Matrix Audio SS-1
Buyer’s Guide Read the full guide to the Matrix Audio SS-1 Compare the Matrix Audio Network Switches Plain-English Guide: what every feature does Audiophile Deep Dive: the engineer ing explained Specs Type Audio grade network switch Function Network noise reduction and isolation ahead of a streamer Ethernet Ports 2x 100Mbps RJ45 and 4x 2.5Gbps RJ45 SFP Ports 2x 10Gbps SFP/SFP+ (accepts fiber or RJ45 modules) Isolation Galvanic isolation on the network stage Clocking High-precision internal clock Placement Upstream of a network streamer or transport WarrantySold as an authorized Matrix Audio dealer by All Elite Audio. New Matrix Audio SS-1 units include the full Matrix Audio manufacturer warranty of 1 year parts and labor for the original owner. Contact us with any setup or service questions.What's in the Box Matrix Audio SS-1 network switch Power supply Ethernet cable User documentation OverviewThe Matrix Audio SS-1 is an audio grade network switch built to clean the Ethernet feed that reaches your streamer or network transport. Rather than treating the network as a purely digital pipeline, Matrix Audio designed the SS-1 around the reality that electrical noise, jitter, and ground contamination carried across a home network can degrade the signal a streamer must reconstruct. By reclocking and isolating the network stage, the SS-1 aims to reduce that noise floor before it ever reaches your source component.Engineered by Matrix Audio, a Chinese high-fidelity electronics specialist founded in 2010 with a focus on digital source and streaming components, the SS-1 sits within a family of network products that also includes the SS-1 Pro and the SI-1 isolator. It places multiple Ethernet ports and careful power and clock treatment inside a compact, well-built chassis. The goal is straightforward: give the downstream streamer a quieter, more stable starting point so its own clocking and DAC stages can perform at their best.The SS-1 is ideal for listeners running a Matrix Audio streamer or transport such as the MS or TS streamers or the TT-1 and NT-1 transports, and who want to address network noise as part of a complete digital front end. It does not produce sound on its own; it improves the conditions under which your streaming components operate.Key Features Audio grade network switch that lowers network noise ahead of a streamer Galvanic isolation on the network stage to break ground-borne noise paths High-precision internal clocking to stabilize the Ethernet signal Multiple Ethernet ports for source components and network gear Compact, solidly built chassis for tidy integration into a rack Placed directly upstream of a Matrix Audio streamer or transport Part of a coordinated Matrix Audio network family with the SS-1 Pro and SI-1 Focused purely on cleaning the digital network feed rather than adding processing coloration How the SS-1 ComparesMatrix Audio SS-1 vs Matrix Audio SS-1 ProThe SS-1 Pro sits above the SS-1 in the Matrix Audio network range and offers more in its clocking and isolation implementation for listeners pursuing the last measure of network refinement. Both share the same design goal of quieting the Ethernet feed to your streamer. Choose the SS-1 for a clean, cost-effective network stage, and step up to the SS-1 Pro when you want the more elaborate reference-level treatment. See the Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro.Matrix Audio SS-1 vs Matrix Audio SI-1The SI-1 is an audio grade network isolator focused on breaking noise paths on a single link rather than acting as a multi-port switch. The SS-1 combines switching with noise reduction so it can serve as a hub for several components. Pick the SI-1 for targeted point isolation, or the SS-1 when you want both port expansion and network cleaning in one unit. See the Matrix Audio SI-1.Matrix Audio SS-1 vs Silent Angel Bonn N8 ProThe Silent Angel Bonn N8 Pro pairs an eight-port audiophile switch with a linear power supply, giving it a distinct design character centered on high port count and dedicated power. The Matrix Audio SS-1 emphasizes tight integration within a Matrix Audio digital front end and its coordinated network family. Both aim to lower network noise ahead of a streamer, so the choice comes down to your system layout and how you prefer to manage power and ports. See the Silent Angel Bonn N8 Pro.Works With These Matrix Audio ComponentsThe SS-1 makes no sound on its own; it feeds a cleaner, more stable network signal to your streamer or transport so its own clocking and conversion can perform at their best. These Matrix Audio sources are natural partners. Matrix Audio MS-1 The flagship MS streamer and DAC benefits from a quieter network stage, letting its femtosecond clocking and DAC circuitry work with less upstream noise. Matrix Audio TS-1 As a compact streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier, the TS-1 gains a lower noise floor when fed from the isolated, reclocked output of the SS-1. Matrix Audio TT-1 This digital transport relies on a clean network feed to deliver a stable stream to your DAC, making the SS-1 a logical partner directly upstream. Matrix Audio NT-1 The reference NT-1 transport is designed around low-noise digital delivery, and the SS-1 supports that by quieting the network before the signal arrives. