Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC
| Brand: Matrix Audio |
| Product Type: Digital Analogue Converters (DAC) |
Matrix Audio NA-1 Audio DAC
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.
The Texture Of Fidelity
The ND-1 is the brand-new audio DAC meticulously crafted by Matrix Audio for separates Hi-Fi systems. Embracing a philosophy of simplicity, it focuses entirely on the critical aspects of D/A conversion. With sound quality as its foremost priority, the ND-1 combines a rigorously engineered circuit architecture with professional tuning to deliver a clean, transparent and low-distortion presentation. Its classic, warm tonal character faithfully reveals every detail and emotion of the music - crafted for audiophiles who seek the most authentic, delicate and lifelike reproduction of the original recording.
More Than Your Imagine
The ND-1 is equipped with a full range of digital inputs, including optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, IIS-LVDS, and both USB Type B and Type C. Beyond compatibility with standard S/PDIF digital signals, it also allows simultaneous connections to smartphones, tablets and PCs via different USB interfaces. All digital inputs feature electrical isolation design, effectively blocking common-mode interference and ground loop noise between the source device and the DAC circuitry, ensuring pure and stable transmission of audio data.
Dual-Engine Core
The ND-1 features AKM's flagship chipset combination: the premium delta-sigma modulator AK4191EQ paired with dual premium DAC AK4499EX. While the AK4191EQ handles high-precision digital processing and reclocking, the two AK4499EX chips adopt an independent channel architecture, dedicated to the digital-to-analog conversion of the left and right channels. This '1+2' array architecture effectively suppresses jitter, optimizes channel separation and phase consistency, and achieves an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range.
True To Your Ear
The ND-1 features a custom-build ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clock, providing a high-precision reference signal for the D/A conversion circuit. In addition, it incorporates a high-performance DPLL clock synthesis circuit derived from the brand’s flagship MS-1, supporting an external clock reference mode. When paired with the Matrix Audio SC-1 Audio Grade Reference Clock, the system’s full performance potential is fully realized—capturing the most delicate nuances and dynamic contrasts in music, and delivering a sound that is transparent, composed, richly layered, and vividly lifelike.
Two Output Levels Selectable
RCA 2 Vrms XLR 4 Vrms
RCA 2.25 Vrms XLR 4.5 Vrms
The ND-1 is equipped with XLR and RCA analog outputs, and offers two selectable output levels. This allows the output voltage to be matched to the input sensitivity of amplifiers or active speakers, achieving precise gain staging and preventing signal overload distortion or dynamic loss caused by insufficient signal level.
Volume Attenuation
100-step Volume Attenuation
In addition, it features a high-precision digital volume control with 100-step attenuation, enabling direct connection to a power amp or active speakers without the need for a separate preamplifier.
PCM Resampling & DSD Conversion
You can let the built-in asynchronous upsampling and DSD conversion engine process all the audio data in digital stage. With asynchronous resampling and interpolation operations, jitters will be isolated and details will be improved. The DSD converter transforms all playing audio into DSD, enhancing sound density. The processing engine features adjustable PCM or DSD conversion configurations, allowing you to experience the sound differences under different settings.
One DAC, Two Worlds
In a bold departure from convention, the ND-1 utilizes prestigious LUNDAHL precision transformers for signal coupling in its output stage. Featuring a timbre switching function, it allows users to toggle between Transformer and Op-Amp sound colors.
Transformer Output Mode
In Transformer mode, the sound carries the distinctive warmth and rich, analog-like characteristics of Lundahl audio transformers. In Op-Amp mode, it presents a modern sonic signature defined by speed and high resolution - cleanly delineated lines, sharp transients, and precise retrieval of detail.
Source Of Purity
Adhering to our philosophy of circuit aesthetics, the digital and analog sections are strategically layered on two separated PCBs. The digital circuitry is located on the lower level, while the D/A conversion stage resides on the upper, effectively minimizing interference. Powered by a multi-winding toroidal transformer and multiple LDOs, this fully linear power ensures exceptional performance for every circuit segment at the source.
Rock Solid
The ND-1 is equipped with the MA-DAMPER PRO isolation damper, jointly developed by「 Matrix Audio」 and Audio Bastion. Constructed from five materials—aluminum, stainless steel, rubber, isolation beads, and composite cork - they form a multi-layer damping and vibration-control system. This effectively absorbs and counteracts external mechanical interference. When paired with Matrix Audio’s custom TEMPO DX RACK, the system works in precise synergy to create a comprehensive vibration-control solution.
Matrix Audio ND-1 User Manual
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Digital Input
Coaxial, optical, AES/EBU
IIS-LVDS
|
Analog Output
| Op-amp output | XLR
RCA
|
| Transformer output | XLR
RCA
|
External Clock Input
10MHz / 50Ω / Sine wave or square wave input |
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: <3W MAX Power Consumption: <50W |
Weight & Size
Weight: 5.60kg（12.35pounds） Dimensions:
|
Accessories
Power cable *1 IR Remote *1 Printed material *1 |
For improvement purpose, specifications subject to changes without prior notice.
(1) External 10Mhz Clock Input (2)AES/EBU Digital Input (3) Coaxial (RCA) digital input (4) Optical (Toslink) digital input (5) I2S LVDS (HDMI) input (6) USB-C audio input (7) RCA Single Ended Analogue Outupt (8) XLR Balanced Analogue Output (10) Trigger in- & output (11) Power On/Off switch (12) 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.
