Matrix Audio MA-1 Audio Power Amplifier

Item code: MA-1NS2

The Matrix Audio MA-1 Audio Power Amplifier is a high-power Class AB stereo amplifier delivering up to 250W per channel at 8 ohms, designed as the reference power stage for the Matrix Audio M Series and built to drive demanding loudspeakers with auth…
£8,395.00
£6,995.83
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New 12 Months warranty 30-day returns
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Qty:

SPEAKER CABLES:

A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.

OTHER CABLES:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.

NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.

£6,995.83 ex. VAT
Available — built to order, dispatches in 2 - 3 Weeks
Delivery: Royal Mail Tracked 24 FREE  ·  DPD Next Day from £8.95  ·  DPD Saturday from £12.95
Order before 4pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Our promise: 30-day returns · Free burn-in · Built in our UK workshop · 12 Months warranty · Expert support on every order

Matrix Audio MA-1 Audio Power Amplifier

 

The Matrix Audio MA-1 represents the brand’s move into traditional high-end amplification, forming the power foundation of the flagship M Series alongside the MS-1 music streamer and MP-1 preamplifier. Designed to handle both explosive dynamics and fine musical detail, the MA-1 delivers a confident, composed sound that suits a wide range of loudspeakers, from refined standmounts to power-hungry floorstanders.

At the heart of the MA-1 is a Class AB output stage using multiple high-power transistors per channel in a push-pull configuration, operating at a high bias current for strong linearity and control. In stereo or mono operation, it delivers 250W per channel into 8 ohms and 450W into 4 ohms, with the option to bridge two units for substantially higher output when required. Independent power supplies for left and right channels, a large transformer capacity, and extensive capacitor banks ensure stable current delivery and strong grip over the speaker load.

The MA-1 also offers flexible system integration. Balanced and unbalanced inputs are fully supported, with adjustable gain settings to match different preamplifiers and system sensitivities. Advanced thermal monitoring controls a near-silent cooling system that only activates when needed, keeping operation quiet in real-world listening. Finished in Matrix Audio’s new M Series industrial design, the MA-1 combines serious engineering with a bold visual presence, making it a compelling choice for listeners building a reference-level separates system. 

 

Here is what Matrix Audio say about the MA-1

The all-new M series marks a milestone for Matrix Audio as it advances towards traditional Hi-Fi systems. This series includes the music streamer MS-1, the preamplifier MP-1 and the power amplifier MA-1, forming a complete flagship system of Matrix Audio that presents our understanding of Hi-Fi audio. The M series is the first lineup to adopt the new Matrix Design language, serving as a precursor to the future evolution of Matrix Audio products.

Evaluating audio products from the dimensions of "listening" and "looking" has always been our consistent philosophy. From concept to design, every step contains the love for music and the pursuit of beauty. MA-1 is Matrix Audio's first Class AB power amplifier. Its industrial design showcases our concept of simplicity. With hundreds of circular perforations of varying sizes and depths arranged in an array on the simple hexahedron, resembling rhythmic beats dancing and emerging on the surface.

The power amplifier serves as the backbone of the entire audio system, requiring comprehensive performance that excels both in dynamic and nuanced scenarios. It should surge powerfully during intense moments and delicately reveal subtleties with finesse. The MA-1 is born for the MS-1 and MP-1, offering precise matching and tuning to ensure that the entire system delivers exceptional audio performance and operational experience.

 

Multi-triode In Parallel Push-pull Output

In order to reduce the output impedance, we applied 10 ONSEMI high-power transistors in each channel to compose a push-pull amplification circuitry, which operating at a high bias current state. The static power consumption is up to 300W. At an 8-ohm load, it provides 250W output power per channel, and 450W output power per channel at a 4-ohm load.

 

United Efforts

The main amplifier of MP-1 consists of four independent fully balanced amplification units. Each channel has two amplification units working together, responsible for amplifying the in-phase and inverted signals. Even in RCA input mode, the signal will be converted into a bipolar signal for amplification, effectively suppressing common-mode noise and improving dynamic performance.

 

Stereo Mode

Each amplification unit in one amplifier handle left and right channels separately, every note is precisely reproduced on the stereo stage.

 

Bridged Mode

Joining two power amplifiers together, unleash more powerful energy for music, even speakers with demanding power requirements or low sensitivity will be driven effortlessly.

 

Mono Mode

Two amplifiers work for each channel, pursuing more extreme sound quality. It provides an even advanced driving mode for high-end separate speakers or bi-wiring speakers, unlocking the potential performance of the speakers.

 

Adjustable Gain

The amplifier has two gain levels. The normal gain is +30dB, which can be attenuated to +24dB. Allowing you to setup the amplifier with different pre-amps and speakers.

