Matrix Audio ND-1 Audio DAC at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY

The ND-1 is a dedicated audio DAC from Matrix Audio (Xi'an, China), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. Launched in March 2026 as the second component of the Matrix Audio N Series desktop separates system alongside the NT-1 Digital Audio Transport and NA-1 Headphone Amplifier, the ND-1 is built around AKM's flagship "1+2" array architecture: one AK4191EQ delta-sigma modulator handling all digital processing and reclocking, feeding two independent AK4499EX DAC chips dedicated to left and right channel conversion separately. A user-selectable Lundahl transformer-coupled output stage allows the listener to toggle between warm transformer-coupled and high-resolution op-amp-coupled analog output characters on the fly. The op-amp output measures greater than 127dB SNR A-weighted on XLR with THD+N below 0.0002% at 1kHz, while the IIS-LVDS input via HDMI supports native DSD up to DSD1024 (49.15MHz) and PCM up to 768kHz for the highest resolution connection with the NT-1 transport.

AKM "1+2" Dual-DAC Architecture and Femtosecond Clock

Most DACs assign a single conversion chip to handle both channels simultaneously, sharing resources and introducing crosstalk at the silicon level. The ND-1's "1+2" architecture separates these functions: the AK4191EQ delta-sigma modulator performs all high-precision digital filtering, oversampling, and reclocking in a single stage, then passes the processed signal to two completely independent AK4499EX current-output DAC chips, each dedicated to one channel. This independent per-channel conversion eliminates crosstalk at the point of D/A conversion, tightens phase consistency between left and right, and allows the dynamic range and SNR of each channel to be optimized without shared-resource compromises. Clocking is handled by a custom-built ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clock with a high-performance DPLL clock synthesis circuit derived from the flagship Matrix Audio MS-1. A rear-panel 10MHz BNC external clock input accepts the Matrix Audio SC-1 Reference Clock for a further reduction in phase noise across the complete N Series system.

User-Selectable Lundahl Transformer and Op-Amp Output Stages

The ND-1's most distinctive design feature is its timbre switching function, a front-panel selectable output stage that routes the DAC's analog signal through either Lundahl precision transformers or a conventional op-amp coupled stage. In Transformer mode, the Swedish-made Lundahl transformers provide galvanic isolation, naturally attenuate ultrasonic noise from the conversion process, and introduce a faint harmonic texture that produces a warmer, richer, and more analog-like sonic character with rounded transients and weight in the lower midrange. In Op-Amp mode, the direct-coupled op-amp stage delivers the ND-1's maximum measured performance: SNR greater than 127dB A-weighted and THD+N below 0.0002% on the balanced XLR output, with crosstalk beyond -145dB. Both output modes are available at the same selectable output levels of 4V or 4.5V RMS on XLR and 2V or 2.25V RMS on RCA, and both share the same 100-step digital volume control for direct-to-amplifier use without a separate preamplifier.

Six Electrically Isolated Digital Inputs and Separated PCB Architecture

The ND-1 provides six digital inputs covering every source interface in current use. S/PDIF is available in three variants: optical Toslink, coaxial 75-ohm BNC, and AES/EBU 110-ohm XLR, each handling PCM up to 192kHz and DSD64 via DoP. USB Type B and USB Type C inputs support PCM up to 768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 via USB, with Type C covering simultaneous connection from smartphones and tablets. The IIS-LVDS input via HDMI is the highest-bandwidth interface, handling native DSD all the way to DSD1024 at 49.15MHz and PCM to 768kHz, making it the ideal direct link from the Matrix Audio NT-1 transport. Every input is individually electrically isolated, blocking common-mode interference and ground loop noise between the source device and the DAC circuitry. Internally, the digital processing PCB occupies the lower level of the chassis and the D/A conversion and analog output stage PCB occupies the upper level, with physical separation between the high-speed digital circuits and the sensitive analog path above. Power comes from a multi-winding toroidal transformer feeding multiple LDO regulators, each supplying a separate circuit segment with no shared rails.

