Matrix Audio SS-1

Matrix Audio SS-1 represents a new generation of network switches specifically designed for high-fidelity audio applications. Unlike conventional network switches, the SS-1 was developed by Matrix Audio with particular attention to the requirements of high-end audio systems. This audiophile switch stands out for its meticulous design, precision clock system, and its ability to eliminate interference that typically degrades sound quality in audio streaming setups. With its robust aluminum chassis and exceptional audio performance, the SS-1 establishes itself as an essential component for demanding audiophiles looking to optimize their digital chain.

An Audiophile Design

The Matrix Audio SS-1 immediately stands out for its careful construction and uncompromising approach. Its CNC-machined aluminum chassis, reinforced by a steel base, offers remarkable stability and rigidity that help isolate the internal components. Weighing in at 2.3 kg, it is a far cry from the lightweight plastic network switches typically used in standard IT installations. This solidity is not just aesthetic: it actively contributes to reducing vibrations and electromagnetic interference that can affect signal quality.

The SS-1’s design is based on a fundamental technical approach: a system capable of supporting high-speed transmissions inherently has a higher stability limit. This results in significantly reduced synchronization errors, even during lower-speed transmissions. In other words, the SS-1 is designed to deliver optimal performance under all usage conditions, ensuring lossless and unaltered audio data transmission.

A particularly appreciated detail is the ability to completely turn off the LED indicators by pressing a button located on the back of the device. This often-overlooked feature eliminates any visual distraction during nighttime listening sessions and demonstrates the attention paid to the overall user experience.

Precision Technology for Faithful Sound Reproduction

At the heart of the Matrix Audio SS-1 is a low phase noise femtosecond clock that serves as a reference for the main controller. While the standard SS-1 does not have the RF synthesizer found in the PRO version, this precision clock still ensures exceptional data synchronization, significantly reducing jitter that can degrade sound quality.

The SS-1’s power supply system has also received special attention. It uses a wide-range switching power supply, but Matrix Audio has included a 12V DC input for connecting a high-quality external linear power supply. This upgrade option is particularly interesting, as tests show a noticeable improvement in sound performance when an external linear power supply is used. When the DC input is connected, the internal power supply is automatically disconnected, allowing the external supply to deliver clean power directly to the femtosecond clock and main controller via noise suppression filters and four ultra-low-noise LDO circuits.

Thermal design has not been overlooked: a large passive heatsink ensures cooling of the main circuit, guaranteeing silent operation without a fan that could introduce vibrations or noise.

Measurable Impact on Sound Quality

Tests conducted by audio experts confirm that the Matrix Audio SS-1 brings significant and immediately noticeable improvements to the sound quality of audio streaming systems. Listeners consistently report greater clarity, a wider soundstage, and better definition of fine details.

These improvements are not merely subjective: jitter measurements show a significant reduction in synchronization errors compared to standard switches. The SS-1 notably displays much improved low and high frequency modulation values, resulting in more accurate transient reproduction and better instrument separation.

The impact is particularly notable in the following aspects of sound reproduction:

• A wider and more precise stereo image
• Better definition of fine details and micro-information
• More natural and fluid reproduction of voices and instruments
• Increased control in low frequencies
• Reduced background noise and digital artifacts

These improvements are all the more noticeable when the rest of the system is of high quality. In a high-end setup, replacing a standard switch with the Matrix Audio SS-1 represents a significant upgrade that fully justifies the investment for demanding audiophiles.

Comparison with the SS-1 PRO: Differences and Similarities

The standard Matrix Audio SS-1 already represents a leap forward compared to conventional network switches, but there is also a higher-end version, the SS-1 PRO, which pushes performance even further. Understanding the differences between these two models can help you make an informed choice based on your needs and budget.

The main difference lies in the power supply system: while the standard SS-1 uses a switching power supply (with the option to use an external supply), the SS-1 PRO features a built-in linear power supply with a custom O-core toroidal transformer, high-speed Schottky diodes, and nearly 10,000 µF of audio-grade filtering capacitors. This high-quality power supply feeds up to 6 ultra-low-noise LDO voltage regulators that deliver clean power to the clock system and main control chip.

The SS-1 PRO also features a more sophisticated clock system, with a high-precision, ultra-low phase noise RF synthesizer and a 10 MHz external clock input, allowing the switch to be synchronized with an external clock generator for even better performance.

In terms of connectivity, the SS-1 PRO offers six 2.5 Gbps RJ45 ports compared to four on the standard SS-1, providing more flexibility for complex setups.

Listening tests show that the SS-1 PRO brings subtle but noticeable improvements over the standard SS-1, particularly in terms of micro-contrast and dynamics. However, the standard SS-1 equipped with a good external linear power supply can come very close to the PRO model’s performance, offering an interesting upgrade path for users wishing to gradually improve their system.

Technical Specifications

Design and Advantages

• High throughput for better stability
  • Digitally engineered for high-speed performance
  • Fewer synchronization errors than with low-speed equipment
  • Enhanced performance even at lower transmission speeds
• Femtosecond clock with low phase noise
  • No RF synthesizer, yet still delivers solid performance
• Complete electrical isolation via optical cables
  • Reduces high-frequency noise transmitted to audio equipment

Connectivity

• 2 RJ45 ports: 100 Mbit/s / 10 Mbit/s
• 4 RJ45 ports: 2.5 Gbit/s / 1 Gbit/s / 100 Mbit/s / 10 Mbit/s

Standards and Protocols

• IEEE 802.3: 10BASE-T
• IEEE 802.3u: 100BASE-X
• IEEE 802.3z: 1000BASE-T
• IEEE 802.3ab: 1000BASE-T
• IEEE 802.3ae: 10G BASE-SR/LR
• IEEE 802.3bz: 2.5 G / 5 G BASE-T
• IEEE 802.3cb: 2500BASE-X

Technical Specifications

• LED Indicators
  • 1 LED for power/status
  • 2 LEDs per LAN port: speed, link, and activity
• MAC Address Table
  • Maximum MAC entries: 16K

Power Supply

• AC Input
  • Power supply type: wide input voltage switching power supply
  • Input voltage: AC 100 V - 240 V 50/60 Hz
  • Power consumption: < 15 W
• DC Input
  • External supply voltage: DC 12 V ± 10%
  • External supply power: greater than 18 W
  • Power connector: 5.5 mm outer diameter, 2.1 mm inner diameter (+ inside, - outside)

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 2.3 kg
• Dimensions
  • Width: 280 mm
  • Depth: 206 mm
  • Height: 58.5 mm

Package Contents

• Power cable × 1
• Quick start guide × 1
• Warranty card × 1