 

Surging Power

Independent transformers for the left and right channels enable a fully independent dual-channel design, with a total power supply of 1250VA. The main power is ±80V. Each channel features 14 parallel-connected 6,800µF capacitors, forming the main power supply filtering capacitor matrix. The total capacity of capacitors for both channels reaches 190,000µF. Compared to a single capacitor with the same capacity, multiple capacitors in parallel features lower equivalent internal resistance, ensuring greater flexibility in handling large current outputs.

 

Craftsmanship

The H-shaped structure is a unique design created by Matrix Audio for the M series products, born from two years of continuous optimization and improvement considering various aspects such as mechanics relationship, circuit layout, and exterior appearance. The 20mm CNC aluminum plate become the support structure of the entire device after dozens of procedures, serving as the core of the H-shaped structure. All components are mounted on the aluminum plate, and the entire weight is supported by heavy-duty feet installed on the main beam, making it solid and stable. After the panels are installed, multiple isolated cavities are formed with the main beam. Different circuit modules are properly placed in each cavity, effectively reducing interference between circuit modules. The circuit modules for the left and right channels are symmetrically arranged on both sides, creating a balanced visual impression.

 

Silent Cooling

The MCU continuously samples the temperature with two sensors on the main heatsink, constantly monitoring the temperature of the heatsink. When the temperature exceeds the preset value, a 7.4" ultra-quiet fan runs automatically and adjusts the fan speed dynamically. You'll hard to notice the fan is working even when the device is at low volume or muted. The isolated duct design ensures that there are no electronic components inside the airflow path, preventing dust accumulation from long-term operation.

 

Elegant & Refined

The ingenious industrial design is an indispensable part of our product, flowing out the brand-new Matrix Design language from dots, lines and surfaces. Each component undergoes multiple delicate CNC machining and surface treatments, providing a exquisite and comfortable matte texture, allowing you to feel the unique craftsmanship in operation, displaying a distinctive elegant temperament.

 

From Ears To Heartfelt

The MA-1 delivers a rich and exquisite sound, immersing you in its depths. It's not just an auditory pleasure but a heartfelt exchange. Every note, every chord tells a story, making you fall in love with the sound. Every detail of the M series embodies our pursuit of excellence. Everything you hear, see and touch is the final presentation by team Matrix Audio through continuous trial and fail, meticulous polishing, and careful calibration. We persevere tirelessly, striving to make things more beautiful and the sound more captivating.

 

Specifications

Audio Specifications
  • XLR Input Impedance: 40kΩ
  • RCA Input Impedance: 20kΩ
  • Input Sensitivity: 1.48Vrms (Stereo/Mono), 1Vrms (Bridge)
  • Output Power (Stereo/Mono mode)
    • 2 × 250W RMS @ 8Ω
    • 2 × 450W RMS @ 4Ω
  • Output Power (Bridged mode)
    • 1 × 500W RMS @ 8Ω
    • 1 × 900W RMS @ 4Ω (Music signal only)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz (+0, −0.15dB), 160kHz @ −3dB
  • SNR
    • 119dB @ +24dB A-weighting
    • 123dB @ +30dB A-weighting
  • THD+N
    • <0.02% @ 250W / 8Ω (Stereo/Mono)
    • <0.06% @ 500W / 8Ω (Bridged)
  • Crosstalk: −125dB
  • Gain: +24dB / +30dB
  • Speaker Impedance
    • Stereo/Mono mode: 2–16Ω
    • Bridged mode: 4–16Ω
  • Damping Factor: 350 @ 8Ω, 1kHz
Trigger
  • Trigger In: DC 6–12V <10mA
  • Trigger Out: DC 12V / 50mA (Max)
Power Specs
  • Power Voltage: AC 100–120V or AC 220–240V, 50/60Hz (Factory fixed)
  • Standby Power Consumption: <1W
  • Idle Power Consumption: 250–350W
  • Maximum Power Consumption: <1250W
Weight & Size
  • Weight: 42.4kg (93.5 lb)
  • Dimensions
    • Width: 430mm (16.93")
    • Depth: 518mm (20.39")
    • Height: 201mm (7.91")
Accessories
  • Power cable x1
  • Trigger cable x1
  • User manual x1
  • Warranty card x1

 

About Matrix Audio

Matrix Audio UK is a renowned audio brand established in 2009 and based in the historic city of Xi'an, China. With a strong focus on developing, producing, and selling digital Hi-Fi audio products, Matrix Audio has evolved into a leading digital audio company over the course of over a decade.

