reference AKM converters, the MS-1 PRE stands out for its ability to reproduce every sonic micro-detail with exceptional fidelity. Its robust 14.6 kg chassis houses cutting-edge technology, while its large color touchscreen offers an intuitive interface. Designed to integrate at the heart of the most demanding audio systems, it combines versatile connectivity, broad compatibility with streaming services, and ultra-precise clock accuracy to satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles.

The Technological Core: An Uncompromising Architecture

The MS-1 PRE marks a first for Matrix Audio with the adoption of a digital-to-analog conversion solution based on AKM technology. The device uses a rigorous dual-mono configuration where each channel benefits from its own set of AK4499EX and AK4191 converters, mounted on separate PCBs on either side of the chassis. This complete physical separation minimizes crosstalk and ensures stereo reproduction with surgical precision.

The resulting extended dynamic range captures the subtlest nuances of every recording, from the most delicate pianissimos to the most powerful fortissimos, without any compression. The MS-1 PRE thus delivers the texture and sonic density of instruments with striking naturalness, while preserving the acoustic space and the musicians’ positions within the soundstage.

The clock is the cornerstone of any digital audio system. The MS-1 PRE is equipped with a high-performance DPLL clock synthesis circuit which, combined with an ultra-low phase noise reference clock, generates a remarkably precise signal with jitter reduced to just 45 femtoseconds. This exceptional clock accuracy eliminates the timing errors that typically degrade digital sound, contributing to a smoother and more natural reproduction.

Preamplification and Volume Control: The Art of Precision

What fundamentally sets the MS-1 PRE apart from the standard version is its built-in multi-stage preamplifier based on high-quality operational amplifiers. With a gain of +10 dB and the ability to deliver audio signals up to 16 VRMS, it can directly drive power amplifiers or active speakers without the need for an additional preamplification stage.

Volume control is a critical element in preserving sound quality. For the MS-1 PRE, Matrix Audio has developed a sophisticated system using the voltage divider method via a resistor network. Four high-quality volume control units work in concert, each comprising 64 precision resistors with an exceptional 0.001 tolerance and 32 fully sealed reed relays.

This technical approach offers several major advantages. First, it ensures lossless attenuation of sound quality, unlike traditional potentiometers. Next, it guarantees perfect consistency between the left and right channels, thus preserving the stereo image. Finally, the reed relays, switched rapidly by microcontroller, operate almost inaudibly, even during continuous volume changes. This technical feat allows for volume adjustment without the mechanical clicks often associated with relay-based systems.

Connectivity and Versatility: A Complete Audio Nerve Center

The MS-1 PRE stands out for its exceptional versatility in connectivity. On the output side, it offers a pair of fixed-level XLR outputs that can operate simultaneously with the preamplified output, allowing the device to be connected to recording or monitoring systems without interrupting the main listening experience.

For digital inputs, the device features USB-B, Toslink optical, coaxial S/PDIF, and I2S LVDS via HDMI ports, thus covering all modern digital sources. Audio format compatibility is exhaustive: PCM up to 24 bit/768 kHz, native DSD up to DSD512, and full MQA decoding.

The MS-1 PRE does not neglect analog sources, with its balanced XLR line inputs, unbalanced RCA, and even a phono input compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. This last feature is particularly notable, allowing a turntable to be integrated directly into a primarily digital system.

Network connectivity is also state-of-the-art, with a Gigabit RJ45 LAN port, built-in Wi-Fi, and—rare in the audio world—an SFP port for fiber optic connection. This latter option offers total electrical isolation and immunity to electromagnetic interference, beneficial in home environments saturated with signals.

Design and User Interface: Robustness and Intuitiveness

The MS-1 PRE features Matrix Audio’s new stylistic language, characterized by a perforated surface with variable patterns that visually evoke musical rhythm. This design is not just aesthetic: the perforations facilitate heat dissipation, essential for maintaining optimal performance of internal components.

The chassis construction reflects a commitment to excellence: entirely metallic, it uses an H-frame structure for maximum rigidity, complemented by two 20 mm thick aluminum plates on which the PCBs and components are mounted. This mechanical architecture helps minimize vibrations and resonances that could affect sound quality.

The user interface centers around a large color touchscreen (220 mm) that occupies almost the entire width of the front panel. This screen offers exemplary responsiveness and allows access to all the device’s features. The MA Player software interface, Linux-based and optimized for audio, completes this smooth and intuitive user experience.

For users who prefer remote control, Matrix Audio offers the MA Remote App 4.0 mobile application, which allows all device functions to be controlled from a smartphone or tablet. A physical RM4B remote control is also included for more traditional operation.

Streaming and Compatibility

The MS-1 PRE excels in its primary function as a network player, with broad compatibility with the most popular streaming services. The device supports AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, as well as Qobuz and HighResAudio. Internet radio enthusiasts are not forgotten, with support for Radio Paradise, vTuner, and other similar services.

The integrated signal processing further enhances sonic possibilities. The MS-1 PRE features an asynchronous PCM upsampling engine and configurable DSD conversion, allowing processing to be tailored to the source or listening preferences. Adjustable digital filters offer further customization of the sound rendering.

A particularly notable aspect is the MS-1 PRE’s ability to function as a high-quality audio transport. It can transmit all audio signals played, including those from analog and phono inputs, as high-resolution digital signals via its I2S LVDS output. This feature allows the MS-1 PRE to be integrated into complex audio systems where signal processing may be distributed among several specialized devices.

Storage and Music Library Management

For audiophiles with vast digital libraries, the MS-1 PRE offers flexible storage options. A slot for an M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe SSD is available under the chassis, allowing for the integration of high-speed internal storage. This solution eliminates the need for an external NAS and potential network-related issues.

