Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC Review: Where Warmth and Precision Coexist
Read Time: Approx. 12 min.
TL;DR:
- The ND-1 borrows flagship-grade engineering from the MS-1 Music Streamer, including AKM's AK4191EQ + dual AK4499EX chipset combination for exceptional channel separation, dynamic range, and SNR
- Dual output modes — Transformer and Op-Amp — give the ND-1 a genuinely split sonic personality, catering to both warm/musical and analytical/detail-focused listeners
- A custom femtosecond clock with DPLL synthesis keeps jitter as low as 45fs, with external clock input support for pairing with dedicated master clocks like the Matrix SC-1
- The fully linear power supply, dual-PCB layout, and MA-DAMPER PRO isolation feet reflect a level of mechanical and electrical engineering rarely seen at this price
- Seamless integration with the full N Series ecosystem — NT-1, NA-1–makes the ND-1 both a strong standalone DAC and the ideal foundation for a complete high-end desktop system
Flagship Engineering, Desktop Friendly
Matrix Audio has been quietly building a reputation among desktop audiophiles for producing components that deliver exceptional fidelity. 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.
The Matrix Audio ND-1 Audio DAC stands out in the lineup for its clean, transparent, and low-distortion presentation. It borrows technology from Matrix Audio's flagship MS-1 Music Streamer, and packages that engineering pedigree into a more accessible, ecosystem-friendly component. Whether you're a warm and musical listener or someone who chases resolution and detail, the ND-1 doesn't ask you to choose; it lets you enjoy both. How? Well, you'll have to keep reading to find out.
PROS
- Dual output modes offer sonic versatility: Warmth and analytical precision
- Uses the same DAC architecture seen in the flagship MS-1 Streamer
- Synergy with the N Series components and your existing hi-fi system
CONS
- IIS-LVDS input is only beneficial if you already own an I2S-compatible device
Design
The ND-1's physical design follows suit with the company's most recent models: understated and minimalist. Matrix does a great job of including only what you need and nothing that you don't. It uses the same precision-crafted CNC aluminum chassis as the NA-1 Headphone Amplifier and NT-1 Digital Audio Transport, with a sleek silver finish and ventilation panels on the side and top of the chassis. These panels are stylish and intentional with a punched pattern that allows 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 counteracting 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.
The ND-1's front panel is designed to impress. A large black glass touch screen panel stretches across the entire width of the front, adding contrast to the chassis's silver color scheme. While only the middle of the glass panel features an actual display screen, the rest of the space is reserved for 5 buttons performing various functions. Two select buttons for switching between input channels or volume control when enabled, a sound color button to select and switch between preset sound colors, and an IR receiver adorn the left side. On the right side sits a button to activate and deactivate the transformer coupling mode, an ASRC button that enables the hardware conversion engine, and a settings button to enter and exit the settings menu.
These are not physical buttons themselves, but a part of the overall touch screen panel that you simply tap to enable and disable the various functions. As for the LCD screen itself, there are two views available: With volume control off, you'll get insight into your system's status, including the selected input channel, audio info, system info like cock mode and transformer coupling mode, and when the volume control is enabled, the layout changes to accommodate the volume positioned in the center.
I want to touch on the volume aspect quickly because it's important. While the ND-1 doesn't have a physical volume knob on the front panel, it does feature a high-precision digital volume control with 100-step attenuation. This is a plus for anyone who doesn't already own a dedicated external preamp (or if it's already in use elsewhere). With the volume control enabled, you can connect the ND-1 directly to a power amplifier, integrated amplifier, or active speakers and control that volume using the remote control or directly on the front panel.
The back panel is really where all of the magic happens with digital inputs and analog outputs for effortless integration with your favorite high-end audio components. Digital inputs include: one AES/EBU, one coaxial, one optical, one IIS-LVDS input, one USB Type-B input, and one USB Type-C input. All digital inputs feature electrical isolation design, effectively blocking common-mode interference and ground loop noise between the source device and the DAC circuitry, ensuring pure and stable transmission of audio data. Quick note on the IIS LVDS input. It's a more direct digital input path that can reduce interference noise in a well-matched system by sending I2S-style audio data over differential signaling. It's not a universal standard yet, so the source and DAC need a compatible IIS/LVDS pinout and signaling to get the benefit.
For analog outputs, you've got one pair of RCA outputs, one pair of balanced XLR outputs, a Trigger Out, and a Trigger In. Rounding out the back panel are a 10MHz external clock input and the power port with a manual power switch. The analog outputs have two selectable output levels to match your amplifier or active speakers accurately.
