Today we review the Matrix Audio’s mini-i Pro 4 music streamer and DAC. It sells for $959 USD.
Disclaimer: Matrix Audio supplied the mini-i Pro 4 free of charge for this review. The following is 100% my own impression of their streamer. No incentive was given for a positive review.
Matrix Audio
The Chinese Matrix Audio is a brand that focuses on producing streaming hardware. In their portfolio is a wide range of different options in their three series of products.
Matrix Audio opened shop in 2006 with the DA-100 back in the day as their very first product, which was a D/A converter. Since then Matrix has continuously developed new gear for the audiophile market and some of them have been featured on Headfonia.
Today, their range consists of three series (as mentioned). In their Element series we can find their highest quality streamers and even an amplifier. The X-Sabre X series only has one product in it – the X Sabre 3. In the mini-i series we find the feature of this review – the Mini-i Pro 4, as well as the “smaller” version of it – the Mini-i 4.
Mini-i Pro 4
The Matrix mini-i Pro 4 is one of their latest streamers. It is a very feature packed little device, that neatly fits on any desk.
On the back of the unit you will find all analogue and digital in- and outputs. Digital input wise you get Coax, Optical, HDMI (ARC) and a standard USB B input. The mini-i Pro 4 supports files up to DSD 512 (native) via its USB input.
In addition to the digital inputs there’s also a set of RCA analogue input. You can also set it to one of three different gain levels, to adjust it to your source.
On the back-side of the unit there’s of course also the analogue outputs. You get set of RCA and XLR outputs, which can be volume adjusted or fixed to line level out.
Since the mini-i Pro 4 is a streamer, it is only logical that the unit comes with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection options. On top of that you can also hook up a hard-drive via the USB C input.
The mini-i Pro 4 is built around the ES9039Q2M DAC chip and runs on a Quad Cortex A55 CPU.
On the front of the unit there’s two headphone outputs (a 6.3 and a 4.4mm) as well as a touch screen and the power button on top of the unit. The mini-i Pro 4 weighs a reasonable 1.3 kg and measures 224 x 186 x 53mm (WDH) – which is comparable to a DIN A4 sized paper block.
The headphone outputs have a declared output power of 2,200mW (33 Ohms; balanced) and 1,200mW (33 Ohms; single ended), which should be enough for most headphones on the market.
The mini-i Pro 4 can be yours for 959 US Dollars and can be acquired through Matrix’ web shop or one of their regional dealers.
Package
The mini-i Pro 4 comes in a compact package with a clear set of accessories. You will get a remote control, a power cable, a quick start guide as well as a warranty card and a 60-day Roon voucher.
Most of Matrix’ products are Roon Ready certified, but I haven’t seen any mention of Roon on the mini-i Pro 4’s web-page, although Roon Ready is an option in Matrix’ own app.
The review continues on page two!
