{"title":"Streaming Amplifiers","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"matrix-audio-md-1p-streaming-power-amplifier-tweekgeek","title":"Matrix Audio MD-1P Streaming Power Amplifier | TweekGeek","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMatrix Audio MD-1P\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MD-1P is a different kind of product from anything else in the Matrix Audio lineup. Everything discussed on the NT-1, ND-1, MS-1, MS-1c, and SC-1 pages is about building a source chain — transport, DAC, clock, isolation. The MD-1P is the opposite approach: collapse the entire chain into a single chassis, add 300 watts per channel of power amplification, connect a pair of speakers, and stop there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is either exactly what you want or it is not what you want at all. If you are building a dedicated two-channel reference system where every component is chosen and upgraded individually, this is not the product. If you are building a serious system for a second room, a home office, or a living space where a stack of separates is impractical — or if you want a genuinely capable all-in-one that does not compromise where it matters — the MD-1P deserves a careful look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Amplifier\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MD-1P delivers 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms. The MD-1, its lower-powered sibling, delivers 150 watts into 8 ohms. Both will drive speakers from 2 to 16 ohms. The amplifier section uses high-efficiency switching topology with advanced PWM processing — Matrix's description of the technology is deliberately general, but the output impedance of under 3mΩ and SNR of 122dB A-weighted are the numbers that matter in practice. An output impedance that low means an extremely high damping factor, which is what gives a solid-state amplifier tight control over speaker drivers, particularly in the bass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MD-1P has two pairs of speaker terminals — gold-plated solid copper — allowing two pairs of speakers to be connected simultaneously and switched between via IR remote. A\/B comparison between two speakers in the same room, or driving a second room from a single unit. The MD-1 has one pair. Speaker impedance for simultaneous A and B use is 4 to 16 ohms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Digital Processing Section\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DAC section uses a mastering-grade AKM chip — Matrix does not specify which in the consumer-facing documentation, but the dual femtosecond clock architecture and FPGA jitter reduction are the same design philosophy applied across the N Series. Two custom femtosecond clocks, one for 44.1kHz-based sample rates and one for 48kHz-based rates, feed a high-speed FPGA that handles frequency division and jitter reduction before conversion. Local playback reaches PCM 768kHz and DSD 24.58MHz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVolume Control\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe preamp section uses a 256-step digitally controlled analogue volume system — finer resolution than the 100-step control in the ND-1 and MS-1c. Range is -80dB to +12dB in 0.5dB steps, with algorithmic optimisation of the voltage output curve to maintain channel balance at low volumes. A 12-step channel balance compensation is available for speaker placement asymmetry. This is analogue attenuation with digital control — not a digital volume control that reduces bit depth, which matters at the power levels the MD-1P operates at.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAnalogue Inputs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXLR balanced and RCA unbalanced line inputs handle any analogue source — maximum input levels of 8Vrms on XLR and 4Vrms on RCA, input impedance 47kΩ on both. A bypass mode disables the preamp stage and routes the analogue input directly to the amplifier, turning the MD-1P into a pure power amplifier for use with an external preamplifier or in a multichannel AV system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA built-in MM phono stage covers vinyl — RIAA equalised, 47kΩ \/ 100pF input impedance, +40dB gain. It is voiced for MM cartridges only; MC users will need a step-up transformer or a separate MC stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDigital Inputs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour optical and coaxial inputs handle set-top boxes, gaming consoles, CD transports, and Blu-ray players at PCM up to 192kHz and DSD 2.8MHz DoP. HDMI ARC carries audio from a television at up to PCM 192kHz. USB audio from a computer reaches PCM 768kHz and DSD 22.4MHz native. Bluetooth 5.0 supports aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC, and LDAC up to 96kHz — the LDAC codec in particular gives the Bluetooth input more resolution than most wireless implementations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStreaming \u0026amp; Network\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MD-1P is Roon Ready and also supports Audirvāna, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA\/UPnP, vTuner, and Radio Paradise. Gigabit Ethernet is the primary network connection; Wi-Fi 6 covers situations where a wired run is not practical. The MA Remote App controls everything from iOS, iPadOS, and Android. An NVMe SSD slot on the underside — M.2 2280\/2242\/2230, PCIe 3.0\/4.0\/5.0 — handles local library storage, with SMB sharing and NAS serving to other devices on the network. CD ripping via external USB drive is supported.