Matrix Audio ND-1 — Decision Profile
L2 Decision Profile · documentation + editorial assessment
Quick verdict
A digital chain needing documented RCA/XLR conversion and selectable analogue output modes
Avoid if: A network player, headphone amplifier or ordinary HDMI A/V input
Evidence checked: 2026-10-17. Manufacturer documentation; no independent SoundPath Lab listening, measurement, compatibility or firmware retest.
System conditions
Match IIS pinout explicitly, select fixed/variable output correctly and confirm the receiving input tolerates the chosen voltage
Documented specifications
| Item | Specification and conditions |
|---|---|
| Role | Digital-to-analogue converter with fixed/variable RCA and XLR output |
| Inputs | Optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, IIS-LVDS, USB-B and USB-C audio |
| Line levels | Maximum 4.5 Vrms XLR / 2.25 Vrms RCA in table; selectable output modes |
| Mode conditions | At 1 kHz: op-amp THD <0.0002%; transformer mode <0.02%, not one interchangeable value |
| Digital limits | S/PDIF PCM up to 192 kHz; USB PCM up to 768 kHz / native DSD512; format limits depend on port |
Limits and source qualifications
IIS uses an HDMI-shaped connector with non-HDMI audio pinning; host drivers, pinout and mode-dependent performance remain untested
Alternatives by need
NA-1 provides the separate analogue headphone stage; CMA Eighteen Master is an integrated DAC/headphone alternative
Keep or upgrade
Keep a working system that already meets these requirements. Consider a change only when the documented connection, control or system role solves a specific unmet need; no measured sound-quality upgrade is claimed.
Evidence, support and reassessment
Review scope
Exact-model primary specification and connection sections cited below were reviewed. Source claims and editorial system-fit reasoning are distinct from independent listening, measurement, compatibility or firmware tests; none were added.
Actual sound, under-load output, room/ear fit, latency and long-term reliability remain untested. Existing scores, Builder qualification and owner/test records were not reassessed.
Firmware and regional support
Local stock, authorized sales, transaction prices and long-term support duration are not established by this documentation review. Dated regional announcements apply only to their stated territory and terms. Existing dated price and owner evidence is retained.
No installed firmware version or issue resolution was retested. Follow the exact-model official support workflow.
Reassess when evidence changes
Reassess on verified hardware or firmware changes, clarification of a source conflict, material support/compatibility changes, or accepted independent testing.
No new six-month ownership evidence was added; existing owner and issue records remain unchanged.
Related records and tools
- Matrix Audio NA-1
- Questyle CMA Eighteen Master
- Product directory
- System Builder
- Issues and limitations
- Firmware and app tracker
- Compare this product
Sources checked
Revision: 2026-10-17 — L0/L1 to L2 after model-level documentation and decision review. Product identity and existing scores/qualification retained. L2 is evidence coverage, not independent test acceptance.
Member knowledge · editor reviewed
Questions, owner experience and product issues
Join the live member discussion below, or submit structured experience and issue reports for editorial review.
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