Matrix Audio NA-1 Headphone Amp Review: The Amp Your Headphones Deserve
Read Time: Approx. 16 min.
TL;DR:
- The NA-1 is a fully discrete, pure Class A headphone amplifier and preamplifier with a vertically layered PCB design that physically isolates amplification stages for reduced noise and interference
- Independent 60V preamp rails and a 39,000 µF capacitor array deliver stable, low-ripple power that keeps the signal effortless and dynamically unconstrained across the volume range
- Dual-gain modes on both the headphone and preamp outputs give the NA-1 the flexibility to drive high-impedance planars and low-sensitivity active speakers with equal confidence
- Balanced output power reaches 18W at 33 ohms and 4.5W at 300 ohms, with a THD+N below 0.0007% — specs that back up its real-world performance with demanding headphones
- Priced at $2,399, the NA-1 is a purpose-built, no-compromise amplifier designed for listeners ready to invest in a dedicated component that scales with their system over time
A Dedicated Amplifier for the Listener Who's Done Compromising
If there's one thing Matrix Audio knows how to do, it's make a component that's intuitive, easy to use, and packed with state-of-the-art technology. From combination units, Music Streamers, Preamplifiers, and more, they've cracked the code on everything audiophiles want and exactly what they need. The company's newest line of hi-fi components, the N Series, targets the listener ready to invest in dedicated, high-end units for their desktop audio setup. Comprised of the ND-1 Audio DAC, NA-1 Headphone Amplifier, and NT-1 Digital Audio Transport, these three components work together harmoniously, and stand equally as fierce on their own.
If you don't have a DAC, consider the ND-1 for its clean, transparent, and low-distortion presentation, but if you do, have you considered upgrading your headphone amplifier? The NA-1 Headphone Amplifier is the component that grows with you over time. A great size, perfect for desktop setups and larger two-channel systems, the NA-1 has enough amplification to drive everything in your collection. From your sensitive IEMs to those pesky high-impedance headphones. Multiple headphone jacks give you flexibility, while the suite of connection ports on the back lets you decide where it fits into your setup.
PROS
- Exceptional driving power for high-impedance headphones with dual gain mode on both headphone and preamp outs
- Three headphone jacks, 6.35mm, 4.4mm, and XLR
- Balanced, musical sound quality complements your entire headphone collection
CONS
- No included audio cables means you have to upgrade to a Dragon Audio Cable or use your own
- Need external DAC or some external audio source
Design
Matrix Audio keeps the NA-1's design uncomplicated: only what you need and nothing that you don't. No flashy display screens or obnoxiously large chassis, just a few buttons, a volume wheel, and a low-profile look.
The NA-1 inherits the design language of Matrix Audio's most recent components, with a precision-crafted CNC aluminum chassis sporting a sleek silver finish. On the top and sides of the chassis, you'll find ventilation panels with a punched pattern, allowing enough air to flow in and out freely without sucking in too much dust in the process.
Under the chassis sit four MA-DAMPER PRO isolation feet, composed of a multi-layer stack of aluminum, stainless steel, rubber, isolation beads, and composite cork. These aren't your run-of-the-mill rubber feet. These are the real deal, absorbing and dissipating vibration before it ever reaches the circuitry.
Some hi-fi manufacturers like to dazzle us with flashy features like display screens, VU meters, and a thousand LED lights, but if you ask me, that's nothing more than wasted space on a front panel–unless it's an absolute necessity. Not to mention, just one more internal component that can bog down the signal chain and introduce noise. Matrix Audio could've done just that: thrown in a few VU meters or some extra buttons and charge a $1,000 more for the sake of profit. But they didn't. They stuck with what matters: a power button, a volume knob, multiple headphone jacks, and just enough buttons and LED lights for the gain stage, inputs, and outputs.
The NA-1 comes fitted with three headphone jacks on the left side of the front panel: a 4-pin balanced XLR output, a 4.4mm balanced output, and a 6.35mm single-ended headphone output. You'll likely be using one of these options depending on what connectors your headphones have, and if you plan on using IEMs, there's a good chance you've already got a 4.4mm balanced adapter or cable with this termination. The volume knob takes center stage on the front panel, and it's supported with an IR remote control for quick adjustments.
