The test setup
Contents
We tested the Matrix TS-1 in the Alpha Audio reference system as well as at Martijn’s home. He spent a week playing with it intensively at home next to his Naim streamer and the Volumio Rivo with Preciso dac.
Reference System
- TAD Evolution Two
- Pass Labs XP-12 and X-150.8
- STD record player with Le Son element
- Primare R35
- Technics SL1200 MK2 with Le Son LS10 MC element.
- Sonnet Pasithea d/a-converter
- AlphaPC (streaming bridge) with Jcat USB and Ethernet
- Pura Dodo PSU on Jcat kaarten
- Mutec MC3+ USB / Mutec REF10-120
- Isotek Titan V5 filter (Pass X150.8)
- YETI Reference 1000 (sources)
- Yeti power-cables on all devices
- Van den Hul The Nova
- Van den Hul CNT XLR interlink
- Grimm TPM RCA interlink
- PSI AVAA actieve bass traps
Thanks for the review! What are your thoughts when comparing it with the Volumio Rivo/Preciso combo?
Very different sound. The Matrix is quality wise above the Volumio combo. The Preciso is the weak link.
Interesting review,
Like Philippe,
I would like to know how the nt-1 compares with the reviewed ts-1.
I could not find a review that compares the both.
It is logical that you will not find comparative reviews. The NT-1 is a transport, so it doesn’t have a DAC like the TS-1.
Interesting review. What I miss however, is a hint of comparison to similarly priced player. Players like the Auralic Vega S1, Audiolab 9000N and this one all cost around 2k – 3k, but is there anything different apart from the outside?
Things we don’t have available we cannot compare. This question is asked many times and we always reply the same: impossible to say if we can’t compare directly.
Great review, thank you. Apparently there Matrix has another streamer one level up, the NT-1. Curious what improvements that brings for an extra 2000 eur or so.
The NT-1 is a streaming transport, without DAC. I don’t think people buying a TS-1 buy it for the streaming capabilities only. The device is positioned by Matrix Audio as a headphone streaming DAC and/or a companion for active speakers.
I think it serves a perfect role as a streaming DAC in a passive speaker system as well. It has all the (software) options you need to be one.
If we compare, we compare like-for-like. If you want to know if a TS-1 is a cheaper option against the NT-1 (meaning: you get the same results for less money, because that is what you are asking), you can locate a dealer, call them, ask if they are willing to set-up a comparison and grab your DAC to take a listen.