Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC

The ND-1 is Matrix Audio’s DAC for the N Series – a desktop separates system built alongside the NT-1 transport and NA-1 headphone amplifier. Where the rest of the range folds streaming, conversion and amplification into one box, the ND-1 does one job: taking a digital signal in and delivering the cleanest possible analogue signal out, whether that’s from the NT-1, a computer, or any other digital source.

A dual-DAC architecture built for separation

An AK4191EQ digital filter handles high-precision digital processing and reclocking, feeding two independent AK4499EX DAC chips, one dedicated to each channel rather than a single chip doing both. Matrix Audio calls this a “1+2” array: one shared digital front end, two fully separate conversion paths. The result is better channel separation and phase consistency than a single-chip design, alongside a genuinely high signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range.

Two sound signatures, one DAC

Rather than committing to one output character, the ND-1 lets the output stage itself be switched: Lundahl precision transformers for signal coupling, or a conventional op-amp stage, selectable from the front panel or app. Op-amp mode is the cleaner of the two on paper – distortion under 0.0002% at 1kHz – and delivers a fast, highly resolved presentation. Transformer mode trades some of that measured cleanliness (distortion rises to under 0.02%) for the warmer, more analogue-like character Lundahl transformers are known for. Neither is more “correct” than the other; it’s a genuine choice of presentation built into the hardware, rather than a tone control layered on top.

Every digital input, electrically isolated

Optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, IIS-LVDS, USB Type B and USB Type C cover essentially any digital source, including a computer or phone connected directly alongside the NT-1 or another transport. Every one of those inputs is electrically isolated, blocking common-mode interference and ground loop noise between the source and the DAC’s own circuitry, so switching between sources doesn’t mean switching in whatever noise that source happens to carry.

Clocking built to go further

Timing comes from a custom, ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clock, backed by a DPLL clock synthesis circuit derived from the flagship MS-1’s own clock design. An external 10MHz clock input lets the ND-1 hand timing duties over to a dedicated master clock, including Matrix Audio’s own SC-1 reference clock, for anyone chasing a further step in precision.

A DAC that can drive the system directly

A 100-step digital volume control means the ND-1 doesn’t need a separate preamplifier in the chain: it can run straight into a power amplifier or active speakers, with XLR and RCA outputs each switchable between a fixed maximum level and a continuously adjustable one. A built-in asynchronous upsampling and DSD conversion engine processes audio in the digital domain before conversion, with adjustable PCM and DSD settings to compare how the two approaches sound.

Power and build

Digital and analogue circuits sit on two separate PCB layers, digital below and the D/A conversion stage above, to keep interference out of the conversion stage. A multi-winding toroidal transformer and multiple LDO regulators give each circuit its own clean, fully linear power supply. Underneath, Matrix Audio’s MA-DAMPER PRO isolation feet, co-developed with Audio Bastion from five materials, absorb external vibration, in a CNC-machined aluminium chassis matching the rest of the N Series.

Specifications

In the box

• ND-1 DAC
• Power cable
• IR remote
• Quick start guide

Downloads

• Matrix Audio ND-1 user manual