Matrix Audio - SS-1 - Network Switch

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New territory, new evolution: the SS-1 network switch

SS-1 Pro/SS-1 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.

Higher speed, better performance

Matrix Audio’s 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.

Dual 10Gbps isolated ports

Two SFP/SFP+ ports with up to 10Gbps connection speed allow you to install optical fibre 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 fibre optic cables. This prevents high-frequency noise or interference from network devices from being transmitted through the ground wire into the audio equipment.

Independent Ethernet sockets

SS-1 Pro/SS-1 not only have multiple Ethernet ports with speeds up to 2.5Gbps, they also have 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.

External clock input & RF Synthesiser

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 ultra-low phase noise RF synthesiser. The SS-1 Pro supports two clock modes: In internal clock mode, the internal femtosecond clock serves as a reference for the RF synthesiser, 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 synthesiser. The DPLL then outputs a synchronised, highly stable, low-phase-noise clock signal to the main controller. Even though the SS-1 has a simplified clock system design and does not have a RF synthesiser, it still features an ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clock as the reference for the main controller, ensuring exceptional performance.

Configurable indicator LEDs

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.

Linear power, silent cooling

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.

Optional for better power supply

To ensure upgradability, the SS-1 is equipped with a DC input port, allowing you to connect an external linear power supply to unleash its potential performance. When the DC input is connected, the internal AC input will be disconnected automatically. The external linear power supply provides clean power directly to the femtosecond clock and the main controller through the internal power line noise suppression filter and four ultra-low noise LDO circuits.

Precision & flexible chassis design

The precision-machined aluminium 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 change it to three easily to according to your tuning demand and placement needs.