The Matrix Audio MP-1 is a flagship Class A preamplifier, meticulously engineered to be the ultimate control center for a high-end audio system. It serves as the vital link between your sources and power amplification, preserving the purity of the audio signal while imparting a rich, warm, and exquisitely detailed tonal character. The MP-1 is a true dual-mono, fully balanced design, from its independent power supplies to its four discrete amplification units. Featuring a hyper-precise resistor-array volume control and a versatile array of inputs and outputs, all housed in the innovative H-shaped chassis, the MP-1 is the definitive component for the audiophile who seeks absolute control and uncompromising sonic purity. For the bigger picture, read our guide to how the Matrix N-Series builds a complete hi-fi front end in three small boxes. Key Features: Pure Class A Output Stage: A high-bias current, pure Class A output stage completely eliminates crossover distortion, delivering a smooth, detailed, and organic sound. True Dual-Mono Design: Features two 60W toroidal transformers and independent power supplies for the left and right channels, ensuring ultimate channel separation. Fully Balanced Architecture: A fully differential transistor input stage and four independent, fully balanced amplification units provide exceptional noise rejection and dynamic range. Precision Resistor Array Volume Control: An advanced voltage-divider volume system uses a matrix of high-precision resistors for perfect channel consistency and sonic transparency. Versatile Connectivity with Bi-Amping: Offers a wealth of inputs (3x RCA, 3x XLR) and outputs (1x RCA, 2x XLR), with the dual XLR outputs enabling easy bi-amping. Innovative H-Shaped Chassis: A unique, CNC-machined H-shaped structure provides a mechanically grounded, stable, and isolated environment for all internal components. The Purity of Class A At the heart of the MP-1's sonic signature is its high-bias current, pure Class A output stage. By ensuring the output transistors are always conducting, this classic and highly-regarded amplification method completely avoids the crossover distortion inherent in Class AB designs. The result is a sound of exceptional purity and liquidity, where the finest musical details and textures are rendered with a natural and effortless quality. This commitment to Class A amplification provides a rich, palpable, and deeply engaging listening experience. A Foundation of Perfect Balance The MP-1 is a truly balanced component from input to output. It begins with a fully differential transistor input stage and extends to four independent, fully balanced amplification units. This symmetrical design provides outstanding common-mode noise rejection, effectively eliminating interference picked up from interconnects and the environment. This dedication to a balanced architecture results in a dead-silent background, allowing the full dynamic range of the music to be expressed without compression or limitation. The Art of Attenuation A preamplifier's volume control is one of its most critical components. The MP-1 eschews common potentiometer or digital volume schemes in favor of a superior voltage-divider system built from an array of high-precision resistors. This method, controlled by high-quality relays, ensures that the audio signal passes through a minimal, pure signal path at any volume level. It provides incredibly accurate attenuation with perfect channel consistency, preserving the integrity of the soundstage and the transparency of the signal in a way that lesser volume controls cannot. The Power of Dual-Mono To achieve the ultimate in channel separation and stereo imaging, the MP-1 is built as a true dual-mono device. The power supply features two oversized, custom 60W toroidal transformers with square copper wire windings—one dedicated to the left channel and one to the right. These feed completely independent power regulation circuits. This design ensures that the power demands of one channel can never affect the other, resulting in a stable, expansive, and holographic soundstage where instruments are rendered with pinpoint accuracy. Unwavering Mechanical Stability The MP-1 is housed in the innovative H-shaped chassis, a design born from a deep understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering. A central, 20mm thick CNC-machined aluminum beam forms the core of the structure, providing a mechanically grounded and incredibly rigid foundation. All internal components are mounted to this central beam, creating isolated cavities that shield the delicate audio circuits from one another and from external vibration. This meticulous approach to chassis design is a critical element in achieving the MP-1's incredibly low noise floor and transparent performance. Explore the Matrix Audio 1-Series The Matrix Audio 1-Series is a complete flagship system, designed and voiced to work together. If you're assembling or expanding a 1-Series rig, these are the components that pair with this one: Matrix Audio MS-1c Music Streamer, the new entry to the 1-Series with a Lundahl transformer-coupled analog output stage. Matrix Audio MS-1 Flagship Music Streamer, the senior 1-Series streamer with a fully balanced solid-state output and optional preamplifier configuration (MS-1P). Matrix Audio MA-1 Flagship Power Amplifier, 250W x 2 stereo or 500W mono, designed to anchor an M-Series stack. Matrix Audio SC-1 Reference Clock, 10MHz master clock with four synchronized BNC outputs for reference-grade timing across an M-Series system. The Listening Room Difference We’re a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. Whether you’re visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don’t just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale. Specifications Inputs XLR Input Impedance 40kΩ RCA Input Impedance 20kΩ XLR Max Input Level 9Vrms RCA Max Input Level 4.5Vrms Outputs XLR Output Impedance 40Ω RCA Output Impedance 20Ω XLR Max Output Level 36Vrms RCA Max Output Level 18Vrms Performance Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.1dB), 250kHz (-3dB) XLR Dynamic Range 129dB (A-weighting), 125dB (Unweighted) RCA Dynamic Range 125dB (A-weighting), 120dB (Unweighted) XLR THD+N < 0.00015% (A-weighting), < 0.00020% (Unweighted) RCA THD+N < 0.00040% (A-weighting), < 0.00040% (Unweighted) XLR Crosstalk -140dB RCA Crosstalk -130dB Gain +12dB Volume Steps 100 Trigger Trigger In DC 6-12V < 10mA Trigger Out DC 12V / 50mA MAX Power Voltage AC 100V-120V 50/60Hz (Factory Fixed) Standby Consumption < 1W Max Consumption < 70W Physical Weight 15.7kg Dimensions (W x D x H) 430mm x 349mm x 106mm Accessories RM4C remote control, Power cable, Trigger cable, User manual, Warranty card
