·Review Basic Information

·Author:

Steve Huff is an audiophile with over 40 years of listening experience. His YouTube channel "HiFi Huff" has more than 160,000 subscribers and has established a steady influence among mid-to-high-end audio consumers in Europe and the United States. His review style is distinctive: he does not use instrument measurements and relies entirely on subjective listening impressions, making his content read more like enthusiastic listening notes than technical reports. This approach gives him strong appeal among enthusiasts who prioritize real-world sound quality over specifications.

Original: https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2026/02/10/the-matrix-audio-nt-1-streaming-transport-review-wow/

Review Product:  Matrix Audio NT-1 Digital Audio Transport

Matrix Audio NT-1 Digital Audio Transport

Next level digital

It’s interesting that when we talk about streaming transports within the audio hobby, some feel that streamers in no way can make a noticeable audible difference when playing your favorite digital tunes. I know it seems like this would be the case, but in my experience it truly is not. Sure, some streamers will sound similar (usually the budget models), but some that are crafted with the right engineering, parts, and software can indeed sound quite a bit better—and sometimes several levels better—when streaming your fave music from your fave streaming service.

It’s like the DAC, which is very important when setting up a high quality, critical-listening audio system. Yes indeed—the digital-to-analog conversion box. I have been lucky enough to hear over 100 of these DACs over the years, and they can make all of the difference in the world for a streaming digital music setup, or even when used with a CD transport. Notice I said when building a “critical listening audio system” as this means you are setting up a system to sit and listen to, with speakers set up just right for your “listening seat”. My system is like this, and I sit and listen on some days or nights for hours on end. It’s easy to do when immersed with music you love.

The streamer I am reviewing today is one such device, meant for this kind of listening. As I have said before, if you just want to fill a room with music while you chat with friends, play pool, or party, then any streamer or all-in-one will do the job to deliver music that fills the room. No need to get fancy for that. But if you want to enjoy the “sweet spot” every now and again and hear that holographic soundstage—or depth, layers, and texture to the music—then read on.

STREAMER or DAC? Which is more important?

After 40 years in this hobby I have learned that the SOURCE of your audio system is very important, second only to the speakers you choose. But there is more to the source of a digital music system than the DAC. For the DAC to send an analog signal to your amp, you will first need a streamer to deliver the digital bits and signal to the DAC. The streamer is something I used to think was less important than the DAC, but I will admit now, I was wrong. Today I feel it is just as important as the DAC, if not more so. I will discuss why in this review.

Visible here are the Starke Sound Halo M1 flagship speakers, the Fleetwood Helios, the Matrix Audio NT-1 and SC-1, and the Audio Mirror Wave Tube DAC along with the SoulNote D2 MKII DAC. You can also see the SS-1 Pro switch from Matrix Audio with another small box SI-1 Audio Grade Network Isolator, which is all part of what is making the streaming in this setup sound absolutely magical.

The Matrix Audio NT-1 Digital Audio Transport is made for those who want the best digital sound.

In the case of the streaming transport model I am reviewing today, I was literally flabbergasted at the sound difference and immediate improvement it brought vs the Eversolo T8 I was using for a while, into the same DAC. While I have not tested one hundred streaming transports, I have heard around a dozen of them ranging from the pricey Grimm MU1, the affordable Eversolo T8, the mid-level HiFiRose RS130, and the Lumin U1/U2 and U1/U2 Mini—plus quite a few more, including a few I chose not to review as I thought they were subpar vs the competition.

There are many streamers out there in the wild, and prices on these music makers vary wildly from $99 to as much as you want to spend. Let me be clear though: in this review I will be speaking on “streaming transports” vs the all-in-one boxes that feature a streamer and a DAC. A transport is just that: a streamer without a DAC built in, designed to deliver the purest signal into a DAC of your choosing.

Even so, it’s pretty awesome that today we have solutions in transports and all-in-one boxes that are truly good and allow most anyone to get into streaming high quality music. While streaming even a decade ago was not to the level of the best analog setups, these days I will argue that it is—and it actually can surpass vinyl for a few reasons, including sound quality. Blasphemy, someone says! Well, it all depends on how serious you are about digital and how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. Streaming has now matured and can sound downright incredible—or downright great—depending on the level of sound, immersion, refinement, and magic you seek.

Why Stream?

With streaming comes many benefits, such as discovering new artists with ease and having millions of songs at your fingertips to play at your whim. For me this means no more spending $50–$100 on a new quality album pressing with 8 or 10 songs—and having to clean them and store them properly. While I love the idea of vinyl and own quite a lot of records from my youth as well as the last couple of decades, for me I much prefer to stream in a critical listening setup.

