Matrix Audio MP-1 Audio Preamplifier

Matrix Audio MP-1 Audio Preamplifier

The Matrix Audio MP-1 sits at the heart of the flagship M Series, acting as the control centre between source and power amplification. Designed as Matrix Audio’s first pure Class A preamplifier, it focuses on signal accuracy, tonal richness, and dynamic stability, ensuring that music is passed on with clarity, texture, and scale. Its visual design introduces the new Matrix design language, pairing bold industrial form with a refined, understated presence.

Internally, the MP-1 uses a fully differential circuit topology, converting all incoming signals into balanced form to suppress noise and improve dynamic range. A high-bias Class A output stage operates without crossover distortion, supported by a high-voltage, low-noise linear power supply. Volume is handled by a precision resistor-array system using sealed reed relays, delivering consistent channel matching and smooth adjustment across 100 steps, even at low listening levels.

Connectivity is generous and flexible, with multiple RCA and XLR inputs and both balanced and unbalanced outputs. Independent level compensation can be set for each input, while dual XLR outputs support bi-amping or multi-amplifier systems with separate volume control per output. Dual square copper toroidal transformers and premium filtering components provide strong current delivery and stable operation, resulting in a sound that is full, controlled, and finely detailed. For listeners building a high-end separates system, the MP-1 offers a confident and highly capable foundation. 

Here is what Matrix Audio say about the MP-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. MP-1 is Matrix Audio's first Class A preamplifier. 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 preamplifier acts as the commander in the audio system. Only precise orders can bring out the best performance from the audio source and power amplifier. The MP-1 is the key point in the chain, it needs to process the input music accurately, endowing it with rich tones and textures, allowing you to hear the sound of music, see the face of music, and feel the soul of music. It is also the sculptor of music.

Warm & Mellow

The fully differential transistor input stage circuit design features extremely low noise and excellent linearity. The output stage is designed as a high-bias current pure Class A output, free from crossover distortion. It operates under a low-noise power supply of up to 60V to achieve extraordinary dynamic range. The output DC servo circuit keeps the output midpoint offset within 1mV, no coupling capacitors involving ensures a flatter frequency response, allowing the original sound to be presented as it is.

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.

Multiple Analog Inputs

MP-1 features 3 pairs of RCA inputs and 3 pairs of XLR inputs, with the ability to independently set level attenuation and compensation for each input. This ensures that the amplitude of all input signals remains at a consistent level, avoiding the volume differences when switching between different audio sources.

Flexible Application

MP-1 has 1 pair of RCA outputs and 2 pairs of XLR outputs, capable of output simultaneously or separately. When outputting separately, the volume for each output can be adjusted individually, making it easier to achieve comfortable volume levels when connecting multiple power amplifiers and different speakers. When both XLR outputs are used at the same time, it's possible to connect four power amplifiers to drive the mid-high range drivers and low-range drivers of the speakers separately, to achieve a bi-amping mode.

Precision in Detail

MP-1 features a voltage-divider volume control by resistor array. Four high-quality volume control units composed of 64 precision resistors with 0.001 accuracy and 32 fully sealed reed relays which are switched rapidly by the MCU. This control method not only minimizes any impact on sound quality but also ensures excellent consistency between the two channels. The operation noise of the reed relays is almost inaudible even when changing volume continuously.

Square Copper Wire Transformer & Linear Power

Power is the start point of an audio device, even the preamplifier needs to have enough power reserve. MP-1 is equipped with two 60W high-power square copper wire toroidal transformers, providing power separately to the volume control unit of the left and right channels and the main amplification unit, achieving independent dual-channel design from the source. Compared to traditional toroidal transformers with circular cross-section wire, square copper wire has a larger conductor surface, higher current capacity, and lower resistance, resulting in better transient response and richer low frequencies. Paired with the M-Lytic AG series filter capacitors from MUNDORF, it adds a silky smoothness and mellow to the sound.

H-Shaped Chassis Structure

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 aluminium 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 aluminium 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.

Elegant Industrial Design & Refined Build Quality

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.

Warm & Delicate Sound

The MP-1 preamplifier delivers warm and delicate sound, with powerful low frequencies without sacrificing the details in the highs. Whether you are listening to chamber music or symphony orchestra, everything is presented perfectly under the control of the MP-1. 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

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.