Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 4 silver

The Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 is a complete and compact audio solution that brings together four essential functions in a single elegant enclosure: network player, digital-to-analog converter (DAC), preamplifier, and headphone amplifier. Designed by Matrix Audio, this entry-level model offers remarkable versatility for audiophiles seeking a central device capable of managing their entire digital audio ecosystem.

A Compact and Refined Design

The mini-i Pro 4 features a sleek aluminum chassis that gives it an elegant yet robust appearance. With compact dimensions of 224 x 186 x 53 mm and a weight of only 1.3 kg, it fits easily into any environment, whether on a desk, shelf, or audio cabinet. The front panel is dominated by a high-resolution 3.46-inch touchscreen, which serves as the device’s main interface, complemented by a power button located on the top of the enclosure.

The two front headphone outputs (a 6.35 mm unbalanced jack and a 4.4 mm balanced jack) reflect the attention to detail and the needs of audiophile headphone users. The rear panel houses all input and output connectors, logically and accessibly arranged, making connections easy even in tight spaces.

Impressive Versatility

The main strength of the mini-i Pro 4 lies in its ability to fulfill multiple roles within an audio system. As a network player, it connects to your home network (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet) to access your locally stored music files or online streaming services. The latest-generation ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chip ensures high-quality digital-to-analog conversion, capable of processing audio files up to 24-bit/768 kHz and DSD512.

The device also serves as a preamplifier thanks to its RCA and XLR analog outputs, which can be connected directly to a power amplifier or active speakers. Volume can be adjusted via the touchscreen, the supplied remote control, or the dedicated mobile app. Finally, the built-in headphone amplifier, designed with a fully balanced architecture, delivers a comfortable 2200 mW at 33 ohms in balanced mode and 1200 mW in unbalanced mode, enough to efficiently drive most headphones on the market.

Comprehensive Connectivity

The mini-i Pro 4 stands out for its wealth of connectivity options, covering virtually all the needs of a modern audiophile. On the digital input side, there’s a USB-B port for computer connection, a coaxial input and an optical input for traditional digital sources, as well as an HDMI ARC port for retrieving sound from a compatible TV. An analog stereo RCA input is also available, allowing you to connect a turntable (via a phono preamp) or any other analog source.

For outputs, the device offers RCA and balanced XLR connectors to connect to an amplifier or active speakers, as well as the two previously mentioned headphone outputs. A USB-C port rounds out the set, allowing you to connect an external hard drive or USB stick containing music files.

Network connectivity is also well covered, with a Gigabit Ethernet port and a dual-band Wi-Fi module (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) ensuring a stable and fast connection to your home network, essential for uninterrupted streaming of high-resolution files.

A Complete Streaming Ecosystem

The mini-i Pro 4 supports a multitude of streaming protocols and services, making it a true digital music hub. Compatible with UPnP/DLNA standards, it can play files shared on your local network from a computer or NAS. Roon Ready certification allows seamless integration into a Roon ecosystem, while AirPlay 2 compatibility makes streaming from Apple devices easy.

Major music streaming services are accessible directly from the device interface or via the MA Remote app: Spotify (via Spotify Connect), Tidal (with Tidal Connect and MQA support), Qobuz, and HighResAudio for high-resolution music lovers. Internet radio stations are also available via the integrated vTuner service.

The device supports a wide range of audio formats, from the most common (MP3, AAC, FLAC) to the most audiophile (ALAC, APE, DSD), with resolutions up to 24-bit/768 kHz for PCM files and DSD512 for native DSD files.

A Balanced and Natural Sound Signature

In terms of audio performance, the mini-i Pro 4 is characterized by precise and balanced sound reproduction. The ES9039Q2M DAC chip, combined with carefully optimized audio circuits and high-quality components, offers a very high signal-to-noise ratio and extremely low distortion, ensuring faithful reproduction of recordings.

The device’s sound signature is generally described as neutral and natural, with a tendency to balance the entire audio spectrum well. The soundstage offers good depth and clear instrument separation, allowing you to appreciate the details and nuances of recordings. For the headphone output, some users note a slight warm coloration that softens the highs and subtly enhances the bass, making listening pleasant even over long periods.

However, it should be noted that this “very straight” signature may not suit all systems or listening preferences, and special attention should be paid to matching it with the other components in your audio chain.

Thoughtful Ergonomics

The user interface of the mini-i Pro 4 has been carefully designed to offer an intuitive and enjoyable experience. The high-resolution touchscreen is the central control point, displaying essential information (title, artist, album, format, sampling rate) and allowing access to the device’s various functions and settings.

The supplied infrared remote control (model RM5) provides convenient remote control of the main functions, while the MA Remote mobile app, available for iOS and Android, allows smooth navigation through your music library and access to streaming services from a smartphone or tablet.

The mini-i Pro 4 is also compatible with the HDMI CEC protocol, allowing it to be controlled via the TV remote when connected via HDMI ARC, further simplifying daily use.

Improvements Over the Previous Model

Compared to its predecessor, the mini-i Pro 3, the mini-i Pro 4 brings several notable improvements. The main new feature is the native integration of network player functions, whereas the previous model was limited to DAC and headphone amplifier functions. The DAC chip has also been upgraded to the ES9039Q2M model from ESS Technology, offering enhanced digital-to-analog conversion performance.

The addition of an HDMI ARC port is another major innovation, making it easy to integrate the mini-i Pro 4 into a home theater setup by retrieving sound from the TV. The touchscreen has also been improved, offering better resolution and a more responsive surface for more intuitive use.

In terms of sound, the mini-i Pro 4 benefits from improvements to the headphone amplification circuit, with a notable reduction in background noise and increased output power, allowing for better use of demanding headphones.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

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

Connectivity

• Digital Inputs:
  • USB-B
  • Coaxial
  • Optical Toslink
  • USB-C (5 V / 1.5 A)
  • HDMI ARC
  • RJ45
• Analog Input: Stereo RCA
• Analog Outputs:
  • 1x Stereo RCA
  • 1x Balanced Stereo XLR
  • 1x 6.35 mm Unbalanced Headphone Jack Output
  • 1x 4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Jack Output

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)

Playback and Network

• Local Network and WiFi: 1000 Mbit/s 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
• MA Player:
  • Supported local file formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE
  • Supported local sampling rates: PCM 24-bit 768 kHz / DSD512 (native) / MQA 24-bit 192 kHz, MQA or MQA Studio Stream 384 kHz
  • Roon Ready: PCM 24-bit 768 kHz / DSD512 (native) / MQA 24-bit 192 kHz, MQA or MQA Studio Stream 384 kHz
  • Supported protocols and services: Airplay 2, DLNA / UPnP, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, vTuner, Paradise Radio, HighRes Audio, Roon Ready

Physical Characteristics

• Power Supply:
  • Input Voltage: 100-240 V AC 50/60 Hz
  • Standby Power Consumption: < 5 W
  • Maximum Power Consumption: < 30 W
• Dimensions: 224 x 186 x 53 mm
• Weight: 1.3 kg

Box Contents

• 1x Matrix Audio Mini-I Pro 4
• 1x Matrix RM5 Remote Control
• 1x Power Cable