One thing about the volume knob that's worth mentioning. It's a motor-driven, quad-unit type 27 potentiometer from ALPS that uses four linked analog sections to control a balanced stereo signal. The knob's built-in motor lets the knob be controlled by the remote, so with each press up or down on the volume, you'll see the knob on the component move ever-so-slightly. Kind of neat if you care about that kind of stuff. I geek out on the little details like that. It just adds to the overall experience. The volume knob is incredibly accurate with excellent channel-matching accuracy and stable dynamic performance across different volume levels.
Rounding out the front panel is a mute/gain button to mute/unmute the device and enable high-gain mode for the headphone out and preamp out. The gain for the pre-out and headphone out can be set independently through a series of clicks. Next to that button is an input button and an output button. Press the input button to cycle through XLR, RCA1, and RCA2 inputs. Press the output button to cycle through headphone output and pre-out.
And speaking of inputs and outputs, let's head to the back panel where you'll find a suite of connections. As a headphone amplifier with preamp circuitry, the NA-1 comes equipped with one set of RCA pre-outs and one set of XLR pre-outs for connection to a power amplifier or pair of active speakers. Two pairs of RCA inputs and one pair of 3-pin XLR inputs make up the input section, while a USB Type-C port, trigger input/output, power input, and power switch round out the back panel. The NA-1 can support up to three audio sources connected simultaneously–talk about flexibility. Included with the NA-1 is a remote control, power cable, and several printed materials, so you will need to purchase some audio cables if you don't have any already.
Sound
With all three N Series components set up in the demo room all ready to go, it felt sacrilegious not to use them together. I used the MA Remote App, logged into Qobuz, and connected to the NT-1 Digital Audio Transport for my listening session. The best way to test out a headphone amplifier is to put it through its paces, and that's exactly what I did with the NA-1, pairing it with our most demanding headphones like the HiFiMan SUSVARA Unveiled Headphones, Dan Clark Audio E3 Headphones, and HiFiMan HE1000 V4 Headphones, as well as some easier-to-drive cans like the Meze Audio STRADA Headphones and Meze Audio 105 AER Headphones.
Matrix Audio says the NA-1 embodies the distinctive mellow sound signature of a pure Class A amplifier. What does that mean? Balanced, warm, detailed, and linear, more or less. The midrange is full-bodied and textured, the highs are airy and open, and the lows are solid and well-defined. I'll be the judge of that.
First up was Mr. Sunshine by the underground artist Arden Jones. I discovered this song on an Instagram reel, and upon further inspection I learned that Jones got his start on Soundcloud and TikTok. So with that comes a certain sound or "type" of music, if you will. I'm talking alt, borderline low-fi with a blend of acoustic instrumentation and produced electronic beats. I had listened to this song a few times in my car over the last week--as one does when hyper-fixating on their latest find--and each time I listened I noticed a gritty texture in the background, which is partly what made it enticing and technically "low-fi", but also overshadowed the acoustic instruments and vocals. When I listened to it again in this formal hi-fi setting with the E3's connected to the NA-1 using our Bronze Dragon Premium Headphone Cable, I noticed that the grit had disappeared. The presentation opened up and became much clearer. The acoustic instruments I had a hard time identifying before were evident: a ukulele and an acoustic guitar. The NA-1 and E3 complemented each other beautifully. The headphone amp had no problems driving the E3 efficiently, so much so that I barely had to turn up the volume to get a desirable presentation.
Switching gears to the heavier-hitting HiFiMan SUSVARA Unveiled, I was pleasantly surprised by the NA-1's ability to drive it with ease. I did have to turn the volume up more than I did with the E3, which I expected, but once I did, it was smooth sailing the rest of the way.
The HiFiMan HE1000 V4 Headphones are prized for their natural, articulate, and detail-oriented sound quality. With an impedance of 32 ohms, I was curious to see how far I could push the NA-1 with high-gain mode disabled. 32 ohms is right on the cusp. They perform MUCH BETTER with ample power, especially with their planar magnetic drivers, but you could make do without if you absolutely had to (which is something I don't recommend). Pressing play on a Charli XCX EDM track, I immediately noticed the volume level drop significantly–no surprise there–so I turned it up a little and kept listening. The overall presentation wasn't as full-bodied and energetic as it could be, but it was surprisingly musical.
