Matrix Audio Mini-i 4

The Matrix Audio Mini-i 4 represents the evolution of a renowned line of network audio players, offering a complete solution for digital music enthusiasts in a compact enclosure. This all-in-one streamer DAC stands out for its exceptional versatility, combining the functions of a network player, high-precision digital-to-analog converter, preamplifier, and universal digital interface. With its high-resolution color touchscreen and elegant aluminum chassis, the Mini-i 4 blends seamlessly into any audio environment, while delivering sound quality that will satisfy even the most demanding audiophiles.

Thoughtful Design Combining Aesthetics and Functionality

The Mini-i 4 features a sleek, minimalist design that conceals sophisticated technology. Its compact dimensions (224 x 186 x 53 mm) and light weight of 1.3 kg make it easy to install on a shelf, desk, or in an audio cabinet. The aluminum enclosure, available in black or silver finish, gives the product a premium look while ensuring excellent heat dissipation and protection against electromagnetic interference.

The 3.46-inch front LCD touchscreen is the focal point of the user interface. This high-resolution display shows metadata for the currently playing track (title, artist, album, format, sampling rate) and provides access to the device’s various settings. Navigation is done with simple finger swipes: left to access menus, up or down to change source. This intuitive interface greatly simplifies daily use of the Mini-i 4.

A Concentrate of Cutting-Edge Audio Technology

At the heart of the Mini-i 4 is the Sabre ESS ES9039Q2M digital-to-analog converter, an evolution of the ES9038Q2M used in the previous generation. This high-end DAC ensures remarkably precise conversion, capable of processing PCM signals up to 24 bits/768 kHz and DSD512 in native mode. The ESS chip is renowned for its ability to reproduce the finest sonic details, offering exceptional clarity and definition.

Signal processing is handled by a quad-core Cortex-A55 processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, providing enough computing power to manage all the Mini-i 4’s features without lag, including high-resolution format decoding and network streaming. This architecture also ensures compatibility with demanding streaming technologies such as MQA (Master Quality Authenticated).

The Mini-i 4 offers eight different digital filters (minimum phase, apodizing, linear phase, etc.) that allow you to subtly adjust the high-frequency response according to your listening preferences or your system’s characteristics. While the sonic impact of these filters remains subtle, they offer a welcome degree of customization for meticulous audiophiles.

Comprehensive Connectivity for All Sources

The Mini-i 4’s versatility is fully expressed through its rich array of connectors. On the digital input side, there’s a USB-B port for connecting to a computer (functioning as an external USB DAC), a coaxial input and a Toslink optical input for traditional digital sources, as well as an HDMI ARC port for integrating your TV’s sound into your audio system.

One notable feature of the Mini-i 4 is the presence of a stereo RCA analog input, a function rarely offered on streamer DACs in this category. This input allows you to connect a turntable (via a phono preamplifier) or any other analog source, whose signal will be digitized in high resolution and then reconverted to analog by the internal DAC. This feature makes it possible to integrate analog sources into a modern digital ecosystem.

On the output side, the Mini-i 4 offers unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs, allowing optimal connection to any type of amplifier or active speakers. The balanced XLR output delivers a 4-volt level, ideal for long cable runs or amplifiers with balanced inputs.

Network connectivity is provided by a Gigabit Ethernet port (1000 Mbps), ensuring sufficient bandwidth for uninterrupted high-resolution audio streaming. Note, however, that the Mini-i 4 does not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, which could be a limitation for some setups.

A Complete and Evolving Streaming Platform

The Mini-i 4 truly shines with its network streaming capabilities. It supports the main protocols and music streaming services: AirPlay 2 for the Apple ecosystem, DLNA/UPnP for playing files shared on the local network, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect for direct control from the respective apps.

The device is also Roon Ready certified, making it an ideal endpoint for users of this sophisticated audiophile platform. However, some users have reported Roon certification issues on early firmware versions, a problem that has likely been resolved through updates since.

The dedicated MA Remote app (available for iOS and Android) allows you to control all the Mini-i 4’s features from a smartphone or tablet. This app offers smooth navigation through your music library and access to the various integrated streaming services. While a few bugs were reported in early versions, the app now appears to be stable and fully functional overall.

Integration into an Existing Audio System

The Mini-i 4 integrates perfectly into an existing audio system, whether it’s a traditional Hi-Fi setup or a more modern system. Its versatility makes it the ideal nerve center for centralizing all your digital and analog sources.

In a classic setup, the Mini-i 4 can be connected to an integrated amplifier via its RCA or XLR outputs. It can then receive audio signals from your TV via HDMI ARC, from your computer via USB, and access your favorite streaming services via the Ethernet network. You can even connect a turntable (with phono preamp) to digitize and archive your vinyl records.

For a more minimalist installation, the Mini-i 4 can be connected directly to a pair of active speakers, forming a complete and high-performance audio system with minimal clutter. This configuration is particularly suitable for small spaces or offices.

Technical Specifications

• CPU: Quad Cortex-A55 2.0 GHz
• DAC Chip: ES9039Q2M

Audio Performance

• Supported sampling rates:
  • Coaxial and optical: PCM 24-bit 192 kHz and DSD64 (2.8 MHz DoP)
  • HDMI ARC: PCM 24-bit 192 kHz
  • USB Audio: PCM 24-bit 768 kHz / MQA 24-bit 192 kHz, MQA or MQA Studio stream 384 kHz / DSD256 (11.2 MHz DoP) & DSD512 (22.4 MHz native)
• Locally supported file formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE
• Locally supported sampling rates: PCM 24-bit 768 kHz / DSD512 (native) / MQA 24-bit 192 kHz, MQA or MQA Studio stream 384 kHz
• Roon compatible: PCM 24-bit 768 kHz / DSD512 (native) / MQA 24-bit 192 kHz, MQA or MQA Studio stream 384 kHz

Network and Streaming Features

• Network: LAN 1000 Mbit/s
• Supported protocols and services: Airplay 2, DLNA / UPnP, Tidal connect, Spotify connect, vTuner, Paradise Radio, HighRes Audio

Connectivity

• Digital inputs:
  • USB-B
  • Coaxial
  • Optical Toslink
  • USB-C (5V / 1.5A)
  • HDMI ARC
  • RJ45
• Analog input: Stereo RCA
• Analog outputs:
  • 1x Stereo RCA
  • 1x Balanced stereo XLR

Physical Specifications

• Power supply voltage: 100-240V AC 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption:
  • Standby: < 5 W
  • Maximum: < 20 W
• Dimensions: 224 x 186 x 53 mm
• Weight: 1.3 kg

Box Contents

• 1x Matrix Audio Mini-I 4
• 1x Power cable