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

The MS-1c is a transformer-coupled music streamer and DAC from Matrix Audio (Xi'an, China), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. The "c" designation stands for Classic, reflecting a Lundahl transformer-coupled analog output stage that brings an organic, warm character not typical of conventional solid-state digital sources. Built on the AKM VELVETSOUND flagship DAC platform with dual AK4499EX converters and an AK4191 modulator, the MS-1c supports native PCM up to 32-bit / 768kHz and DSD up to 24.58MHz (DSD512), achieving a dynamic range of up to 125dB. It enters the Matrix Audio M Series as the newest and most accessible flagship streamer, sitting alongside the MS-1, MP-1 preamplifier, and MA-1 power amplifier, and is fully Roon Ready certified with MA Player Hi-Fi Streamer OS built on Linux.

AKM VELVETSOUND DAC Architecture and Dual Femtosecond Clocks

The MS-1c is built around AKM's split-chip VELVETSOUND architecture, pairing the AK4191EQ delta-sigma modulator with dual AK4499EXEQ current-output converters. Separating the noise-sensitive modulator from the current-steering output stage lifts the dynamic range ceiling to 125dB and pushes the noise floor below what most downstream amplifiers can resolve. Timing is handled by two independent femtosecond clocks, one dedicated to the 44.1kHz sample-rate family and one to the 48kHz family, eliminating cross-contamination between rate domains. A high-speed FPGA performs frequency division and jitter attenuation, so the signal delivered to the DAC chip is timed to within femtoseconds of ideal. The MS-1c is also compatible with the Matrix Audio SC-1 Reference Clock via external clock input for master-clock-synchronized installations.

Lundahl Transformer-Coupled Analog Output Stage

Where most digital sources buffer their DAC output with operational amplifiers and direct-couple the signal to the output jacks, the MS-1c offers a user-selectable Lundahl transformer-coupled output stage. At the press of a button, the output switches from a conventional op-amp direct-coupled path to dedicated Lundahl LL1582 audio transformers, the Swedish-made precision transformers used throughout professional recording and high-end audio for decades. Transformers provide galvanic isolation between the DAC and the output stage, naturally attenuate ultrasonic noise that digital systems produce, and introduce a faint harmonic texture that softens transients and adds body to the lower midrange. The audible result is weight in the lower midrange, a relaxed and grain-free top end, and vocal presence without etch. Both the balanced XLR output at 4.5Vrms and the single-ended RCA output at 2.25Vrms carry the transformer-coupled signal, with a 20-ohm output impedance on both.

Streaming, Digital Outputs, and CD Playback

The MS-1c connects to the network over Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi 6, streaming natively from Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO, and internet radio. Protocol support covers Roon Ready, Audirvana, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA, NAA, and Dropbox direct streaming. For external DAC use, digital outputs span AES/EBU on XLR, coaxial on RCA, optical Toslink, USB DAC, and IIS-LVDS via HDMI, covering every interface a modern outboard DAC accepts. The IIS-LVDS output transmits true differential I2S at up to 32-bit / 768kHz and native DSD512. A USB port accepts any external USB CD drive for direct disc playback or CD ripping into the internal library, while an M.2 NVMe SSD slot on the underside of the chassis expands local storage with a dedicated ultra-low-noise power supply rail. Installed internal storage is exposed over the local network, allowing the MS-1c to serve music to other streamers as a NAS.

Key Features

• AKM VELVETSOUND DAC (AK4191 + Dual AK4499EX): Split-chip flagship architecture separates the modulator and output stage for a dynamic range of up to 125dB, supporting PCM up to 32-bit / 768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 (24.58MHz).
• User-Selectable Lundahl Transformer Output: A front-panel switch toggles between a conventional op-amp direct-coupled output and Lundahl LL1582 transformer coupling on both XLR and RCA, allowing the listener to choose between a neutral solid-state character and a warmer, more organic transformer-coupled presentation.
• Dual Femtosecond Clock Architecture: Independent clocks for the 44.1kHz and 48kHz sample-rate families with FPGA jitter reduction minimize phase noise and improve transient accuracy across all sample rates.
• Full Digital Output Suite: AES/EBU, coaxial, optical Toslink, USB DAC, and IIS-LVDS via HDMI outputs support integration as a pure digital transport into any outboard DAC.
• Roon Ready Certification: Certified Roon endpoint with full hi-res PCM and native DSD support, plus Audirvana, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA, and NAA protocol support.
• CD Ripping and Playback: Attach any USB CD drive to play discs directly or rip them into the internal library, integrating physical CD collections into a streaming workflow without a separate computer.
• Internal NVMe SSD Expansion: Bottom-accessible M.2 NVMe slot accepts PCIe 3.0/4.0/5.0 drives in 2230/2242/2280 form factors, fed by a dedicated ultra-low-noise power supply and exposed over the network for NAS functionality.
• Wi-Fi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ensure stable high-resolution streaming in any installation.
• 100-Step Digital Volume Control: Configurable output levels on both XLR (0 to 4.5Vrms) and RCA (0 to 2.25Vrms) allow direct connection to power amplifiers or active speakers without a separate preamplifier.
• Separate Digital and Analog Power Supplies: A dedicated linear supply with multi-channel LDO regulators powers the analog stage in complete isolation from the digital section, preserving the integrity of the transformer-coupled output.
• MA-DAMPER STD Isolation System: Internal vibration isolation co-developed with Audio Bastion, combining an aluminum housing, rubber damping element, and stainless-steel hardware to decouple internal boards from external mechanical interference.
• MA Player and MA Remote App: Linux-based MA Player Hi-Fi Streamer OS with front-panel IPS display control and full remote operation via the MA Remote App for iOS, iPadOS, and Android.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• XLR Balanced Analog Output (4.5Vrms, adjustable)
• RCA Single-Ended Analog Output (2.25Vrms, adjustable)
• AES/EBU Digital Output (XLR)
• Coaxial Digital Output (RCA)
• Optical Toslink Digital Output
• USB DAC Digital Output
• IIS-LVDS Digital Input / Output via HDMI
• USB 3.0 Port (external storage, USB CD drive)
• RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Port
• Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band (2.4GHz / 5GHz)
• Trigger In / Out
• IEC Power Input

