SS-1 is an audio-grade network switch specifically designed by Matrix Audio for Hi-Fi streaming audio scenarios. Unlike traditional network switches, this product is meticulously engineered to meet the requirements of Hi-Fi audio systems. It includes comprehensive enhancements in its power system, clock system, cooling methods and component selection, all focused on ensuring the lossless transmission of high-definition streaming audio. Our Take Matrix Audio's development of an audio-grade network switch with higher speeds stems from the perspective of digital circuit design. A system capable of supporting higher-speed signal transmission will inherently have a higher stability limit. This also means that the timing error in high-speed equipment is relatively lower compared to low-speed equipment. Therefore, high-speed devices performing at low speeds exhibit superior performance compared to low-speed devices transmitting at the same low speed. Higher Speed, Better Performance Two SFP/SFP+ ports with up to 10Gbps connection speed allow you to install optical fiber or RJ45 modules as needed. This allows both upstream network devices and digital audio players to be connected simultaneously via SFP ports, providing complete electrical isolation between network devices and audio equipment via fiber-optic cables. This prevents high-frequency noise or interference from network devices from being transmitted through the ground wire into the audio equipment. SS-1 not only has multiple Ethernet ports with speeds up to 2.5Gbps, but also two low-speed ports that operate at 100Mbps. The audio device's connection speed can be reduced when connected to these ports. This can reduce the bit error that may occur during data transmission. These ports feature independent sockets. The wider spacing between the sockets prevents crowding when using high-end cables. Additionally, we use 10Gbps-grade independent Ethernet transformers and fully shielded Ethernet sockets. Each signal transformer is individually shielded by metal shells, enhancing resistance to radio frequency interference. Clock System & Linear power with Silent Cooling The clock system is critical for digital circuits, and network switches are no exception. It can be likened to a series of high-speed switches that must operate with extreme precision. The SS-1 features a simplified clock system design and an ultra-low-phase-noise femtosecond clock as the reference for the central controller, ensuring exceptional performance. A custom o-core toroidal transformer combined with high-speed Schottky diodes and nearly 10,000 μF audio-grade filtering capacitors forms the first-stage power supply of SS-1 Pro. Up to 6 ultra-low-noise LDO linear power supplies provide clean power to the clock system and the device's main control chip. The large passive heatsink for the main control chip ensures it operates without generating any noise. To ensure upgradability, the SS-1 is equipped with a DC input port, allowing you to connect an external linear power supply to unleash its potential performance. When the DC input is connected, the internal AC input will be disconnected automatically. The external linear power supply provides clean power directly to the femtosecond clock and the main controller via an internal power-line noise-suppression filter and four ultra-low-noise LDO circuits. Precision & Flexible Chassis Design The precision-machined aluminum CNC chassis incorporates Matrix Audio's new design language. With a reinforced steel base, the device is solid and stable. The device comes with four isolation feet by default, but you can easily change it to three according to your tuning demands and placement needs. Additionally, the LED status indicators on the Ethernet ports can be turned off by pressing the setting button on the rear panel, preventing them from interfering with your listening experience in dark or low-light environments.
