MATRIX AUDIO MD-1

The MD-1 model from Matrix Audio is an integrated amplifier that combines a powerful power stage and an advanced music streaming platform into a single device, offering a complete and innovative solution for those who want to build a Hi-Fi system with minimal footprint and without the typical complexity of traditional setups. Simply connect a pair of passive speakers to create a high-performance audio system that is easy to install and immediate to use daily.

At the heart of the MD-1 is a high-efficiency Class D amplifier capable of delivering 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms, a power level more than sufficient to drive both bookshelf and floor-standing speakers with ease. Signal management is handled via advanced PWM technology, which minimizes distortion and ensures clean, detailed, and faithful sound reproduction, designed to meet the listening needs of even the most demanding audiophiles.

The digital processing section integrates two custom femtosecond clocks dedicated to 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz signals and their multiples. These work in synergy with a high-speed FPGA that applies proprietary algorithms for clock division and jitter reduction, improving the timing accuracy of the digital signal and giving the music a greater sense of openness and naturalness.

Volume control relies on a digitally controlled analog preamplifier with 256 adjustment levels, ranging from -80 dB to +12 dB in 0.5 dB steps. This system prevents the mechanical wear typical of traditional potentiometers and maintains phase coherence between channels even at low volume, preserving the spatial reconstruction of the soundstage. It is also possible to adjust the channel balance in 12 steps to compensate for any asymmetries in the listening environment or speaker placement.

The MD-1 includes a preamplified output and a dedicated subwoofer output with a 150 Hz crossover and volume synchronized with the main outputs, facilitating easy integration into 2.1 systems without complications. A trigger interface also allows synchronizing power on/off with external devices such as active subwoofers, enhancing ease of use.

For vinyl enthusiasts, there is a built-in MM phono stage with an optimized low-noise RIAA curve, allowing direct connection of a turntable and enjoying analog playback with all the convenience of a modern system.

Analog connectivity includes balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, making the MD-1 compatible with a wide range of sources, from home devices to professional components. A Bypass mode can be activated, which disables the preamplifier stage and allows the device to be used as a pure power amplifier, ideal for integration into multichannel home theater systems.

On the digital side, the MD-1 offers optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, and USB Audio inputs, ideal for connecting TVs, Blu-ray players, consoles, and computers, centralizing audio management in a single unit. When wired connections are unavailable, the Bluetooth 5.0 module supports high-quality codecs such as aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, AAC, and SBC, delivering smooth and faithful wireless playback.

Network connection can be made via Gigabit Ethernet for stable transmission of high-resolution PCM and DSD files, or via Wi-Fi 6, which ensures a fast and reliable connection even in environments where wiring is difficult.

The MA Player operating system provides direct access to high-resolution streaming services such as TIDAL, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO, and internet radio, supporting major protocols including Roon Ready, Audirvana, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay2, QPlay, and UPnP/DLNA, offering full compatibility with any digital ecosystem.

An NVMe SSD slot accessible from the base allows easy installation of an internal storage drive. Power is supplied by a dedicated ultra-low-noise circuit designed to offer performance superior to common PCs. Thanks to the SMB protocol, it is possible to access the device's memory from other computers on the network and also use it as a NAS server for other streamers. By connecting a USB CD drive, you can digitize your CDs via the MA Remote app, archiving them directly in internal memory for convenient and integrated content management.

Technical specifications:

• Digital inputs: coaxial and optical; HDMI ARC; USB Audio
• High-resolution Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0; operating range 10–15 m; supported codecs: aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC, LDAC; sampling rates: PCM 16 bit/44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz
• Analog inputs: XLR; RCA
• Phono input: MM phono stage; frequency response: RIAA; input impedance: 47 kΩ/100 pF; gain: +40 dB
• Preamplified outputs: RCA; subwoofer output
• Speaker output: output power: 2 × 150 W RMS @ 8 Ω; output impedance: <5 mΩ; frequency response: 20–20 kHz ±0.1 dB, 45 kHz @ -3 dB; signal-to-noise ratio: 122 dB (A-weighted); crosstalk: -120 dB; gain: +30 dB; supported speaker impedance: 2–16 Ω
• USB: USB 3.0; max power: 5 V / 1 A
• Power supply: input voltage: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz; standby power consumption: <5 W; idle consumption: <35 W; max consumption: <700 W
• Dimensions: width: 430 mm; depth: 331 mm; height: 96 mm
• Weight: 7.0 kg