Matrix Audio has built a stellar reputation among audiophiles in China and worldwide thanks to its commitment to delivering high-quality audio DACs, audio amplifiers, and other digital audio equipment. Their success can be attributed to the expertise of their professional testers, advanced research facilities, and state-of-the-art audio analysers.

The brand name "Matrix" is inspired by the mathematical concept of balance between two dimensions: portrait and landscape. Matrix Audio applies this concept to its product development and design philosophy. They prioritise excellent sound performance and strive for aesthetically pleasing designs that seamlessly integrate into any home environment. Harmony, both in sound and design, is the ultimate goal for Matrix Audio.

Choose Matrix Audio UK at Future Shop for cutting-edge digital Hi-Fi audio products that combine exceptional sound quality with captivating design, earning them a respected brand image and loyal following among audiophiles worldwide.

 

About Matrix Audio

Chinese maker of DACs, streamers and amplifiers, with its own playback software and companion app.

Matrix Audio makes DACs, headphone amplifiers, USB audio interfaces, streaming DACs, power amplifiers and music streamers. It also makes network switches, clock sources and isolators for digital audio systems, along with cables and accessories. The brand was registered in Xi'an, China, and sells through partners in dozens of countries.

Read more about Matrix Show less

Streaming sits alongside the DACs

Matrix makes plain DACs as well as network-connected units. The mini-i and X-SABRE are DAC lines, while the Element series combines a streaming DAC with a network connection. That means you can choose between a simple converter and a streamer, depending on how you play your music.

Software that runs on the hardware

The MA Player system is a Linux-based high-resolution playback platform, and the MA Remote app controls it from Android, iOS and iPadOS devices. Because the software is Matrix's own, you control the streamer from the same app whichever model you choose.

Digital accessories for your network

Matrix also lists the SU-1 USB isolation switcher, the SI-1 network isolator and the SS-1 Pro network switch, plus clock sources. These are for digital systems where you want to tidy up the path between the network, the streamer and the DAC.

Why we stock Matrix

Matrix build complete units. You get the feature set you would normally find several price brackets higher: full connectivity, proper implementation, no obvious corners cut. If you want one box to do the job rather than three that each do a part of it, the value is hard to argue with.

Shop all Matrix Audio →
Audio Specifications
  • XLR Input Impedance: 40kΩ
  • RCA Input Impedance: 20kΩ
  • Input Sensitivity: 1.48Vrms (Stereo/Mono), 1Vrms (Bridge)
  • Output Power (Stereo/Mono mode)
    • 2 × 250W RMS @ 8Ω
    • 2 × 450W RMS @ 4Ω
  • Output Power (Bridged mode)
    • 1 × 500W RMS @ 8Ω
    • 1 × 900W RMS @ 4Ω (Music signal only)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz (+0, −0.15dB), 160kHz @ −3dB
  • SNR
    • 119dB @ +24dB A-weighting
    • 123dB @ +30dB A-weighting
  • THD+N
    • <0.02% @ 250W / 8Ω (Stereo/Mono)
    • <0.06% @ 500W / 8Ω (Bridged)
  • Crosstalk: −125dB
  • Gain: +24dB / +30dB
  • Speaker Impedance
    • Stereo/Mono mode: 2–16Ω
    • Bridged mode: 4–16Ω
  • Damping Factor: 350 @ 8Ω, 1kHz
Trigger
  • Trigger In: DC 6–12V <10mA
  • Trigger Out: DC 12V / 50mA (Max)
Power Specs
  • Power Voltage: AC 100–120V or AC 220–240V, 50/60Hz (Factory fixed)
  • Standby Power Consumption: <1W
  • Idle Power Consumption: 250–350W
  • Maximum Power Consumption: <1250W
Weight & Size
  • Weight: 42.4kg (93.5 lb)
  • Dimensions
    • Width: 430mm (16.93")
    • Depth: 518mm (20.39")
    • Height: 201mm (7.91")
Accessories
  • Power cable x1
  • Trigger cable x1
  • User manual x1
  • Warranty card x1

We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.

Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.

 

Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.

 

All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.

 

 

Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

 

We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:

  • Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
  • Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
  • Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
  • You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
  • We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
  • FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.

 

UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS

Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*

Weight Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE)
0g - 1000g £3.95
1000g - 1400g £4.95
1400g - 1800g £5.95
1800g - 2000g £6.95
2000g - 3000g £8.95


* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.

Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.

 

Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day

We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.

 

Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.

 

For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.

 

Channel Islands & Northern Ireland

We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.

 

European Countries

Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

 

The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs &amp; Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

 

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

 

Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe

Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

 

If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs &amp; Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

 

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability
  • Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

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Matrix Audio MA-1 Audio Power Amplifier

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