The Sound
Contents
So how does this Matrix TS-1 sound? Well… very, very nice! The character is remarkably smooth and “soft”. In fact, the Matrix TS-1 never sounds intrusive or harsch, which your author finds very important.
We wouldn’t immediately describe the Matrix TS-1 as a player that emphasizes rhythm. A Naim – for example – is more playful and rhythmic. The Matrix is rather fluid and somewhat sweet sounding. However, we hear the various layers in the music without any problem and we are also tapping along nicely. Both with Massive Attack and various classical pieces, it is easy to disappear into the music.
The imaging is good. We hear ample scale and ambience as we go through the test tracks. However, the imaging changes dramatically when we attach an Sbooster power supply. More on that later.
We want more
Now the Matrix TS-1 is a wonderful device where we feel it scores well above the norm in certain areas. In particular, “naturalness” is a point where this player scores very highly. Music flows into the room with ease; nothing distracts. There is simply music. That is a quality that normally comes with high-end equipment.
However, after a while we get the desire for more. And we feel that more is possible. When we then connect the Sbooster 12V BOTW to the Matrix we once again hear the impact of a power supply. What a huge difference in both sound and imaging!
Now we already love the option of an external power supply on a streamer; we haven’t seen that before (except for Naim perhaps). But that the sound difference is so obvious, is very nice ánd impressive.
Now the internal power supply is certainly not bad: it feels fast, insightful and smooth. And the imaging is particularly nice. With the Sbooster, the soundstage becomes slightly rounder and warmer. However, some speed is lost, and while the imaging becomes deeper, it also becomes a bit narrower. Unfortunately, our LHY power supply did not have enough balls (3A is required at 12V).
There will be a power supply
Now we know from the importer that Matrix is launching its own power supply to match this streamer. We are very curious about what that will bring. This really tastes like more!
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.