The Matrix Audio TS-1 is a network streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier combined into one unit. That means it does three jobs that used to require three separate boxes. It pulls music from the internet and your home network (the streamer part), it converts that digital music into the analog signal your speakers and headphones can play (the DAC part), and it powers a set of headphones directly (the headphone amplifier part).
If you are new to this world, think of the TS-1 as the brain and heart of a modern listening setup. You feed it music from streaming services or your own files, and it sends clean, high-quality sound out to your speakers, amplifier, or headphones. It is designed to be the one central piece you build your system around.
Where does the TS-1 fit in a system?
The TS-1 sits between your music sources and whatever makes sound. On one side you have services like TIDAL, Qobuz, and Spotify, plus any digital devices you connect. On the other side you have your headphones, your powered speakers, or a separate amplifier driving traditional speakers. The TS-1 is the hub that connects them all and handles the important conversion from digital to analog.
Because it combines so many roles, it is a great fit if you want high-end sound without a rack full of components. It is equally at home as a desktop headphone setup or as the source for a full living room system.
Streaming and Network Features
How does the TS-1 stream music?
The TS-1 connects to your home network and plays music directly from streaming services and network sources. It is Roon Ready and supports TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, DLNA, and AirPlay. In everyday terms, that means you can play from most of the popular services people already use, and if you have a music library stored on a computer or network drive, DLNA lets the TS-1 reach it too.
Roon Ready is worth a special note. Roon is a premium music management platform that many serious listeners love for the way it organizes libraries and shows rich artist information. Being Roon Ready means the TS-1 works smoothly within that system if you choose to use it.
How do you control the TS-1?
You control the TS-1 with the Matrix Audio MA app. This is the phone or tablet app that lets you browse services, pick songs, adjust settings, and manage playback from your seat. Instead of fussing with buttons on the unit, you use a familiar touchscreen interface, which keeps things simple and comfortable for newcomers.
Does the TS-1 connect by cable or wirelessly?
The TS-1 offers both Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Ethernet means a physical network cable running from your router to the unit, which gives the most stable and consistent connection. Wi-Fi means a wireless connection, which is convenient when running a cable is impractical. Having both options lets you place the TS-1 wherever suits your room and still get it online.
Sound Quality and Digital Conversion
What does the ESS ES9038PRO DAC chip do?
The ES9038PRO is the digital-to-analog converter chip at the core of the TS-1, and it is one of the most respected chips in high-end audio. Its job is to turn the stream of digital data into a smooth analog signal your ears can enjoy. A well-implemented DAC chip like this one is known for detail, low noise, and a natural presentation, which is exactly what you want as the foundation of a good system.
What music formats can the TS-1 play?
The TS-1 supports high-rate PCM, native DSD playback, and MQA. These are all different types of digital music files. PCM is the most common format, covering everyday streaming and CD-quality files up through high-resolution versions. DSD is a different high-resolution format favored by some audiophiles. MQA is a format used by certain streaming catalogs to deliver studio-quality sound efficiently. The practical takeaway is that whatever high-quality music you come across, the TS-1 is ready to play it properly.
Why does the femtosecond master clock matter?
The TS-1 uses a high-precision femtosecond master clock to keep digital timing extremely accurate. Timing errors in digital audio, known as jitter, can smear detail and make sound less clean. A femtosecond clock measures time in incredibly tiny increments, which keeps everything tightly in step. Day to day, this contributes to a clearer, more precise sound without you needing to think about it.
Connections and Outputs
What can you plug into the digital inputs?
The TS-1 has coaxial, optical, USB, and HDMI ARC digital inputs. Each one accepts a digital source. Coaxial and optical are common connections for devices like CD players or older streamers. USB lets you connect a computer as a source. HDMI ARC is especially handy because it connects to a modern television, so your TV sound can flow through the TS-1 for much better audio than the TV speakers alone. This range of inputs means the TS-1 can serve as the sound hub for many devices in your home.
Can you connect analog sources too?
Yes, the TS-1 includes an RCA line input for analog sources. This lets you connect a device that outputs an analog signal, such as certain players or a phono preamplifier, and route it through the TS-1. It keeps the unit flexible so you are not limited to digital sources only.
What are the analog outputs for?
The TS-1 offers balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analog outputs. These are the connections that send sound out to your amplifier or powered speakers. Balanced XLR is a connection type that resists noise well and is common in higher-end gear. Single-ended RCA is the more traditional connection found on most equipment. Having both means the TS-1 pairs easily with almost anything you already own or plan to buy.
What is the subwoofer output?
The TS-1 has a dedicated subwoofer output that handles frequencies below 150Hz. This lets you add a subwoofer to fill in deep bass. The unit sends the low frequencies to the subwoofer, which specializes in producing them. If you enjoy fuller, more physical bass in music or movies, this output makes adding a subwoofer simple.
What headphone connections does the TS-1 have?
The TS-1 provides a 4.4mm balanced headphone output and a 6.35mm single-ended headphone output. The 6.35mm jack is the large standard headphone connector found on many quality headphones. The 4.4mm balanced connection is a newer format that can deliver cleaner power to headphones designed for it. With both on board, the TS-1 works as a genuine headphone amplifier for a wide range of headphones, right out of the front panel.
Build Quality and Who It Suits
Why does Matrix Audio build quality matter?
Matrix Audio has built a strong reputation for careful engineering and solid construction. Good build quality is not just about looks. Well-designed circuits, clean power, and a stable chassis all help the electronics perform at their best and stay reliable over years of use. When a company pays attention to these details, you hear the benefit in the music and enjoy peace of mind that the unit will keep serving you well.
Who is the TS-1 a good fit for?
The TS-1 suits anyone who wants a single, high-quality centerpiece for their music rather than a stack of separate components. It is ideal if you stream from popular services, want to play your own files, and enjoy headphones as well as speakers. Newcomers appreciate that it simplifies the setup while still delivering serious sound, and it leaves room to grow with additions like a subwoofer or a better amplifier down the road. If you want one thoughtful, capable device to anchor your listening, the TS-1 is well worth considering.
