Matrix Audio NT-1 Digital Audio Transport

The Matrix Audio NT-1 is a high-performance network streamer and digital audio transport designed for one purpose: delivering the cleanest possible digital signal to your DAC.

Rather than combining streaming, D/A conversion and amplification in a single chassis, the NT-1 focuses entirely on digital playback. A full linear power supply, precision clock architecture, isolated USB audio output and extensive digital connectivity make it an ideal front end for a reference digital system.

Use it with the Matrix Audio ND-1, your existing DAC, or virtually any high-performance digital converter.

"In a world of over-engineered streamers, the Matrix Audio NT-1 simply says, ‘Just listen.’" — Wilson Teoh

At a Glance

• Dedicated high-performance network streamer and digital transport

• USB, IIS-LVDS, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical digital outputs

• Roon Ready with TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2

• Custom femtosecond clock and low-phase-noise clock synthesis

• 10MHz external reference clock input

• Electrically isolated, low-noise USB DAC output

• 60W toroidal transformer with fully linear power supply

• NVMe SSD slot for internal music storage

• Gigabit Ethernet and expandable SFP network connection

• Controlled through the Matrix Audio MA Remote app

A Dedicated Digital Source

The NT-1 is built for listeners who already have a DAC they love and want a purpose-built streaming source to get the most from it.

Matrix Audio separates the streaming and digital transport functions from D/A conversion, allowing the NT-1 to concentrate on low-noise power, accurate clocking and clean digital transmission.

The result is a flexible digital front end for everything from a compact desktop system to a full reference two-channel setup.

High-Resolution Streaming

At the center of the NT-1 is Matrix Audio's MA Player Hi-Fi Streamer OS, controlled through the MA Remote app for iOS and Android.

The NT-1 supports a wide range of network playback options, including:

• Roon Ready

• TIDAL Connect

• Qobuz Connect

• Spotify Connect

• AirPlay 2

• DLNA / UPnP

• vTuner Internet Radio

• Radio Paradise

Local playback supports PCM up to 768kHz and DSD up to DSD512, depending on the output interface and connected DAC.

Precision Clocking

Accurate timing is fundamental to digital playback.

The NT-1 uses a custom femtosecond clock combined with an ultra-low-phase-noise RF synthesizer to generate its audio clock signal.

It can also operate from an external 10MHz reference clock, allowing it to integrate with products such as the Matrix Audio SC-1 Audio Grade Reference Clock for systems built around a centralized high-precision clock source.

Clean USB Audio Output

USB is one of the most capable digital interfaces available, but electrical noise from a source component can travel along with the audio data.

Matrix Audio takes a more elaborate approach with the NT-1. Its dedicated USB DAC output is electrically isolated from the device ground and receives its own low-noise power supply from an independent transformer winding.

This helps reduce electrical interference between the transport and connected DAC while still supporting high-resolution PCM and DSD playback.

Connect to Almost Any DAC

The NT-1 offers a comprehensive selection of digital outputs:

• USB Audio

• IIS-LVDS

• AES/EBU

• Coaxial S/PDIF

• Optical S/PDIF

Standard AES/EBU, coaxial and optical connections support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 via DoP.

For compatible DACs, IIS-LVDS supports PCM up to 768kHz and DSD up to 24.58MHz, providing a direct high-bandwidth digital connection.

Built-In Music Storage

The NT-1 can become a self-contained digital music server as well as a streamer.

An internal M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD slot supports 2242, 2260 and 2280-format drives, allowing your music library to be stored directly inside the transport.

Two USB 3.0 ports provide additional external storage options, while network-attached storage can be accessed through the MA Player platform.

The NT-1 can also share its internal storage with other devices on your network using SMB.

Flexible Network Connectivity

Alongside conventional Gigabit Ethernet, the NT-1 includes an SFP network slot.

Depending on the installed SFP module, this can provide an additional Ethernet connection or allow compatible fiber-optic networking. Fiber can provide electrical isolation between the audio system and upstream networking equipment.

For users building an optimized network audio system, the NT-1 can also be paired with Matrix Audio network components such as the SS-1 Pro.

Fully Linear Power Supply

The NT-1 uses a substantial 60W toroidal transformer with multiple low-noise linear regulators.

Independent transformer windings supply the digital processing section and dedicated USB audio output, helping reduce interaction and electrical noise between critical parts of the transport.

It's an unusually serious power-supply architecture for a network streamer and reflects the NT-1's focus on being a dedicated high-end digital source.

Smart System Integration

The NT-1 can automatically wake when playback begins and includes both 12V trigger input and output for coordinated operation with compatible DACs, preamplifiers and amplifiers.

When used as part of the Matrix Audio N Series, the NT-1 integrates naturally with the ND-1 DAC and NA-1 Headphone Amplifier to create a complete modular digital playback system.

Why Buy the Matrix Audio NT-1 from Eardrum Audio?

Eardrum Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer. Every Matrix Audio product we sell is new, sourced through official distribution channels and backed by the full manufacturer's warranty.

Need help deciding whether the NT-1 is the right transport for your DAC or how it compares with an all-in-one streamer? Contact us and we'll be happy to help with system matching, connectivity and setup.