TECHWEEK
Matrix Audio has been producing audio components since 2006. The main focus is on digital audio, that is, external digital-to-analog converters and network players. Mini – i 4 and Mini – i Pro 4 are the entry level of Matrix Audio, which is where you should start getting acquainted with the company’s model range.
The two Mini-i network streamers are housed in virtually identical compact 22 x 5 x 18 enclosures. Both the Mini-i 4 and Mini-i Pro 4 are based on audiophile ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC chips, working with a high-quality analog output stage and a low-noise power supply.
The Mini-i 4 and Mini-i Pro 4 network streamers have a switching arsenal that includes coaxial and optical inputs that accept a digital stream with a resolution of up to 24 bits / 192 kHz, an asynchronous USB-B input for connecting a computer that supports resolutions up to 24 bits / 768 kHz for PCM signals (MQA up to 384 kHz) and DSD up to 11.2 MHz in both DoP and native formats. There is also an HDMI input with eARC support .
An analogue unbalanced input on RCA connectors makes the Mini-i 4 and Mini-i Pro 4 even more versatile, as those who only want to connect one analogue source, such as a turntable with a built-in phono stage, can do without a preamplifier.
For network integration, the Mini-i 4 and Mini-i Pro 4 are equipped with an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port. In addition to Roon Ready and AirPlay, music can be played from a DLNA/UPnP-enabled NAS or directly from the Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect streaming services. Internet radio is available in the form of vTuner and Radio Paradise.
To control the streamers, there is the MA Remote mobile app from Matrix Audio, which allows the user to intuitively navigate the music library or streaming service catalog through a clear and elegant interface that can also directly perform all the basic streamer control functions, such as input selection and volume control. The MA Remote app also helps with the initial network setup and supports Tidal, Qobuz and Highresaudio. Although the Mini-i streamers will primarily receive commands via the app, they can also be controlled via the 3.46-inch LCD touchscreen on the front panel. This screen also displays the album art of the albums being played.
The Mini-i 4 and Mini-i Pro 4 streamers are equipped with volume controls and can therefore be connected directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers. The volume control can be controlled, activated and locked using the MA Remote app.
The Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 4 model is equipped with a headphone amplifier with an unbalanced 6.35 mm output and a balanced 4.4 mm version. And this is the only difference between the models. The headphone amplifier here is of high quality – the signal-to-noise ratio on the A-scale is 116 dB on the unbalanced output and 117 dB on the balanced one, and the THD+N coefficient is only 0.0004% across the entire bandwidth. The output impedance of the amplifier is 11 ohms, the gain is 14 dB. The amplifier develops a power of 1.2 W at a load of 33 ohms, 260 mW at 300 ohms and 130 mW at 600 ohms with an unbalanced connection. For the balanced version, the output impedance is 22 Ohms, and the power is 2.2 W at 33 Ohms, 950 mW at 300 Ohms and 500 mW at 600 Ohms.
The larger Mini-i Pro 4 also comes with the RM5 remote control. This remote control is available as an option for the Mini-i 4.
The recommended retail price of the Matrix Audio Mini – i 4 in Europe is 949 euros . The larger Mini – i Pro 4 model can be purchased for 1,199 euros .
