Measurements and conclusion
Contents
We measured the Matrix TS-1 with the Prism dScope III and measured the noise from both the lanport and the power supply. We did not try an external power supply to determine if this had an impact on the noise.
The measurement results
Several things are striking: the incredibly low noise floor (below -150dB!), the neat linearity AND the channel difference: right is 0.2dB softer than left. We see the channel difference in both response and imaging at 44 kHz: the right channel is below the left channel. This can also be seen in the linearity measurement. Now it is not audible, but it is noteworthy. At 192 kHz it is gone; odd.
Noise
Noise is low. Both from the lan port and from the power supply. So that’s fine with this streamer.
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.