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Matrix Audio MS-1c?

The Matrix Audio MS-1c is a music streamer and DAC built around the AKM VELVETSOUND AK4191 + dual AK4499EX DAC chipset, featuring a user-selectable Lundahl transformer-coupled analog output stage, dual femtosecond clock architecture, native DSD512 and PCM 768kHz support, Roon Ready certification, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. It is the newest and most accessible model in the Matrix Audio M Series flagship lineup, announced on April 23, 2026.

How does the Matrix Audio MS-1c compare to the Lumin T3 or Aurender N200?

The Matrix Audio MS-1c competes directly with mid-to-flagship streamers such as the Lumin T3 and Aurender N200. The Lumin T3 uses ESS Sabre DAC technology with a transformer-based output stage, while the Aurender N200 functions as a transport-only unit requiring a separate DAC. The MS-1c differentiates itself with a user-selectable output stage that toggles between direct-coupled op-amp and Lundahl transformer coupling, dual femtosecond clocks for both sample-rate families, a complete digital output suite including AES/EBU, and onboard CD ripping via USB, providing greater flexibility at the flagship entry tier.

What does the Lundahl transformer output do on the MS-1c?

The Lundahl transformer output on the MS-1c is a user-selectable analog output mode that routes the DAC signal through Swedish-made Lundahl LL1582 audio transformers instead of a conventional op-amp direct-coupled stage. Transformers provide galvanic isolation, naturally attenuate ultrasonic noise from the digital conversion process, and introduce a faint harmonic texture that produces a warmer lower midrange, a relaxed top end, and fuller vocal presence. The listener can switch between the transformer-coupled and direct-coupled output from the front panel at any time.

Can the Matrix Audio MS-1c be used as a pure digital transport with an outboard DAC?

Yes. The MS-1c includes a full suite of digital outputs including AES/EBU on XLR, coaxial on RCA, optical Toslink, USB DAC, and IIS-LVDS via HDMI. The IIS-LVDS output transmits true differential I2S at up to 32-bit / 768kHz and native DSD512, making it compatible with high-performance external DACs that accept the I2S interface. All digital outputs operate simultaneously with the analog outputs, so the MS-1c can feed both an outboard DAC and a power amplifier at the same time.

Does the Matrix Audio MS-1c support CD playback and ripping?

Yes. Connecting any external USB CD drive to the MS-1c enables both direct disc playback and CD ripping into the internal library. Ripped files are stored on the internal NVMe SSD or connected USB storage, and the internal library is accessible over the local network from the MA Remote App. This allows a physical CD collection to be preserved and played back in a streaming workflow without a separate computer or ripper.

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

The Matrix Audio MS-1c 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 hands-on guidance on system matching, M Series integration, and setup.

How does the dual femtosecond clock system in the MS-1c work?

The MS-1c uses two independent femtosecond clocks, one dedicated to the 44.1kHz sample-rate family covering CD and most streaming content, and one dedicated to the 48kHz family covering studio masters and hi-res downloads. Keeping these domains completely separate eliminates sample-rate cross-contamination and the associated jitter artifacts. A high-speed FPGA then performs frequency division and jitter attenuation, delivering a timing reference to the AKM DAC chipset that is accurate to within femtoseconds of ideal, resulting in tighter transients and more precise stereo imaging.

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

The Matrix Audio MS-1 is the senior flagship streamer in the M Series, featuring a fully balanced internal circuit architecture, an SFP fiber optic network port, a 10MHz external clock input, and an optional integrated preamplifier version designated the MS-1 PRE. The MS-1c is the newer, more accessible M Series entry point, sharing the same AKM VELVETSOUND DAC chipset and MA Player platform but differentiating with its user-selectable Lundahl transformer-coupled output stage, Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, AES/EBU digital output, and CD ripping capability. The MS-1c measures 6.5kg versus the MS-1's 14.6kg, with a shallower 315mm depth versus 353mm.