It’s easier, it can be less expensive, and it allows me to hear much more music and find artists I would have never found. It’s also hassle free. I get it—vinyl is cool and retro—but I checked out when decent pressings started costing $75 a pop or more. Sure, there are used records and this is cool and makes it easy to grab records you may enjoy for a great price. I love this as you can get them on the cheap, but records take up space and weigh a ton when you have many of them. I once had 1500 records and these took up quite a lot of space in my home at the time. Moving them? Arg. As I get older I like “easier”, and as much as I would LOVE to own this beauty of a table, it too would bring me down a very pricey rabbit hole that I can not afford.

In the audio world some will always prefer vinyl and some will always prefer to stream. I choose tow stream these days for my main system, but I have nothing against vinyl if someone wants to enjoy good old fashioned records. I do have a small second system that is set up just for vinyl and it set me back a total of $5k for the table, amp, and speakers. We enjoy it sometimes, but I love to stream for reasons of discovery, sound quality, immersion, and ease of use.

Super Good Quality Streaming is now accessible to ALL

The subject of this review, the Matrix Audio NT-1, costs $3999 and does not include a DAC—yet this is the one I chose for my reference system, to keep and to build on. Why pay more? Well, there are many reasons, but for me it is build quality, parts quality, performance, app, features, and sound quality—which stands above all else. The NT-1 and an external DAC is leagues better in sound, refinement, soundstage, depth, layers, texture, and well…everything vs the other starter box, but it costs thousands more—hence being for those who want to set up that sweet spot for listening.

Some streamers, most of them, have a built-in DAC so they act as an all-in-one streaming solution like the Wiim, and these are perfect for the casual listener who just wants to play music and discover new tunes without hassle or spending a fortune. Again, great choices—and what one goes with depends on their wants and needs. There are no “bad” choices here really, but choices that you decide on due to your wants.

Some streamers are great indeed, but those who want the ultimate in sound quality, build quality, and even experience will want more. I am in that camp, and today I use a streaming transport that brings with it a lot of benefit for those who seek the best sound, immersion, and emotional connection. If this is you, then this is indeed the way to go.

A Digital Audio Transport is what I will be talking about today, the Matrix Audio NT-1, and boy is it a stunner. In fact it has become my all-time favorite streamer due to cost, performance, and style—now besting my old faves for my tastes, though “besting” is a strong word. It’s more “differences”.

If you want digital that surpasses high end analog, here ya go.

While you do not have to go to crazy lengths such as this to get amazing streaming, the NT-1 alone did make a huge difference vs the T8 I had in place before it. Once I heard the NT-1 on its own I was hooked—and I mean instantly. I remember the first songs were giving me goosebumps. I was in disbelief at how much richer, deeper, and more soulful the sound was. Maybe it was synergy or maybe the NT-1 is special. I have had it here for many, many weeks now and listen daily.

The Others

OK..before I get ahead of myself here with sound quality impressions, let us first talk about the features and benefits of a transport like the NT-1.

The NT-1 is compatible with Roon, it does TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, and well…just about everything you can imagine wanting to stream. This is one transport that sounds amazing with Spotify Connect Premium as well. Also, you can enter your credentials from your fave streaming service into the NT-1 app, which is called “MA Remote App”, and play direct from there for the all-out best sound quality.

The NT-1 also has a space to add an SSD drive, so if you have music on a drive you can serve it with the NT-1 using the MA Remote app.

On the back of the NT-1 you will see every connection method you could desire. There is USB (optimized for a USB DAC), Optical, Coax, AES/EBU, and I2S outputs. There are also a couple of USB inputs that allow you to insert a thumb drive or external CD player for ripping to the internal SSD drive if you install one.

“Optical, coaxial, AES/EBU and IIS-LVDS (I2S) output ports are available, which can easily connect to various digital audio devices such as DACs and amplifiers to meet your diverse audio connection needs. If you connect it to an active speaker with digital input, you can also enable the digital volume function, no need to add an additional speaker controller, and the volume can be adjusted easily.”

You will also find a clock input, as the NT-1 allows you to add a high quality external clock such as the Matrix Audio SC-1 clock, which I am testing now. Here is what Matrix Audio says about this feature:

“This clock system derives from the flagship model of Matrix Audio, which has dual modes. In internal clock mode, the femtosecond clock provides a reference for the RF synthesizer, outputting a highly stable, low-phase-noise audio clock. In external clock mode, the incoming clock signals become the reference for the RF synthesizer, outputting an audio clock that is highly stable, low-phase-noise, and phase-synchronized with the input clock. When paired with Matrix Audio SC-1 audio-grade clock source, it can further tap into the audio performance potential of the device and move to an even higher level.”

