Matrix Audio TS-1 Music Streamer & Headphone Amplifier

Matrix Audio TS-1 Music Streamer & Headphone Amplifier

The Matrix Audio TS-1 is designed as a complete, space-saving solution for modern listeners who want high performance without a rack full of boxes. Bringing together a network streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier in one compact unit, it is ideal for headphone users and active speaker systems alike. Built on the same streaming platform as Matrix Audio’s M Series, the TS-1 delivers a fast, responsive interface, a clear display, and smooth control via the MA Remote App on iOS or Android.

Sound quality is a clear priority. The TS-1 uses a fully balanced DAC architecture with dedicated AK4493SEQ chips per channel, supported by independent low-noise regulation to maximise dynamic range and detail. Dual femtosecond clocks handle the 44.1kHz and 48kHz sampling families separately, helping reduce jitter at the source. For headphones, the fully balanced discrete amplifier offers both 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm unbalanced outputs, with low output impedance and generous power to drive everything from sensitive IEMs to demanding full-size headphones with control and ease.

Flexibility is where the TS-1 really stands out. Digital and analogue inputs, HDMI ARC, and extensive streaming support allow it to act as a true audio centre for desktop, living room, or mixed-use systems. Balanced XLR and RCA outputs make pairing with active speakers simple, while the dedicated subwoofer output enables clean 2.1 system setups. Add internal NVMe storage, NAS integration, Wi-Fi or Ethernet networking, and the option to upgrade with an external linear power supply, and the TS-1 becomes a long-term solution that can grow with your system. 

Here is what Matrix Audio say about the TS-1

Matrix Audio proudly presents the TS-1, a new-generation all-in-one solution for headphone and active monitor audiophiles. Adhering to the core philosophy of "simplifying complexity", the TS-1 seamlessly integrates a streamer, DAC and headphone amplifier into one compact device. Pair it with your favorite headphones or active speakers, and you'll have a high-quality Hi-Fi system ready to go. Whether you’re a digital audio guy seeking convenience or a discerning audiophile with picky ears for sound quality, the TS-1 offers a one-stop solution that strips away the unnecessary and brings music back to its pure essence.

Powered by the Hi-Fi streaming hardware platform from the Matrix Audio M Series, the TS-1 delivers a significant leap in performance. Its upgraded display and the continuously evolving MA Player Hi-Fi Streaming OS, paired with the MA Remote App, provide seamless compatibility with both iOS and Android devices. Whether using a smartphone or tablet, you'll experience an effortlessly smooth and intuitive user experience.

Unlimited Resources at Your Fingertips

Access an extensive library of high-resolution music, including TIDAL, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO and internet radio - all seamlessly integrated into one device.

Support streaming protocols including Roon Ready, Audirvana, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Conncet, AirPlay2, QPlay and UPnP/DLNA.

Audio Center

Designed with the concept of an "all-scenario audio center," it features five input interfaces: optical, coaxial, USB Audio, HDMI ARC, and RCA analog inputs. Whether it is in living room entertainment, in a desktop setup, a vinyl system, or modern streaming music, all audio sources can be seamlessly connected to achieve "one device for all scenarios". Effortlessly switch audio sources using the IR remote or the MA Remote App.

From Desktop to Living Room

With high-standard XLR and RCA analog output interfaces, building an active speaker system becomes easier. No need to worry about amplifier matching or complex wiring—whether creating a desktop Hi-Fi system or enhancing your living room entertainment, you can achieve studio-quality sound in a minimalist way. The analog outputs offer two output voltage settings, catering to active speakers with different gain requirements.

Subwoofer Output

A newly added subwoofer output specifically handles audio frequencies below 150Hz with synchronized volume control of the line output. With this interface, you can easily connect an active subwoofer to compensate for the limited low-frequency extension of small active speakers. Whether you're enjoying music or watching TV, it creates a more immersive audio experience and opens up new possibilities for a 2.1-channel setup.

Refined Tuning

Equipped with 6.35mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced outputs, the new fully balanced, high-bias discrete headphone amplifier has an output impedance of just 1 ohm. This ensures effective voltage dynamics, even with low-impedance, high-sensitivity headphones. Especially tuned for modern high-resolution headphones, it maintains high-frequency extension while subtly restraining the highs for a more comfortable, long-term listening experience. With a two-level output voltage setting, it effortlessly handles both low-impedance IEMs and high-impedance full-sized headphones.

