Matrix Audio NT-1 Reference Digital Audio Transport

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Matrix Audio NT-1 Reference Digital Audio Transport The reference-grade digital front end for the most demanding audiophile systems. The Matrix Audio NT-1 is Matrix Audio's flagshi p digital audio transport — a pure network streamer and music server with no DAC, no analog output, and no Wi-Fi, designed from the ground up around a single uncompromising goal: delivering the cleanest, most precisely timed digital signal possible to an external DAC. Where the TT-1 is a capable mid-range transport with an upgrade path, the NT-1 builds everything in from the start — a full internal linear power supply with a 60W toroidal transformer, a two-stage femtosecond-plus-RF-synthesizer clock system derived from Matrix Audio's flagship components, an SFP fiber optic network port for complete galvanic network isolation, a 10 MHz external clock input for SC-1 synchronization, and a USB DAC port with its own isolated transformer winding and chassis ground separation. No external PSU required. No compromises deferred to future upgrades. Everything that matters is already inside. Available now at All Elite Audio, your authorized Matrix Audio dealer in Timonium, Maryland — with in-store demos, expert guidance, and nationwide shipping. Full Internal Linear Power Supply — 60W Toroidal Transformer The NT-1's power supply is one of its defining advantages over every other transport in the Matrix Audio lineup. A 60W toroidal transformer provides the primary power source, with multiple independent windings feeding separate regulated supply rails for each critical circuit section. Each rail is independently regulated through precision low-noise voltage regulator circuits, ensuring that no circuit section's power demand or noise can influence any other. Two supply sections deserve particular mention. The NVMe SSD bay receives its own dedicated ultra-low-noise independent power supply — a level of isolation from the main digital supply that goes well beyond what any consumer computer or general-purpose streamer provides for storage, and that keeps drive access activity from coupling noise into the sensitive clock and digital output circuitry. The USB DAC port has its own entirely independent transformer winding with a dedicated low-noise regulator — completely separate from the digital supply — ensuring the DAC connected via USB receives a clean, stable power source with no contamination from the processing or clock circuits inside the NT-1. This is a fully self-contained, no-external-supply-required linear power architecture. Unlike the TT-1, which uses a switching supply and offers the linear upgrade as an optional purchase, the NT-1 delivers reference-grade power from day one. Two-Stage Clock System: Femtosecond Reference Into RF Synthesizer The NT-1's clock architecture is the same two-stage topology used in Matrix Audio's SS-1 Pro flagship network switch — a design derived directly from Matrix Audio's reference-tier component engineering. In internal clock mode, a high-precision femtosecond oscillator serves as the reference for an RF synthesizer, which uses a DPLL to generate the audio clock output. The two-stage approach — femtosecond reference feeding the RF synthesizer rather than driving the audio circuits directly — produces dramatically lower phase noise and jitter at the output than a single-stage femtosecond clock can achieve on its own. The output clock drives the coaxial, optical, AES/EBU, and IIS-LVDS digital outputs with this two-stage precision. In external clock mode, the RF synthesizer's reference switches from the internal femtosecond oscillator to the incoming 10 MHz signal from an external reference clock. The DPLL locks the synthesizer to the external reference, generating an audio clock that is phase-synchronized to the external source and carries its phase noise characteristics. The result is a digital output clock that is simultaneously low-phase-noise from the RF synthesizer stage and locked in phase to the external reference — the most precise timing configuration achievable in the NT-1. The ideal pairing for external clock mode is the Matrix Audio SC-1, which connects via a 50-ohm BNC cable carrying a 10 MHz signal in either sine or square wave format. Note that USB audio remains DAC-clocked regardless of external clock mode — the USB output's timing is controlled by the receiving DAC, not the NT-1. The external clock affects all other digital outputs. SFP Optical Port — Fiber Network Connection for Galvanic Isolation The NT-1 includes an SFP port alongside its Gigabit Ethernet port, accepting standard SFP optical transceiver modules for fiber network connectivity. When connected to the network