This also has SFP and LAN inputs on the back, as to be expected, and this works well with the Matrix Audio Network Switch which I am testing now as well as a complete streaming system with the NT-1 streamer and SC-1 clock. I love that Matrix Audio has created a way to build up a truly end-game streaming setup with all of the components you can add at any time as you upgrade. Start with the streamer, then add the clock, then the switch and they even now have something new I am testing that makes it four boxes for a world class streaming setup. I will talk about these other pieces in another review soon. Sure it is expensive, but I see many spend $50k and up for a front end, so in this regard, it’s reasonable. It’s also about how far you want to go with it and your budget.

The NT-1 has a linear power supply built in. This is good. No need to add an external linear PS or “hack” the device to add one.

The sound of the NT-1 is natural, transparent, full-bodied, with some magic in the midrange and treble. The bass is fantastic and tuneful and the sound is open—but of course the DAC you connect it to will also alter the sound. Still, as a source, this is as good as I have heard feeding any DAC.

The refinement in sound is spectacular and this thing is capable of bringing a wide and tall stage with depth and 3D imaging—but done in a sweeter, more natural way than some others. The HiFiRose, for example, is more energetic and crisp with details and a more analytical way of imaging vs the NT-1. The NT-1 sounds more effortless, free flowing, and well…more analog (Better, IMO). I love the sound of the Lumin U2 and it is more similar to the NT-1 here—yet the NT-1 costs $2k less.

For me, the NT-1 is among the best streamers I have heard when it comes to all-out sound quality, and I really love the design and smaller chassis. It’s smaller than the Rose but just as beautiful. It’s lighter than the Lumin but has more features and the display screen. I have been wanting to go back to a reference streamer for 2026 and had my pick from the Rose RS130, Lumin U2, or the Matrix Audio NT-1.

Spoiler… I chose the Matrix Audio as I enjoyed it the most. Also, as stated, I love that it can be upgraded with clock, switch, etc—and all look so nice together and are made to go together.

The Enemy of Digital Streaming

The enemy of streaming is noise and jitter. I like no grunge, no edge—smooth and refined, plenty of detail, and a huge wide, deep, and tall stage. This comes when gear is really great at removing all noise, even noise you can not hear. I love immersion, beauty, hearing the reverb trails in recordings easily, with background details being brought forth and heard more easily. All traits of a superb streaming setup for those audio geeks like me who strive for better. Refinement, silence, zero grit or shine. I get all of this with the NT-1 and the DACs I am testing it with.

Matrix Audio calls their NT-1 a “Streaming Masterpiece”, and while they also offer the half-priced TT-1 Digital Audio Transport, the NT-1 is the flagship and offers a bit more than the TT-1 and this will also come across in the refinement of sound.

The TT-1 does not have a linear power supply (switching) or clock input, or a noise-reducing USB output dedicated for USB DAC use, and the TT-1 allows for Wi-Fi or network connection. The NT-1 allows for wired connection only—no Wi-Fi. This is purely for best stability and even SQ IMO. If none of this matters to you then you can be 100% happy with the TT-1, but if you are like me and seek the ultimate in digital sound or upgrading later on with the clock, jumping to the NT-1 would be a good idea if you can swing it. This will save you from selling the TT-1, losing money, and then buying the NT-1 later.

BTW, the NT-1 is silent in operation—so no buzzes or noises in operation. It also cuts noise, which is the enemy of digital streaming.

The NT-1 has all of the features we seek in a high-end streamer and nothing we do not need or want. There are no gimmicks here—no fluff, no added flash to attract us in that way. Instead, Matrix Audio built the NT-1 to appeal to those who just want the all-out best performance, so you will not find 10 VU meters here—just one—and it’s a natural, more realistic looking meter. You will not find tons of buttons to touch on the gorgeous display screen. Just what we need and nothing more. I love this, and the looks of the NT-1 are beautiful, classy, and well…for me, easily bests the black basic look of the T8. But of course tastes will vary.

The NT-1 with the SC-1 clock showing the one sole VU meter that looks very nice and super realistic. Of course you can also choose to display the album art if you like. The large display is gorgeous.

I also love the classy small power and standby button at the bottom left side of the unit. Push to place into standby, and again to turn it on. It takes about 20 seconds to boot up.

I will be blunt here in my evaluations as I feel honesty is the way to be, but keep in mind this is based on my ears and my room, so your tastes may vary. What I love maybe you will not. Always audition if you can.

Speakers used for this evaluation are the incredible German-made T+A Talis R330 speakers, a Vinshine Dazzle integrated amp, and Audio Mirror Wave DAC. I also have the SoulNote A2 MKII integrated and D2 MKII DAC. Also Nordost Valhalla (The OG) speaker cables and Mad Scientist White Magic interconnects (which are sublime). This setup WILL show me the differences, if any, between these streamers. I also listened with the Fleetwood Sound Helios speakers which I am in love with. Finally the Starke Sound Halo M1 which are also in house for review.

