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DACs — Matrix Audio ND-1
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Matrix Audio ND-1
Image source — © Matrix Audio
The ND-1 is a D/A converter from Matrix Audio, the Chinese digital audio specialist, and the maker describes it as a pure DAC rather than a streamer. It belongs to the N Series with the NT-1 digital transport and the NA-1 headphone amplifier, a range unveiled on 14 March 2026 and on sale from April 2026, which brings technology from Matrix's larger M-Series into a 33 cm wide format. The price is EUR 3,599 or USD 2,999.
Key specs that matter
Conversion uses an AKM AK4191EQ delta-sigma modulator with two AK4499EX DAC chips, one per channel. Coaxial, optical and AES/EBU inputs accept up to 24 bit and 192 kHz and DSD64 over DoP. The I2S-LVDS input over HDMI, designed for the NT-1, takes PCM up to 32 bit and 768 kHz and native DSD up to 45.16 MHz, while the USB-B and USB-C inputs handle up to 768 kHz and native DSD up to 24.58 MHz. The XLR output delivers up to 4.5 V at 20 ohm with a signal to noise ratio above 127 dB, and the RCA output up to 2.25 V at 10 ohm with more than 121 dB. THD+N is below 0.0002% in op-amp mode and below 0.02% in transformer mode. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.3 dB. The unit measures 330 x 97 x 267 mm, weighs 5.60 kg and draws less than 50 W in use and 3 W in standby.
Engineering and use context
The AK4191EQ separates the digital modulator from the conversion itself, so the two AK4499EX chips work only as the analogue conversion stage, away from digital processing noise. The output stage can run in op-amp mode or through Lundahl transformers, selected by the user. Op-amp mode gives the lowest distortion and reaches -3 dB at 90 kHz, while transformer mode provides galvanic isolation and rolls off at about 85 kHz. The clock is a custom femtosecond design with a DPLL and jitter of about 45 fs, and an input accepts an external 10 MHz reference such as the Matrix SC-1 clock. Power comes from a multi-winding toroidal transformer and several LDO regulators. The MA-DAMPER PRO isolation system combines five damping materials, and the circuitry is split across two boards. PCM upsampling and DSD conversion modes are available, and a 100-step digital volume control allows direct connection to a power amplifier.
Pairing
The NT-1 transport connects over the I2S-LVDS link, and the NA-1 headphone amplifier completes the N Series system. The optional SI-1 optical network isolator can be added in front of the digital source.
Alternatives
The Matrix Audio X-SABRE 3 is a DAC from the same maker with an ES9038PRO and a built-in network streaming function.
Key specs that matter
Conversion uses an AKM AK4191EQ delta-sigma modulator with two AK4499EX DAC chips, one per channel. Coaxial, optical and AES/EBU inputs accept up to 24 bit and 192 kHz and DSD64 over DoP. The I2S-LVDS input over HDMI, designed for the NT-1, takes PCM up to 32 bit and 768 kHz and native DSD up to 45.16 MHz, while the USB-B and USB-C inputs handle up to 768 kHz and native DSD up to 24.58 MHz. The XLR output delivers up to 4.5 V at 20 ohm with a signal to noise ratio above 127 dB, and the RCA output up to 2.25 V at 10 ohm with more than 121 dB. THD+N is below 0.0002% in op-amp mode and below 0.02% in transformer mode. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.3 dB. The unit measures 330 x 97 x 267 mm, weighs 5.60 kg and draws less than 50 W in use and 3 W in standby.
Engineering and use context
The AK4191EQ separates the digital modulator from the conversion itself, so the two AK4499EX chips work only as the analogue conversion stage, away from digital processing noise. The output stage can run in op-amp mode or through Lundahl transformers, selected by the user. Op-amp mode gives the lowest distortion and reaches -3 dB at 90 kHz, while transformer mode provides galvanic isolation and rolls off at about 85 kHz. The clock is a custom femtosecond design with a DPLL and jitter of about 45 fs, and an input accepts an external 10 MHz reference such as the Matrix SC-1 clock. Power comes from a multi-winding toroidal transformer and several LDO regulators. The MA-DAMPER PRO isolation system combines five damping materials, and the circuitry is split across two boards. PCM upsampling and DSD conversion modes are available, and a 100-step digital volume control allows direct connection to a power amplifier.
Pairing
The NT-1 transport connects over the I2S-LVDS link, and the NA-1 headphone amplifier completes the N Series system. The optional SI-1 optical network isolator can be added in front of the digital source.
Alternatives
The Matrix Audio X-SABRE 3 is a DAC from the same maker with an ES9038PRO and a built-in network streaming function.
Specifications
Model name
ND-1
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
N/A
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32Bit / 768 kHz and DSD 49.15MHz
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
4.5
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
2.25
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
20
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
10
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
127 (XLR), 121 (RCA)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
<0.0002
Dimensions (mm)
330 x 267 x 97
Weight (kg)
5.6
Official link