Streamers — Matrix Audio NT-1

The NT-1 is a network digital audio transport from Matrix Audio of China, a streamer with no converter of its own that sends a digital signal on to an outboard DAC. Launched in March 2025, it was the first model of the N Series, which later added the ND-1 converter and the NA-1 headphone amplifier in the same 330 mm wide casework. Matrix Audio says it uses the same streaming hardware as its M Series, with a more powerful processing core and an upgraded display.

Key specs that matter

Optical, coaxial and AES/EBU outputs carry PCM from 16 to 24 bit at 44.1 to 192 kHz and DSD 2.8 MHz as DoP. The IIS-LVDS output reaches PCM 32 bit at 768 kHz and DSD up to 24.58 MHz, and the USB DAC port handles the same ceiling if the connected converter accepts it, with a 5 V 1 A supply line. Networking uses a 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN socket plus an SFP cage, and there is no Wi-Fi. A 10 MHz external clock input at 50 ohm accepts sine or square waves. Power draw stays under 50 W, or under 5 W in standby. The chassis measures 330 x 267 x 97 mm and weighs 4.6 kg.

Engineering and use context

The clock circuit, taken from the maker's top model, has two modes - internally a femtosecond oscillator acts as the reference for an RF synthesizer, and in external mode the incoming signal takes over that reference role so the audio clock stays phase-locked to it. The supply is fully linear, based on a 60 W toroidal transformer with two independent windings and several LDO regulators, one winding feeding the digital processing core and the other the USB DAC interface. That USB port is electrically isolated, separating its ground from the device ground. An M.2 NVMe slot on the underside takes 2280, 2260 or 2242 drives and has its own low-noise supply, and the internal storage can be shared over SMB so other streamers on the network can play from it. Two USB 3.0 ports accept drives or a CD drive for playback and automatic ripping. The MA Player system supports Roon Ready, AirPlay 2 and DLNA/UPnP along with the Connect services of Qobuz, Spotify and TIDAL, controlled from the MA Remote App on iOS and Android.

Pairing

Because there is no analogue stage, the NT-1 needs a DAC or an active speaker with digital input, and in the latter case a digital volume function can be enabled. Trigger connections, 6 to 12 V in and 12 V out, can wake a downstream DAC or amplifier. Matrix Audio recommends its SC-1 clock source for the external clock input and its audio-grade network switch for the SFP port, where optical or Ethernet modules can be fitted.

Alternatives

The Matrix Audio TT-1 is the smaller mid-range transport in the same family, adding Wi-Fi 6 and an optional DC input for an external linear supply.