A New Source
As the newest entry-level model in Matrix Audio’s flagship M Series, with sound quality as its top
priority, the MS-1c is a premium pure audio source designed for audiophiles. Powered by Matrix Audio’s
in-house MA Player Hi-Fi Streamer OS based on Linux, the MS-1c inherits the meticulous hardware design
and the philosophy of harmonizing exceptional aesthetics and superior sound quality of the M
Series.
MS-1c integrates both analog and digital outputs. Featuring a built-in high-quality DAC, it delivers
both refined detail and a warm, musical character, while also supporting external DAC expansion for
greater flexibility. It is an ideal choice for entry audiophiles exploring high-quality digital sources,
as well as for advanced users looking to upgrade their system or experience streaming audio.
Exceptional Sound
Built upon Matrix Audio’s signature high-resolution digital architecture, the MS-1c incorporates an analog-inspired toning philosophy. Its analog stage features renowned Swedish LUNDAHL precision audio transformers for signal coupling, delivering a warm, smooth, and full-bodied sound signature. The result is a richly detailed yet fatigue-free listening experience.
Flagship DAC Core
The MS-1c is equipped with the flagship AKM VELVETSOUND™ DAC solution, combining the AK4191 and AK4499EX chips. It supports PCM up to 32 Bit/768kHz and DSD up to 1 Bit/24.58MHz, achieving a dynamic range of up to 125dB, ultra-high SNR, and an exceptionally low noise floor. No matter high-resolution and analog-like musicality, every micro detail of the music is reproduced with ease.
Greater Precision
The MS-1c employs dual femtosecond clock architecture. Two custom femtosecond clocks provide references for 44.1kHz and 48kHz based sampling rates. Combined with a high-speed FPGA featuring frequency division and jitter reduction algorithms, this design significantly minimizes phase noise and improves data reconstruction accuracy—resulting in enhanced airiness and texture.
Extensive Output Ports
Including optical, coaxial, and AES/EBU outputs, ensuring seamless compatibility with traditional DACs and flexible system expansion across multiple setups.
Expand your system via USB to an external DAC, supporting up to 32 Bit/768kHz PCM and 1 Bit/24.58MHz DSD output, with excellent compatibility and outstanding performance.
It enables differential transmission of original digital audio signals for connection to high-performance external DACs in advanced separates systems.
Dual Analog Outputs
The MS-1c features both XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced analog outputs, with two selectable output level settings. Users can match the output levels to the input sensitivity of power amplifiers or active speakers, ensuring optimal gain structure and avoiding distortion or dynamic loss. Additionally, it offers high-precision digital volume control with 100-step attenuation, allowing for direct connection to power amplifiers or active speakers.
Intelligent Control
Built on the same Hi-Fi streaming hardware platform as the MS-1,
and powered by Matrix Audio’s MA
Player Hi-Fi streamer OS.
Alongside the MA Remote App which fully compatible with iOS,
iPadOS, and Android, delivering smooth
and intuitive control at your fingertips.
Vast Music Resources
CD Ripping & Playback
By connecting an external USB CD drive, users can enjoy CD playback and easily rip CDs into digital files. Like creating a digital copy of a precious CD, perfectly blending the high-quality audio of a CD with the flexible management of a streamer. It allows you to enjoy the unique ritual of CD playback while breaking through the limitations of the physical medium of a CD, playing music anytime via the MS-1c, making music a truly ubiquitous and beautiful companion in your life.
Flexible Storage Expansion
An NVMe SSD slot on the bottom allows easy storage expansion. A specially designed ultra-low-noise independent power supply ensures a clean environment for the SSD—far superior to regular computer implementations. The internal storage is accessible over the local network, making library management simple. The device can also function as a NAS, serving music to other streamers on the network.
Seamless Networking
Supports both wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. The gigabit Ethernet offers the most stable performance for high-resolution PCM and DSD playback. When cabling is inconvenient, Wi-Fi 6 provides a flexible and convenient alternative for high-quality streaming.
Robust Power Design
The MS-1c features a carefully engineered architecture of power with separate supplies for digital and analog circuits. A dedicated linear power supply for analog stages, combined with multiple LDO regulators, minimizes ripple and noise, ensuring a clean and stable power foundation for superior sound performance.
Stable Construction
Equipped with the MA-DAMPER STD isolation damper, co-developed with Audio Bastion. The internal silicone damping structure effectively absorbs external vibrations, providing stable support and enhancing sonic accuracy..
True to the Music
The MS-1c embodies both sonic excellence and refined design, featuring a CNC-machined aluminum chassis that reflects Matrix Audio’s signature aesthetics. With meticulous attention to both sound performance and appearance, it stays true to the essence of Hi-Fi—pursuing the most authentic expression of music.
Specifications
Digital Output
| OPTICAL, COAXIAL, AES/EBU | PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz DSD 2.82MHz, 3.07MHz(DoP) |
| IIS LVDS | PCM 16-32Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz DSD 2.82MHz, 3.07MHz, 5.64MHz, 6.14MHz, 11.29MHz, 12.29MHz, 22.58MHz, 24.58MHz |
| USB DAC | Depends on the specifications supported by the connected USB DAC device. Not higher than PCM 32Bit/768kHz and DSD 24.58MHz. The USB DAC port provides a maximum of 5V/1A low-noise power supply. |
Analog Output
| XLR | Output Impedance: 20Ω Output Level: 4.5VRMS / 0~4.5VRMS Adjustable SNR: >126dB A-weighting THD+N: <0.02%@1kHz Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@83kHz Crosstalk: >-130dB |
| RCA | Output Impedance: 20Ω Output Level: 2.25VRMS / 0~2.25VRMS Adjustable SNR: >123dB A-weighting THD+N: <0.02%@1kHz Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.3 -3dB@83kHz Crosstalk: >-130dB |
Network
| LAN | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz |
USB
USB 3.0 | The USB port provides a maximum power of 5V/1A. The USB port works with devices which conform to the USB mass storage standard and supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file formats, but is not guaranteed to be compatible with all storage devices. |
MA Player
| Controller app | MA Remote App |
Local Playback | Format Supported: MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE, ISO PCM 16-24Bit/44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz DSD 2.82MHz, 3.07MHz, 5.64MHz, 6.14MHz, 11.29MHz, 12.29MHz, 22.58MHz, 24.58MHz |
| Roon Ready | PCM 16-24 Bit /44.1 kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz DSD 2.82MHz, 5.64MHz, 11.29MHz, 22.58MHz |
Apple Music | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| QQ音乐 | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| AirPlay 2 | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| DLNA/UPnP | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
TIDAL Connect | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
Spotify Connect | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| Qobuz Connect | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| vTuner | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
| Radio Paradise | The audio specs depend on the service provider |
Trigger
| Trigger in | DC 6-12V <10mA |
| Trigger out | DC 12V/50mA MAX |
Storage Extension
| M.2 2280 2242 2230 NVMe PCIe SSD slot | |
| SSD supporting PCIe 3.0/4.0/5.0 standards. The maximum power specification provided by the expansion slot is DC 3.3V 3A. |
Power
| Power Voltage | AC 100V-120V 50/60Hz or AC 220V-240V 50/60Hz, factory-fixed |
| Standby Power Consumption | < 5W |
| MAX Power Consumption | < 50W |
Weight & Dimension
| Weight | 6.5kg (14.33pounds) |
| Dimension | Width: 430 mm (16.93 inches) Depth: 315 mm (12.40 inches) Height: 96 mm (3.78 inches) |
Accessories
Power cable *1 IR Remote *1 Printed material *1 |
For improvement purpose, specifications subject to changes without prior notice.