Included with the ND-1 are the essentials: A remote control, a power cable, and various printed materials. Matrix Audio keeps the ND-1's design simple. Not because there's a lack of possibilities, but because the inside is where all the magic really happens.
Sound
With all three Matrix Audio 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 (Matrix Audio app), logged into Qobuz, and connected to the NT-1 Digital Audio Transport for my listening session. This is the same setup I used in my review of the Matrix Audio NA-1 Headphone Amplifier. I dove into the sound quality of that component and the entire system, and despite having incredible synergy, the ND-1 Audio DAC stands out for its hidden features that transform the listening experience–regardless of what components you pair it with.
The ND-1 DAC features a linear power supply built around a multi-winding LUNDAHL Precision Transformer, and that transformer does more than clean up the power supply. It's the foundation of one of the ND-1's most distinctive features that sets it apart from most competitors at this price: two selectable output modes that give the DAC a dual personality. Yup, you read that right! Enabled and disabled through the dedicated front panel button or the remote control, these modes put you in control of your listening experience. And they beef up your entire system's presentation–from the ND-1 DAC to the headphone amplification stage and straight to your headphones.
Transformer mode delivers a warm, organically textured character. Op-Amp mode sits at the opposite end of the sonic spectrum, sharpening the presentation into something more modern and analytically precise. These modes cater to the two main audiophile archetypes: analytical and detailed, and warm and musical. I'm a warm and musical listener through and through. While I appreciate the nuance and precision that analytical listeners chase, you could put me in front of the best endgame system known for detail retrieval, and I'll still be craving warmth. Place the ND-1 in front of my colleague, who leans analytical, and me, and we're both walking away satisfied after a listening session–that's the magic of this DAC.
Output modes aside, the ND-1 DAC has been meticulously engineered to deliver a clean, transparent, low-distortion presentation. It's focused on precision and performance, while faithfully reproducing every detail, emotion, and texture of your music. I'm personally a big fan of Matrix Audio's signature sound. It's organic with subtle warmth that never compromises the authenticity of a track. Their components don't add unwanted coloration, which is a major plus when you're pairing them with several headphones, IEMs, and speakers–all of which have their own sonic flavor.
Tangerine
By Glass Animals
(Dreamland)
Obsolete
By Tame Impala
(Deadbeat)
Happier Than Ever
By Billie Eilish
(Happier Than Ever)
Bed Chem
By Sabrina Carpenter
(Short n' Sweet)
Features
- Dual AK4499EX + AK4191EQ '1+2' delta-sigma DAC architecture for exceptional channel separation, SNR, and dynamic range
- Custom ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clock with high-performance DPLL clock synthesis derived from the flagship MS-1
- Lundahl precision transformer output stage with timbre switching between warm Transformer mode and high-resolution Op-Amp mode
- Asynchronous PCM upsampling and DSD conversion engine with adjustable processing configurations
- XLR (balanced) and RCA (unbalanced) analog outputs with two selectable output voltage levels for precise gain staging
- High-precision 100-step digital volume control for direct connection to power amps or active speakers
- Dual-PCB design separating digital and analog sections to minimize interference and optimize signal purity
- Fully linear power supply via multi-winding toroidal transformer with multiple LDOs
- MA-DAMPER PRO vibration isolation feet co-developed with Audio Bastion using a five-material multi-layer damping construction
- Seamless integration with the Matrix Audio N Series ecosystem (NT-1, NA1, SC-1, SS-1 Pro)
The ND-1's technical suite is modeled after the success of the Matrix Audio MS-1 Flagship Music Streamer with the same Dual D/A conversion architecture. The ND-1 features AKM's flagship chipset combination: the premium delta-sigma modulator AK4191EQ paired with dual premium DAC AK4499EX. While the AK4191EQ handles high-precision digital processing and reclocking, the two AK4499EX chips adopt an independent channel architecture, dedicated to the digital-to-analog conversion of the left and right channels.
This configuration effectively suppresses jitter, optimizes channel separation and phase consistency, and achieves an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range.
Supporting the DAC's performance is a custom-built ultra-low-phase-noise femtosecond clock that provides a high-precision reference signal. It incorporates a high-performance DPLL clock synthesis circuit–another MS-1 asset–that supports an external clock reference mode. The DPLL circuit generates a clock signal with jitter as low as 45fs in real-time, providing a reference for the entire digital audio circuitry. This is great for anyone who already owns a dedicated master clock or is planning to upgrade to one like the Matrix Audio SC-1 Audio Grade Reference Clock. When paired with the SC-1, the system's full potential is realized, capturing the most delicate nuances and dynamic contrasts in music, and delivering a sound that's transparent, composed, richly layered, and vividly lifelike.
