One Clock to Rule Them All
Every digital box in a streaming system runs on its own internal clock. Matrix Audio built a family of components that can all lock to a single 10MHz master reference, so the switch, the streamer, and the DAC keep time together instead of each doing its own thing. That's the theory. I wanted to hear what it actually buys you, so I built the system up one piece at a time and listened at every step.
The Matrix Lineup
- SS-1 Pro Audio Network Switch
- NT-1 Network Streamer / Digital Transport
- ND-1 DAC
- SC-1 10MHz Reference Clock
The SC-1 also has a spare output, so I ran it to my Jays Audio CDT3 MK3 CD transport too.
The Rest of My System
Power
- QSA Gold 20A circuit breaker and QSA Gold wall receptacle
- OnFilter power conditioner for the network gear and subs
- Bybee Stealth power conditioner for the main audio components
- Vessel power cables treated by QSA
Amplification
- Unison Research Pre V2 preamplifier
- Unison Research DM V2 power amplifier
- Gryphon Diablo 120 integrated amplifier
Cables
- Hapa Audio Aero AG USB (NT-1 to ND-1)
- Hapa Audio Haiku 2 interconnects (ND-1 to preamp)
- Hapa Audio Aero AG RCA interconnects (preamp to amp)
- Hapa Audio Torsion AG speaker cables
Speakers: Acoustic Energy Corinium
Want to hear what I heard? Here are my reference playlists on Tidal and Qobuz.
Step One: NT-1 and ND-1 on Their Own
Even without the clock, this pair is really good. If I had to pick three words, they'd be purity, transparency, and neutrality. That doesn't mean sterile. The sound is alive and energetic, and when the recording has space and depth, you hear all of it.
The ND-1 gives you a choice of outputs: Lundahl transformer-coupled or op-amp. I preferred the Lundahl output. It adds a rich, analog smoothness and gives up none of the detail.
The NT-1 is a solid streamer with a great touchscreen and a control app that's right there with Innuos. Honestly, I like it better than Lumin's. Setup took me minutes.
Sonically, the pair goes toe to toe with the Lumin T3X and pulls ahead in resolution and richness. To be straight about the numbers: the T3X is a one-box player at $6,000, and the NT-1 and ND-1 together run $8,998. That extra money buys you separate components you can upgrade one at a time, the choice of the ND-1's Lundahl output, and a direct path to the SC-1 clock.
Step Two: Adding the SS-1 Pro Switch
Swapping a standard switch for the SS-1 Pro dropped the noise floor. Small details came forward, and the whole presentation sounded less "digital." Every switch has a clock inside. The SS-1 Pro gets there with a linear power supply, a higher-quality clock, and the ability to lock to the SC-1's 10MHz reference. If you want a truly satisfying streaming system, an audio-grade switch gets you closer than you'd expect.
Step Three: Adding the SC-1 Clock
This is where it all came together. With every component locked to the SC-1, resolution and that analog feel both stepped up. Notes and the spaces between them relaxed and sounded more natural. The music felt whole.
Timing, micro-detail, and bass all got better. Through the Gryphon, drum strikes were punchy and sharp, and fast rolls stayed distinct instead of blurring together. Bass lines were easier to follow. The soundstage filled in solidly across the whole stage, from a dense center image to sounds well outside the speakers.
The biggest single jump came last, when I switched the SS-1 Pro to external clock mode. Even my Jays transport's edge in low-level resolution disappeared at that point.
I also locked my Jays Audio CDT3 MK3 transport to the SC-1, and it paid off. Low-level resolution improved, the presentation got quieter, and bass gained impact and detail. If your transport has a 10MHz input, the SC-1 upgrades your disc playback along with your streaming.
How I'd Build It
The beauty of this system is that you can build it over time. Start with the NT-1 and ND-1 ($8,998). They stand on their own. Add the SS-1 Pro next ($1,999) to clean up the network side. Then add the SC-1 ($6,999) to tie everything together. That last step was the biggest change of the whole experiment. All four pieces come to $17,996.
The Bottom Line
Matrix has built its reputation on hitting the sweet spot between performance, build quality, and price, and this system is a perfect example. Every piece is feature-packed, flexible, and sounds great on its own. Lock them all to the SC-1, and you have an end-game digital front end that runs with Innuos and Lumin.
Want to hear it for yourself, or talk through which piece fits your system first? Give me a call at (303) 653-6341 or email sales@tweekgeek.com.