via fiber through the SFP port, the NT-1 achieves complete galvanic isolation between the home network and the transport itself — the same principle used in the Matrix Audio SI-1 network isolator, applied directly at the network input of the transport. No electrical continuity, no shared ground plane, no conducted noise from the network side can reach the NT-1's internal circuitry through a fiber connection. The SFP port also accepts copper Ethernet SFP modules for standard RJ45 connections on those ports if preferred. When used with the Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro audio-grade network switch, the NT-1 forms a purpose-matched pair — the SS-1 Pro delivers a clean, low-noise network signal from its audio-optimized ports, and the NT-1 can receive that signal via fiber through its SFP port for complete electrical separation at the final connection point. The NT-1 is wired-only — there is no Wi-Fi. For listeners who need wireless connectivity, the TT-1 includes Wi-Fi 6. For listeners who can run a cable or fiber connection — which Matrix Audio always recommends for optimal performance — the NT-1's wired-only design eliminates the RF noise source that every Wi-Fi module introduces inside the chassis. Electrically Isolated USB DAC Output With Independent Linear Winding The NT-1's USB DAC output is the most thoroughly isolated USB implementation in the Matrix Audio transport lineup. It combines two layers of isolation that together eliminate both the noise path and the ground loop path that standard USB connections carry into the connected DAC. First, the USB port is electrically isolated — the data path is galvanically separated from the NT-1's internal ground. Second, the USB port's 5V power supply comes from its own dedicated independent transformer winding with a precision low-noise regulator — completely separate from every other supply rail inside the NT-1 — and the USB port's ground is isolated from the chassis ground. These two measures together eliminate both conducted noise from the NT-1's digital circuitry and ground loop interference at the USB connection, providing the connected DAC with a genuinely clean signal and power environment through the USB cable. Digital Output Resolution by Interface The NT-1 provides five digital output interfaces, each covering the resolutions appropriate to that interface standard: Coaxial RCA, Optical TOSLINK, AES/EBU XLR: PCM 16–24 bit up to 192 kHz; DSD 2.8 MHz via DoP IIS-LVDS via HDMI connector: PCM 16–24 bit up to 768 kHz; DSD up to 24.58 MHz native (DSD512) USB DAC: Depends on the specifications of the connected DAC device The IIS-LVDS output is the highest-bandwidth interface and the preferred connection for DACs that accept it. The AES/EBU balanced output provides strong common-mode rejection for longer cable runs and professional-format DACs. Both the coaxial and optical outputs are available simultaneously for flexible system integration. NAS Server Capability — Share Storage Across the Network Beyond storing and playing its own music library, the NT-1 can share its connected storage — internal NVMe SSD, USB drives, or NAS-mounted volumes — as a NAS server to other devices on the network. This makes the NT-1 a genuine network music hub, allowing a second streamer in another room, a Roon core, or any UPnP-capable device to access the NT-1's library over the local network. The NVMe SSD slot accepts M.2 drives up to 4TB in 2280, 2260, and 2242 form factors, powered by the dedicated ultra-low-noise supply described above. Streaming, Library Management, and Control The NT-1 runs Matrix Audio's MA Player OS on a custom Linux-based platform. It connects via Gigabit Ethernet (wired only) or the SFP optical/fiber port. Streaming support includes TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect Lossless, AirPlay, DLNA, UPnP, and internet radio. The NT-1 is Roon Ready certified. NAS drives can be mounted directly over the network, cloud storage can be mounted, and files can be copied to internal storage via the MA Remote app. CD ripping is supported via an external USB CD-ROM drive connected to one of the dual USB 3.0 ports. The NT-1 includes a front-panel touchscreen displaying album art and track information, plus smart wake-up functionality and trigger in/out support for system integration. The MA Remote app on iOS and Android provides full remote control of playback, library, streaming, and settings. Key Specifications Digital Outputs: — Coaxial RCA: PCM 16–24 bit up to 192 kHz, DSD2.8 MHz (DoP) — Optical TOSLINK: PCM 16–24 bit up to 192 kHz, DSD2.8 MHz (DoP) — AES/EBU XLR: PCM 16–24 bit up to 192 kHz, DSD2.8 MHz (DoP) — IIS-LVDS HDMI: PCM 16–24 bit up to 768 kHz, DSD up to 24.58 MHz native (DSD512) — USB DAC: Electrically