「Matrix Audio 」TT-1 Digital Audio Transport Review by Wilson BC Teoh

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐱 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐓𝐓𝟏: 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲, 𝐄𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲

In a world overflowing with digital streamers of every shape, size and eye-watering price tag, Matrix Audio’s streamer transport, the TT1 steps into the scene trying to give you a good time without breaking the bank.

𝗜𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝘂𝗰𝗵?

Let’s just get this out of the way. Yes, the TT1 is priced at RM8,050. Not really in the affordable category but if you want to play separates, there is a price to be paid. Let’s not forget that the TT1 is a streamer transport, which means you'll need a separate DAC to complete the setup — an added cost you’ll need to take into account.

This little streamer has been built to perform well, and in many ways, it does.

𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

I like the new look from Matrix Audio. Minimalist yet chique. You gotta love the holes that are machined into the aluminium chassis.

Touch screen is very responsive, more responsive than on the HiFi Rose RS130. But display resolution is just average unlike the RS130’s full HD. Still, it does the job fine.

The internal menus are easy to navigate, though it does not have the numerous options that you find on HiFi Rose streamers.

Now let’s have a look at the MA Remote app. I must admit that the GUI feels bare and takes a bit of getting used to. Though it’s not that intuitive but you will get used to it in a jiffy.

𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲

Sound-wise, the TT1 lands on the sweet spot with clarity, control and a good helping of musicality. It’s not the most romantic or soul stirring presentation out there, but it gets the job done very well. There’s a sense of rhythm, a coherent soundstage and enough detail to keep your ears entertained without overwhelming them with too much sparkle or exaggeration.

Putting on Patricia Barber’s 𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐 𝑊𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛 in DSD, the whole track was very coherent. Everything was in its place.

The bass is a smidge mild but taut. I was unable to get a deep kick drum on the acoustic version of Eagle’s 𝐻𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑙 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑎, however, on the bright side, tracks with heavy deep bass is not overpowering the room.

Midrange is neutral but not bland, lending vocals and acoustic instruments an almost studio-like presence. Highs are crisp without being overly extended, and though it lacks the air and shimmer of more expensive models, it never feels dull or veiled.

The TT1 presents a relatively dense tonal character, which is especially noticeable in the brushwork on cymbals or the resonance of an acoustic piano. This gives it a tight, fast sound that works particularly well with pop music, rock, fusion jazz and EDM. 

I enjoyed listening to INXS’ 𝑁𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑇𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡. The pulsing beat of the drums, an iconic guitar riff, laidback keys along with Micheal Hutchence’s sultry, almost wispy vocals. Bring on the 80s stuff!

𝗡𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮, 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀

If you’re chasing finesse and realism, you might need to fish higher up the stream. But the TT1 isn’t about grandstanding. It’s about playing your music without fuss, distortion, or drawing attention to itself. It allows you to enjoy music. And isn’t that the point?

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗹𝗲𝘀

No, it won’t outshine the lush sounding Lumin U2 Mini or render textures like a flagship HiFi Rose RS130. The TT1 isn’t trying to be King of the Hill. It’s here for the everyday audiophile who just wants a streamer that sounds clear and good without making their wallet cry.

Speaking about our wallet, the TT1 will face stiff competition against the likes of the Bluesound NODE ICON and EverSolo DMP A8. Both have a DAC built in.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝘆

The Matrix Audio TT1 isn’t perfect, but it does the job well. It gives you a taste of high-end digital audio at a price that feels ‘fair’. If you’re assembling a system of separates on a medium-budget but refuse to compromise on quality, this is a streamer that deserves to be on your shortlist.