Matrix Audio TS-1 Music Streamer, DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Matrix Audio TS-1 Music Streamer, DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Everything you need for reference-quality headphone listening — streaming, DAC, and amplification in one compact chassis.

The Matrix Audio TS-1 is Matrix Audio's answer to a deceptively simple question: what is the fewest number of components needed to build a genuinely high-performance headphone and desktop audio system? The answer, in the TS-1, is one. It integrates a network streamer, a high-performance DAC with dual femtosecond clocks, and a high-bias headphone amplifier with both balanced and unbalanced outputs into a single chassis that can also drive active speakers or an external power amplifier directly via balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA line outputs. The result is a complete, self-contained system center that eliminates separate boxes, separate power supplies, and separate interconnects without making any concession in the quality of any individual function it performs.

Available now at All Elite Audio, your authorized Matrix Audio dealer in Timonium, Maryland — with in-store demos, expert guidance, and nationwide shipping.

DAC Architecture and Femtosecond Clocks

The TS-1's conversion stage uses AKM DAC chips in a configuration that delivers the tonal accuracy, dynamic range, and low-noise performance that AKM's Velvet Sound platform is known for. Each channel is handled independently for maximum separation and minimum crosstalk, with the circuit architecture designed to keep left and right signals completely isolated from input through to output.

Timing is managed by a pair of dedicated ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clocks — one optimized for the 44.1 kHz sample rate family and one for the 48 kHz family. Each clock is powered by its own independent low-noise linear voltage regulator, and an FPGA handles automatic frequency division and switching between them as the source material changes sample rates. The FPGA-managed clock system means the TS-1 always presents the most appropriate, lowest-jitter clock reference to the DAC regardless of what is playing, with no manual intervention required and no warm-up or switching delay.

Separate PCB Architecture — Digital Below, Analog Above

One of the most important and least visible aspects of the TS-1's design is the physical separation of its digital and analog circuits onto separate PCB layers. The digital processing section occupies the lower PCB layer, while the analog output stage and headphone amplifier occupy the upper layer. This vertical separation creates physical distance between the high-frequency switching activity of the digital circuits and the sensitive low-level analog signals, minimizing electromagnetic interference between the two domains without requiring the kind of brute-force shielding that would add significant cost and weight.

The analog PCB is designed with a fully symmetrical left-right layout — the circuit paths for the left and right channels are mirror images of each other from the point of DAC output through to the output connectors. This symmetry ensures that both channels experience identical electrical conditions and signal paths, which is the foundation of consistent stereo performance and accurate imaging. The separation between the PCB layers also facilitates efficient heat dissipation for the high-bias headphone amplifier stage, which benefits from the airflow path created by the layered architecture.

High-Bias Headphone Amplifier With Two Output Voltage Levels

The TS-1's headphone amplifier is a high-bias design — a topology that operates with higher quiescent current than standard amplifier designs, providing the low-distortion, linear behavior and smooth transient response that is particularly valued for headphone listening. The amplifier is specifically voiced for modern high-resolution headphones, with careful attention to high-frequency extension — maintaining the air and detail that resolving headphones reveal while subtly managing the upper frequencies for long-term listening comfort without fatigue.

Two selectable output voltage levels allow the TS-1 to be optimized for different headphone types without mechanical switching. The lower voltage setting is appropriate for sensitive in-ear monitors where a high-power output would be noisy or would provide unusably small volume control range. The higher voltage setting provides the drive capability needed for high-impedance full-size headphones. Output power reaches up to 1000 mW into 33 ohms with output impedance below 2 ohms balanced and below 1 ohm unbalanced — figures that indicate strong current delivery and tight control over virtually any headphone load.

Both a 4.4mm balanced output and a 6.35mm unbalanced output are available simultaneously on the front panel.

Five Digital Inputs — An All-Scenario Audio Center

Matrix Audio describes the TS-1 as an "all-scenario audio center," and the input selection reflects this positioning. Five digital input interfaces are available: optical, coaxial, USB Audio, HDMI ARC, and an analog RCA line input. HDMI ARC enables the TS-1 to receive audio directly from a television for high-quality playback through headphones or connected speakers. The analog RCA input routes through the TS-1's volume control and output stage, allowing a turntable with an external phono stage, a CD player, or any other line-level analog source to be integrated into the system. The USB Audio input accepts connection from a computer for direct high-resolution playback. A subwoofer RCA output with a fixed low-frequency roll-off is also available for listeners who add a powered subwoofer to their setup.

