Matrix Audio TT-1 Digital Audio Transport

Matrix Audio TT-1 Digital Audio Transport

The best digital front end for your DAC is one that does nothing else.

The Matrix Audio TT-1 is a pure digital audio transport — a network streamer and local playback server with no onboard DAC, no analog output stage, and no headphone amplifier. It exists to do one thing exceptionally well: receive music from your network or local storage and deliver a bit-perfect, ultra-low-jitter digital signal to your external DAC through the best possible output interface for your specific setup. By concentrating every engineering decision on that single function — dual Accusilicon femtosecond clocks, FPGA-managed clock distribution, an electrically isolated USB output with a dedicated clean power supply, and a full suite of digital output interfaces including IIS-LVDS at up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512 — the TT-1 elevates the quality of what your DAC receives, which directly elevates what it produces.

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

Why a Dedicated Transport Outperforms an All-In-One

Every all-in-one streamer/DAC combination involves a fundamental engineering compromise: the digital processing circuitry — its power supplies, clock systems, and switching noise — shares a chassis with the analog output stage. No matter how carefully the manufacturer manages this cohabitation, some degree of interaction is inevitable. DAC performance is constrained by the cleanliness of the digital environment it operates in.

A dedicated transport like the TT-1 eliminates this compromise from your DAC's perspective. The TT-1 handles all digital processing — streaming, library management, clocking, and interface conversion — and delivers the result as a clean digital signal over the cable to your DAC. Your DAC operates in its own chassis, powered by its own supply, with no shared electrical environment to compromise the analog output. If you have invested in a high-performance external DAC, the TT-1 is how you give it the best possible signal to work with.

Dual Accusilicon Femtosecond Clocks With FPGA Management

At the core of the TT-1's digital output quality is a pair of Accusilicon femtosecond-grade crystal oscillators — one tuned to the 44.1 kHz sample rate family and one to the 48 kHz family. Each clock is powered by its own independent low-noise linear voltage regulator, isolating it from any power supply variation that could affect its frequency stability. An onboard FPGA handles all clock management: it automatically performs frequency division to generate the appropriate derived clocks for the active sample rate, and handles switching between the two master oscillators as the source material changes. This intelligent clock distribution architecture suppresses jitter throughout the entire digital signal path — from the streaming core to the output interface — without requiring any manual configuration or introducing switching noise when sample rates change mid-listening.

The use of 45 MHz and 49 MHz oscillators allows integer-ratio frequency division to generate all standard audio sample rates from 44.1 kHz through 768 kHz, ensuring each derived clock is a mathematically exact multiple of the master reference rather than an approximation. Integer-ratio synchronization is one of the most effective ways to minimize residual jitter in digital audio systems.

IIS-LVDS Output — The Highest-Resolution Interface

The TT-1's flagship output interface is IIS-LVDS via HDMI connector — a high-bandwidth digital audio interface that carries the raw I2S signal directly from the transport to the DAC's conversion stage with minimal processing stages between them. IIS-LVDS supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 (22.4 MHz), providing the full resolution capability of any high-performance DAC that accepts this interface. For DACs with an IIS input — including many Matrix Audio, EverSolo, and other high-end DAC products — this is typically the preferred connection for maximum audio quality.

The standard digital outputs — coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU — support PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD64 via DoP. AES/EBU via balanced XLR provides strong common-mode rejection for long cable runs and is the preferred connection for professional-format DACs and high-end consumer devices with this input.

Electrically Isolated USB DAC Output

The TT-1's USB output is not a generic USB port — it is an audio-specific, electrically isolated USB DAC interface with a dedicated clean power supply providing 5V at 1A to the connected DAC. Electrical isolation between the TT-1's internal circuitry and the USB cable eliminates the ground loops and high-frequency noise that standard USB connections carry from the source device into the DAC. The dedicated 5V supply ensures the DAC receives clean, stable power through the USB cable rather than the noisy, variable power typical of standard USB ports. This holistic approach to the USB output addresses both the data path and the power path simultaneously, making it genuinely useful for DACs that rely on bus power or that are sensitive to USB noise.

The USB output compatibility depends on the specifications of the connected DAC, supporting whatever PCM and DSD formats that DAC accepts.

Digital Volume Control for Active Speaker Integration

For listeners connecting the TT-1 directly to active speakers with a digital input, the TT-1 includes a digital volume control function that allows speaker level adjustment without requiring a separate preamplifier or volume controller in the chain. When connected to a compatible active speaker via coaxial, AES/EBU, or IIS-LVDS, the TT-1 handles volume as part of the digital signal — simplifying the system to just the transport, digital cable, and active speaker. This is a practical feature that broadens the TT-1's compatibility beyond traditional DAC-plus-amplifier setups.