For those who prefer external storage, a USB-A port compatible with USB 3.0 allows connection of hard drives or USB sticks. FAT, FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file systems are supported, ensuring compatibility with most storage media.

Music library management is made easy with the MA Remote app, which not only allows browsing of stored files but also copying files from external devices to internal storage. This feature greatly simplifies the creation and organization of a centralized music library.

MS-1 PRE vs MS-1: The Advantages of the Premium Version

The MS-1 PRE stands out from the standard MS-1 version with several significant improvements. The main difference lies in the integration of a multi-stage preamplifier that allows direct connection to power amplifiers or active speakers, thus eliminating the need for an external preamplifier.

The addition of fixed-level balanced XLR line outputs is another notable improvement, offering greater flexibility for integration into complex systems. These outputs can operate simultaneously with the preamplified output, allowing, for example, a recording system to be powered in parallel with the main listening system.

The volume control system has also been refined in the PRE version, with optimized relay control for even quieter operation. This improvement is particularly beneficial for audiophiles sensitive to mechanical noise during volume adjustments.

While the standard MS-1 is already a high-quality network player, the MS-1 PRE elevates the experience to a higher level by integrating features that simplify the overall architecture of the audio system and potentially improve sound quality by reducing the number of devices and connections required.

Technical Specifications

Preamplification and Audio Performance

• Multi-stage integrated preamplifier based on operational amplifiers
• +10 dB gain
• Capable of delivering audio signals up to 16 VRMS
• Maintains very low distortion characteristics, even at low volume

Volume Control System

• Uses a precision resistor network for volume adjustment
• Perfect channel matching (left / right)
• Voltage division method via resistor network
• Silent operation of reed relays, even during continuous volume changes

Connectivity and Outputs

• Direct compatibility with power amplifiers and active speakers
• Pair of fixed-level XLR outputs (line)
• Simultaneous operation with preamplified output
• Can be connected to other recording or monitoring devices

Technical Architecture

• Volume control structure composed of 4 high-end units
• Each unit includes:
  • 64 precision resistors with 0.001 tolerance
  • 32 fully sealed reed relays
• Intelligent microcontroller (MCU) control
  • Fast relay switching
  • Minimizes impact on sound quality
  • Ensures excellent volume matching between both channels

Improvements over the Classic Version

• Integration of a multi-stage preamplifier
• Addition of balanced XLR line outputs
• Enhanced volume control system
• Optimized relay control for quieter operation

Architecture and Conversion

• Symmetrical dual mono architecture
  • Dual AKM AK4499EX + AK4191 converters (1 combo per channel)
• Extended dynamic range with precise and detailed reproduction

Audio Formats

• PCM: up to 24 bit / 768 kHz
• Native DSD: up to DSD512
• MQA: full decoder supported
• Compatible file formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE

User Interface

• High-resolution color touchscreen
• Software interface: MA Player (Linux optimized for audio)
• Mobile app: MA Remote App 4.0
• RM4B remote control included

Signal Processing and Clock

• Signal processing:
  • Asynchronous PCM upsampling
  • Configurable DSD conversion
  • Adjustable digital filters according to source or preferences
• Clock and jitter:
  • Ultra-precise internal clock with low phase noise (jitter: 45 fs)
  • 10 MHz clock input for more precise external source

Storage

• M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe SSD slot for internal storage
• USB-A (storage) compatibility: USB 3.0, 5 V, 1.5 A
  • Supported file systems: FAT, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS
  • Compatibility with all storage media not guaranteed
• Copy from external devices via MA Remote app

Sampling Rate Compatibility

• Optical Toslink and coaxial: PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz
• I2S LVDS:
  • PCM up to 32 bit / 768 kHz
  • DSD DoP up to DSD256
  • Native DSD up to DSD512
• USB-B:
  • PCM up to 24 bit / 768 kHz
  • DSD DoP up to DSD256
  • Native DSD up to DSD512
  • MQA

Network Connectivity and Streaming

• Network connections:
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • RJ45 LAN port (10/100/1000 Mbps)
  • SFP fiber optic port (10/100/1000 Mbps)
• Compatible streaming services:
  • AirPlay 2
  • DLNA / UPnP
  • Roon Ready
  • Spotify Connect
  • Tidal Connect
  • Qobuz / HighResAudio
  • Internet radio: Radio Paradise, vTuner, etc.

Inputs and Outputs

• Digital inputs:
  • 1 x USB-B (PC connection)
  • 2 x USB-A (storage)
  • 1 x Optical Toslink
  • 2 x Coaxial
  • 1 x I2S LVDS via HDMI (input)
  • 1 x 10 MHz external clock input / 50 ohms
  • 1 x Trigger input (DC 6-12 V < 10 mA)
• Analog inputs:
  • 1 x Balanced XLR
  • 1 x Stereo RCA
  • 1 x Phono (MM / MC)
• Audio outputs:
  • 1 x Stereo RCA
  • 1 x Balanced XLR
  • 1 x I2S LVDS via HDMI
  • 1 x Trigger output (DC 12 V / 50 mA max.)

General

Power Supply

• Dual high-power toroidal transformer
• Square copper winding for better conduction
• Mundorf M-Lytic AG capacitors
• Low-noise LDO regulators for ultra-stable power supply
• Power supply: AC 220 V-240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Maximum power consumption: < 60 W
• Standby power consumption: < 5 W

Physical Characteristics

• High-quality aluminum chassis
• Design harmonized with Matrix MP-1 and MA-1
• Dimensions: 430 x 353 x 106 mm
• Weight: 14.6 kg
• Color: silver

Package Contents

• 1 x Matrix MS-1 PRE network player
• 1 x RM4B remote control
• 1 x AC power cable