Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE Music Streamer at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY

The MS-1 PRE is a flagship music streamer and DAC with integrated preamplifier from Matrix Audio (Xi'an, China), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. Built around dual AKM AK4499EX + AK4191 DAC chips in a fully independent dual-mono channel configuration, the MS-1 PRE supports native high-resolution audio up to DSD512 and PCM 768kHz via USB-B and I2S LVDS inputs. Its integrated resistor array volume control preamplifier delivers up to 16Vrms balanced output with a measured THD+N of less than 0.000068% at 1kHz, allowing direct connection to power amplifiers or active loudspeakers. Reviewed by Hi-Fi News in February 2025, the MS-1 PRE is the flagship centerpiece of the Matrix Audio M Series, sitting alongside the MP-1 Class A preamplifier and MA-1 Class AB power amplifier.

Dual AKM Flagship DAC Architecture

At the heart of the MS-1 PRE are two sets of AKM AK4191 + AK4499EX DAC chipsets, each set operating in mono mode with independent left and right channel PCB modules. This dual-mono architecture eliminates crosstalk between channels, with the balanced XLR line output measuring greater than -150dB of channel separation. A DPLL high-precision reclocking circuit minimizes jitter at the input stage, while an optional 10MHz external clock input allows synchronization with a dedicated master clock for reference-level timing accuracy. The MS-1 PRE supports hardware asynchronous upsampling and PCM-to-DSD conversion, giving the listener direct control over the digital signal path from the front panel touchscreen or MA Remote App.

Integrated Preamplifier and Analog Inputs

Unlike the standard MS-1, the PRE variant adds a fully featured multi-stage preamplifier with precision resistor array volume control. The balanced XLR pre-output delivers 0-16Vrms variable with +10dB of gain and an output impedance of just 40 ohms, measured at an SNR of 131dB A-weighted. The fixed XLR line output provides a stable 5Vrms for integration into systems where a separate preamplifier handles volume control. Analog inputs include a balanced XLR input (SNR 118dB, THD+N less than 0.00026%), a single-ended RCA input, and a phono input with MM and MC compatibility. The MM stage provides +45dB of gain and the MC stage +65dB of gain, making the MS-1 PRE a complete analog and digital hub for a high-end listening system.

Streaming, Connectivity, and Expandability

The MS-1 PRE streams natively over a Gigabit Ethernet LAN port or an SFP fiber optic network port for galvanically isolated network connectivity, eliminating ground noise from the upstream network infrastructure. Wireless protocols include AirPlay 2, DLNA, UPnP, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, alongside support for high-resolution online services such as Tidal and Qobuz. Local playback is handled from USB-A storage, an internal M.2 NVMe SSD slot (user-installable), and NAS drives. Digital inputs span USB-B, two coaxial, one optical Toslink, and an I2S LVDS interface via HDMI, covering every digital source from CD transports to computers and video game consoles. The MA Player software environment, controllable via the 220mm front-panel touchscreen or the MA Remote App for iOS and Android, provides a streamlined and purpose-built interface for audiophile playback.

Key Features

• Dual AKM AK4499EX + AK4191 DAC Chips: Two complete DAC chipsets operate in mono mode with fully independent left and right channel PCB modules for maximum channel separation and low crosstalk.
• Integrated Resistor Array Preamplifier: Multi-stage operational amplifier design with +10dB gain, variable output up to 16Vrms balanced, and THD+N below 0.000068% at 1kHz.
• Native DSD512 and PCM 768kHz Support: Full high-resolution decoding via USB-B and I2S LVDS inputs, with hardware upsampling and PCM-to-DSD conversion selectable on the fly.
• SFP Fiber Optic Network Port: Galvanically isolated network input eliminates ground-loop noise and electrical interference from upstream network equipment.
• Internal NVMe SSD Slot: M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe SSD expansion enables direct local storage playback with no dependency on a NAS or external drive.
• Phono Stage with MM and MC: Onboard phono input supports moving magnet cartridges at +45dB gain and moving coil cartridges at +65dB gain, with 47k ohm and 100 ohm loading respectively.
• 10MHz External Clock Input: Accepts an external master clock signal for ultra-low jitter synchronization in demanding reference systems.
• MA Player and MA Remote App: Proprietary Linux-based MA Player software with 220mm front-panel touchscreen control and full remote operation via the MA Remote App for iOS and Android.
• H-Shaped Chassis with Dual 20mm Aluminum Plates: Rigid internal H-frame construction with perforated top and side panels for thermal dissipation and mechanical stability at 14.6kg.
• Fixed and Variable Balanced XLR Outputs: Fixed 5Vrms XLR output for processor loop integration alongside variable 0-16Vrms XLR pre-output for direct power amplifier connection.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• XLR / RCA Stereo Pre-out (variable)
• Balanced XLR Line Output (fixed 5Vrms)
• Balanced XLR Analog Input
• RCA Analog Input
• Phono Input (MM / MC)
• 2x Coaxial Digital Input
• 1x Optical Toslink Digital Input
• 1x USB-B Digital Input
• 1x I2S LVDS Input/Output via HDMI
• 2x USB-A Host Port (storage, USB 3.0)
• RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Port
• SFP Fiber Optic Network Port
• 10MHz External Clock Input
• Trigger In / Out
• IEC Power Input

