Matrix Audio ND-1 & NA-1: High-end DAC and 20W Class A headphone power

Matrix Audio has announced two new devices in the N-Series that will become available for delivery in April. The ND-1 is a DA converter and the NA-1 is a powerful headphone amplifier operating in Class A.

With the introduction of the T- and N-Series, Matrix Audio brought technology and design features from the prestigious M-Series to more compact models with a lower price point. In doing so, Matrix Audio slowly but surely began the refresh of the Element Series. Following the introduction of the TT-1 Streamer without a DA converter, the T-Series was expanded with the TS-1 Streamer *with* a DA converter . However, in the superior N-Series, the NT-1 Streamer with only digital outputs had to carry the mantle alone until now. The NT-1 is now joined by two new models in the N-Series: the ND-1 DA converter and the NA-1 headphone amplifier.

N-Series, between T-Series and M-Series

The N-Series sits in Matrix Audio's portfolio between the compact T-Series and the full-size M-Series. At 33 cm wide, however, the N-Series can still be considered modest. The performance, however, is not, as Matrix Audio claims that with this series, it scales down the typical high-end approach of the M-Series to its essence. Until now, the N-Series was limited to a single model: the NT-1. A Digital Streaming Transport optimized to deliver a perfect digital audio signal from internal or external music storage and streaming services.

Digital Streaming Transport

The NT-1 and TT-1 were released approximately a year ago . Compared to the TT-1, its slightly smaller counterpart, the NT-1 is built on superior components and features much more optimized signal processing. It includes a fully linear power supply with extensive low-noise regulators, a much more accurate clock oscillator capable of further upgrading via the external SC-1 Reference Clock, and comprehensive isolation against interference. Matrix Audio is now extending this class into two completely new models that complement the NT-1 perfectly and make the N-Series a very serious line.

Also read our review of the Matrix Audio TT-1 .

DA converter

The NT-1 was developed to get the most out of digital data. Whether you choose Matrix Audio's proprietary Remote App, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, or ROON, the NT-1 delivers the played digital music files to the digital outputs with the greatest accuracy. Naturally, the next step in the reconstruction of the music signal is the conversion of the digital file into an analog music signal. This is exactly what the NT-1 was developed for.

With digital inputs in the form of AES/EBU, RCA, optical via Toslink, IIS-LVDS, and USB Audio, you can easily connect the ND-1 to the NT-1 or other digital source, allowing the ND-1 to focus purely on conversion to the analog domain.

The core of the ND-1 is formed by one of the best DAC chipsets available: the AK4191 and AK4499. The AK4191 focuses on the digital processing stage with its digital filtering and Delta-Sigma modulator, while two AK4499 chips handle the actual DA conversion. Coupled with Matrix Audio's linear power supply featuring separate circuits for analog and digital signal processing, a low-jitter clock circuit, and extensive isolation, the ND-1 achieves exceptionally low distortion and an extreme signal-to-noise ratio. Completely unique is the user choice between conventional, directly coupled analog outputs or transformer-coupled output. With the push of a button, you can switch the ND-1 from the Op-Amp coupled output to special Lundahl output transformers for an even more intimate and warmer sound character. This allows the ND-1 to be beautifully personalized to your taste and musical preference.

For those wishing to take things a step further, there is the option to upgrade the ND-1 with Matrix Audio's own SC-1 Reference Clock. The temperature-controlled clock oscillator in the SC-1 thereby takes over the function of the internal clock. This further minimizes digital lubrication and jitter, elevating the performance of the ND-1 to an extremely high level.

For the purest connection, pair the ND-1 with the NT-1 streaming source via IIS/LVDS. This connection transmits the digital music as I2S signals over an HDMI cable. This bypasses the SPDIF interfaces and minimizes potential jitter by connecting the digital audio path as directly as possible to the DAC chips. Expand the set with the SC-1 Reference Clock for optimally synchronized timing for both the NT-1 and the ND-1, and then isolate the NT-1 streamer from disturbing interference and ground noise with Matrix Audio's SI-1 Optical Network Isolator.

Powerful headphone amplifier

Matrix Audio not only builds digital devices but has also established a strong reputation in the world of headphone enthusiasts. Streamers such as the current TS-1, Mini-i Pro 4, and the discontinued Element X2 are equipped with high-quality headphone amplification, including a balanced output. With the introduction of the fully analog NA-1, Matrix Audio goes a step further and has developed a high-end headphone amp with a massive 20-watt output in full Class A.

The NA-1 is a headphone amplifier in its purest and most powerful form. Built with Matrix Audio's exceptional attention to detail and true High-End audio engineering, Matrix is ​​fully committed to maintaining the highest signal integrity. The compact yet solid NA-1 receives its musical signal from an analog source via RCA or XLR connections. Input selection and volume are easily controlled from the sleek yet impressive front panel. Here we also find the 6.35 mm unbalanced headphone jack as well as a balanced output in the form of a 4.4 mm jack and 4-pin XLR.

Matrix Audio has opted for a generous linear power supply with separate regulation circuits for the voltage-amplifying and current-amplifying sections of the Class A amplifier. Four independent, fully balanced amplifier stages deliver a maximum output power of 20 Watts and a (selectable) maximum gain of 21dB. That is a great deal. With this, Matrix Audio achieves an exceptionally stable output with a very high damping factor, allowing any headphone, regardless of impedance, to be driven optimally.

Together with the selection of the highest quality components and highly discrete construction, the NA-1 forms Matrix Audio's very best headphone amplifier ever. Moreover, the NA-1 features preamplifier outputs and can therefore be connected to a power amplifier for loudspeakers.

Prices and delivery information

The Matrix Audio ND-1 DA converter has a suggested retail price of $3,599, and the NA-1 headphone amplifier retails for just under $3,000. The NT-1 Digital Streamer has been around for a while and has a suggested retail price of $4,899.