{"product_id":"matrix-audio-ms-1-pre-music-streamer","title":"Matrix Audio MS-1 Pre Music Streamer","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMatrix Audio MS-1 PRE Music Streamer at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003edual AKM AK4499EX + AK4191 DAC chips\u003c\/strong\u003e in a fully independent dual-mono channel configuration, the MS-1 PRE supports native high-resolution audio up to \u003cstrong\u003eDSD512 and PCM 768kHz\u003c\/strong\u003e via USB-B and I2S LVDS inputs. Its integrated resistor array volume control preamplifier delivers up to \u003cstrong\u003e16Vrms balanced output\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDual AKM Flagship DAC Architecture\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIntegrated Preamplifier and Analog Inputs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStreaming, Connectivity, and Expandability\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual AKM AK4499EX + AK4191 DAC Chips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two complete DAC chipsets operate in mono mode with fully independent left and right channel PCB modules for maximum channel separation and low crosstalk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated Resistor Array Preamplifier:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multi-stage operational amplifier design with +10dB gain, variable output up to 16Vrms balanced, and THD+N below 0.000068% at 1kHz.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNative DSD512 and PCM 768kHz Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full high-resolution decoding via USB-B and I2S LVDS inputs, with hardware upsampling and PCM-to-DSD conversion selectable on the fly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSFP Fiber Optic Network Port:\u003c\/strong\u003e Galvanically isolated network input eliminates ground-loop noise and electrical interference from upstream network equipment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInternal NVMe SSD Slot:\u003c\/strong\u003e M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe SSD expansion enables direct local storage playback with no dependency on a NAS or external drive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Stage with MM and MC:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e10MHz External Clock Input:\u003c\/strong\u003e Accepts an external master clock signal for ultra-low jitter synchronization in demanding reference systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMA Player and MA Remote App:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eH-Shaped Chassis with Dual 20mm Aluminum Plates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rigid internal H-frame construction with perforated top and side panels for thermal dissipation and mechanical stability at 14.6kg.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFixed and Variable Balanced XLR Outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fixed 5Vrms XLR output for processor loop integration alongside variable 0-16Vrms XLR pre-output for direct power amplifier connection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMusic Streamer \/ DAC \/ Preamplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDAC Chip\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2x AKM AK4499EX + AK4191 (dual mono)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported Sample Rates (USB-B)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCM up to 24bit 768kHz, DSD DoP up to DSD256, Native DSD up to DSD512, MQA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported Sample Rates (I2S LVDS)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCM up to 32bit 768kHz, DSD DoP up to DSD256, Native DSD up to DSD512\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported Sample Rates (Optical \/ Coaxial)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCM up to 24bit 192kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDigital Inputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1x USB-B, 2x Coaxial, 1x Optical Toslink, 1x I2S LVDS via HDMI\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnalog Inputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1x XLR Balanced, 1x RCA Single-ended, 1x Phono (MM\/MC)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStorage Inputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2x USB-A Host (USB 3.0), 1x M.2 NVMe SSD Slot, WiFi\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1x XLR Balanced Line (fixed 5Vrms), 1x XLR Pre-out (variable 0-16Vrms), 1x RCA Pre-out (variable 0-8Vrms), 1x I2S LVDS via HDMI\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExternal Clock Input\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10MHz \/ 50 ohm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNetwork\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLAN 10\/100\/1000 Mbps (RJ45), SFP 10\/100\/1000 Mbps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXLR Balanced Line Output SNR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e131dB A-weighted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXLR Balanced Line Output THD+N\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLess than 0.000068% at 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXLR Balanced Line Output Crosstalk\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGreater than -150dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXLR Pre-out SNR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e131dB A-weighted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXLR Pre-out THD+N\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLess than 0.000068% at 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXLR Pre-out Output Impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 ohm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRCA Pre-out Output Impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 ohm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXLR Balanced Input SNR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e118dB A-weighted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXLR Balanced Input THD+N\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLess than 0.00026% at 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXLR Balanced Input Crosstalk\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e-135dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhono MM Gain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e+45dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhono MC Gain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e+65dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePreamplifier Gain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e+10dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStreaming Protocols\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAirPlay 2, DLNA\/UPnP, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, vTuner, Radio Paradise\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported Audio Formats\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMP3, WMA, WAV, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax Power Consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLess than 60W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e430 x 353 x 106mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14.6kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSilver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eConnections at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eXLR \/ RCA Stereo Pre-out (variable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBalanced XLR Line Output (fixed 5Vrms)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBalanced XLR Analog Input\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRCA Analog Input\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePhono Input (MM \/ MC)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e2x Coaxial Digital Input\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1x Optical Toslink Digital Input\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1x USB-B Digital Input\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1x I2S LVDS Input\/Output via HDMI\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e2x USB-A Host Port (storage, USB 3.0)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRJ45 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Port\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSFP Fiber Optic Network Port\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e10MHz External Clock Input\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTrigger In \/ Out\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIEC Power Input\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1x Matrix MS-1 PRE Network Player\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1x RM4B Remote Control\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1x Power Supply Cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE compare to the Lumin X1 or Aurender N30SA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE connect directly to a power amplifier?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the SFP fiber optic network port on the MS-1 PRE?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE support vinyl playback?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere can I buy the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE in Buffalo, NY or the USA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between the Matrix Audio MS-1 and the MS-1 PRE?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Matrix Audio MS-1 PRE compatible with Roon?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matrix Audio","offers":[{"title":"MS-1 Pre","offer_id":53293473956147,"sku":null,"price":11999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MS-1","offer_id":53293473988915,"sku":null,"price":9999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0873\/0293\/0739\/files\/MatrixAudio-MS-1PREMusicStreamer_3.webp?v=1777341352","url":"https:\/\/vinylsound.com\/products\/matrix-audio-ms-1-pre-music-streamer","provider":"Vinyl Sound USA","version":"1.0","type":"link"}