Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro Network Switch

The SS-1 Pro is an audio-grade network switch specifically designed by Matrix Audio for Hi-Fi streaming audio scenarios. Unlike traditional network switches, this product is meticulously engineered to meet the requirements of Hi-Fi audio systems. It includes comprehensive enhancements in its power system, clock system, cooling methods and component selection, all focused on ensuring the lossless transmission of high-definition streaming audio.

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

Two SFP/SFP+ ports with up to 10Gbps connection speed allow you to install optical fiber or RJ45 modules according to your needs. This makes it possible to connect both upstream network devices and digital audio players simultaneously through 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 into the audio equipment.

In addition to the multiple Ethernet ports with speeds up to 2.5Gbps, the SS-1 Pro has two low speed ports that work at 100Mbps. The connection speed of audio devices can be reduced by connecting to these ports, to reduce the bit error that may 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 10Gbps-grade independent Ethernet transformers and fully shielded Ethernet sockets. Each signal transformer is individually shielded by metal shells, enhancing resistance to radio frequency interference.

The clock system is critical for digital circuits, and network switches are no exception. It can be likened 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 ultralow 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 10MHz clock signal from an external clock acts as the reference for the RF synthesizer. The DPLL then outputs a synchronized, highly stable, low-phase-noise clock signal to the main controller.

The LED status indicators on the Ethernet ports can be turned off by pressing the setting button on the rear panel, ensuring that the LED lights do not interfere with your listening experience in dark or low-light environments.

A custom o-core toroidal transformer combined with high-speed Schottky diodes and nearly 10,000 uF audio-grade filtering capacitors forms the first-stage power supply of SS-1 Pro. Up to 6 ultra-low-noise LDO linear power supplies provide clean power to the clock system and the device’s main control chip. The large passive heatsink for the main control chip, ensuring it operates without generating any noise.

The precision-machined aluminum CNC chassis incorporates Matrix Audio’s new design language. With a reinforced steel base, the device is solid and stable. The device comes with four isolation feet by default, but you can easily change it to three according to your tuning demands and placement needs.