Matrix Audio TS-1 Music Streamer / DAC / Headphone Amplifier at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY

The TS-1 is a compact all-in-one music streamer, DAC, and fully balanced headphone amplifier from Matrix Audio (Xi'an, China), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. Built on the flagship M Series streaming hardware platform and timed by two Accusilicon dual femtosecond clocks dedicated to the 44.1kHz and 48kHz sample-rate families, the TS-1 uses a true dual-mono AK4493SEQ DAC with one chip per channel in a fully balanced architecture. Its discrete high-bias headphone amplifier delivers 1000mW into both 33 ohms and 300 ohms from the 4.4mm balanced output, maintaining full power across impedance. Roon Ready certified and running Matrix Audio's MA Player OS, the TS-1 streams over Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Spotify Connect, with HDMI ARC, a dedicated subwoofer output below 150Hz, a DC input for an optional external linear power supply, and an internal NVMe SSD slot for local library storage and CD ripping via USB. Reviewed by Alpha Audio, Hifi Pig, and The Audio Tailor across 2025 and 2026.

Dual-Mono AK4493SEQ DAC and Accusilicon Femtosecond Clocks

The TS-1's D/A conversion stage is a true dual-mono, fully balanced design using one AK4493SEQ DAC chip per channel, with each chip operating independently in its own signal path on physically separated PCB layers from the digital processing circuits. The balanced XLR line output measures 123dB SNR A-weighted with THD+N below 0.00018% at 1kHz and a frequency response extending to 80kHz at -3dB, with crosstalk beyond -140dB. The RCA line output delivers 120dB SNR A-weighted and a 2.2Vrms output level. Timing is handled by two Accusilicon femtosecond clocks, one dedicated to the 44.1kHz sample-rate family and one to the 48kHz family, eliminating cross-domain jitter artifacts. The layered PCB architecture places digital processing on a lower board and D/A conversion on an upper board, reducing electromagnetic coupling between the high-speed digital stage and the sensitive analog output circuit above.

Fully Balanced Discrete Headphone Amplifier

The TS-1's headphone amplifier is a new fully balanced discrete high-bias design with both 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced and 6.35mm single-ended outputs. The 4.4mm balanced output delivers a consistent 1000mW into both 33 ohms and 300 ohms, and 500mW into 600 ohms, with an output impedance below 2 ohms and SNR of 119dB A-weighted. This flat power curve across impedance is a characteristic of well-implemented balanced output stages, maintaining grip and dynamics from low-impedance planars through high-impedance dynamics without compression. The 6.35mm single-ended output provides 1400mW into 33 ohms and 250mW into 300 ohms, with an output impedance below 1 ohm and SNR of 116dB A-weighted. Both outputs measure THD+N below 0.0004% across the 20Hz to 20kHz band.

Streaming, Connectivity, and Expandability

The TS-1 streams over Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) or dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz / 5GHz) with Roon Ready certification, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA, vTuner, and Radio Paradise support. Digital inputs span Optical, Coaxial, USB Audio, and HDMI ARC, with the HDMI ARC input accepting PCM up to 192kHz from a television. USB Audio handles PCM up to 768kHz and native DSD up to DSD256 (22.4MHz). An RCA analog input accommodates a phono stage or other line-level source at up to 2.1Vrms. A dedicated subwoofer output below 150Hz with synchronized volume control enables seamless 2.1 system integration. Internal storage expands via an M.2 NVMe SSD slot (PCIe 3.0/4.0/5.0, up to 2280 form factor), and a USB port accepts an external CD-ROM drive for disc playback and ripping to the internal library. A DC 12V input (36W minimum) accepts an optional external linear power supply for further performance optimization beyond the built-in internal power supply.

Key Features

• True Dual-Mono AK4493SEQ DAC Architecture: One AK4493SEQ DAC chip per channel in a fully balanced configuration delivers 123dB SNR A-weighted on XLR with THD+N below 0.00018% and -140dB crosstalk.
• Accusilicon Dual Femtosecond Clocks: Two independent Accusilicon femtosecond clocks, one per sample-rate family (44.1kHz and 48kHz), minimize phase noise and jitter across all digital inputs and streaming sources.
• Fully Balanced Discrete High-Bias Headphone Amplifier: New headphone amplifier circuit delivers 1000mW into both 33 ohms and 300 ohms balanced, with output impedance below 2 ohms, SNR of 119dB A-weighted, and THD+N below 0.0004%.
• Dedicated Subwoofer Output (150Hz Low-Pass): Volume-synchronized subwoofer output below 150Hz at -3dB enables effortless 2.1 system integration with any active subwoofer.
• DC Input for External Linear Power Supply: A 12V DC input accepts an optional outboard linear power supply for audiophiles who want to upgrade beyond the built-in internal supply for enhanced analog stage performance.
• Roon Ready Certification: Certified Roon endpoint with full hi-res PCM and DSD support, plus Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA, vTuner, and Radio Paradise.
• HDMI ARC Input: Accepts PCM up to 192kHz from a television's HDMI ARC port, routing TV audio through the TS-1's dual-mono DAC and headphone amplifier at full quality.
• CD Ripping via USB CD Drive: Attach any external USB CD-ROM drive to play discs directly or rip them to the internal NVMe SSD library, bridging physical media and streaming playback in one workflow.
• NVMe SSD Slot with NAS Functionality: M.2 NVMe SSD expansion (PCIe 3.0/4.0/5.0, 2242/2260/2280) stores a local music library accessible over the network, with the TS-1 functioning as a music server for other streamers.
• Layered PCB Architecture: Physical separation of digital and analog circuits onto distinct PCB layers minimizes electromagnetic coupling and improves long-term thermal stability.
• MA Player OS and MA Remote App: Mature MA Player streaming OS with IR remote control and full MA Remote App operation for iOS and Android, covering local library browsing, NAS access, cloud storage, and all streaming services.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 4.4mm Pentaconn Balanced Headphone Output
• 6.35mm Single-Ended Headphone Output
• XLR Balanced Line Output (4.5Vrms)
• RCA Single-Ended Line Output (2.2Vrms)
• RCA Subwoofer Output (150Hz low-pass)
• RCA Analog Input (AUX)
• HDMI ARC Input
• USB Audio Input
• Coaxial Digital Input
• Optical Toslink Digital Input
• 2x USB 3.0 Port (storage / CD drive)
• RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Port
• Wi-Fi Dual-Band (2.4GHz / 5GHz)
• DC 12V Input (external linear power supply)
• Trigger In / Out
• IEC Power Input

