Matrix Audio SS-1 / SS-1 Pro - Audio-Grade Network Switch - IN STOCK

Faster speed, better performance
The development of an audio-quality network switch with higher speeds stems from the perspective of digital circuit design. A system capable of supporting signal transmission at higher speeds will inherently have a higher stability limit. This also means that the timing error in high-speed equipment is relatively lower than that of low-speed equipment. Therefore, high-speed devices operating at low speeds offer superior performance compared to low-speed devices transmitting at the same low speed.

Two isolated 10 Gbps ports

Two SFP/SFP+ ports with connection speeds up to 10 Gbps allow you to install fiber optic or RJ45 modules as needed. This allows you to simultaneously connect upstream network devices and digital audio players via SFP ports, achieving 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 to the audio equipment.

Independent Ethernet sockets

The SS-1 Pro/SS-1 not only features multiple Ethernet ports with speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, but also two low-speed ports that operate at 100 Mbps. Audio devices can be slowed down by connecting to these ports to reduce bit errors that can occur during data transmission. These ports are designed with independent sockets. The wider spacing between the sockets prevents crowding when using high-end cables. Additionally, we use independent Ethernet transformers with 10 Gbps speeds and fully shielded Ethernet sockets. Each signal transformer is individually shielded by metal shells, improving resistance to radio interference.

The clock system is critical to digital circuits, and network switches are no exception. It can be compared to a series of high-speed switches that must operate with extreme precision. Inside the SS-1 Pro, this system consists of a femtosecond clock and a high-precision, ultra-low phase-noise RF synthesizer. The SS-1 Pro supports two clock modes: in internal clock mode, the internal femtosecond clock serves as a reference for the RF synthesizer, which then generates a highly stable, low-phase-noise clock signal for the main controller. In external clock mode, the 10 MHz clock signal from an external clock serves as a reference for the RF synthesizer. The DPLL then sends a synchronized, highly stable, low-phase-noise clock signal to the main controller. Although the SS-1 has a simplified clock system design and does not have an RF synthesizer, it still features an ultra-low phase-noise femtosecond clock as a reference for the main controller, ensuring exceptional performance.

The LED status indicators on the Ethernet ports can be disabled by pressing the setup button on the rear panel, ensuring that the LED lights do not interfere with the listening experience in dark or dimly lit environments.

A custom o-core toroidal transformer, combined with high-speed Schottky diodes and nearly 10,000 µF audio-grade filter capacitors, forms the SS-1 Pro's first-stage power supply. Up to 6 ultra-low-noise LDO linear power supplies provide clean power to the device's clock system and main control chip. A large passive heatsink for the main control chip ensures noise-free operation.

Optional for better nutrition
To ensure upgradeability, the SS-1 features a DC input port, allowing you to connect an external linear power supply to unleash its performance potential. When the DC input is connected, the internal AC input will automatically disconnect. The external linear power supply delivers clean power directly to the femtosecond clock and main controller through the internal line noise suppression filter and four ultra-low-noise LDO circuits.