I re-enabled high-gain mode, lowered the volume level, and pressed resume on the track. The drivers flexed their sonic muscles and reproduced this EDM-heavy hit with ease–as if it were just another day on the job. The overall presentation was surprisingly energetic and dynamic. These headphones are great at picking up fine details and articulating a track with a natural, neutral tone. The planar drivers give them a bit of an edge in the low-end department, delivering a punchy and impactful bass. The NA-1 took that bass response and added weight to it. The midrange had more body. Everything as a whole was simply ~ elevated ~. The NA-1 does an impressive job at maintaining a balanced, musical tonality regardless of what headphones you pair with it. And listening with low-impedance headphones like the Meze 105 AER (and high-gain mode disabled) was a breeze.
Mean Girls
By Charli XCX
(Brat)
Mr. Sunshine
By Arden Jones
(age tape 8)
Creatures In Heaven
By Glass Animals
(I Love You So F***ing Much)
Get Him Back
By Olivia Rodrigo
(Guts)
Features
- Fully discrete, pure Class A balanced circuit design with four independent amplification units for minimal distortion and exceptional clarity
- Vertically layered PCB architecture that physically isolates voltage and current amplification stages for reduced interference and optimized thermal management
- Independent dual-gain control on both headphone and preamp outputs, supporting high-impedance headphones and low-sensitivity active speakers
- Three simultaneous audio source inputs: one balanced XLR + two single-ended RCA
- Versatile headphone output options: 6.35mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and 4-pin XLR balanced
- XLR and RCA pre-out for seamless connection to power amplifiers or active speakers
- ALPS Type 27 motor-driven quad-unit potentiometer with IR remote-controlled auto-rotating volume knob for precise, ceremonial analog volume control
- 80W fully encapsulated toroidal transformer with metal magnetic shielding and 39,000 µF filter capacitor array for ultra-low-noise, stable power delivery
- MA-DAMPER PRO isolation feet (co-developed with Audio Bastion) using five-material multi-layer vibration control: aluminum, stainless steel, rubber, isolation beads, and composite cork
- Precision CNC-machined aluminum chassis with refined Matrix Audio N Series design aesthetic
Discrete Class A Amplification: The Delivery System
At the helm of the NA-1 is a fully discrete, pure Class A circuit design. Its fully balanced architecture employs four independent amplification units that effectively suppress common-mode interference during amplification. It minimizes distortion, expands the dynamic range, and delivers to you a full-bodied, clean presentation. The NA-1's preamp stage runs on high-voltage 60V rails, allowing for greater voltage swing and headroom, so even during complex, high-dynamic passages, the signal remains effortless and unconstrained.
Both the preamp and headphone outputs on the NA-1 feature independent dual-gain control, meaning you can power a wide variety of gear easily. The high-gain mode of the headphone output provides increased voltage swing to drive those pesky high-impedance headphones with ease.
On the preamp side, the high-gain mode provides ample drive to power amplifiers and active speakers with lower input sensitivity, restoring dynamic range and clarity in your music. These modes can be switched on and off easily from the front panel buttons or the remote control.
Independent Power Supply: The Muscle
The muscle behind all of this is the independent power supply, and Matrix Audio didn't cut corners here. The preamp and headphone amplification stages each receive their own clean, stable power, further reducing potential interference and preserving low-level detail.
The NA-1 uses a fully encapsulated 80W Potted Toroidal Transformer, designed not just for power delivery, but also for silence. The potting reduces mechanical vibration, while magnetic shielding minimizes electromagnetic leakage–both of which lower the noise floor before the signal even reaches the amplification stage. Backing that up is a substantial capacitor array with up to 39,000 microfarads of total capacitance. That's your energy reserve. It smooths out ripple, stabilizes voltage, and ensures the amp can respond instantly to dynamic swings without sag or strain.
Vertical Circuit Architecture: The Internal Blueprint
Now all of this is arranged in a vertical architecture, which is pretty neat. The preamp circuitry, the linear power, and the filter capacitor array are located on the lower PCB, while the headphone amplification stage resides on the upper PCB. And this separation is incredibly beneficial when you're trying to mitigate interference and internal noise–two engineering problems many manufacturers spend extensive R&D trying to solve.
