Matrix Audio MA-1 Power Amplifier
The MA-1 is Matrix Audio’s flagship power amplifier, completing the M Series system alongside the MS-1 and the MP-1. A high-bias transistor push-pull output stage delivers 250W per channel into 8Ω or 450W into 4Ω in stereo, with bridged and mono modes available for driving demanding or bi-wired speakers.
Usually dispatched in 2-3 days. Delivery & returns
£7,299.00
including delivery and VAT
Have a question? Call us on 0161 399 0993 or contact us. We also offer part exchange and price matching.
About the Matrix Audio MA-1
The MA-1 is Matrix Audio’s flagship power amplifier, completing the M Series system alongside the MS-1 streamer and the MP-1 preamplifier. It’s designed to perfectly match the MP-1, but it will accept a balanced or unbalanced input from any preamplifier.
A high-bias push-pull output stage
Each channel runs ten ONSEMI power transistors in a push-pull configuration, operating at a high bias current of up to 300W static power draw to keep the output stage working in its most linear range. Into an 8-ohm load that delivers 250W per channel; into 4 ohms, 450W. Gain is switchable between +30dB and +24dB, to suit different preamps and speaker sensitivities.
Three ways to run it
In stereo mode, each amplification unit handles one channel, the standard configuration for most systems. Bridging two MA-1 units together combines their output into a single higher-power channel per amplifier, for speakers with demanding power requirements or low sensitivity. In mono mode, two amplifiers work together on a single channel, aimed at bi-wired speakers or anyone chasing the most extreme performance a pair of MA-1s can deliver.
Power to match the ambition
Independent transformers for the left and right channels give a fully separate dual-channel supply, totalling 1250VA, running at ±80V. Each channel has 14 parallel 6,800µF capacitors forming the main filtering bank, 190,000µF across both channels combined – multiple capacitors in parallel present lower equivalent internal resistance than one capacitor of the same total capacity, which matters when the amplifier needs to deliver a large current quickly.
Quiet cooling, solid build
Two temperature sensors on the main heatsink feed an MCU that runs a 7.4-inch fan automatically once the heatsink gets warm, adjusting its speed as needed; at low volume or muted, it’s difficult to notice the fan running at all. The airflow duct is isolated from the electronics, so dust from long-term operation doesn’t build up on any component.
The chassis uses the same H-shaped structure as the rest of the M Series: a 20mm CNC-machined aluminium plate as the core support, with the left and right channel circuitry in separate, isolated cavities.
Features
Amplification
High-bias push-pull output stage
Ten ONSEMI power transistors per channel, running at up to 300W static power draw.
250W into 8Ω, 450W into 4Ω
Per channel, in stereo mode.
Stereo, bridged and mono operating modes
Bridge two units for more power into a demanding load, or run two per channel in mono for bi-wired speakers.
Switchable gain
+30dB or +24dB, to suit different preamps and speaker sensitivities.
Power supply
Independent left and right transformers
1250VA total, running at ±80V.
190,000µF capacitor bank
14 parallel 6,800µF capacitors per channel, for lower equivalent internal resistance than a single large capacitor.
Cooling & build
MCU-controlled quiet cooling
A 7.4-inch fan runs automatically once the heatsink warms up, barely audible at low volume.
Isolated airflow duct
Keeps electronic components out of the airflow path, preventing long-term dust build-up.
H-shaped CNC aluminium chassis
20mm aluminium plate core, with left and right channels in separate isolated cavities.
Specifications
| Brand | Matrix Audio |
|---|---|
| Analogue Inputs | XLR (balanced), RCA (unbalanced) |
| XLR Input Impedance | 40kΩ |
| RCA Input Impedance | 20kΩ |
| Input Sensitivity | 1.48Vrms (stereo/mono mode), 1Vrms (bridged mode) |
| Output Power (Stereo/Mono) | 2 x 250W RMS @8Ω, 2 x 450W RMS @4Ω |
| Output Power (Bridged) | 1 x 500W RMS @8Ω, 1 x 900W RMS @4Ω (music signal only) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz–20kHz (+0/-0.15dB), -3dB @160kHz |
| SNR | 119dB @+24dB gain, A-weighted; 123dB @+30dB gain, A-weighted |
| THD+N | <0.02% @250W 8Ω (stereo/mono); <0.06% @500W 8Ω (bridged) |
| Crosstalk | -125dB |
| Gain | +24dB / +30dB, switchable |
| Speaker Impedance | Stereo/mono: 2–16Ω; bridged: 4–16Ω |
| Damping Factor | 350 @8Ω, 1kHz |
| Trigger In | DC 6–12V, <10mA |
| Trigger Out | DC 12V, 50mA max |
| Power Voltage | 220–240V 50Hz |
| Standby Consumption | <1W |
| Idle Consumption | 250–350W |
| Max Consumption | <1250W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 430 x 518 x 201mm |
| Weight | 42.4kg |
In the box
- MA-1 power amplifier
- Power cable
- Trigger cable
- User manual
- Warranty card