isolated, independent linear winding + ground isolation from chassis; resolution depends on connected DAC Clock System: Internal femtosecond oscillator → RF synthesizer → DPLL (two-stage); dual modes: internal and external External Clock Input: 10 MHz BNC, 50Ω, sine or square wave Network: Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 (wired only — no Wi-Fi) + SFP port (optical fiber or copper SFP module) Power Supply: Internal linear — 60W toroidal transformer, independent windings per circuit section, multiple precision LDO regulators; no external PSU required USB DAC Power: Independent transformer winding, dedicated low-noise regulator, ground-isolated from chassis SSD Power: Dedicated ultra-low-noise independent supply Internal Storage: NVMe M.2 SSD slot (up to 4TB; 2280/2260/2242 form factors) External Storage: Dual USB 3.0 ports, NAS mounting, cloud drive mounting NAS Server: Yes — can share internal and connected storage to other network devices CD Ripping: Via external USB CD-ROM drive Streaming: TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect Lossless, AirPlay, DLNA, UPnP, internet radio Protocol: Roon Ready Smart Features: Smart wake-up, trigger in/out OS: MA Player on custom Linux Control: Front-panel touchscreen, MA Remote app (iOS and Android) Colors: Black, Silver Dimensions (W x D x H): Approximately 330 x 267 x 97 mm Weight: Approximately 4.6 kg Warranty: 1 year manufacturer warranty Why Buy From All Elite Audio All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer located in Timonium, Maryland — part of the greater Baltimore area. We carry the full Matrix Audio transport and source component lineup including the NT-1, the TT-1, the TS-1, the SC-1 reference clock, the SS-1 Pro network switch, and the SI-1 network isolator. Our team has hands-on experience configuring complete Matrix Audio reference digital chains and can help you determine the right combination of components for your DAC and system. We offer white-glove service, in-store demos, and support before and after your purchase. Whether you are local to Maryland or ordering nationwide, we are here to help you get the most from your system. Call: 443-402-5055 Text: 443-402-5064 Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093 Frequently Asked Questions — Matrix Audio NT-1 What is the Matrix Audio NT-1 and who is it for? The Matrix Audio NT-1 is Matrix Audio's reference-tier digital audio transport — a pure network streamer and music server with no onboard DAC and no analog output stage. It is designed for listeners who have invested in a high-performance external DAC and want a source component that provides a reference-grade digital signal without compromise. Every engineering decision in the NT-1 — the full internal linear power supply, the two-stage femtosecond-plus-RF-synthesizer clock, the SFP fiber network port, the isolated USB DAC output with its own transformer winding — is aimed at delivering the cleanest, most precisely timed digital signal achievable to whatever DAC is connected downstream. What makes the NT-1's clock system different from the TT-1's? The TT-1 uses a single-stage clock system — two Accusilicon femtosecond oscillators, one for each sample rate family, feeding the digital output circuitry directly. The NT-1 uses a two-stage architecture: a femtosecond oscillator serves as the reference for an RF synthesizer, which uses a DPLL to generate the final audio clock. This two-stage approach produces lower phase noise and better jitter performance than a single-stage femtosecond design. The NT-1 also adds an external 10 MHz clock input that allows the RF synthesizer to lock to an external reference such as the Matrix Audio SC-1, which the TT-1 does not have. The NT-1's clock topology is the same as the SS-1 Pro network switch — derived from Matrix Audio's flagship design. Why does the NT-1 have no Wi-Fi when the TT-1 does? This is a deliberate design decision. Wi-Fi modules generate RF noise inside the chassis — even when not actively transmitting, the radio hardware introduces interference into the electromagnetic environment around sensitive digital circuits. By eliminating Wi-Fi from the NT-1 entirely, Matrix Audio removes this noise source completely, prioritizing signal purity over wireless convenience. For listeners who can run a wired Ethernet cable or fiber connection — which Matrix Audio always recommends for optimal streaming performance — the NT-1's wired-only design is a meaningful advantage. Listeners who need wireless connectivity should consider the TT-1. What is the SFP port on the NT-1 and how does it work? The SFP port accepts standard SFP transceiver modules for either fiber optic or additional copper Ethernet connectivity. When a fiber optic SFP module