The MS-1c bears a striking resemblance to the existing MS-1 Streamer DAC, although, unlike the top model, it is also available in black. Furthermore, the MS-1c has a significantly lower price tag. With the ‘c' in the model number, Matrix Audio refers to ‘classic', indicating the character of the MS-1c. With its special (selectable) output configuration, the MS-1c breaks with the trend where DA converters seem to increasingly focus on extreme detail. Rich and smooth while maintaining resolution is the magic of the MS-1c.
The MS-1c is a music streamer with a DA converter based on Matrix Audio's proprietary operating system. It forms the core of every Matrix Audio component, where digital data and interface form one coherent whole, developed around the user. Ease and simplicity of operation and communication are high on Matrix Audio's list of requirements. The MS-1c reflects this with a beautiful touchscreen on the front and the excellent MA Remote app, allowing the user to quickly enjoy music without any hassle.
Versatile network player
In addition to network streaming from Qobuz and Tidal via Matrix Audio's own MA Remote App or Roon Labs software, the MS-1c offers the ability to play music from an internal SSD. The user can easily add this storage by installing an optional SSD card in the NVMe slot on the underside of the MS-1c. This allows you to easily digitize and play your music.
The MS-1c delivers music digitally to the outputs, namely AES/EBU, SPDIF RCA and Toslink, IIS-LVDS, and USB Audio. In addition to optimized digital outputs, the MS-1c is also equipped with a completely newly developed DA converter built around one of the best DAC chipsets currently available: the AK4191 and AK4499. Incidentally, the MS-1c has no digital inputs, nor any analog inputs. Therefore, the MS-1c cannot function as a DA converter for another digital source.
Completely unique is the user choice between conventional, directly coupled analog outputs or transformer-coupled output. At the touch of a button, you switch the MS-1c from the Op-Amp coupled output to special Lundahl output transformers for an even more intimate and warmer sound character.
It demonstrates once again how Matrix Audio views the world and places the listener at the center. From your chair, with the MS-1c, you choose between pure and precise or warm and round, shaping the sound exactly as you wish or as best suits the chosen music. Because sometimes you don't want to choose between the blue pill and the red pill.
The MS-1c is now available in silver and black with a recommended retail price of $5,799.
