Matrix Audio MS-1c Music Streamer

SRP: £4299

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

S/PDIF OutputsUSB DAC OutputIIS-LVDS Output

Including optical, coaxial, and AES/EBU outputs, ensuring seamless compatibility with traditional DACs and flexible system expansion across multiple setups.

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

Integrates extensive high-resolution streaming services including Apple Music, TIDAL, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO, and internet radio.

Supports a wide range of protocols such as Roon Ready, Audirvāna, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA, and NAA.

It can build local libraries from internal SSD, USB storage or NAS, and even stream music directly from Dropbox. With rich resources and broad protocol support, the MS-1c becomes a powerful and versatile audio source.

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.