The Matrix Audio SI-1 Audio Grade Network Isolator is a dedicated digital audio accessory designed to decouple sensitive streamers, music servers, and digital-to-analogue converters from electrical noise generated across local area networks. Standard network switches and domestic routers constantly transmit high-frequency electrical hash and common-mode noise along Ethernet cabling. The Matrix Audio SI-1 creates a complete physical barrier to halt these electrical disturbances before they can reach your audio playback chain.Galvanic Noise Isolation:Incoming electrical Ethernet signals are converted internally into optical signals and then transferred back to electrical signals at the isolated output port. This active photoelectric conversion severs direct electrical continuity between network switches and your hi-fi gear, eliminating ground loops and preventing stray high-frequency interference from raising the system noise floor. By keeping the signal path clean, digital streamers receive precise data packets against a quiet background.Dual Femtosecond Clock Architecture:Inside the chassis, dual independent optical channels isolate sending and receiving data lanes to prevent crosstalk. An internal linear power supply featuring a dual-winding potted toroidal transformer and low-dropout regulators supplies ultra-quiet power to the circuitry. Paired with dual femtosecond oscillators, the internal clocking maintains strict timing precision and minimises jitter across Gigabit data streams.Shielded Aluminum Construction:The unibody enclosure is precision-machined from solid aluminum, providing physical damping against mechanical resonance and shielding internal components from external radio-frequency interference. The rear panel features physically separated Gigabit RJ45 input and output connectors with an isolated output structure. For dark listening rooms, the front status LEDs and rear Ethernet port indicators can be switched off to avoid visual distractions.Authorized Dealer:We are an authorized dealer for Matrix Audio, providing dedicated technical support to help you achieve the best performance from your streaming hardware. Purchasing from an authorized dealer ensures your investment is backed by genuine support channels and complete manufacturer's warranty coverage from day one.Feature Overview: Active Optical-Electrical Isolation: Breaks electrical contact with your network to eliminate ground loop hum and high-frequency noise. Dual Femtosecond Clocks: Suppresses digital timing jitter to maintain clear transient definition. Linear Power Supply: Employs a potted toroidal transformer and low-noise regulators to deliver smooth, quiet operational power. Separated Gigabit RJ45 Ports: Houses physically isolated input and output connections to prevent signal bleeding between stages. Shielded Aluminum Chassis: Blocks external electromagnetic radiation while controlling microphonic vibrations. Defeatable LED Lighting: Extinguishes front and rear panel indicators to preserve a distraction-free listening environment. Matrix Audio SI-1 Specifications: Network Standards: IEEE 802.3 (10BASE-T), IEEE 802.3u (100BASE-TX), IEEE 802.3ab (1000BASE-T) Input Port: 1 x RJ45 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Output Port: 1 x RJ45 10/100/1000 Mbps Photoelectrically Isolated Ethernet Clocking System: Dual femtosecond clocks Power Supply Architecture: Internal linear power supply with dual-winding potted toroidal transformer and multiple LDO regulators Power Requirements: AC 100V–120V 50/60Hz or AC 220V–240V 50/60Hz Power Consumption: Under 15W Chassis Material: CNC unibody aluminum Indicators: Front power and link LEDs; defeatable rear-panel Ethernet LEDs Dimensions (W x H x D): 120 x 44 x 205 mm (4.72 x 1.73 x 8.07 inches) Weight: 1.54 kg (3.40 lbs) Frequently Asked Questions:Where should the Matrix Audio SI-1 be placed within my network chain?For optimal performance, the SI-1 should be inserted directly before your digital audio playback endpoint. Connect the Ethernet cable coming from your router or network switch into the SI-1's input port, and run a dedicated Ethernet cable from the isolated output port straight into your streamer, music server, or networked DAC.Does the SI-1 limit network data speeds or bandwidth?No. The SI-1 fully supports Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) alongside 100BASE-TX and 10BASE-T standards, providing ample bandwidth and low-latency transmission for ultra-high-resolution PCM and native DSD streaming.Why is active optical isolation superior to passive Ethernet filters?Passive filters generally rely on standard isolation transformers that can still allow common-mode high-frequency noise and stray capacitive leakage to cross between windings. The SI-1 converts incoming electrical packets into light pulses and then back to an isolated electrical signal, creating a physical barrier that severs electrical continuity and eliminates ground loop currents entirely.Is any software setup or configuration required?No. The Matrix Audio SI-1 functions as a completely transparent hardware bridge. It is plug-and-play, requiring no network configuration, IP address assignment, or driver installation.