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Matrix Audio TS-1?

The Matrix Audio TS-1 is a compact all-in-one music streamer, DAC, and fully balanced headphone amplifier from Matrix Audio, built on the M Series streaming platform with a true dual-mono AK4493SEQ DAC, Accusilicon dual femtosecond clocks, and a discrete high-bias headphone amplifier delivering 1000mW into both 33 ohms and 300 ohms balanced. It is Roon Ready certified, supports Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, and Gigabit Ethernet, with HDMI ARC, a 150Hz subwoofer output, a DC input for an external linear power supply, and an internal NVMe SSD slot. It is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York.

How does the Matrix Audio TS-1 compare to the EverSolo DMP-A8 or Cambridge Audio MXN10?

The Matrix Audio TS-1 competes directly with mid-to-high-end all-in-one streamers such as the EverSolo DMP-A8 and Cambridge Audio MXN10. The EverSolo DMP-A8 uses an ES9038PRO DAC chip in a larger chassis with a color touchscreen but a lower headphone output specification. The Cambridge Audio MXN10 is a streaming-only device with no DAC outputs or headphone amplifier. The TS-1 differentiates with a true dual-mono AK4493SEQ DAC per channel, Accusilicon femtosecond dual clocks, a fully balanced discrete high-bias headphone amplifier maintaining 1000mW across 33 to 300 ohms, a dedicated subwoofer output, a DC input for external linear power supply upgrades, Qobuz Connect support, and CD ripping via USB.

What does the DC input on the TS-1 allow?

The DC 12V input on the Matrix Audio TS-1 accepts an optional external linear power supply as a direct replacement for the built-in internal switching power supply. A linear power supply eliminates the higher-frequency switching noise inherent in a standard internal supply, which can couple into the analog output stage and the headphone amplifier circuit. Connecting a quality external linear power supply of at least 36W capacity to the DC input is a non-destructive upgrade path that improves the signal-to-noise ratio and lowers the noise floor of the TS-1's analog outputs without any modification to the unit.

Can the Matrix Audio TS-1 drive planar magnetic headphones at 300 ohms?

Yes. The TS-1's 4.4mm balanced headphone output delivers 1000mW into both 33 ohms and 300 ohms, which is an unusually flat power curve that reflects a well-implemented balanced output stage with low output impedance below 2 ohms. Most planar magnetic headphones present loads in the 20 to 50 ohm range and benefit primarily from current delivery rather than voltage swing, while high-impedance dynamic headphones at 300 to 600 ohms require higher voltage. The TS-1's 500mW into 600 ohms covers the most demanding high-impedance dynamics including models from Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser.

Does the Matrix Audio TS-1 support CD playback and ripping?

Yes. Connecting any external USB CD-ROM drive to one of the TS-1's USB 3.0 ports enables both direct disc playback and CD ripping to the internal NVMe SSD library. Ripped files are served over the network via the MA Player OS, and the TS-1 functions as a music server for other streamers on the same network. The internal library is browsable and playable through the MA Remote App on iOS and Android.

Where can I buy the Matrix Audio TS-1 in Buffalo, NY or the USA?

The Matrix Audio TS-1 is available at Vinyl Sound, located in Buffalo, New York. Vinyl Sound is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer serving customers across Western New York and the United States, with expert guidance on headphone matching, subwoofer integration, external power supply pairing, and streaming setup.

What is the difference between the Matrix Audio TS-1 and the mini-i Pro 4?

The Matrix Audio TS-1 and mini-i Pro 4 are both all-in-one streaming DAC and headphone amplifier units, but they target different use cases and price points. The mini-i Pro 4 uses an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chip with a 2200mW balanced headphone output and a more compact 224mm wide chassis, while the TS-1 uses a true dual-mono AK4493SEQ architecture with Accusilicon femtosecond clocks, a dedicated subwoofer output, a DC input for external linear power supply upgrades, a larger NVMe SSD slot, CD ripping capability, and a 280mm wide chassis. The TS-1 also delivers Qobuz Connect streaming natively, which the mini-i Pro 4 does not include.