Стримеры — Matrix Audio MS-1c

The MS-1c from Matrix Audio is a network player with an onboard DAC, described by the maker as the newest entry-level model in its M Series. It runs the company's own Linux-based MA Player streaming OS on the same hardware platform as the MS-1, and besides analog outputs it can feed an external converter over S/PDIF, USB or IIS-LVDS. Power comes in a factory-fixed 100-120 V or 220-240 V version.

Key specs that matter

Inside sits the AKM VELVETSOUND combination of AK4191 and AK4499EX chips, handling PCM up to 32 bit/768 kHz and DSD up to 24.58 MHz, with dynamic range quoted at up to 125 dB. The XLR output delivers 4.5 V RMS and the RCA output 2.25 V RMS, both from a 20 ohm source impedance and both adjustable down to zero. Signal-to-noise is above 126 dB A-weighted balanced and above 123 dB on RCA, THD+N stays below 0.02% at 1 kHz, crosstalk is better than -130 dB, and response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz with the -3 dB point at 83 kHz. The aluminium case measures 430 x 315 x 96 mm and weighs 6.5 kg, with power draw under 50 W and under 5 W in standby.

Engineering and use context

The analog stage couples the signal through Swedish Lundahl transformers. Two custom femtosecond clocks serve the 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz families, with frequency division and jitter reduction handled in an FPGA. Digital and analog circuits have separate supplies, the analog section getting a dedicated linear supply plus several LDO regulators. An M.2 NVMe slot on the underside accepts an SSD fed by a separate low-noise supply, while the internal library is shared over the network, so other players can use it as a NAS. Streaming covers Roon Ready, Audirvana, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA and NAA, alongside Apple Music, Qobuz and internet radio. Discs can be played or ripped from an external USB CD drive. Connection is by gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6, and a USB 3.0 port reads storage drives. It sits on MA-DAMPER STD isolation feet co-developed with Audio Bastion.

Pairing

Digital volume with 100 steps lets the MS-1c connect straight to active speakers or a power amplifier, and two selectable output level settings help match their input sensitivity. Its AES/EBU, coaxial and optical digital outputs pass up to 24 bit/192 kHz, while the USB DAC port supplies up to 5 V/1 A to a connected converter. A 12 V trigger output switches an amplifier on and off with the streamer, and an IR remote plus the MA Remote app for iOS and Android handle control.

Alternatives

Within the same M Series, Matrix Audio also offers the MS-1 music streamer.