Matrix Audio MS-1c Music Streamer
The MS-1c is the entry point into Matrix Audio’s flagship M Series – a network streamer with a built-in AKM VelvetSound DAC, balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs, and an NVMe SSD bay for local storage. Roon Ready, with Apple Music, TIDAL, Qobuz and Spotify Connect all supported natively.
Usually dispatched in 2-3 days. Delivery & returns
£4,299.00
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 MS-1c
The MS-1c is the entry point into Matrix Audio’s flagship M Series – a streamer built to be the calm, capable centre of a system rather than another box of specs to get your head around. It streams, plays a local library, rips CDs and can drive an amplifier or active speakers directly, all from one chassis. It suits listeners setting up their first proper streaming source just as well as anyone replacing an older transport with something built to grow alongside the rest of a separates system.
Sound quality
This is where the M Series pedigree shows. The DAC stage is built around AKM’s flagship VelvetSound platform, and the tuning leans toward warmth and body rather than clinical precision – Swedish Lundahl transformers handle the final signal coupling, taking the edge off without dulling detail. A dual-clock design, with separate timing references for each sample-rate family, keeps the conversion stage tight; the result is a sense of space and stability in the stereo image rather than anything flattened or hardened by digital processing.
Built to fit the system, not dictate it
Whether it’s feeding a power amp, driving active speakers directly, or handing off to an external DAC, the MS-1c is designed to slot into whatever a system needs rather than force a particular setup. Balanced and unbalanced outputs with adjustable level and built-in digital volume control mean it can run straight into amplification if that’s the simpler path; for anyone building toward a more serious outboard DAC later, there’s headroom on the digital side to support that too.
Storage and everyday use
An internal SSD bay turns the MS-1c into its own local library, and that library can be shared with other streamers on the network. Ripping in a CD collection is as simple as plugging in a USB drive – no computer required. Day-to-day control lives in the free MA Remote App, and the streaming side covers what most listeners already use, from Roon down to the major streaming services.
Build
Matrix Audio has carried the M Series look and feel through here too: a CNC-machined aluminium chassis on isolation feet developed with Audio Bastion, giving the MS-1c a solid, settled feel on the shelf even with speakers or a turntable nearby.
Features
Sources & streaming
MA Player streamer OS
Matrix Audio’s own Linux-based platform runs everything from local files to internet radio.
Streaming services
Native support for Apple Music, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, vTuner and Radio Paradise. Certified Roon Ready.
Internal NVMe SSD bay
M.2 slot with its own isolated power supply; the MS-1c can double as a NAS for other streamers.
CD ripping via USB drive
Rip and play CDs without a computer in the loop.
Conversion & clocking
AKM VelvetSound DAC
AK4191 and AK4499EX combination handling PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to 24.58MHz.
Dual femtosecond clocks
Separate references for the 44.1kHz and 48kHz families, paired with FPGA-based jitter reduction.
Outputs & connectivity
Balanced XLR and RCA outputs
Fixed or variable level, with 100-step digital volume control for driving power amps or active speakers directly.
Optical, coaxial and AES/EBU
S/PDIF outputs up to 24-bit/192kHz, for connecting to an external DAC.
IIS LVDS and USB DAC output
Up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512 over an HDMI connector, or USB for outboard DACs.
Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Wired for the most stable high-res playback, wireless when cabling isn’t practical
Build & usability
CNC-machined aluminium chassis
Matches the rest of the M Series in finish and construction.
Audio Bastion isolation feet
MA-DAMPER STD damping reduces the effect of external vibration.
MA Remote App
Full control from iOS, iPadOS and Android, including IIS pin configuration and MP-1 integration.
Specifications
| Brand | Matrix Audio |
|---|---|
| Digital Outputs | Optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, IIS LVDS (via HDMI connector), USB |
| S/PDIF Resolution | PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz, DSD64 via DoP |
| IIS LVDS Resolution | PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512 native or DSD256 via DoP |
| USB Resolution | PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512, supplies 5V/1A |
| Analogue Outputs | XLR (balanced), RCA (unbalanced) |
| XLR Output Level | 20Ω impedance, 4.5Vrms fixed or 0–4.5Vrms adjustable |
| RCA Output Level | 20Ω impedance, 2.25Vrms fixed or 0–2.25Vrms adjustable |
| Analogue Performance | SNR >126dB (XLR) / >123dB (RCA) A-weighted, THD+N <0.02% @1kHz, crosstalk >−130dB |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz–20kHz ±0.1dB (XLR) / ±0.3dB (RCA), −3dB @83kHz |
| Network | Gigabit Ethernet, 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi |
| USB | USB 3.0 (5V/1A) formatted as FAT, FAT32, exFAT or NTFS |
| Internal Storage | M.2 2280/2242/2230 NVMe SSD, PCIe 3.0/4.0/5.0, max 3.3V/3A |
| Local Playback Formats | MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF/AIFC/AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE, ISO |
| Local Playback Resolution | PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512 |
| Streaming Support | Roon Ready, Apple Music, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, vTuner and Radio Paradise |
| Control App | MA Remote App (iOS, iPadOS and Android) |
| Remote | RM4B IR remote, 5 selectable address codes |
| Trigger In | DC 6–12V, <10mA |
| Trigger Out | DC 12V, 50mA max |
| Power Voltage | 220–240V 50Hz |
| Standby Consumption | <5W |
| Max Consumption | <50W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 430 x 315 x 96 mm |
| Weight | 6.5 kg |
In the box
- MS-1c streamer
- RM4B remote control
- Power cable
- Quick start guide