is installed and the NT-1 is connected to the network via fiber, the connection achieves complete galvanic isolation — no electrical continuity between the home network and the NT-1's internal circuitry. This eliminates conducted noise and ground loop interference from the network side at the most fundamental level. The ideal pairing for the SFP port is the Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro's SFP output, creating a clean fiber link between the audio-grade switch and the NT-1. Standard SFP modules from other manufacturers are also compatible. What makes the NT-1's USB DAC output special? The NT-1's USB DAC port combines two independent isolation measures that together address both noise paths that standard USB connections carry into a DAC. The data path is electrically isolated — galvanically separated from the NT-1's internal ground. The USB port's 5V power supply comes from its own dedicated independent transformer winding inside the NT-1's linear power supply, with a precision low-noise regulator and chassis ground isolation. This means the DAC receives both clean data and clean power through the USB cable, with no electrical path for the NT-1's digital circuit noise to reach the DAC through either the signal or power conductors. How does the external 10 MHz clock input work and what does pairing with the SC-1 do? The NT-1's rear-panel 10 MHz BNC input accepts a reference clock signal from an external source — 50Ω impedance, compatible with both sine and square wave formats. When an external clock is connected, the NT-1 switches from internal clock mode to external clock mode: the RF synthesizer's reference source changes from the internal femtosecond oscillator to the incoming 10 MHz signal, and the DPLL locks the synthesizer's output to that external reference. The result is an audio clock that is phase-synchronized to the external reference and carries its phase noise characteristics — the more precise the external clock, the more precise the NT-1's digital output timing. The Matrix Audio SC-1, with its SC-cut OCXO and ±0.01 ppm accuracy, is the ideal pairing for this input and is connected via a standard 50-ohm BNC clock cable. What is the difference between the Matrix Audio NT-1 and the TT-1? Both are pure digital transports with no DAC. The NT-1 is the reference flagship with a full internal linear power supply (60W toroidal transformer — no external PSU needed), a two-stage femtosecond-plus-RF-synthesizer clock with a 10 MHz external clock input, an SFP fiber network port, and a USB DAC output with its own isolated transformer winding. The TT-1 uses a switching supply as standard with an external linear PSU available as an add-on, a single-stage Accusilicon femtosecond clock without an RF synthesizer, no SFP fiber port, and no external clock input. The TT-1 adds Wi-Fi 6, which the NT-1 omits. For listeners who want everything built in and no future purchases required for reference performance, the NT-1 is the right choice. For listeners who want strong performance at a lower price with selective upgrade options, the TT-1 is the starting point. Can the NT-1 function as a NAS server for other devices on the network? Yes. The NT-1 can share its internal NVMe SSD, USB-connected drives, or mounted NAS volumes to other devices on the local network, functioning as a NAS server. This makes it possible for a second streamer, a Roon core, or any UPnP-capable device to access the NT-1's library without duplicating storage. The NVMe SSD slot accepts drives up to 4TB, powered by the dedicated ultra-low-noise SSD supply. What streaming services and formats does the NT-1 support? The NT-1 supports TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect Lossless, AirPlay, DLNA, UPnP, and internet radio natively via MA Player OS. It is Roon Ready certified. Supported formats include MP3, WMA, WAV, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE, and ISO. PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512 (24.58 MHz) are supported via IIS-LVDS. What warranty does the Matrix Audio NT-1 include? The Matrix Audio NT-1 carries a one-year manufacturer warranty. All Elite Audio is a fully authorized Matrix Audio dealer, ensuring your warranty is valid and supported. Where can I buy the Matrix Audio NT-1 and get expert guidance? All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer with a full home audio showroom located at 1921 York Rd, Timonium, Maryland 21093. We carry the complete Matrix Audio lineup including the NT-1, SC-1 reference clock, SS-1 Pro network switch, and SI-1 network isolator, and can help you build the optimal system chain around your existing DAC. Call us at 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064. We also ship nationwide. Show more