Matrix Audio
Chinese electronics maker based in Xi'an, building DACs, streamers and headphone amplifiers. Matrix are known for packing a great deal of connectivity and measured performance into a compact chassis at a competitive price.
About Matrix Audio
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Measured performance at a price that undercuts the field
Matrix Audio are one of a small group of Chinese manufacturers that have shifted how the mid-price DAC market works. The company is based in Xi'an and started with three school friends building speakers together in 2001, who regrouped after university in 2006 to design their first DAC and incorporated the business three years later. The proposition is straightforward: current-generation conversion chips, a properly implemented analogue stage, extensive connectivity, and measured performance that stands up against equipment costing considerably more.
The Element series is the core of the range, combining DAC, streamer and headphone amplifier functions in one unit with Roon Ready certification and full network playback. Matrix also write their own control software rather than leaning on third-party apps, and the MA Remote app handles setup and day-to-day operation across the range. For a system where one box should do everything, it is among the more complete solutions available.
Mini-i covers the smaller desktop units, and the X-SPDIF interfaces solve a specific problem: getting a clean, correctly clocked digital signal out of a computer and into a DAC over I2S or AES.
The build quality is better than the price suggests, with machined casework and a clean, uncluttered front panel. Firmware support has been steady too, with features such as HQPlayer NAA support arriving on existing products by software update rather than only in the next model.
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Element is the all-in-one series combining DAC, streamer and headphone amplifier. Mini-i covers the smaller desktop units, and X-SPDIF handles digital interfacing between a computer and a DAC.
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NEW£41.67Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio SFP Module (MA-SFP-LX-SM1310-LC) is a 1310nm single-mode fibre optic transceiver for the SFP ports on Matrix Audio's SS-1 and SS-1 Pro audio-grade network switches, and on SFP-equipped players such as the MS-1 and NT-1. Using a duplex LC connection, it carries network data up to 10km at 1.25Gbps while electrically isolating your audio system from noisy network equipment.
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From£74.99Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio OCC USB 2.0 Audio Cable is a high-quality USB interconnect designed for hi-fi audio systems, using OCC conductors, enhanced shielding, and flexible construction to deliver stable, low-noise digital audio performance.
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From£124.99Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio CAT6A Network Patch Cord is a high-performance Ethernet cable designed for music streaming systems, supporting full 10Gbps data transfer with advanced shielding and high-purity OFC conductors to deliver stable, low-noise network performance for high-resolution audio.
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From£133.32Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio OCC Hi-Fi Analogue Audio Cable is a premium analogue interconnect using 6N OCC flat conductors, advanced shielding, and precision gold-plated connectors to deliver a smooth, balanced, and naturally detailed sound for high-performance hi-fi systems. -
NEWFrom£165.83Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio Silver Copper Hi-Fi Clock Cable is a 50 ohm BNC cable designed to carry reference clock signals between Matrix Audio components, including the SC-1 Audio Grade Reference Clock, MS-1, NT-1, ND-1 and SS-1 Pro. Rated to 12GHz with just 0.125dB per metre of loss at 100MHz, it uses crimped rather than soldered BNC connectors and a semi-flexible body. Available in 0.5m and 1m lengths. -
From£208.32Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio TEMPO DX RACK is a specialist audio rack co-developed with Audio Bastion, featuring a patented X-shaped isolation architecture, stainless-steel positioning cones, and modular tool-free construction designed specifically for Matrix Audio component systems. -
From£224.99Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio TEMPO DX RACK is a specialist audio rack co-developed with Audio Bastion, featuring a patented X-shaped isolation architecture, stainless-steel positioning cones, and modular tool-free construction designed specifically for Matrix Audio component systems. -
£579.17Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio SI-1 is an audio grade network isolator that uses active optical-electrical isolation and dual femtosecond clocks to remove network noise, eliminate interference, and create a cleaner signal path for streaming audio systems. -
NEW£579.17Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio SU-1 is a USB isolation switcher that lets a hi-fi system share three USB sources between two DACs. Galvanic isolation between the inputs and outputs breaks ground loops and blocks computer noise, while a toroidal linear power supply feeds clean 5V power to the connected device. One front-panel button selects the source and output, so every cable can stay plugged in.
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£829.17Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 is an excellent choice for audiophiles who want to enjoy high-quality music streaming and a superior listening experience. It has been upgraded to the latest ES9039Q2M D/A chip from ESS and features a fully balanced amplifier circuit design, ensuring low distortion and excellent sound quality. The mini-i Pro 4 also features two headphone outputs, a 6.35mm single-ended output and a 4.4mm balanced output, allowing for flexible connection options.
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£1,079.17Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio SS-1 Audio Grade Network Switch is a hi-fi focused network switch designed for music streaming systems, featuring advanced clock design, optical isolation, flexible Ethernet speeds, and upgradeable power options for clean, stable digital audio performance. -
£1,579.17Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro Audio Grade Network Switch is a high-performance network switch built for hi-fi streaming systems, combining linear power, advanced clock design, optical isolation, and multi-speed Ethernet ports to deliver stable, low-noise digital audio transmission.
