MATRIX Audio NT-1

The Engineering of Separation 

Unlike conventional network players, the NT-1 focuses entirely on optimizing the digital signal, leaving the analog conversion to an external DAC of your choice. This modular approach avoids the compromises of all-in-one devices, achieving a level of technical precision rarely seen in audio streaming.

Key Mechanical Highlights:

• - Total Electrical Silence: The core of the NT-1 is its sophisticated linear power supply featuring a 60W toroidal transformer and multiple low-noise LDO regulators. Independent windings separate the digital processing core from the USB-DAC interface, heavily reducing high-frequency noise and interference.

• - Optical & Galvanic Isolation: Matrix Audio implements a no-compromise approach to noise reduction. The SFP port allows for a fiber-optic network connection, completely isolating the NT-1 from any electrical contamination coming from your home router. The USB-DAC interface is also galvanically isolated.

• - Temporal Stability: Digital audio relies on perfect timing. The NT-1 uses a high-precision internal femtosecond clock with a low phase noise RF synthesizer. For ultimate precision, it features a 10MHz external clock input (compatible with the Matrix SC-1).

• - Flexible NVMe Storage: A dedicated bottom slot accepts M.2 NVMe SSDs (powered by its own ultra-low noise circuit), allowing you to store vast music libraries directly inside a silent environment.

The Listening Experience (Native & Uncolored) 

 As a pure transport without built-in upsampling, the NT-1 transmits files in their native resolution directly to the DAC. Early listening tests reveal a pure and highly natural sound. By avoiding the "magnifying glass" effect of forced upsampling, even standard-resolution files are reproduced with a wide, detailed soundstage and a striking lack of digital harshness.

Technical Specifications

Advanced Audio Features

• Auto Start and Trigger

  • - Automatic activation upon local or network playback

  • - 12V trigger for connected DAC or amplifier

• High-Performance Clock System

  • - Dual mode: internal femtosecond clock or external clock

  • - Low phase noise RF synthesizer

  • - Compatible with SC-1 for maximum performance

• Digital Audio Control

  • - Digital volume control with compatible active speakers

  • - USB audio interface with galvanic isolation

  • - Noise and interference reduction

  • - Dedicated power supply isolated from the digital circuit

Digital Audio Outputs

• COAXIAL, OPTICAL, and AES / EBU

  • - PCM 16-24 bit / 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz

  • - DSD 2.8 MHz (DoP)

• IIS LVDS

  • - PCM 16-32 bit / 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz, 705.6 kHz, 768 kHz

  • - DSD 2.82 MHz, 3.07 MHz, 5.64 MHz, 6.14 MHz, 11.29 MHz, 12.29 MHz, 22.58 MHz, 24.58 MHz

• USB DAC

  • - Compatibility depends on the connected USB DAC specifications

  • - Maximum support: PCM 32-bit / 768 kHz and DSD 24.58 MHz

  • - Low-noise power supply: 5V / 1A maximum

Connectivity

• Network

  • - Ethernet 10 / 100 / 1000 Mbps

  • - SFP 10 / 100 / 1000 Mbps

  • - Compatible with Matrix Audio network switch for enhanced stability

• USB Ports

  • - 2 x USB 3.0 ports

  • - Maximum power supply: 5V / 1A

  • - Compatible with USB mass storage devices

  • - Supported file formats: FAT, FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS

Synchronization and Control

• External Clock Input

  • - 10 MHz / 50 Ω

  • - Compatible with sine or square wave signals

• Trigger Interface

  • - Input: DC 6-12V < 10mA

  • - Output: DC 12V / 50mA

Storage

• Storage Expansion

  • - M.2 2280, 2260, 2242 NVMe PCIe SSD slot

  • - Maximum power supply: 3.3V DC / 3A

Power Supply

• High-End Linear Power Supply

  • - 60W toroidal transformer

  • - Multiple low-noise LDOs

  • - Independent power supply for digital audio core and USB interface

• Power Voltage

  • - Auto-ranging AC 100V-120V 50/60Hz or AC 220V-240V 50/60Hz

• Power Consumption

  • - Standby: < 5W

  • - Maximum: < 50W