Streaming, Local Storage, and NAS Integration

The TS-1 is built on Matrix Audio's M Series streaming hardware platform, running the MA Player Hi-Fi Streaming OS. It connects to TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, DLNA, UPnP, and internet radio natively, and is Roon Ready for use as a Roon endpoint. Wi-Fi 6 on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands provides wireless connectivity, alongside a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connection — which Matrix Audio recommends for optimal streaming stability and sound quality at high resolutions.

An NVMe SSD slot on the bottom of the chassis accepts an M.2 drive for internal music library storage. The SSD operates from a dedicated ultra-low-noise independent power supply, providing a cleaner electrical environment for the drive than typical computer or consumer electronics implementations. NAS drives can be mounted directly on the device via the network, allowing large remote libraries to be accessed as if they were stored locally. Cloud storage services can also be mounted directly. Files from NAS drives or cloud storage can be copied to the internal SSD via the MA Remote app for convenient offline listening. An external USB CD-ROM drive can be connected for CD ripping directly into the internal library.

Power Supply and External Linear PSU Upgrade

The TS-1 uses an internal power supply as its standard power source, with multiple independent low-noise LDO voltage regulators providing isolated clean power to each circuit section independently. A rear-panel DC input accepts an external 12V linear power supply for listeners who want to upgrade the power quality further. When an external supply is connected, the internal AC supply disconnects automatically — the system runs entirely from the external source, retaining only the ground connection from the AC input. The combination of the internal LDO regulation and the external supply upgrade path gives the TS-1 a genuine performance progression over its lifetime.

Key Specifications

DAC Architecture: AKM chips, dual-channel independent configuration Clock System: Dual femtosecond-grade oscillators (44.1 kHz and 48 kHz families), FPGA-managed frequency division and switching, independent LDO power per clock Headphone Outputs: 4.4mm balanced (up to 2 ohm output impedance) and 6.35mm unbalanced (under 1 ohm output impedance) Headphone Power: Up to 1000 mW at 33 ohms Headphone Amplifier: High-bias design with two-level output voltage setting (IEM and full-size modes) Line Outputs: Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA (selectable output levels) Subwoofer Output: RCA with fixed low-frequency roll-off Digital Inputs: USB Audio, Coaxial, Optical, HDMI ARC Analog Input: RCA line-level Supported Formats: PCM up to 768 kHz / 32-bit, DSD512 (native and DoP) Streaming: Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, DLNA, UPnP Network: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Internal Storage: NVMe SSD slot (M.2 format), dedicated ultra-low-noise SSD power supply External Storage: NAS mounting, cloud drive mounting, USB CD-ROM for ripping PCB Architecture: Dual-layer separated design — digital lower layer, analog upper layer; fully symmetrical left-right analog layout Internal Power Supply: Switching supply with multiple independent LDO regulators per circuit section External DC Input: 12V DC — when connected, internal AC disconnects automatically Control: Front panel interface, included IR remote, MA Remote App (iOS and Android) Dimensions (W x D x H): Approximately 280 x 210 x 85 mm Weight: Approximately 3 kg Warranty: 1 year manufacturer warranty

Why Buy From All Elite Audio

All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer located in Timonium, Maryland — part of the greater Baltimore area. We carry the full Matrix Audio lineup including the TS-1, the TT-1 digital transport, the NT-1 reference transport, the SS-1 Pro network switch, the SC-1 reference clock, and the SI-1 network isolator. Our team has direct experience with Matrix Audio's product lineup and can help you understand where the TS-1 fits in the ecosystem and how it compares to other options in the lineup for your specific listening goals.

We offer white-glove service, in-store demos, and support before and after your purchase. Whether you are local to Maryland or ordering nationwide, we are here to help you get the most from your system.

Call: 443-402-5055 Text: 443-402-5064 Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093

Frequently Asked Questions — Matrix Audio TS-1

What is the Matrix Audio TS-1 and what does it do? The Matrix Audio TS-1 is a compact all-in-one network streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier designed as a complete system center for headphone and desktop audio listening. It streams from TIDAL, Qobuz, and other services, manages a local library from an internal NVMe SSD or network-attached storage, converts digital audio using AKM DAC chips with dual femtosecond clock management, and drives headphones directly through both 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm unbalanced outputs. It also outputs analog line-level signals through balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA for driving active speakers or a power amplifier. A subwoofer output, HDMI ARC input, analog RCA input, and CD ripping capability round out the feature set.