When I placed the Matrix Audio NT-1 in, I immediately heard a difference from the T8 and it was pretty spectacular. As good as the T8 is, the NT-1 presented the music in a richer way—a more evolved way—as well as more open and deep. It was as if there were many layers going on, and while not throwing as tall of a stage as the T8 for some reason, it was for sure more textured and layered and had more dimensionality to it. Imaging was less analytical than the T8 and more natural, yet still rather special. I was hearing some extra body as well and again, a more 3D soundstage that was more fluid—without any edge at all—yet resolution was high. It all sounded complete. Whether I used the Audio Mirror DAC or the SoulNote, the sound was gorgeous: well mannered, clean, and open—yet rich and with body.

With the Wave DAC, the sound of the NT-1 was less aggressive than when the T8 was serving the tunes. I liked both, but ultimately preferred the way the NT-1 was doing things as it was just more right sounding to me. More musical and more involved. More soul stirring.

I also tested the NT-1 with the $849 LAIV Verse DAC and yet again, beautiful sound that was a bit warm, fluid, and musical. A big dollar DAC is not needed to hear what the NT-1 can do, but if you do go to a high-end DAC, the NT-1 can scale to great heights.

The Agnes Obel song gave me goosebumps the first time hearing it on the NT-1 with the SoulNote DAC. So yes, I was hearing the price difference in sound quality here—very much so. At this moment I knew this was the perfect streamer for my system that I have ever so carefully assembled for 2026.

The NT-1 just provided that extra like what I hear in the high-end streamers. I would say the NT-1 easily sits with the Lumin and may even surpass my old fave the HiFiRose RS130 in sound quality for my likes. While the NT-1 build is lighter in weight and smaller vs the Rose, the sound seems a bit more textured and refined still.

The PROS of the Matrix Audio NT-1

There are so many pros. The design is super nice, the build is exquisite, the sound quality is supremely great, and the app is nice and easily learned. The NT-1 brings all of the things we want in an audiophile-level streamer with every input we crave, SSD drive, etc. What I love most besides all of this is the fact that when I can afford it I can make it better without selling the NT-1 for something else that is supposed to be “better”. I can add the SC-1 clock (testing now and yes, it improves things in an interesting way), the SS-1 Pro network switch (the enemy of great streaming is noise and this just cuts it), and even the new box I am checking out that seems perfect within the setup.

I can build up my streaming setup to be as good as it gets with the streaming source as time goes on, or if one has the cash, all at once. I will say now that the clock and switch are well worth it to pair to the NT-1 if you seek perfection in your digital setup. They were designed to go together and they do so like peanut butter and jelly.

The display here is beautiful as well. The box is not super heavy and it all just works so well—sounds so beautifully refined and magical when going into the Audio Mirror Wave Tube DAC or SoulNote D2 MKII DAC. This NT-1 is meant for higher-end setups and systems, and just as I wouldn’t use a Wiim in a $75k system for my source, I wouldn’t use the NT-1 in a $3k system. Synergy is key here.

All in all, I thought this streamer was too expensive when I saw images of it online. When I received it for review and installed it, I no longer felt this way. It’s a beautiful little box, but the beauty here is more than skin deep.

Conclusion

The Matrix Audio NT-1 is the first streamer to really surpass my favorites—for me—in overall use, looks, and sound quality. I feel the Matrix Audio hits a sweet spot as an ultimate audiophile streaming transport (without going into insane-money territory). And while it is smaller, lighter, and yes, made in China at a $4k price point, it does its job with pure class and sound quality. Yea, you can get better still, but expect to pay over $10k to do so, and then we are looking at serious diminishing returns. For me, after adding the clock and switch, I could not ask for more when it comes to the quality of my digital streaming.

The NT-1 for me easily bested the Eversolo T8 in design, build, and looks—as well as sound—but the T8 also sounds excellent: just a shade darker, a bit sharper, and a little flatter, yet it is $1400 vs $4k. It doesn’t bring the all-out refinement and dimensionality of the NT-1 and this is crazy as they all do the same thing on paper. It’s all in the engineering and design though, and while I speak of these improvements, do know that I hear these things in a high-end setup with a high-end DAC and wonderful speakers.

With the NT-1 I have the ultimate in refinement for my streaming, and paired with a fine DAC of your choice it can be sublime as can be—without grit, grime, shine, edge, hardness, or the old usual digital suspects showing up. Oh, the NT-1 is also dead quiet in operation, meaning no noise from the unit or your speakers. The noise floor is crazy low. The NT-1 stirred the soul indeed.

Soon I will talk about the SC-1 Clock and SS-1 Pro switch as these pieces are in now with the NT-1 and yes indeed they make it even better!