Matrix Audio MD-1

The Matrix Audio MD-1 is an audio device that combines an amplifier and a streamer within a minimalist chassis. This integration aims to simplify hi-fi setups by reducing the number of required components. It is designed to work with a pair of passive speakers, thus forming a complete audio system in a compact format.

Design and Ergonomics: The Touch Interface Serving Simplicity

The front panel of the MD-1 adopts a radical minimalism that stands out from conventional amplifiers. A large panoramic touchscreen occupies the center of a sleek black strip, with no buttons, knobs, or visible controls. This bold approach places all control functions in a modern touch interface, offering intuitive navigation similar to that of a smartphone or tablet.

The screen permanently displays essential information: active source, volume, current audio format, and track metadata. Navigation between different inputs, tone controls, and advanced settings is done with simple swipes and taps. This streamlined interface is complemented by an infrared remote control for remote commands, particularly useful for adjusting the volume from the sofa.

The brushed aluminum chassis ensures optimal heat dissipation despite the built-in power. The generous dimensions allow for seamless integration into a standard hi-fi cabinet, while the damping feet isolate the device from unwanted vibrations.

Technical Architecture: Technologies at the Heart of Performance

The MD-1 uses next-generation PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) amplification technology. This approach, long debated in the audiophile world, has been perfected by Matrix Audio to deliver exceptional energy efficiency without compromising sound purity. The advanced PWM signal processing effectively minimizes audio distortion, ensuring detailed and transparent sound reproduction.

The digital architecture is based on a high-speed FPGA that implements Matrix Audio’s proprietary algorithms for clock division and jitter reduction. This programmable chip processes digital signals with extreme precision, optimizing every stage of audio conversion and processing.

The speaker terminals reflect meticulous attention to detail. Custom-designed by Matrix Audio, these solid pure copper, gold-plated terminals ensure minimal resistance and perfect contact with speaker cables. This connection quality preserves the integrity of the audio signal all the way to the transducers.

Digital Ecosystem: Streaming and Modern Connectivity

The MD-1 natively integrates major audio streaming services, transforming the amplifier into a true connected music hub. The MA Remote app allows you to control all functions from a smartphone or tablet, offering smooth navigation through local and online music libraries.

AirPlay 2 compatibility enables seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, while DLNA/UPnP support ensures playback from any compatible network server. Spotify subscribers benefit from Spotify Connect for direct, maximum-quality streaming, and audiophiles will appreciate native access to TIDAL with its high-resolution streams.

The Bluetooth 5.0 module supports high-definition codecs including LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC, allowing high-quality wireless transmission from mobile devices. The extended range of 10 to 15 meters provides appreciable freedom of movement in large rooms.

An NVMe M.2 SSD slot allows you to add local storage to create an onboard music library. Compatible with PCIe 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 formats, this slot accepts SSDs in 2280, 2242, and 2230 sizes, potentially offering several terabytes of storage for thousands of studio-quality albums.

Sound Quality: Innovations for Perfect Sound

The MD-1’s digital audio processing section features a dual femtosecond clock architecture. These two custom clocks provide ultra-precise reference signals for 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sampling rates and their multiples. Femtosecond precision (10^-15 seconds) represents a level of temporal stability usually reserved for the most exclusive digital-to-analog converters.

This mastery of timing results in a drastic reduction of phase jitter, those micro-temporal variations that blur the accuracy of sound reproduction. The result is a more open soundstage, more precise instrument localization, and an increased sense of naturalness in music playback.

The 256-step digital volume control eliminates issues inherent to traditional mechanical potentiometers. Unlike analog systems prone to wear and channel imbalance, this system maintains perfect synchronization between the left and right channels, even at the lowest volumes. The adjustment range extends from -80 dB to +12 dB in 0.5 dB steps, offering surgical precision to tailor the sound level.

Installation Flexibility: Options and Configurations

The MD-1 features preamplifier and subwoofer outputs with synchronized volume control. These outputs allow you to add an external power amplifier for bi-amping speakers or powering a second listening zone. The dedicated subwoofer output precisely filters frequencies below 150 Hz, making it easy to integrate an active subwoofer to extend bass response.

The trigger interface enables automatic power synchronization with other compatible equipment. When the MD-1 is turned on, it can automatically activate a subwoofer or external amplifier, eliminating the need for multiple manual interventions.

The presence of a phono input for moving magnet turntables demonstrates Matrix Audio’s intent to create a truly universal device. With a precise RIAA correction curve and 40 dB gain, this input allows direct connection of a turntable without an external phono preamp.

Multiple digital (coaxial, optical, HDMI ARC, USB) and analog (XLR, RCA) inputs ensure compatibility with virtually all existing audio sources. The HDMI ARC input is particularly useful for home theater integration, allowing you to enjoy TV sound with hi-fi system quality.

MD-1 vs MD-1P: Choosing According to Your Needs

The range comes in two models with distinct philosophies. The standard MD-1, with its 150W per channel, is perfectly suited for medium to high-efficiency speakers and rooms of standard size. Its generous power effortlessly drives the majority of bookshelf and floorstanding speakers on the market.

The MD-1P doubles the output with 300W per channel and brings additional features for the most ambitious setups. Two pairs of terminals allow simultaneous connection of two speaker systems, with A/B switching via remote control for instant comparisons or powering different zones. The dual subwoofer output meets the needs of large rooms requiring multiple subwoofers for even bass coverage.

The choice between the two models essentially depends on speaker efficiency, room size, and desired sound level. Speakers that are difficult to drive or large rooms will benefit from the MD-1P’s power reserve, while the MD-1 will be more than sufficient for most home setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the touchscreen work for daily navigation? The touch interface works like that of a modern smartphone, with intuitive gestures to switch sources, adjust volume, and browse menus. The screen permanently displays essential information and allows quick access to advanced settings. An infrared remote control completes the setup for remote commands.

Does PWM amplification technology compromise audio quality compared to traditional amplifiers? Matrix Audio has perfected PWM implementation with advanced processing algorithms that minimize distortion. This technology offers superior energy efficiency while maintaining audiophile sound quality. Measurements confirm performance equal to or better than traditional class AB amplifiers.

Can the MD-1 be used solely as a preamplifier or streamer? Yes, the preamplifier outputs allow the MD-1 to be used as a source and preamp with an external power amplifier. Volume control remains active on these outputs, allowing flexible integration into evolving systems.

Which high-resolution audio formats are supported for streaming? The MD-1 supports PCM formats up to 768 kHz and DSD up to 24.58 MHz for network streaming. Via USB, it accepts native DSD up to 22.4 MHz. Services like TIDAL allow streaming in CD and high-resolution quality depending on the subscription.

Is the phono input suitable for high-end turntables? The integrated phono input is suitable for moving magnet (MM) cartridges with an input impedance of 47 kΩ and a capacitance of 100 pF. For moving coil (MC) cartridges, an external phono preamplifier is still required. The RIAA curve is precisely calibrated for faithful reproduction.

How do the femtosecond clocks perform in practice? These ultra-precise clocks reduce temporal jitter to negligible levels, improving spatialization, instrument separation, and the naturalness of reproduction. The effect is especially audible on complex acoustic recordings where timing precision directly influences stereo image coherence.

Does the MD-1 require regular firmware updates? Matrix Audio periodically releases updates to add new features and improve compatibility with streaming services. The MA Remote app automatically notifies you of available updates, and installation is easily done via the network.