What's in the Box

• 1x Matrix MS-1 PRE Network Player
• 1x RM4B Remote Control
• 1x Power Supply Cable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE?

The Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE is a flagship music streamer, DAC, and integrated preamplifier from Matrix Audio, built around dual AKM AK4499EX + AK4191 DAC chips in a dual-mono configuration. It supports native DSD512 and PCM 768kHz playback, outputs up to 16Vrms balanced from its resistor array volume control preamplifier stage, and streams over both wired Gigabit Ethernet and SFP fiber optic network connections. It is the centerpiece of Matrix Audio's M Series flagship system.

How does the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE compare to the Lumin X1 or Aurender N30SA?

The Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE competes directly with high-end network streamers such as the Lumin X1 and Aurender N30SA. Where the Lumin X1 uses ESS Sabre DAC technology and the Aurender N30SA focuses on transport-only functionality requiring a separate DAC, the MS-1 PRE integrates dual AKM AK4499EX DAC chips with a fully featured resistor array preamplifier, phono stage, SFP fiber optic network input, and an internal NVMe SSD slot, providing a broader all-in-one feature set at the flagship tier.

Can the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE connect directly to a power amplifier?

Yes. The MS-1 PRE connects directly to a power amplifier via its variable balanced XLR pre-output, which delivers up to 16Vrms with +10dB of gain and a 40-ohm output impedance. This output level is sufficient to drive virtually any power amplifier to full output without an intermediate preamplifier. A variable RCA single-ended pre-output delivering up to 8Vrms is also available for amplifiers without balanced inputs.

What is the SFP fiber optic network port on the MS-1 PRE?

The SFP port on the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE is a fiber optic network interface that accepts a standard SFP transceiver module, replacing the copper Ethernet connection with an optical one. This eliminates galvanic coupling between the router or network switch and the streamer, removing a common source of ground-loop noise and electrical interference in high-end audio systems. It operates at 10/100/1000 Mbps and can be used alongside or in place of the standard RJ45 Ethernet port.

Does the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE support vinyl playback?

Yes. The MS-1 PRE includes an onboard phono input with separate MM and MC cartridge compatibility. The MM stage offers +45dB of gain with a 47k ohm input impedance, while the MC stage provides +65dB of gain with a 100-ohm loading. This allows a turntable to be connected directly to the MS-1 PRE without a separate phono preamplifier, integrating analog vinyl playback into the same volume control and output stage as all other sources.

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

The Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE 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 system matching, setup, and integration with the broader Matrix Audio M Series ecosystem.

What is the difference between the Matrix Audio MS-1 and the MS-1 PRE?

The Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE adds an integrated multi-stage resistor array preamplifier to the standard MS-1 music streamer. This preamplifier provides +10dB of gain, a variable balanced XLR output of up to 16Vrms, and a variable RCA output of up to 8Vrms, enabling direct connection to power amplifiers and active speakers. The standard MS-1 outputs only a fixed-level signal and lacks the volume control and gain stage of the PRE variant. Both units share the same dual AKM DAC chipset, chassis, and digital input configuration.

Is the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE compatible with Roon?

The Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE operates with Matrix Audio's proprietary MA Player software platform. For Roon compatibility, prospective buyers should verify current Roon Ready certification status for the MS-1 PRE directly with Vinyl Sound Buffalo or the Roon Labs device database, as certification status for new flagship components can be added after initial product launch.