Matrix Audio NA-1 Headphone Amplifier

Matrix Audio NA-1 Headphone Amplifier

The Matrix Audio NA-1 is a pure Class A headphone amplifier and preamplifier from the N Series separates system, built around a fully discrete, fully balanced circuit design. Four independent amplification units work together to keep distortion low and the noise floor consistently quiet, while the physically separated circuit layout reduces interference between stages and manages heat efficiently. The result is a presentation that is open, detailed, and composed throughout, with the warmth and musical body that Class A amplification does particularly well.

That character comes through clearly across the frequency range. Highs are refined and airy without any edge, the midrange carries genuine weight and texture, and the bass is solid and controlled. A high damping factor and generous power reserves mean the NA-1 handles even demanding, high-impedance headphones with ease and authority, while dual gain modes on both the headphone and preamp outputs allow straightforward matching to whatever is in the system. Headphone outputs cover 6.35mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and 4-pin XLR balanced connections, with XLR and RCA preamp outputs available for driving a power amplifier or active speakers directly.

Volume is handled by a motor-driven ALPS Type 27 potentiometer, chosen for its channel matching accuracy and consistent performance at all listening levels. When adjusted via the remote control, the knob rotates automatically, a small but satisfying detail that reflects the care taken throughout the design. An 80W potted toroidal transformer with separate power supplies for the preamp and amplification stages provides a clean and stable electrical foundation, and the MA-DAMPER PRO isolation footer, co-developed with Audio Bastion, ensures mechanical interference is kept well away from the signal path.

Here is what Matrix Audio say about the NA-1

As the newest addition to the Matrix Audio N Series separates Hi-Fi system, the NA-1 Headphone Amplifier delivers ample driving power, precise control and a pure, transparent sonic presentation. Whether driving full-size flagship headphones or serving as a preamp in a Hi-Fi active speaker system, it performs with effortless authority and composure - adapting seamlessly to a wide range of listening scenarios.

The NA-1 features a fully discrete, pure Class A circuit design. Its fully balanced architecture employs four independent amplification units to effectively suppress common-mode interference during the amplification process. Building upon an excellent SNR and expansive dynamic range, it further minimizes distortion to ensure that every musical passage is conveyed with purity - infusing each playback with full-bodied and unrestrained energy.

The Discrete Class A Core

The NA-1 features a fully discrete, pure Class A circuit design. Its fully balanced architecture employs four independent amplification units to effectively suppress common-mode interference during the amplification process. Building upon an excellent SNR and expansive dynamic range, it further minimizes distortion to ensure that every musical passage is conveyed with purity - infusing each playback with full-bodied and unrestrained energy.

Order In Layers

The NA-1 adopts a vertically layered circuit architecture. The preamp circuitry, along with the linear power and filter capacitor array, is located on the lower PCB, while the headphone amplification stage resides on the upper. By physically isolating the voltage and the current amplification stages, the NA-1 effectively reduces interference and thermal distribution is optimized. This ensures enhanced operational stability and improved heat dissipation efficiency - allowing the unit to perform with composure throughout every moment of pure listening.

Dual Gain Modes

Both the preamp and headphone outputs of the NA-1 feature independent dual-gain control. The high gain mode of headphone output provides increased voltage swing, effortlessly unleashing the potential performance of high impedance headphones. While the high gain mode of preamp output is ideal for power amplifiers and active speakers with lower input sensitivity, providing ample drive to restore authentic musical dynamics and fully reveal the purity of the sound.

Diverse Connections

The NA-1 is equipped with one balanced input and two single-ended inputs, allowing up to three audio sources to be connected simultaneously.

On the output side, it features 6.35 mm single-ended, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR balanced headphone outputs, for flexible compatibility with a wide range of headphones.

It also provides one XLR and one RCA pre-out, enabling seamless connection to a power amplifier or active speakers to accommodate diverse listening setups.

Effortless Control

With its high damping factor and ample power reserves, the NA-1 maintains abundant drive capability and sufficient power headroom even in large-scale, high-dynamic musical passages. With its precise control, the NA-1 effortlessly masters various flagship full-sized headphones, unleashing the full tension and grandeur of the music with complete authority.

The Analog Soul

The NA-1 embodies the distinctive mellow sound signature of a pure Class A amplifier, with a balanced and fluid presentation across the frequencies. Its highs are open and delicate without harshness, the midrange is full-bodied and densely textured, and the lows are solid and well-defined. Faithfully reproducing the layers and textures within each melody, it delivers outstanding resolution and dynamic expression while maintaining a relaxed, comfortable character for extended listening sessions.

The Power of Poise

The NA-1 features an independent, high-performance preamp circuit powered by 60V rails. This high-voltage design provides exceptional voltage swing and headroom, allowing the sound to remain effortless and spacious while maintaining a steady sense of power. Even at low volume levels, the audio remains rich in detail and full of dynamic impact.

Seamless Volume Flow

Equipped with an motor-driven quad-unit Type 27 potentiometer from ALPS, the NA-1 preserves the traditional approach to analog volume control with intuitive and straightforward operation. When changing volume via the IR remote control, the knob rotates smoothly and automatically - adding a tangible sense of ceremony to every adjustment. Renowned for its excellent channel-matching accuracy, the Type 27 potentiometer ensures consistent attenuation and stable dynamic performance across different volume levels.

The Silent Power Source

The NA-1 Features an 80W Potted Toroidal Transformer

Its potting construction effectively suppresses mechanical vibration and acoustic noise, while the metal magnetic shielding enclosure precisely blocks electromagnetic leaks - reducing noise at the source and creating an exceptionally black background for listening.

Capacitor Array with Up To 39,000 µF

Independent power supply design provides dedicated low-ripple, highly stable power for both the preamplifier and power amplification circuits, forming a robust electrical foundation for outstanding sonic performance.

Rock Solid

The NA-1 is equipped with the MA-DAMPER PRO isolation damper, jointly developed by 「Matrix Audio」 and Audio Bastion. Constructed from five materials—aluminum, stainless steel, rubber, isolation beads, and composite cork - they form a multi-layer damping and vibration-control system. This effectively absorbs and counteracts external mechanical interference. When paired with Matrix Audio’s custom TEMPO DX RACK, the system works in precise synergy to create a comprehensive vibration-control solution.

Masterful Engineering

The N Series is not only a feast for the ears but a masterpiece to behold. Inheriting the design language of the Matrix Audio family, its precision-crafted CNC aluminum chassis infuses every detail with both tactile and visual refinement. It is our most restrained expression of craftsmanship, and our most profound tribute to the art of listening.

Versatile Combination

The NA-1 integrates with the Matrix Audio NT-1 Digital Audio Transport and ND-1 Audio DAC, forming a complete desktop Hi-Fi separates system that combines playback, D/A convertion, and amplification in one setup - adaptable to a wide range of listening scenarios. It can also be paired with the any 3rd party music players, DACs, amplifiers or active speakers. Flexible in configuration and highly versatile, it allows audiophiles to build a personalized high-performance audio system with ease.

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.