Matrix Audio NA-1 Headphone Amplifier
| Brand: Matrix Audio |
| Product Type: Headphone Amplifiers |
Matrix Audio NA-1 Headphone Amplifier
N Finite Musical Jjoy
The N Series inherits the Matrix Design aesthetic and is dedicated for premium desktop audio setups. Created for higher level audiophiles, this separates system comprises three core models: the NT-1 Digital Audio Transport, the ND-1 Audio DAC and the NA-1 Headphone Amplifier. With versatile combination options, the N Series caters to the uncompromising pursuit, bringing greater refinement, presence and a true sense of ritual to the desktop Hi-Fi experience.
Effortless Control
With its high damping factor and ample power reserves, the NA-1 maintains abundant drive capability and sufficient power headroom even in large-scale, high-dynamic musical passages. With its precise control, the NA-1 effortlessly masters various flagship full-sized headphones, unleashing the full tension and grandeur of the music with complete authority.
Seamless Volume Flow
Equipped with an motor-driven quad-unit Type 27 potentiometer from ALPS, the NA-1 preserves the traditional approach to analog volume control with intuitive and straightforward operation. When changing volume via the IR remote control, the knob rotates smoothly and automatically - adding a tangible sense of ceremony to every adjustment. Renowned for its excellent channel-matching accuracy, the Type 27 potentiometer ensures consistent attenuation and stable dynamic performance across different volume levels.
The Discrete Class A Core
The NA-1 features a fully discrete, pure Class A circuit design. Its fully balanced architecture employs four independent amplification units to effectively suppress common-mode interference during the amplification process. Building upon an excellent SNR and expansive dynamic range, it further minimizes distortion to ensure that every musical passage is conveyed with purity - infusing each playback with full-bodied and unrestrained energy.
Order In Layers
- The NA-1 adopts a vertically layered circuit architecture. The preamp circuitry, along with the linear power and filter capacitor array, is located on the lower PCB, while the headphone amplification stage resides on the upper. By physically isolating the voltage and the current amplification stages, the NA-1 effectively reduces interference and thermal distribution is optimized. This ensures enhanced operational stability and improved heat dissipation efficiency - allowing the unit to perform with composure throughout every moment of pure listening.
XLR and RCA inputs up to 3 analogue sources
The NA-1 is equipped with one balanced input and two single-ended inputs, allowing up to three audio sources to be connected simultaneously.
Various headphone outputs
On the output side, it features 6.35 mm single-ended, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR balanced headphone outputs, for flexible compatibility with a wide range of headphones.
XLR & RCA Pre-Outs to Power Amplifier
It also provides one XLR and one RCA pre-out, enabling seamless connection to a power amplifier or active speakers to accommodate diverse listening setups.
The Analog Soul
The NA-1 embodies the distinctive mellow sound signature of a pure Class A amplifier, with a balanced and fluid presentation across the frequencies. Its highs are open and delicate without harshness, the midrange is full-bodied and densely textured, and the lows are solid and well-defined. Faithfully reproducing the layers and textures within each melody, it delivers outstanding resolution and dynamic expression while maintaining a relaxed, comfortable character for extended listening sessions.
The Power of Poise
The NA-1 features an independent, high-performance preamp circuit powered by 60V rails. This high-voltage design provides exceptional voltage swing and headroom, allowing the sound to remain effortless and spacious while maintaining a steady sense of power. Even at low volume levels, the audio remains rich in detail and full of dynamic impact.
The NA-1 Features an 80W Potted Toroidal Transformer
Its potting construction effectively suppresses mechanical vibration and acoustic noise, while the metal magnetic shielding enclosure precisely blocks electromagnetic leaks - reducing noise at the source and creating an exceptionally black background for listening.
Capacitor Array with Up To 39,000 µF
Independent power supply design provides dedicated low-ripple, highly stable power for both the preamplifier and power amplification circuits, forming a robust electrical foundation for outstanding sonic performance.
Matrix Audio NA-1 User Manual
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Specifications
| Analog input | XLR Input Impedance: 47kΩ RCA Input Impedance: 47kΩ |
| Pre Out | Frequency Response: 20-20kHz (+0, -0.1dB), 140kHz@-3dB SNR: 121dB@+15dB A-weighting, 124dB@+21dB A-weighting THD+N: < 0.0003%@20Hz-20kHz Crosstalk: -134dB Gain: +15dB/+21dB Output Impedance: < 20Ω |
| Headphone Out | Frequency Response: 20-20kHz (+0, -0.1dB), 170kHz@-3dB SNR: 120dB@+17dB A-weighting, 123dB@+23dB A-weighting THD+N:<0.0007%@20Hz-20kHz Crosstalk: -134dB@Balance output, -126dB@SE output Gain: +17dB/+23dB Output Impedance: < 1Ω SE Output Power : 7W@33Ω, 1.1W@300Ω, 580mW@600Ω, 1%THD Balance Output Power : 18W@33Ω, 4.5W@300Ω, 2.3W@600Ω, 1%THD |
Trigger
Trigger in: DC 6-12V <10mA Trigger out: DC 12V/50mA MAX |
Power
Power Voltage: AC 100V-120V 50/60Hz or AC 220V-240V 50/60Hz Standby Power Consumption: <1W Idle Power Consumption: 35W MAX Power Consumption: <80W |
Weight & Size
Weight: 6.16kg (13.58pounds) Dimensions:
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Accessories
Remote control *1 Power cable *1 User manual *1 Warranty card * |
For improvement purpose, specifications subject to changes without prior notice.
(1) Preamp Output RCA Single Ended, (2)Preamp Output XLR Balanced, (3) Input RCA 1 Single Ended (4) Input RCA 2 Single Ended, (5) Input XLR Balanced, (6) Serice Port, (7) Trigger in- & out, (8) Power Switch On/Off, (9) IEC Power Inlet
Matrix Audio
It was the summer holiday of 2001 in Xi'an, a beautiful ancient city with profound cultural history where 3 high school classmates worked together to build their first speakers. Their love for music and their enthusiasm for the audio equipment hobby laid the foundation for a lifetime of friendship.
At the beginning of 2006, these 3 classmates graduated from their universities and decided to start working together to build new audio devices. They used their technical knowledge to create their first "decent quality" DAC. They enjoyed music, they enjoyed life, and they also enjoyed the sense of achievement and pride that came with designing and building audio equipment. Soon to follow, the idea of starting a brand and making audio products came to mind.「Matrix Audio」was born!
As a new starting point, they established Matrix Electronic Technology Co., LTD in Xi'an, and registered the trademark: Matrix Audio
Brand Concept
The brand name is derived from the mathematical concept "matrix". Matrix is built by portrait and landscape, we name the brand "matrix" because we are looking for the balance between the 2 dimensions. We examine audio products from listening and looking so we also incorporated this concept into our designs. All of our products not only have excellent audio performance, but also incorporate great designs that can integrate into the home environment. Harmony is the goal of our continuous efforts.
