Matrix Audio TT-1

The TT-1 is Matrix Audio's mid-range network transport — a pure digital source, no DAC, no amplifier. It sits between the NT-1 and the full M Series in the Matrix lineup, and it makes a specific argument: dual femtosecond clocks, Wi-Fi 6, and a DC input for a linear power supply upgrade, in a compact chassis at a lower price than the NT-1.

What the TT-1 does not have that the NT-1 does: electrical isolation on the USB DAC output, an external 10MHz clock input, and an SFP port for optical fibre network connection. Whether those omissions matter depends on how far you intend to take the system. For a streamer feeding a good DAC in a well-sorted setup, the TT-1's dual-clock architecture and DC input upgrade path make it a stronger starting point than its position in the lineup might suggest.

The clock architecture

The TT-1 uses two femtosecond clocks — one for 44.1kHz-based sample rates, one for 48kHz-based rates — with FPGA frequency division and jitter reduction. This is the same dual-clock approach used in the MS-1c, MD-1, MD-1P, and TS-1. The NT-1 uses a single femtosecond clock with a different DPLL architecture. Both approaches target low jitter at the output; the dual-clock design eliminates the need for sample rate conversion between the two clock families, which is a different path to the same goal. Each clock in the TT-1 runs from its own independent low-noise linear regulator.

Outputs

Optical, coaxial, and AES/EBU at PCM up to 192kHz and DSD 2.8MHz DoP — the standard S/PDIF ceiling. IIS-LVDS reaches PCM 768kHz and DSD 24.58MHz, the full resolution ceiling for DACs that accept it. The USB DAC output handles whatever the connected DAC supports, up to PCM 768kHz and DSD 24.58MHz, with a 5V/1A low-noise power supply on the port. The NT-1's USB output adds electrical ground isolation between the transport and the DAC; the TT-1's USB output does not. In a system where the DAC already has good isolation or the noise floor is not the limiting factor, this distinction may not be audible. In a more resolving system it can be.

Digital volume control is available on all outputs for use with active speakers that have digital inputs — no separate volume controller needed in that configuration.

The DC input

The TT-1 ships with a wide-voltage switching power supply. It also has a 12V DC input — 5.5mm/2.1mm barrel connector, centre positive, minimum 35W — that accepts an external linear power supply. When a DC supply is connected, the TT-1 prioritises it and disconnects the internal AC supply. The internal power filter and multiple LDOs remain active, regulating whatever the external supply provides before it reaches the circuit. A linear power supply upgrade on a digital transport is audible in a system that is otherwise well sorted. Matrix has made the upgrade path straightforward — no modification, no specialist work, just a compatible LPS and the right connector.

Networking and storage

Gigabit Ethernet is the primary connection. Wi-Fi 6 is available for systems where a wired run is not practical — 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The NT-1 is wired-only with an SFP option for optical fibre; the TT-1 adds Wi-Fi 6 and removes the SFP. For most home environments Wi-Fi 6 is the more practically useful of the two options. NVMe SSD slot on the underside — M.2 2280/2260/2242, PCIe 3.0/4.0/5.0 — for local library storage, with SMB sharing and NAS serving. NAS mounting and cloud storage access. CD ripping via external USB drive with one-touch copy. Dual USB 3.0 ports for external storage and CD drives.

Streaming and software

Roon Ready. TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, vTuner, and Radio Paradise. MA Remote App on iOS, iPadOS, and Android. Local playback to PCM 768kHz and DSD 24.58MHz across all standard formats. Smart wake-up from both local and network playback, trigger input and output for system power sequencing.

Where it fits

The TT-1 versus the NT-1 comes down to a few specific questions. Do you need USB ground isolation? Do you want an external 10MHz clock input for an SC-1 or other reference clock? Do you need an SFP port for optical fibre network connection? If the answer to all three is no, the TT-1's dual-clock architecture, Wi-Fi 6, and DC input upgrade path represent a strong case at a lower price. If the answer to any of them is yes, the NT-1 is the right product.

Against the MS-1c and TS-1, the TT-1 is a transport only — it needs a separate DAC downstream. That separation is what allows you to choose the DAC independently and upgrade it without changing the transport, which is the argument for the separates approach. The TT-1 paired with a capable external DAC can reach a level the integrated streaming DACs cannot, because the DAC is not constrained by the same chassis budget.

Press recognition

The TT-1 is a recent release. We will update this page as reviews are published.

Specifications

• Type: Network audio transport / streamer
• Clock: Dual femtosecond oscillators (44.1kHz family / 48kHz family); FPGA jitter reduction; independent LDO per clock
• Coaxial / Optical / AES/EBU output: PCM 16–24 bit / 44.1kHz–192kHz; DSD 2.8MHz (DoP)
• IIS-LVDS output: PCM 16–32 bit / 44.1kHz–768kHz; DSD 2.82MHz–24.58MHz
• USB DAC output: Up to PCM 32 bit / 768kHz and DSD 24.58MHz (dependent on connected DAC); 5V/1A low-noise supply
• Digital volume control: Available on all outputs
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps); Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz / 5GHz)
• USB: 2 x USB 3.0 (5V/1A each); FAT, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS support
• Storage: M.2 2280/2260/2242 NVMe PCIe SSD slot (PCIe 3.0/4.0/5.0; 3.3V/3A max)
• NAS support: Yes — mounting and SMB sharing/serving
• CD ripping: Yes, via external USB CD drive
• Roon Ready: Yes
• Streaming: TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, vTuner, Radio Paradise
• Local formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE, ISO
• Local playback: PCM up to 768kHz; DSD up to 24.58MHz
• Trigger input: DC 6–12V, under 10mA
• Trigger output: DC 12V / 50mA
• AC power: 100–240V, 50/60Hz (switching supply); under 35W maximum
• DC power input: 12V ±10%, minimum 35W; 5.5mm/2.1mm barrel connector (centre positive); prioritised over AC when connected
• Dimensions: 280mm W x 210mm D x 82mm H
• Weight: 2.76kg
• Manufactured: China

If you are deciding between the TT-1 and the NT-1 — or working out which DAC to pair with it — we are happy to think through the combination with you. Call us or start a conversation on the site.