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:
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.
Good post with excellent info. Matrix is the real deal, they came up from extremely high value/low price gear to now offering very high class products that still emphasize bang for the buck. I've used Arthur from Power Holdings in the past, very highly recommended. I believe he was the original Matrix dealer in the USA if I'm not mistaken. Now there are others but Arthur always offers a more personal touch which I appreciate. |
Very well put, and I can completely relate to your observations. The best digital components don’t impose a signature as much as they remove barriers, allowing the source to breathe more naturally. Interesting (and encouraging) to hear how dramatically the SI-1 evolved through the 150-hour break-in period. |
To all, I am wholeheartedly in agreement with the outline from @phusis, cited above. When I first mentioned there was an apparent run-in period for the Si-1 that seemed to evoke others to evaluate it in the same manner. I am confident that we all have experienced the run-in process with all of our components, phono cartridges, and cables. I was somewhat surprised that the Si-1 needed a run-in time, but that was rather foolish of me, now in hindsight. The good news is that indeed, after a run-in of 150 to 200 hours the Si-1 brings a refined and smooth presentation to my digital front-end sound experience. Though my digital system sounded quite good, I was aware that it still had a bit of digital "glare", even with the Stack Audio SmoothLan in line. Replacing that with the Si-1, and after a complete run-in process, I find it to be a relatively low-cost product that contributes greatly to sophisticated digital front-end systems. I am very pleased to have added it in to my system. I am just as pleased about how this thread has developed, for all of us and, hopefully, for others who search out information on the Si-1 and its peers. Great thanks to @lalitk for starting this thread and to all who have contributed. I'll be sure to watch for further additions and updates. |
You’re welcome. Thank you for the thoughtful feedback and for sharing your experience in such detail. I’m really glad the thread has turned into a meaningful exchange of observations and perspectives from avid listener’s like you. Your comments on the Si-1’s run-in behavior and the reduction in digital glare mirror much of what others, including myself, have experienced. |
