MATRIX AUDIO TS-1

Matrix Audio proudly presents the TS-1, a next-generation all-in-one solution designed for headphone enthusiasts and users of active speakers. Staying true to the brand’s design philosophy of “simplifying complexity,” the TS-1 combines streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier into a single, compact unit, offering a complete Hi-Fi system that’s ready to use straight out of the box. Simply connect it to your favorite headphones or a pair of active monitors to transform any space into a high-fidelity listening environment. Ideal for those who value digital convenience as well as for demanding audiophiles, the TS-1 brings music back to its purest essence by eliminating unnecessary components.

Built on the high-performance streaming hardware platform derived from the acclaimed Matrix Audio M Series, the TS-1 delivers advanced capabilities. Its updated display and constantly evolving MA Player operating system ensure a fluid and intuitive user experience, also from iOS and Android mobile devices via the MA Remote app. Quick and seamless access to major high-resolution streaming services such as TIDAL, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO, and internet radio is fully integrated. Support for protocols like Roon Ready, Audirvana, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay2, QPlay, and UPnP/DLNA ensures broad compatibility with any digital ecosystem.

Conceived as a universal audio center for any usage scenario, the TS-1 includes five inputs: optical, coaxial, USB Audio, HDMI ARC, and RCA analog. Whether it's streaming music, playing vinyl, a desktop setup, or a living room system, all sources are managed quickly and easily, also via infrared remote or dedicated app. High-quality XLR and RCA analog outputs simplify the creation of an active speaker setup, removing the need for external amplifiers or complex wiring. Two selectable output voltage levels allow optimal matching with speakers of different sensitivities. A dedicated subwoofer output handles only frequencies below 150 Hz and is volume-synchronized with the main outputs, enabling easy integration into 2.1 systems for a more immersive experience, whether enjoying music or multimedia content.

For headphone listening, the TS-1 is equipped with a fully balanced, high-bias discrete amplifier featuring a 6.35 mm unbalanced and a 4.4 mm balanced output. With an output impedance of just 1 ohm, it offers excellent voltage dynamics and control even with low-impedance, high-sensitivity headphones. The tuning is optimized for modern high-resolution headphones, providing extended high frequencies that remain smooth and fatigue-free for long listening sessions. Two output voltage settings allow compatibility with both sensitive IEMs and high-impedance full-sized headphones.

The fully balanced signal path from digital to analog employs one AK4493SEQ chip per channel, with the dual DACs operating in parallel to enhance dynamic range, retrieve richer detail, and improve sound layering. Each DAC is powered independently through ultra-low-noise LDO regulators, ensuring the full potential of the DAC circuit is realized. Two ultra-low phase noise femtosecond oscillators are dedicated to 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sampling rates and their multiples, managed via FPGA and powered independently to enable precise switching and extremely low-jitter digital output.

The TS-1 allows NAS drives to be mounted directly, making your personal music library accessible from the device itself. Cloud services such as Baidu Netdisk can also be mounted, and the MA Remote app lets you conveniently copy music files into the TS-1’s internal storage. By connecting a USB CD drive, you can digitize your physical albums and store them internally, combining the audio quality of CDs with the flexibility of a streamer. This creates a ritualistic yet practical experience that bridges the analog past with modern convenience, preserving and enhancing your music collection.

Managing the music library is simple via computer, thanks to SMB protocol support, which allows direct access to the TS-1’s internal storage from any device on the same network. The TS-1 can also act as a NAS, letting other streamers on the network play stored music seamlessly. At the base of the unit is an NVMe SSD slot, enabling storage expansion. A specially designed low-noise power circuit ensures the SSD operates quietly, surpassing typical computer performance in silent environments.

For those who prefer wireless connectivity, the TS-1 supports Wi-Fi 6 for stable high-resolution streaming, though wired connections remain recommended for optimal performance. A dedicated DC power input allows the use of an external linear power supply to unlock the TS-1’s full sonic potential. When both AC and DC are connected, the system automatically prioritizes the external supply, disconnecting AC power while keeping the ground line active. Integrated power filters and multiple independent low-noise LDO regulators supply each circuit section with clean and stable power, ensuring uncompromised audio quality throughout.

Specifications:

• Inputs: coaxial; optical; HDMI ARC; USB Audio; Aux In
• Line outputs: XLR; RCA; Subwoofer
• Headphone outputs: 4.4 mm balanced; 6.35 mm unbalanced
• Wired network: LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps
• Wi-Fi: dual band 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
• USB ports: 2 x USB 3.0; max power output 5V / 1A
• Weight: 2.89 kg
• Dimensions: width 280 mm; depth 210 mm; height 82 mm
• Included accessories: power cable x1; IR remote x1; printed documentation x1