Nice write up. For the price of $699 US / $949 CDN (before shipping) that seems like a no-brainer, considering many are spending several times that on high end switches.
Matrix Audio SI-1 Network Isolator
A recent discussion on the value of network switches by @fire_water rekindled my curiosity about revisiting optical isolation. As someone who leans toward minimalism, a single-box optical isolator was the prime draw and to see if newer devices offering further improvements over my existing optical isolator.
For context, my front end is built around 3 chassis Merging Technologies +PLAYER / Merging Technologies +CLOCK / Merging Technologies +POWER which is already extremely low noise, highly resolving, and very “studio honest,” reflecting its roots in professional high-resolution recording and editing. It doesn’t gloss over upstream shortcomings—if anything, it exposes them. As a result, any change ahead of it is easy to evaluate.
To be fair, my existing Telegärtner OPTO BRIDGE 1000M already performs very well—delivering a cleaner background, lower noise, and solid isolation. No complaints there except it is powered by an external LHY linear power supply…extra cables plus more real estate :-)
So how does the SI-1 compare?
In my system, the SI-1 builds on Opto Bridge foundation with:
- A further reduction in noise floor
- Greater image density and depth
- Improved microdynamics and sense of flow
- A more natural tonal presentation without sacrificing resolution
The biggest difference?
With the Telegärtner, the presentation was clean and relaxed.
With the SI-1, it becomes more organic, fluid, and musically coherent.
My take:
Telegärtner = excellent isolation
SI-1 = isolation plus signal refinement (regeneration) by breaking ground noise and eliminating EMI/RFI riding on Ethernet.
In a highly resolving system, that extra layer makes a meaningful difference.
Here’s the rub guys, not every system truly benefits from an audiophile Ethernet switch or an overbuilt router. That’s been my experience after introducing optical isolation into the chain. Once I did, even a high-quality switch like the Telegärtner M12 Gold Switch became redundant.
IMHO, optical isolation is essential for any serious streaming setup. The SI-1 doesn’t feel like a tweak, it comes across as a final-stage refinement, allowing your streamer to perform at its full potential and reveal what it’s genuinely capable of.
Here is my signal chain,
Apple Router → SI-1 → Streamer (Merging stack) using a pair of FTA Métis LAN cables.
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@lalitk Thank you very much for your review of the Matrix Audio Si-1. I have been eyeballing that device for about a month now, reading the posted reviews and especially enjoying the review from Hans. I believe in simple solutions and the Si-1 delivers on that. My system is highly resolving but I do realize that presently using just the Stack Audio SmoothLan in my ethernet connectivity is limiting the potential of my digital front end. My intent has been to use the SmoothLan while researching and waiting for the right product to suit my needs. Your review of the Si-1 helped me conclude to pull the trigger on the purchase and I'll be doing that either later today or tomorrow. Thanks again.
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LHY makes the EFI which is essentially the same thing. >> https://www.beatechnik.com/product-page/lhy-audio-efi |
You’re welcome! BTW, Very nice analog system. If I may ask, what device you’re using for streaming. Passive filtering like Stack Audio SmoothLAN or Network Acoustics Muon while useful belongs to an earlier approach. It refines what’s already there, but it doesn’t fundamentally address the problem because the electrical connection (and its associated noise) remains intact. Active optical isolation, on the other hand, takes a different path altogether: it completely breaks the electrical link, eliminating the noise pathway at its source rather than just trying to suppress it. Please post your impressions once SI-1 settles into your system. Give it about 50 hours of break-in. |
@lalitk Thank you for your kind words. I agree with you 100% about optical isolation. That's why I bought the SmoothLan as a used item and as a holdover until securing something more in order of the rest of my system. I wanted to further research and educate myself and also felt that better devices were right around the corner, maybe a year or less. It seems I lucked out on that. I have upgraded my system far greater than what I currently have posted on Audiogon. It's time (or, past time) that I update my virtual system. I also added on to my house, a purpose-built dedicated sound room, fully treated, by GIK. Much research for the proper materials and construction methods on the room. Nevertheless, answering your question, I have an Aurender N-20 streamer and a Berkely Audio, Alpha DAC Series III for my digital front-end. May I ask of you a recommendation for an authorized retailer of Matrix Audio. I sent a message with that request to the US Distributor but have not hear back from them. Thank you very much. |
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