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Matrix Audio SS-1?It is an audio grade network switch designed to clean and stabilize the Ethernet feed reaching your streamer or network transport, lowering network noise ahead of your digital source.Does the SS-1 make sound on its own?No. It does not produce audio. It improves the conditions under which your streamer operates by delivering a quieter, more stable network signal.How does a network switch improve digital playback?Electrical noise, jitter, and ground contamination on a home network can degrade the signal a streamer must reconstruct. By isolating and reclocking the network stage, the SS-1 reduces that noise before it reaches your source.Where does the SS-1 go in my system?It sits upstream of your streamer or transport, between your router or network and the source component you want to feed with a cleaner signal.Which Matrix Audio components pair well with the SS-1?The MS and TS streamers along with the TT-1 and NT-1 transports are natural partners, since each benefits from a lower network noise floor.Can I use the SS-1 with non Matrix Audio streamers?Yes. It is a standard Ethernet switch electrically, so it can feed any network streamer while providing its noise reduction and isolation benefits.How is the SS-1 different from the SS-1 Pro?The SS-1 Pro is higher in the Matrix Audio range and offers a more elaborate clocking and isolation implementation. Both share the same purpose of quieting the network feed to your streamer.How is the SS-1 different from the SI-1?The SI-1 is a network isolator focused on breaking noise on a single link, while the SS-1 combines switching with noise reduction so it can serve several components at once.Does the SS-1 support an external clock?The SS-1 uses its own high-precision internal clock for the network stage. If you require external reference clocking, review the higher models in the Matrix Audio range for that capability.How many Ethernet ports does the SS-1 have?It provides multiple RJ45 Ethernet ports so you can connect your network and one or more source components. Consult the current specification sheet for the exact port count on your unit.Will the SS-1 change the tonal character of my system?Its job is to lower noise rather than add processing or coloration. Any perceived improvement comes from a cleaner starting point for your streamer's own clocking and conversion.Does the SS-1 support high-resolution audio?It passes network audio data unchanged, so it supports whatever formats your streamer handles, including high-rate PCM and DSD streams delivered over the network.Is galvanic isolation important in a network switch?It helps break ground-borne noise paths between your network and your audio system, which is one of the main ways the SS-1 reduces contamination reaching your streamer.Do I need special cables for the SS-1?Standard Ethernet cabling works. Use quality cables of appropriate length between the SS-1 and your streamer to maintain a reliable connection.Can the SS-1 be used with a Wi-Fi based streamer?The SS-1 benefits wired Ethernet connections. For the cleanest network feed, a wired connection from the SS-1 to your streamer is recommended over wireless.How is the SS-1 powered?It ships with its included power supply. Position it near a suitable outlet within reach of your network and source components.Will I hear a difference with the SS-1 in my system?Systems with resolving sources and network-connected streamers are most likely to reveal the benefits of a quieter network stage. The effect is a lower noise floor rather than a dramatic tonal change.Is the SS-1 easy to set up?Yes. Connect your network to it, connect your streamer or transport, apply power, and it operates transparently as a switch while providing its isolation and reclocking benefits.What warranty comes with the SS-1?It carries a one year parts and labor warranty from Matrix Audio for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.Why buy from All Elite Audio?All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer based in Maryland, so your SS-1 arrives with full manufacturer warranty support and expert guidance on integrating it with your streamer and system.
