MATRIX AUDIO MP-1

The new M series marks a milestone for Matrix Audio as it moves closer to traditional Hi-Fi systems. This series includes the MS-1 music streamer, the MP-1 preamplifier, and the MA-1 power amplifier.

The preamplifier acts as the commander in the audio system. Only precise orders can bring out the best performance from the audio source and the power amplifier.

The fully differential transistor input circuit features extremely low noise and excellent linearity. The output circuit is designed as a pure Class A output with high bias current, free from crossover distortion. The main amplifier of the MP-1 consists of four 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.

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

MP-1 has 1 pair of RCA outputs and 2 pairs of XLR outputs, capable of outputting simultaneously or separately. When the outputs are separate, 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 and low-range drivers of the speakers separately, achieving a bi-amping mode.

MP-1 features a voltage-divider volume control through a resistor array. Four high-quality volume control units composed of 64 precision resistors with 0.001 tolerance 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 operating noise of the reed relays is almost inaudible even when continuously changing the volume.

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 an independent dual-channel design from the source. Compared to traditional toroidal transformers with circular 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 MUNDORF’s M-Lytic AG filter capacitors, it adds a silky smoothness and fullness to the sound.

Technical specifications:

• XLR Input Impedance: 40kΩ
• RCA Input Impedance: 20kΩ
• XLR Output Impedance: 40Ω
• RCA Output Impedance: 20Ω
• Maximum XLR Input Level: 9Vrms
• Maximum XLR Output Level: 36Vrms
• Maximum RCA Input Level: 4.5Vrms
• Maximum RCA Output Level: 18Vrms
• Frequency Response: 20-20kHz ±0.1 250kHz@-3dB
• Dynamic Range of XLR Output: 129dB@A-weighted, 125dB@unweighted
• Dynamic Range of RCA Output: 125dB@A-weighted, 120dB@unweighted
• THD+N of XLR Output: <0.00015%@A-weighted, <0.00020%@unweighted
• THD+N of RCA Output: <0.00040%@A-weighted, <0.00040%@unweighted
• Crosstalk of XLR Output: -140dB
• Crosstalk of RCA Output: -130dB
• Gain: +12dB
• Volume Steps: 100
• Weight: 15.7kg (34.6 pounds)
• Dimensions:
  Width: 430 mm (16.93 inches)
  Depth: 349 mm (13.74 inches)
  Height: 106 mm (4.17 inches)