Matrix Audio has introduced the SU-1 USB Isolation Switcher, designed to prevent potential interference in your hi-fi setup.
Following the SI-1 Network Isolator, Matrix Audio is introducing a second isolator, this time aimed at users of USB audio connections. The SU-1 has a recommended retail price of €899 and is available immediately. To complement the SU-1, Matrix Audio has also developed its own USB audio cable. This is available now as well, with the 120cm version carrying a recommended retail price of €269.
Isolation?
Is all this isolation really necessary? The manufacturer explains why it can offer advantages: ‘As soon as you electrically connect several components, each with its own power supply, there is a risk of differences in electrical potential, interference and other disturbances. That risk increases when some of those devices are equipped with less carefully shielded power-supply circuits, such as those found in a computer or a simple power adapter. High-frequency by-products and noise from, for example, a switching power supply are sources of contamination that we would preferably keep out of our audio chain. When a USB audio product forms part of that chain, the electrical USB connection therefore provides not only a path for the digital audio signal to the DAC, but also for unwanted interference that we would rather not introduce into our audio system.
And that is exactly what the Matrix Audio SU-1 is designed to prevent. With three selectable USB audio inputs (2x USB-B, 1x USB-C) and two separately isolated outputs (USB-A), the SU-1 prevents interference caused by ground loops and high-frequency interference. In addition, the 5V supply line of the USB bus is completely regenerated using its own linear power supply. In this way, the SU-1 forms an effective barrier against contamination, allowing the connected DAC to do exactly what it was designed to do.’
Other Functions
Apart from preventing interference via the USB audio connection, the SU-1 also offers several distinctive features:
- Selectable input and output switching, allowing multiple USB sources to be freely routed to either of the two outputs. This means, for example, that you can optimise both your desktop headphone DAC and your high-end hi-fi DAC using a single SU-1.
- Optimised input and output impedance for the USB connection, intended to improve signal transmission and stability.
- Extends the maximum USB data transmission distance to eight metres: four metres to the input and another four metres from the output.
- Protection for downstream USB devices against damage caused by, for example, voltage fluctuations, electrostatic discharge or lightning strikes.
To further optimise USB audio transmission, Matrix Audio has also developed a range of USB cables. More specifically, these comprise a USB-A-to-B cable in lengths of 30cm or 120cm and a 120cm USB-C-to-B cable.
‘Really?’
To dispel any remaining doubts about whether such a device is actually necessary, the manufacturer adds: ‘Yes! Like the SI-1, the SU-1 is an exceptional addition to a good hi-fi system. When used in the right circumstances, the improvement in sound quality is far from subtle. The sound has less harshness and artificial roughness, appears more relaxed and able to breathe, while at the same time gaining greater clarity. Music sounds less smeared.
‘Nevertheless, it is not a miracle cure or the audiophile equivalent of a fat burner or muscle gainer that supposedly does all the work while you sit on the sofa with a bag of crisps. No, think of it instead as a healthy protein shake supplementing a healthy diet and active lifestyle. In a well-balanced system with high-quality components, the SU-1, just like the SI-1, really can add an extra dimension. And you certainly do not have to take our word for it.
‘In consultation with your Matrix Audio dealer, you can simply try one at home first. If it does not do what you expect, you can carry on spinning your digital discs just as happily as before. If it does what we suspect it will, at least you will still be in time to update your wish list for December 5.’