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOutputs Beyond The Speakers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA preamp RCA output at 0–2.2Vrms with 120dB SNR and under 0.0005% THD+N allows the MD-1P to feed an external power amplifier or additional zone. A subwoofer output — also RCA, 150Hz fixed low-pass, 0–2.2Vrms — connects an active subwoofer directly, with the trigger output handling automatic power synchronisation. The MD-1P has dual subwoofer outputs; the MD-1 has one. A 12V trigger input and output handle system power sequencing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere It Fits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 300 watts per channel with dual speaker outputs, a phono stage, HDMI ARC, and the full Matrix streaming ecosystem in a single 96mm-tall chassis, the MD-1P is genuinely capable of being the only component between your sources and your speakers. It is not a compromise product designed to cover all bases inadequately. The amplifier section has the output impedance and noise floor of a serious amplifier. The streaming section has the same femtosecond clock architecture as the N Series. The DAC section performs at a level consistent with the rest of the Matrix lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere a separates system still wins is in the ability to isolate and upgrade individual components — a better clock, a better DAC, a better power stage — without replacing everything at once. The MD-1P trades that flexibility for integration. For the right system and the right listener, that is the correct trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePress Recognition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MD-1P is a recent release. We will update this page as reviews are published. In the meantime, we have heard it and are happy to speak to its performance directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications — MD-1P\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Integrated streaming amplifier with built-in DAC and streamer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmplifier output: 2 x 300W RMS @ 8Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker impedance: A or B: 2–16Ω; A and B simultaneous: 4–16Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput impedance: \u0026lt;3mΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmplifier SNR: 122dB A-weighted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmplifier crosstalk: -120dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmplifier gain: +33dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response (speaker output): 20Hz–20kHz ±0.1; -3dB @ 45kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker terminals: 2 pairs, gold-plated solid copper; A\/B switching via IR remote\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolume control: 256-step digitally controlled analogue; -80dB to +12dB in 0.5dB steps; 12-step channel balance compensation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXLR line input: 47kΩ input impedance; max input 8Vrms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRCA line input: 47kΩ input impedance; max input 4Vrms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhono input: MM only; RIAA; 47kΩ \/ 100pF; +40dB gain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBypass mode: Yes (pure power amplifier operation)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoaxial \/ Optical inputs: 4 total; PCM 16–24 bit \/ 44.1kHz–192kHz; DSD 2.8MHz (DoP)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHDMI ARC: PCM 16–24 bit \/ 44.1kHz–192kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB audio input: PCM 16–24 bit \/ 44.1kHz–768kHz; DSD up to 22.4MHz (Native)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBluetooth: V5.0; aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC, LDAC; up to PCM 16 bit \/ 96kHz; range 10–15m\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreamp output (RCA): 0–2.2Vrms; SNR 120dB; THD+N \u0026lt;0.0005% @ 1kHz; output impedance \u0026lt;20Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubwoofer outputs: 2 x RCA; 150Hz fixed low-pass; 0–2.2Vrms; output impedance \u0026lt;20Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNetwork: Gigabit Ethernet (10\/100\/1000 Mbps); Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz \/ 5GHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB: USB 3.0 (5V\/1A); FAT, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStorage: M.2 2280\/2242\/2230 NVMe PCIe SSD slot (PCIe 3.0\/4.0\/5.0; 3.3V\/3A max)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCD ripping: Yes, via external USB CD drive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoon Ready: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStreaming: Audirvāna, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA\/UPnP, vTuner, Radio Paradise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocal formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE, ISO\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocal playback: PCM up to 768kHz; DSD up to 24.58MHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrigger input: DC 6–12V, under 10mA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrigger output: DC 12V \/ 50mA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower: AC 100–240V, 50\/60Hz (auto-ranging)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandby power: Under 5W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdle power: Under 45W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum power consumption: Under 1,250W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 430mm W x 331mm D x 96mm H\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 7.6kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManufactured: China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIf you are trying to decide between the MD-1P and building a separates system — or working out whether it suits a specific room or speaker pairing — we are happy to work through it with you. Call us or start a conversation on the site.