Independent Layered Design

Ingeniously, the analog and digital circuits are arranged on separate PCB layers, with the digital section on the lower layer and the analog section on the upper layer. This approach minimizes interference between circuits and facilitates efficient heat dissipation for the high-bias headphone amplifier. The analog PCB features a fully symmetrical left-right design, ensuring stable audio signal transmission from the circuit architecture level. This not only enhances audio performance but also improves the overall reliability of the product.

Fully Balanced DAC

Featuring a fully balanced design from digital to analog, each channel is equipped with an AK4493SEQ chip, with its dual DAC units operating in parallel. This configuration significantly enhances dynamic range, bringing richer sound details and more distinct layering. Notably, the power supply sections of the two DAC chips are completely independent, with each chip powered by a dual-channel ultra-low-noise LDO. This ensures that the performance of the DAC chips is fully unleashed, delivering pure, high-fidelity audio output.

Dual Femtosecond Clock

Equipped with two compact ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clocks, each dedicated to serving as the clock reference for 44.1kHz and 48kHz sampling rates and their multiples. Powered by independent low-noise linear regulators, and with intelligent control through FPGA, it automatically handles frequency division and switching operations. This design lays a solid foundation for low-jitter digital audio output.

Enjoy Local & Cloud Music

Mount your NAS drive to the device, allowing you to create a music library directly from your NAS. If your music is stored in the cloud drive, such as Baidu Netdisk, it can also be mounted directly on the device. With MA Remote App, music files from NAS and cloud drive can be copied to internal storage of TS-1 conveniently.

Digital Management

Simply connect an USB CD drive and use the MA Remote App, you can convert CD albums into digital audio files and save them to the device's internal storage. This process creates a digital copy of your precious CDs, seamlessly combining the high-quality audio of CDs with the flexible management of streamers. Users can enjoy the unique ritual of CD playback while transcending the limitations of physical media, turning valuable music resources into digital formats for convenient playback. Let music become a constant, beautiful companion in your life.

Shareable Internal Storage

With the SMB protocol, computers on the same network can easily access the device's storage, making it simple to manage your music library. Additionally, the device can function as a NAS, enabling other streamers on the same network to seamlessly play the stored music.

SSD Storage - Fast And Quiet

The bottom of the device features an NVMe SSD slot, allowing for the installation of an SSD to expand internal storage. A specially designed ultra-low-noise independent power supply ensures a quiet operating environment for the SSD, which surpasses what an ordinary computer can offer.

Flexible Connection Options

If wired connection is inconvenient for you, the TS-1’s Wi-Fi 6 connectivity offers a simple and convenient solution. To ensure optimal sound quality and stable performance during high resolution audio streaming, it is recommended to give priority to use a wired connection.

Option For Linear Power

The TS-1 is specially designed with an DC power input to unlock its full performance potential with adding a linear power supply. When both external power and AC power are connected, the system prioritizes the external power supply and disconnects the AC power, retaining only the ground connection. Additionally, the product is equipped with a power filter and multiple low-noise LDOs to power each circuit unit independently, ensuring pure and stable power delivery in every aspect.

Specifications

About Matrix Audio

Matrix Audio UK is a renowned audio brand established in 2009 and based in the historic city of Xi'an, China. With a strong focus on developing, producing, and selling digital Hi-Fi audio products, Matrix Audio has evolved into a leading digital audio company over the course of over a decade.

Matrix Audio has built a stellar reputation among audiophiles in China and worldwide thanks to its commitment to delivering high-quality audio DACs, audio amplifiers, and other digital audio equipment. Their success can be attributed to the expertise of their professional testers, advanced research facilities, and state-of-the-art audio analysers.

The brand name "Matrix" is inspired by the mathematical concept of balance between two dimensions: portrait and landscape. Matrix Audio applies this concept to its product development and design philosophy. They prioritise excellent sound performance and strive for aesthetically pleasing designs that seamlessly integrate into any home environment. Harmony, both in sound and design, is the ultimate goal for Matrix Audio.

Choose Matrix Audio UK at Future Shop for cutting-edge digital Hi-Fi audio products that combine exceptional sound quality with captivating design, earning them a respected brand image and loyal following among audiophiles worldwide.