Streaming, Local Storage, and Library Management

The TT-1 runs Matrix Audio's MA Player operating system on a custom Linux-based platform, using the same powerful streaming hardware core as the Matrix Audio M Series. It connects via Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6 on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands — Matrix Audio recommends wired connection for optimal streaming stability at high resolutions, while Wi-Fi 6 provides a high-bandwidth wireless option where cable routing is impractical.

Streaming support includes TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect Lossless, AirPlay, DLNA, UPnP, and internet radio. The TT-1 is Roon Ready for use as a Roon endpoint. An NVMe M.2 SSD slot accepts drives in 2280, 2260, and 2242 form factors for internal music library storage. Dual USB 3.0 ports support external drives and USB CD-ROM drives for CD ripping. NAS drives can be mounted directly over the network for access to large remote libraries. Cloud storage services can also be mounted, and files from NAS or cloud can be copied to the internal SSD via the MA Remote app.

The MA Remote app on iOS and Android provides full remote control of playback, library browsing, streaming service management, and settings. A color display on the front panel provides album art and track information during playback.

Power Supply — Switching Standard, External Linear Upgrade Available

The TT-1's standard power supply is a switching supply with multi-stage noise filtering and multiple precision LDO linear regulators that deliver clean, independently regulated power to each internal circuit section. A rear-panel DC input accepts a 12V external linear power supply as an upgrade. When an external supply is connected, the AC supply disconnects automatically while the ground connection from the AC input is retained — this intelligent grounding approach eliminates ground loop noise that could be introduced if the ground path were also severed. The incoming DC is further conditioned through an internal power filter and the LDO regulators before reaching the clock and digital circuits. The upgrade path means the TT-1 can be refined over time without requiring a replacement unit.

Key Specifications

Digital Outputs: — Coaxial RCA: PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD2.8 (DoP) — Optical TOSLINK: PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD2.8 (DoP) — AES/EBU XLR: PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD2.8 (DoP) — IIS-LVDS HDMI: PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD up to 22.4 MHz native (DSD512) — USB DAC: Depends on connected DAC; electrically isolated, dedicated 5V/1A supply Clock System: Dual Accusilicon femtosecond-grade oscillators (45 MHz / 49 MHz for 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz families), FPGA-managed frequency division and switching, independent LDO power per clock Internal Power Supply: Switching supply with multi-stage noise filtering and multiple LDO regulators External DC Input: 12V DC — when connected, AC supply disconnects automatically, ground retained; internal noise filter + LDO regulators Internal Storage: NVMe M.2 SSD slot (2280/2260/2242 form factors) External Storage: Dual USB 3.0 ports, NAS mounting, cloud drive mounting CD Ripping: Via external USB CD-ROM drive Network: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Streaming: TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect Lossless, AirPlay, DLNA, UPnP, internet radio Protocols: Roon Ready OS: MA Player on custom Linux platform Control: Front panel display with album art, included remote, MA Remote app (iOS and Android) Power Consumption: Less than 35W Power Input: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz; DC 12V ±10% Dimensions (W x D x H): Approximately 280 x 210 x 82 mm Weight: Approximately 2.76 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 TT-1, the NT-1 reference transport, the TS-1 all-in-one, the SS-1 Pro network switch, the SC-1 reference clock, and the SI-1 network isolator. Our team has direct hands-on experience with Matrix Audio's product range and can help you determine whether the TT-1 or NT-1 is the right transport for your specific DAC and system.

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 TT-1

What is the Matrix Audio TT-1 and what makes it different from a regular network streamer? The Matrix Audio TT-1 is a pure digital audio transport — a network streamer and local playback server with no onboard DAC and no analog output. While a regular all-in-one streamer/DAC combines both functions in the same chassis, the TT-1 focuses entirely on delivering the cleanest possible digital signal to an external DAC. By isolating all digital processing, clocking, and power management in a separate chassis from the conversion stage, the TT-1 allows your DAC to operate in its own electrical environment, free from the switching noise and shared power supply interactions that constrain all-in-one designs.

What digital outputs does the TT-1 have and what resolution does each support? The TT-1 provides five digital outputs. The coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU outputs all support PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD64 via DoP. The IIS-LVDS output via HDMI connector supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 at 22.4 MHz — this is the highest-bandwidth output and the preferred connection for compatible DACs that accept IIS. The USB DAC output supports whatever PCM and DSD formats the connected DAC accepts, with electrical isolation and a dedicated 5V/1A clean power supply.