\u003c\/h4\u003e","brand":"Fidelity Imports","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43334341656643,"sku":null,"price":4999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/0522\/7587\/files\/MatrixAudioMD-1P01_90e0cf1b-f213-4de6-b12d-8ffde7d31342.png?v=1780413337"},{"product_id":"matrix-audio-md-1-streaming-power-amplifier-tweekgeek","title":"Matrix Audio MD-1 Streaming Power Amplifier | TweekGeek","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMatrix Audio MD-1\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MD-1 is the same idea as the MD-1P in a slightly smaller package. Streaming, DAC, and power amplifier in a single chassis — connect a pair of speakers and you have a complete system. Where the MD-1P delivers 300 watts per channel, the MD-1 delivers 150 watts. One pair of speaker terminals instead of two. One subwoofer output instead of two. Otherwise the same architecture, the same streaming ecosystem, the same digital processing section, the same analogue inputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor most speakers and most rooms, 150 watts is not a limitation. If you are driving large floorstanders in a big room at high levels, the MD-1P makes sense. If you are not, the MD-1 gets you to the same place for less money and without paying for headroom you will never use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe amplifier\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e150 watts per channel into 8 ohms, speaker impedance range 2 to 16 ohms. Output impedance under 5mΩ — still an extremely high damping factor, giving the amplifier tight control over bass drivers. SNR at 122dB A-weighted, crosstalk at -120dB, frequency response flat within 0.1dB from 20Hz to 20kHz and down 3dB at 45kHz. These are the same figures as the MD-1P on every measure except the power output, output impedance, and gain — the MD-1 runs +30dB gain versus +33dB on the MD-1P.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe speaker terminals are gold-plated solid copper, single pair. The MD-1P's A\/B switching between two speaker pairs is not present here — one pair in, one pair driven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe digital processing section\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdentical to the MD-1P: a mastering-grade AKM DAC chip with dual femtosecond clock architecture and FPGA jitter reduction. Two custom femtosecond clocks — one for 44.1kHz-based sample rates, one for 48kHz-based rates — feed a high-speed FPGA that handles frequency division and jitter reduction before conversion. Local playback reaches PCM 768kHz and DSD 24.58MHz. The same design philosophy as the N Series, applied here in an integrated product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVolume control\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e256-step digitally controlled analogue volume, -80dB to +12dB in 0.5dB steps. Algorithmic optimisation of the output curve at low volumes for consistent channel balance. 12-step channel balance compensation for asymmetric speaker placement. Analogue attenuation with digital control — bit depth is not sacrificed at the volume stage, which matters when the amplifier is capable of delivering 150 watts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAnalogue inputs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXLR balanced and RCA unbalanced line inputs — 8Vrms maximum on XLR, 4Vrms on RCA, 47kΩ input impedance on both. Bypass mode disables the preamp stage and routes the analogue input directly to the amplifier, for use with an external preamplifier or in a multichannel AV setup. The MM phono stage — RIAA equalised, 47kΩ \/ 100pF, +40dB gain — handles a turntable directly. MC users will need an external step-up transformer or MC stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDigital inputs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour optical and coaxial inputs at PCM up to 192kHz and DSD 2.8MHz DoP. HDMI ARC from a television at up to PCM 192kHz. USB audio from a computer at PCM 768kHz and DSD 22.4MHz native. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC, and LDAC at up to 96kHz — the LDAC implementation in particular keeps the Bluetooth input honest in a way that most wireless audio does not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStreaming and network\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoon Ready. Also supports Audirvāna, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA\/UPnP, vTuner, and Radio Paradise. Gigabit Ethernet primary; Wi-Fi 6 for rooms where a wired run is not possible. MA Remote App on iOS, iPadOS, and Android. NVMe SSD slot for local library storage with SMB sharing and NAS serving. CD ripping via external USB drive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOutputs beyond the speakers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA preamp RCA output at 0–2.2Vrms with 120dB SNR allows the MD-1 to feed an external power amplifier or second zone. A single subwoofer RCA output — 150Hz fixed low-pass, 0–2.2Vrms — connects an active subwoofer with trigger synchronisation. The MD-1P has dual subwoofer outputs for larger rooms requiring two subs; the MD-1 has one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it fits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MD-1 is the right choice when the MD-1P's 300 watts is more than the system needs — which is