Matrix Audio NT-1 Digital Audio Transport
The NT-1 is Matrix Audio’s dedicated digital audio transport. It shares the M Series streaming platform but without a built-in DAC. Built to deliver a pristine digital signal to the DAC you already own. Coaxial, optical, AES/EBU and IIS-LVDS outputs cover almost any pairing, with an isolated USB DAC output, NVMe SSD storage and CD ripping via USB. Roon Ready with support for most major streaming services.
Usually dispatched in 1-2 days. Delivery & returns
£3,699.00
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 NT-1
The NT-1 is Matrix Audio’s reference digital audio transport – a streamer built to sit ahead of a separate DAC, rather than including one itself. It shares the same M Series streaming platform and hardware as the MS-1c and MS-1/MS-1P, but everything is focused on getting a clean digital signal out to whatever DAC you already own or plan to add, rather than doing the conversion itself.
Signal quality
A transport’s job is simple to state and hard to do well. It has to get music out of storage or off the network and onto a digital output without adding noise or jitter along the way. The NT-1’s clock system is inherited from Matrix Audio’s flagship models, running in a femtosecond-referenced internal mode by default, or synchronising to an external 10MHz clock, including Matrix Audio’s own SC-1 clock source, for anyone chasing further stability.
The USB DAC output gets particular attention. It’s electrically isolated from the rest of the device, with its own dedicated linear power supply separate from the digital core, aimed at keeping noise off that connection specifically.
Built to fit the system, not dictate it
Digital outputs cover coaxial, optical, AES/EBU and IIS-LVDS, so the NT-1 connects to almost any DAC or digital amplifier. Feeding an active speaker with a digital input directly, the NT-1 offers a digital volume control, removing the need for a separate controller. On the network side, an SFP slot lets the NT-1 be expanded with fibre or additional Ethernet as needed, alongside the standard LAN connection.
Storage and everyday use
An NVMe SSD bay gives the NT-1 its own local library, shared over the network via SMB or as a NAS for other streamers in the house. Two USB 3.0 ports support ripping CDs automatically from an external drive, plus one-touch copying between USB storage devices, without needing a computer.
NT-1 can also mount NAS volumes directly, so an existing music collection doesn’t need to move anywhere. Playback wakes it automatically, and a trigger connection can bring a downstream DAC or amplifier on with it.
Build
Power comes from a 60W toroidal transformer feeding multiple LDO regulators, with the digital processing core and the USB DAC interface each running from their own independent winding, keeping noise from one section out of the other.
Features
Clocking
Dual-mode femtosecond clock
Runs from an internal femtosecond reference, or locks to Matrix Audio’s SC-1 external clock for further stability.
External 10MHz clock input
50Ω sine or square wave input, for anyone running a dedicated master clock.
Outputs & connectivity
Coaxial, optical, AES/EBU and IIS LVDS outputs
Flexible digital connection to almost any DAC or digital amplifier.
Digital volume control
Adjusts volume directly when feeding an active speaker with a digital input, no separate controller needed.
Isolated USB DAC output
Electrically isolated, with its own dedicated linear power supply separate from the digital core.
Gigabit Ethernet and SFP expansion
An SFP slot adds fibre or additional Ethernet as needed, alongside the standard LAN port.
Sources & streaming
MA Player streamer OS
Matrix Audio’s own Linux-based platform runs everything from local files to internet radio.
Roon Ready and streaming services
Native support for TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, vTuner and Radio Paradise.
Internal NVMe SSD bay
Shareable over SMB, or as a NAS for other streamers on the network.
CD ripping via USB
Automatic ripping from an external drive, plus one-touch copying between USB storage devices.
MA Remote App
Full control from iOS, iPadOS and Android.
Build & usability
Full linear power supply
A 60W toroidal transformer with independent windings for the digital core and the USB DAC interface.
Smart wake and trigger control
Wakes automatically on playback, with a trigger output to bring a downstream DAC or amplifier on with it.
Specifications
| Brand | Matrix Audio |
|---|---|
| Digital Outputs | Coaxial, optical, AES/EBU, IIS LVDS (HDMI connector), USB DAC |
| Coaxial/Optical/AES-EBU Output Resolution | PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz, DSD64 via DoP |
| IIS LVDS Output Resolution | PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512 native |
| USB DAC Output | PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512, supplies 5V/1A isolated low-noise power |
| Network | Gigabit Ethernet, SFP module slot (Gigabit) |
| USB | 2 x USB 3.0, 5V/1A, supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT and NTFS filesystems |
| External Clock Input | 10MHz, 50Ω, sine or square wave |
| Internal Storage | M.2 2280/2260/2242 NVMe SSD, max 3.3V/3A |
| Local Playback Formats | MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF/AIFC/AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE and ISO |
| Local Playback Resolution | PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512 |
| Streaming Support | Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, vTuner and Radio Paradise |
| Control App | MA Remote App (iOS, iPadOS and Android) |
| 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) | 330 x 267 x 97 mm |
| Weight | 4.6 kg |
In the box
- NT-1 transport
- Power cable
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card