Key Features

• AKM "1+2" Dual-DAC Architecture (AK4191EQ + Dual AK4499EX): One delta-sigma modulator feeds two independent DAC chips dedicated to left and right channels separately, achieving greater than 127dB SNR A-weighted and THD+N below 0.0002% in op-amp mode.
• User-Selectable Lundahl Transformer or Op-Amp Output: Front-panel timbre switching toggles the analog output stage between Lundahl precision transformer coupling for a warm, analog-like character and a direct-coupled op-amp stage for maximum resolution and speed.
• IIS-LVDS Input Supporting Native DSD1024 (49.15MHz): The highest-bandwidth digital input supports native DSD up to DSD1024 and PCM to 768kHz via HDMI, providing the purest connection from the Matrix Audio NT-1 Digital Audio Transport by bypassing all S/PDIF conversion.
• Femtosecond Clock with DPLL and External 10MHz Reference Input: A custom ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clock with MS-1-derived DPLL synthesis minimizes jitter throughout the conversion circuit, with a 10MHz BNC input for SC-1 Reference Clock synchronization.
• Six Electrically Isolated Digital Inputs: Optical Toslink, coaxial BNC, AES/EBU XLR, IIS-LVDS via HDMI, USB Type B, and USB Type C inputs all carry individual electrical isolation that blocks ground loop noise and common-mode interference from source devices.
• PCM and DSD Upsampling Engine: Built-in asynchronous upsampling and PCM-to-DSD conversion engine processes all incoming audio in the digital domain before D/A conversion, with fully adjustable targets or complete bypass for a direct signal path.
• Selectable Output Levels (XLR and RCA): Two output levels on both XLR (4V or 4.5V RMS) and RCA (2V or 2.25V RMS) allow accurate gain staging with any power amplifier, preamplifier, or active speaker regardless of input sensitivity.
• 100-Step Digital Volume Control: High-precision 100-step attenuation enables direct connection to a power amplifier or active monitors without a separate preamplifier, simplifying the N Series desktop system to two components.
• Separated PCB Architecture: Digital and analog circuits occupy two physically separated PCB levels inside the chassis, with the digital processing board on the lower level and the D/A conversion and output stage on the upper level, minimizing electromagnetic coupling between stages.
• Multi-Winding Toroidal Linear Power Supply with LDO Regulators: A multi-winding toroidal transformer feeds dedicated LDO voltage regulators for each circuit segment independently, with no shared rails and no switching supply noise.
• MA-DAMPER PRO Isolation Feet: Five-material composite vibration isolation system co-developed with Audio Bastion absorbs mechanical interference across a broad frequency range, compatible with the Matrix Audio TEMPO DX rack for a complete vibration-control solution.
• Trigger In / Out: 12V trigger ports enable automatic power sequencing with the Matrix Audio NT-1 transport, NA-1 headphone amplifier, and other components in the N Series chain.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Optical Toslink Digital Input
• Coaxial Digital Input (75 ohm BNC)
• AES/EBU Digital Input (110 ohm XLR)
• IIS-LVDS Digital Input via HDMI (native DSD1024 / PCM 768kHz)
• USB Type B Digital Input
• USB Type C Digital Input
• XLR Balanced Analog Output
• RCA Single-Ended Analog Output
• 10MHz External Clock Input (BNC)
• Trigger In / Out (12V)
• IEC Power Input (auto-ranging 100-120V / 220-240V)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Matrix Audio ND-1?

The Matrix Audio ND-1 is a dedicated audio DAC launched in March 2026 as part of the Matrix Audio N Series desktop separates system. It uses AKM's "1+2" architecture pairing one AK4191EQ delta-sigma modulator with two independent AK4499EX DAC chips, one per channel, achieving greater than 127dB SNR A-weighted and THD+N below 0.0002% in op-amp mode. A user-selectable Lundahl transformer output stage offers a warm, analog-like alternative sonic character. Six electrically isolated digital inputs include IIS-LVDS via HDMI for native DSD1024 and PCM 768kHz from the NT-1 transport. It is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York.

How does the Matrix Audio ND-1 compare to the Chord Qutest or Denafrips Pontus II?

