Matrix Audio has launched a pair of integrated amplifiers called the MD-1 and MD-1P. Both units feature analog and digital inputs and a comprehensive suite of streaming features. The differences are apparent in the color (one black, the other silver) and the power output (one 150 watts, the other 300 watts per channel).
Matrix Audio MD-1 and MD-1P
The introduction of the M-Series added a new dimension to the Matrix Audio wonderland. The sleek lines that characterized the Major League M-Series subsequently flowed into the more compact T- and N-Series models. According to importer Reference Sounds, this elevates its product family to an even higher level, both emotionally and sonically. Streaming Audio plays a central role in “the Matrix,” meaning the music streamers may or may not be equipped with a digital-to-analog converter, but always have Matrix Audio’s own Player app as a solid backbone. The only thing missing from the portfolio was an all-in-one solution that could also be connected to the speakers. That’s now changing with the introduction of the MD-1 and MD-1P, as both devices are powerful integrated amplifiers with analog and digital inputs, a beautiful color display on the front, and of course, a comprehensive set of streaming features.
Matrix Audio’s MD-1 and MD-1P even feature a turntable input. Matrix Audio truly designed the MD-1 and MD-1P to be the epicenter of a high-quality yet minimalist high-end system. Everything has been considered, including an HDMI eArc input, USB audio input, XLR and RCA line inputs, RCA input for an MM cartridge, HD Bluetooth, an NVMe SSD card slot, a direct CD rip function with an optional USB CD drive, pre-out, and subwoofer outputs.
Analogue volume control and nCore power amplifiers
A lot of features are nice, but it also has to sound good, and the engineers at Matrix Audio know that. AKM’s AK4493SEQ DAC chip is the foundation of the digital-to-analog conversion. Combined with Matrix Audio’s proprietary Femto Second Clock system with proprietary jitter reduction algorithms, this lays the foundation for a super-accurate and distortion-free analog signal. The analog volume control has 256 steps from -80 to +12dB, with the manufacturer paying close attention to perfect channel parity, even at low listening volumes.
After adjusting the volume, the music signal is amplified by a power amplifier circuit based on the renowned nCore circuit technology. This is arguably the best Class D amplifier technology on the market. Super-efficient, high power, and ultra-low distortion translate into a pristine sound that is both light and solid.
Matrix Audio MD1 and MD-1P: prices and delivery information
The only difference between the two units is the color and the power output. The MD-1 is only available in silver, delivers an impressive 150 watts of amplifier power per channel into eight ohms, and has a suggested retail price of €4,749. The more powerful MD-1P is only available in matte black, delivers 300 watts per channel into eight ohms, and has a suggested retail price of €5,599.