What DAC chips and clock system does the TS-1 use? The TS-1 uses AKM Velvet Sound DAC chips in a dual-channel independent configuration for channel separation and low crosstalk. Timing is managed by two dedicated femtosecond-grade oscillators — one for the 44.1 kHz sample rate family and one for 48 kHz — each powered by its own independent LDO linear regulator. An onboard FPGA handles automatic frequency division and switching between the two clocks as source material changes, ensuring the lowest jitter timing reference is always in use without any manual switching or warm-up delay.

What makes the TS-1's headphone amplifier section special? The TS-1's headphone stage is a high-bias design operated at higher quiescent current than standard amplifier topologies, which provides lower distortion and smoother transient behavior throughout the listening volume range. It includes two selectable output voltage levels — a lower setting optimized for sensitive in-ear monitors and a higher setting for high-impedance full-size headphones — allowing the amplifier's gain structure to match the headphone type for the best noise floor and volume control usability. Output power reaches up to 1000 mW into 33 ohms with output impedance below 2 ohms balanced. The amplifier is specifically voiced for modern high-resolution headphones.

What is the significance of the separated PCB layer architecture in the TS-1? The TS-1 places its digital processing circuitry on the lower PCB layer and its analog output stage and headphone amplifier on the upper layer. This physical separation minimizes electromagnetic interference between the high-frequency digital circuits and the sensitive analog signal paths, which would otherwise require heavy shielding to manage. The analog PCB is also designed with a fully symmetrical left-right layout, ensuring both channels experience identical circuit paths and conditions from DAC output to output connector. This symmetry is a key factor in consistent stereo imaging and channel balance.

Can the TS-1 drive active speakers directly? Yes. The TS-1 includes balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line outputs with selectable output voltage levels, allowing direct connection to active monitors or a power amplifier. A subwoofer RCA output with a fixed low-frequency roll-off is also provided for systems that include a powered subwoofer. In this configuration the TS-1 functions as a complete streaming DAC and preamplifier for a two-channel or 2.1 system, with headphone listening available simultaneously on the front-panel outputs.

What streaming services and protocols does the TS-1 support? The TS-1 supports TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, DLNA, UPnP, and internet radio natively. It is Roon Ready for use as a Roon endpoint in single-room and multi-room configurations. Spotify Connect Lossless is also supported. Wi-Fi 6 on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands handles wireless streaming, alongside a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connection.

How does local storage and NAS work on the TS-1? The TS-1 includes an NVMe SSD slot on the bottom of the chassis for internal music library storage, with a dedicated ultra-low-noise independent power supply for the drive. NAS drives on the local network can be mounted directly to the device for access to large remote libraries. Cloud storage services can also be mounted. Files from NAS or cloud storage can be copied to the internal SSD via the MA Remote app for offline playback. An external USB CD-ROM drive can be connected for ripping CDs directly into the internal library.

Does the TS-1 support HDMI ARC and analog inputs? Yes. The HDMI ARC input allows the TS-1 to receive audio from a compatible television for playback through headphones or connected speakers — a practical feature for listeners who want high-quality audio from both their music system and their TV through the same device. An analog RCA line input routes through the TS-1's volume control and output stage, accepting a turntable with an external phono stage, a CD player, or any other line-level analog source.

How does the external linear power supply upgrade work? The TS-1 includes a DC input on the rear panel for a 12V external linear power supply. When an external supply is connected, the internal AC power supply disconnects automatically — the unit runs entirely from the external source, retaining only the ground from the AC input. The incoming DC is further conditioned through an internal power filter and multiple independent LDO regulators before reaching the individual circuit sections. This upgrade path allows performance refinement at any time without replacing the unit.

How does the TS-1 compare to the Matrix Audio TT-1? The TT-1 is a pure digital transport with no DAC and no headphone amplifier — it is designed for listeners who already own a high-performance external DAC and want to maximize the digital front end. The TS-1 integrates the DAC and headphone amplifier into the same chassis as the streamer, creating a complete self-contained system. For headphone listeners and desktop audio users who want a single component rather than a transport-plus-DAC-plus-headphone-amp chain, the TS-1 is the natural choice. For listeners who prefer to keep the digital and conversion stages separate and already own a dedicated DAC, the TT-1 is better suited.

What warranty does the Matrix Audio TS-1 include? The Matrix Audio TS-1 carries a one-year manufacturer warranty. All Elite Audio is a fully authorized Matrix Audio dealer, ensuring your warranty is valid and supported.

Where can I buy the Matrix Audio TS-1 and hear it in person? All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer with a full home audio showroom located at 1921 York Rd, Timonium, Maryland 21093. We carry the complete Matrix Audio lineup and can demonstrate the TS-1 with a range of headphones and active speakers. Call us at 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064. We also ship nationwide.