The Matrix Audio ND-1 competes directly with high-end standalone DACs such as the Chord Qutest and Denafrips Pontus II. The Chord Qutest uses a proprietary FPGA-based WTA filter and discrete R-2R-like pulse array architecture without selectable output character. The Denafrips Pontus II uses a discrete R2R ladder network with NOS and oversampling modes. The ND-1 differentiates with AKM's flagship "1+2" dual-DAC per-channel architecture, a unique user-selectable Lundahl transformer or op-amp output stage offering two distinct sonic characters in one chassis, native DSD1024 support via IIS-LVDS, a femtosecond clock with external 10MHz reference input, six independently isolated digital inputs, and complete integration with the Matrix Audio N Series ecosystem via the SC-1 Reference Clock and NT-1 transport.

What is the difference between Transformer mode and Op-Amp mode on the ND-1?

In Transformer mode, the ND-1's analog output is routed through Lundahl precision audio transformers before reaching the XLR and RCA output jacks. Transformers provide galvanic isolation, naturally roll off ultrasonic digital noise, and introduce a faint harmonic texture that produces a warmer lower midrange, a more relaxed top end, and a denser, more analog-like overall presentation. In Op-Amp mode, the signal is direct-coupled through the op-amp output stage without transformer coupling, delivering the ND-1's maximum measured performance of greater than 127dB SNR and less than 0.0002% THD+N, with sharper transients, crisper detail retrieval, and a more analytically precise presentation. Both modes share the same output voltage levels and volume control, and the selection can be changed at any time from the front panel.

What is the IIS-LVDS input on the ND-1 and why does it matter?

The IIS-LVDS input on the Matrix Audio ND-1 accepts a differential I2S signal transmitted over a standard HDMI cable, bypassing all S/PDIF encoding and decoding between the source and the DAC chip. S/PDIF interfaces encode the audio data into a serial bitstream that must be decoded and re-clocked at the DAC input, introducing jitter at each interface crossing. IIS-LVDS transmits the raw I2S data directly to the DAC chips with no encoding overhead, minimizing jitter and preserving the maximum resolution of the source signal. The IIS-LVDS input on the ND-1 supports native DSD up to DSD1024 at 49.15MHz and PCM to 768kHz, formats that exceed the capability of any S/PDIF interface. The NT-1 Digital Audio Transport provides a matching IIS-LVDS output for this connection.

Can the Matrix Audio ND-1 be used without a separate preamplifier?

Yes. The ND-1 includes a 100-step digital volume control and two selectable output levels on both XLR and RCA, allowing it to drive a power amplifier or active monitors directly without a separate preamplifier. The output level selection matches the ND-1's voltage to the input sensitivity of the downstream amplifier, preventing clipping from an overly hot signal or loss of dynamic range from an insufficiently strong one. For a minimalist N Series desktop system, the ND-1 can connect directly to the NA-1 headphone amplifier's XLR input and simultaneously drive a pair of active speakers from its RCA output.

Where can I buy the Matrix Audio ND-1 in Buffalo, NY or the USA?

The Matrix Audio ND-1 is available at Vinyl Sound, located in Buffalo, New York. Vinyl Sound is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer serving customers across Western New York and the United States, with expert guidance on N Series system configuration, output mode selection, and clock integration with the SC-1 Reference Clock.

How does the ND-1 integrate with the Matrix Audio NT-1 and NA-1?

The Matrix Audio ND-1 is the central decoding stage in the N Series separates chain. The NT-1 Digital Audio Transport connects to the ND-1 via IIS-LVDS over HDMI for the highest-resolution digital link, bypassing S/PDIF encoding for direct I2S transmission at up to DSD1024. The ND-1's XLR balanced output then feeds the NA-1 Headphone Amplifier's XLR input for headphone listening, or drives an active speaker or power amplifier directly using its 100-step volume control. All three components share the same N Series chassis dimensions and Matrix Design language, and their trigger ports enable automatic system-wide power sequencing. Adding the Matrix Audio SC-1 Reference Clock connects to the ND-1's 10MHz BNC input to further reduce phase noise across the entire digital chain.