Each one of these sections does a completely different job, and each one generates its own kind of interference. The power supply deals with high current and can be the biggest source of electrical noise and heat in a unit. The headphone amplification stage generates heat and additional electromagnetic interference while delivering current to your headphones. And then you throw a preamp stage into the mix, which is working with very small signal voltages, making it extremely sensitive to both noise and thermal instability. It's like trying to have a quiet conversation in a room where three different washing machines are running at once.
By physically separating these stages, Matrix Audio prevents those side effects from bleeding into each other. Heat from the output stage stays away from sensitive circuitry, and electrical noise is less likely to contaminate the signal path. Thermal distribution is optimized, interference is reduced, and you're left with a cleaner, more stable signal–a more composed and controlled listening experience.
Dragon Cables
[Bronze Dragon Premium Interconnect Cable]
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
When a market is saturated with options, deciding which headphone amplifier to get can feel more daunting than it should. Five different models at similar price points delivering a similar sound with no distinct attributes separating them, how could you not have choice paralysis? So while the Matrix Audio NA-1 Headphone Amplifier might feel like just another headphone amp in a sea of options to you, here's why it's worth your consideration.
With a preamp stage and headphone amplification stage, this is the component that grows with you. It's got the flexibility to drive your headphone collection one day and your active speakers the next. Dual gain modes enable it to handle pretty much anything you throw at it–from your easy-to-drive dynamic headphones to your pesky planar magnetics. With no included audio cables, consider one of our Dragon Audio Cables, like the Bronze Dragon Premium Interconnect Cable, to link your components together. Three different headphone jacks mean you can break up with those headphone adapters you bought for your headphone cables that get the job done, but would work better without them.
The NA-1 sits on the smaller end of the size meter for headphone amplifiers. It's short enough to slide into the shelf of an audio gear rack like the HRS EXR Audio Stand System, and just wide enough to fit at the corner of your desk without taking up too much real estate.
It's technically robust, compatible with your existing external DAC, and capable of stealing your heart. The balanced presentation that never lacks midrange magic and detail makes the NA-1 Headphone Amplifier a compelling companion for your favorite hi-fi headphones and speakers.
Featured Products
Related Videos
4 Best Buy Music Streamers Comparison: Matrix MS-1, NT-1, TT-1, TS-1 & More
The Secret to FLAWLESS Network Music Streaming | Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro Review
The Weakest Link in Your Audiophile System Probably Isn't Your Gear
What's in the Box
- Matrix Audio NA-1 Headphone Amplifier
- MA-DAMPER PRO isolation feet (pre-installed)
- IR remote control
- Power cable
Specifications
ANALOG INPUT SPECIFICATIONS
XLR Input Impedance: 47kΩ
RCA Input Impedance: 47kΩ
PRE OUT SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response: 20-20kHz (+0,-0.1dB), 140kHz at -3dB
SNR: 121dB at +15dB A-weighting | 124dB at +21dB A-weighting
THD+N: <0.0003% at 20Hz-20kHz
Crosstalk: -134dB
Gain: +15dB/+21dB
Output Impedance: <20 ohms
HEADPHONE OUT SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response: 20-20kHz (+0,-0.1dB), 170kHz at -3dB
SNR: 120dB at +17dB A-weighting | 123dB at +23dB A-weighting
THD+N: <0.0007% at 20Hz-20kHz
Crosstalk: -134dB at Balanced Output, -126dB at SE Output
Gain: +17dB/+23dB
Output Impedance: <1 ohms
SE Output Power: 7W at 33 ohms, 1W at 300 ohms, 580mW at 600 ohms (1% THD)
Balanced Output Power: 18W at 33 ohms, 4.5W at 300 ohms, 2.3W at 600 ohms, (1% THD)
TRIGGER SPECIFICATIONS
Trigger In: DC 6-12V, <10mA
Trigger Out: DC 12V /50mA MAX
POWER SPECIFICATIONS
Power Voltage: AC 100V-120V 50/60Hz | AC 220V-240V 50/60Hz
Standby Power Consumption: <1W
Idle Power Consumption: 35W
MAX Power Consumption: <80W
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 6.16 kg (13.58 lbs)
Dimensions: 330mm W x 275mm D x 97mm H (12.99 x 10.83 x 3.82 in)