Power with Personality
ND-1 features a fully linear power supply built around a multi-winding LUNDAHL precision transformer with multiple LDO regulators. The LUNDAHL transformers are impressive in their own right, but once you factor in the ND-1's timbre-switching function, the performance elevates to an entirely new level. Users can toggle between Transformer and Op-Amp modes using the remote control, the dedicated front panel button, or the MA Remote App.
In Transformer mode, the sound carries the distinctive warmth and rich, analog-like characteristics of Lundahl audio transformers. In Op-Amp mode, it presents a modern sonic signature defined by speed and high resolution - cleanly delineated lines, sharp transients, and precise retrieval of detail. The digital and analog stages are separated across two distinct PCBs–digital below, analog above–minimizing interference at the source.
Dragon Cables
[Black Dragon Interconnect Cable, Silver Dragon USB 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
For the audiophile who can never choose between warmth and analytics, the Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC scratches that itch with its thoughtfully engineered architecture that puts you in control over how your music sounds. The LUNDAHL Transformer output stage and dual-mode timbre switching alone would be enough to set it apart from the competition, but Matrix Audio stacks that on top of flagship-grade AKM DACs, a femtosecond clock derived from the MS-1 Music Streamer, and a meticulously separated dual-PCB layout.
The result is a DAC that sounds exceptional in either mode, performs like a pro with precision and speed, and adapts to virtually any listening preference or system configuration. Pair it with one of its siblings in the N-Series or integrate it into your existing setup; the ND-1 isn't picky. Throw in some of our Dragon Audio Cables, like the Black Dragon Interconnect Cable or Silver Dragon USB Cable, for even greater performance. Regardless of how you use it, for those building or upgrading a serious desktop audio system, the ND-1 DAC is an easy choice.
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What's in the Box
- Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC
- RM4F Remote Control
- 1x Power Cable
- Printed Materials
Specifications
ANALOG OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS–OP-AMP
XLR Output Impedance: 20 ohms
XLR Output Level: 4.5Vrms / 0-4.5Vrms Adjustable
XLR SNR: >127dB A-weighting
XLR THD+N: <0.0002% at 1kHz
XLR Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ± 0.3dB / -3dB at 90kHz
XLR Crosstalk: >-145dB
RCA Output Impedance: 10 ohms
RCA Output Level: 2.25Vrms / 0-2.25Vrms Adjustable
RCA SNR: >121dB A-weighting
RCA THD+N: <0.0002% at 1kHz
RCA Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ± 0.3dB / -3dB at 90kHz
RCA Crosstalk: >-125dB
ANALOG OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS–TRANSFORMER
XLR Output Impedance: 20 ohms
XLR Output Level: 4.5Vrms / 0-4.5Vrms Adjustable
XLR SNR: >127dB A-weighting
XLR THD+N: <0.02% at 1kHz
XLR Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ± 0.3dB / -3dB at 85kHz
XLR Crosstalk: >-140dB
RCA Output Impedance: 10 ohms
RCA Output Level: 2.25Vrms / 0-2.25Vrms Adjustable
RCA SNR: >121dB A-weighting
RCA THD+N: <0.02% at 1kHz
RCA Frequency Response: 20H-20kHz ± 0.3dB / -3dB at 85kHz
RCA Crosstalk: >-125dB
DIGITAL INPUT SPECIFICATIONS
AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical: PCM 16–24Bit / 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
DSD 2.82MHz (DoP)
IIS LVDS: PCM 16–32Bit / 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz
DSD 2.82MHz, 3.07MHz, 5.64MHz, 6.14MHz, 11.29MHz, 12.29MHz, 22.58MHz, 24.58MHz, 45.16MHz, 49.15MHz (Native)
USB Audio (USB Type B & USB Type C): PCM 16–24Bit / 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz
DSD 2.82MHz, 5.64MHz, 11.29MHz (DoP)
DSD 2.82MHz, 3.07MHz, 5.64MHz, 6.14MHz, 11.29MHz, 12.29MHz, 22.58MHz, 24.58MHz (Native)
CONNECTIVITY SPECIFICATIONS
External Clock Input: 10MHz / 50 ohms / Sine wave or square wave unit
Trigger Input: DC 6-12V <10mA
Trigger Output: DC 12V / 50mA MAX
POWER SPECIFICATIONS
Power Voltage: AC 100V-120V 50/60Hz or AC 220V-240V 50/60Hz
Standby Power Consumption: <3W
MAX Power Consumption: <50W