most of the time, for most speakers, in most rooms. Sensitivity of 87dB or above, moderate room size, listening levels that stop short of genuinely loud: 150 watts is sufficient. The savings over the MD-1P are real and the performance difference is not audible in those conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are pairing with speakers that dip below 4 ohms or present a difficult impedance curve, or if the room is large and the listening levels are high, the MD-1P's additional headroom and lower output impedance become relevant. Ask us and we will give you an honest read on which one makes sense for your specific speakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgainst a separates approach — streamer, DAC, integrated or power amplifier as separate boxes — the MD-1 trades individual component upgradability for integration and simplicity. It is not a lesser product. It is a different philosophy about how a system should be assembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePress recognition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MD-1 is a recent release. We will update this page as reviews are published. We have heard it and are happy to discuss its performance directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications — MD-1\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Integrated streaming amplifier with built-in DAC and streamer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmplifier output: 2 x 150W RMS @ 8Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker impedance: 2–16Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput impedance: \u0026lt;5mΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmplifier SNR: 122dB A-weighted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmplifier crosstalk: -120dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmplifier gain: +30dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response (speaker output): 20Hz–20kHz ±0.1; -3dB @ 45kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker terminals: 1 pair, gold-plated solid copper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolume control: 256-step digitally controlled analogue; -80dB to +12dB in 0.5dB steps; 12-step channel balance compensation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXLR line input: 47kΩ input impedance; max input 8Vrms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRCA line input: 47kΩ input impedance; max input 4Vrms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhono input: MM only; RIAA; 47kΩ \/ 100pF; +40dB gain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBypass mode: Yes (pure power amplifier operation)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoaxial \/ Optical inputs: 4 total; PCM 16–24 bit \/ 44.1kHz–192kHz; DSD 2.8MHz (DoP)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHDMI ARC: PCM 16–24 bit \/ 44.1kHz–192kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB audio input: PCM 16–24 bit \/ 44.1kHz–768kHz; DSD up to 22.4MHz (Native)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBluetooth: V5.0; aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC, LDAC; up to PCM 16 bit \/ 96kHz; range 10–15m\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreamp output (RCA): 0–2.2Vrms; SNR 120dB; THD+N \u0026lt;0.0005% @ 1kHz; output impedance \u0026lt;20Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubwoofer output: 1 x RCA; 150Hz fixed low-pass; 0–2.2Vrms; output impedance \u0026lt;20Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNetwork: Gigabit Ethernet (10\/100\/1000 Mbps); Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz \/ 5GHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB: USB 3.0 (5V\/1A); FAT, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStorage: M.2 2280\/2242\/2230 NVMe PCIe SSD slot (PCIe 3.0\/4.0\/5.0; 3.3V\/3A max)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCD ripping: Yes, via external USB CD drive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoon Ready: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStreaming: Audirvāna, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA\/UPnP, vTuner, Radio Paradise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocal formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE, ISO\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocal playback: PCM up to 768kHz; DSD up to 24.58MHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrigger input: DC 6–12V, under 10mA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrigger output: DC 12V \/ 50mA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower: AC 100–240V, 50\/60Hz (auto-ranging)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandby power: Under 5W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdle power: Under 35W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum power consumption: Under 700W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 430mm W x 331mm D x 96mm H\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 7.0kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManufactured: China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIf you are deciding between the MD-1 and the MD-1P — or working out whether either suits a specific speaker pairing or room — we are happy to give you an honest read. Call us or start a conversation on the site.\u003c\/h4\u003e","brand":"Fidelity Imports","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43334404538435,"sku":null,"price":3999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/0522\/7587\/files\/MatrixAudioMD-101.png?v=1780413903"}],"url":"https:\/\/tweekgeek.com\/collections\/streaming-amplifiers.oembed","provider":"Tweek Geek","version":"1.0","type":"link"}