What makes the IIS-LVDS output on the TT-1 special? IIS-LVDS carries the raw I2S digital audio signal directly from the transport to the DAC's conversion stage with fewer intermediate processing steps than S/PDIF or AES/EBU. It supports the highest resolutions — PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD512 — and is the interface that Matrix Audio and other high-end DAC manufacturers specifically recommend for maximum audio quality. For any DAC that accepts IIS input, this is typically the best-sounding connection available.

How does the dual Accusilicon femtosecond clock system work in the TT-1? The TT-1 uses two Accusilicon femtosecond-grade crystal oscillators — one at approximately 45 MHz for the 44.1 kHz family and one at approximately 49 MHz for the 48 kHz family. Each clock is powered by its own independent low-noise linear voltage regulator. An onboard FPGA manages frequency division, automatically generating the correct derived clock for whatever sample rate is playing through integer-ratio division, and handles switching between the two master oscillators transparently as the source material changes sample rates. Integer-ratio clock multiplication is preferred over fractional-ratio approaches because it produces fewer timing errors and lower residual jitter.

Does the TT-1 have a built-in linear power supply? No. The TT-1 uses a switching power supply as standard, filtered through multi-stage noise conditioning and multiple LDO linear regulators that provide clean, independently regulated power to each circuit section. An external linear power supply can be connected via the rear-panel DC input for a further performance upgrade. When the external supply is connected, the internal AC supply disconnects automatically while the ground connection is retained to prevent ground loop noise. The incoming DC is then conditioned through the internal filter and LDO regulators before reaching the sensitive clock and digital circuits.

What is the difference between the Matrix Audio TT-1 and the NT-1? The TT-1 and NT-1 are both pure digital transports, but the NT-1 is the reference-level flagship. Key differences: the NT-1 includes an internal toroidal transformer and multi-rail linear power supply built in — no external PSU required — while the TT-1 uses a switching supply with an optional external linear upgrade. The NT-1 includes an SFP fiber optic network port for galvanic isolation from the network, which the TT-1 does not have. The NT-1 includes a 10 MHz BNC external clock input for synchronization with a reference clock such as the SC-1, while the TT-1 does not. The NT-1 has a larger, more heavily shielded chassis with more thermal mass. The TT-1 adds Wi-Fi 6 wireless connectivity, which the wired-only NT-1 does not include. For listeners who want fiber network isolation, external clock synchronization, and a built-in premium power supply in one chassis, the NT-1 is the right choice. For listeners who want strong transport performance at a lower price with room to add a linear supply over time, the TT-1 is an excellent starting point.

How does the TT-1 compare to the Matrix Audio TS-1? The TS-1 is an all-in-one streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier in a single chassis — designed for listeners who want a complete system in one unit. The TT-1 is a pure digital transport with no DAC and no headphone output — designed for listeners who already own a high-performance external DAC and want to give it the best possible digital front end. Both share the same MA Player streaming platform and similar streaming capabilities. For headphone listeners or desktop audio users who want simplicity, the TS-1 is the right choice. For listeners building a separates system around a dedicated DAC, the TT-1 is the correct pairing.

What streaming services does the TT-1 support? The TT-1 supports TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect Lossless, AirPlay, DLNA, UPnP, and internet radio natively via the MA Player operating system. It is Roon Ready certified for use as a Roon endpoint. The MA Remote app on iOS and Android provides full remote control.

Can the TT-1 control volume for active speakers without a separate preamplifier? Yes. When connected to an active speaker with a digital input via coaxial, AES/EBU, or IIS-LVDS, the TT-1 includes a digital volume control function that allows level adjustment directly from the transport. This makes it possible to build a system with just the TT-1, a digital cable, and a pair of active monitors — no separate preamp or volume controller required.

Does the TT-1 support CD ripping and NAS storage? Yes. Connecting an external USB CD-ROM drive to one of the TT-1's USB 3.0 ports enables automatic CD ripping into the internal library or connected storage. NAS drives on the local network can be mounted directly on the device for access to large remote libraries. Files from NAS or cloud storage can be copied to the internal NVMe SSD via the MA Remote app. The NVMe SSD slot accepts M.2 drives in 2280, 2260, and 2242 form factors.

What warranty does the Matrix Audio TT-1 include? The Matrix Audio TT-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 TT-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 including the TT-1 and NT-1 transports. Call us at 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064. We also ship nationwide.