Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
83/100
Features Connectivity
90/100
Value for Money
85/100
Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 delivers a clean, natural DAC presentation with spacious separation, then shifts to a warmer, fatigue-resistant voice for headphones. Audiophile Heaven highlights its quick, stable streaming, HDMI ARC and unusually rich connectivity, while the balanced output adds greater clarity and control. It is a compact, capable hub for speakers, television and serious headphone listening.
Pros
Clean, natural DAC sound with strong instrument separation, wide staging and convincing depth.
Quick, stable streaming and computer playback, with no observed stuttering or playback delay.
Broad connectivity includes HDMI ARC, USB, optical, coaxial, XLR/RCA outputs and dual headphone sockets.
Balanced headphone output offers better control, dynamics and a more revealing presentation.
Cons
Laid-back, smooth treble and warm headphone tuning may not suit listeners seeking sparkle or an overtly analytical sound.
The MA Remote app is useful but not fully polished.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
The mini-i Pro 4 is described as clean, natural and pleasingly uncoloured through its DAC outputs, with good separation and a convincing sense of space. Its presentation favors smoothness and long-session comfort over a highly incisive or overtly analytical character.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
88/100
Audiophile Heaven hears a clean, natural and largely neutral DAC presentation with no obvious coloration, alongside a natural soundstage. The headphone output is warmer and smoother, with stronger bass and lower-midrange presence; its laid-back treble is especially suited to listeners sensitive to fatigue, though it will not satisfy those seeking pronounced sparkle.
Resolution and Detail
87/100
The reviewer says it is very good with detail and resolution despite not pursuing an overtly analytical sound. Instrument separation is called very good, while the balanced headphone output is suggested for listeners who want a brighter, more revealing presentation.
Digital Performance
88/100
The reviewer reports a clean, natural sound without apparent coloration, and found computer playback free of perceptible delay. Streaming and playback operation were quick, stable and free from stuttering or other observed issues, although the review does not specifically assess background noise or jitter.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
83/100
The supplied review focuses on use and sound rather than chassis construction, internal layout or long-term durability. The compact unit includes a dedicated remote and a broad complement of outputs, but reviewers say little about its physical construction.
Features Connectivity
90/100
This is a notably complete streamer-DAC-headphone amplifier: Ethernet and Wi-Fi streaming, USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs, HDMI ARC, balanced XLR and RCA outputs, plus both 4.4 mm balanced and 6.35 mm headphone outputs. It supports PCM to 768 kHz, native DSD512 and MQA, includes variable-output functionality and remote control; the reviewer also calls it the smoothest and most practical streamer they have reviewed.
Value for Money
85/100
At approximately $999–$1,249, the mini-i Pro 4 combines network streaming, DAC, preamp-style output control and a capable headphone section in one compact component. The review praises its practicality and performance but does not directly compare its price with competing products or make a clear value judgment.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- CPU
- Quad Cortex-A55 2.0GHz
- D/A Chip
- ES9039Q2M
- COAXIAL & OPTICAL
- PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz\nDSD 2.8MHz (DoP)
- HDMI ARC
- PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
- USB Audio
- PCM 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz\nMQA 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream\nDSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (DoP)\nDSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (Native)
- XLR
- SNR: 127dB A-weighting\nTHD+N: <0.00008%@1k, <0.00010%@20Hz-20kHz\nFrequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@90kHz\nChannel Crosstalk: >-146dB\nOutput Level: 4.4VRMS@0dB
- RCA
- SNR: 121dB A-weighting\nTHD+N: <0.00015%@1k, <0.00020%@20Hz-20kHz\nFrequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@90kHz\nChannel Crosstalk: >-133dB\nOutput Level: 2.2VRMS@0dB
- 4.4 mm balanced
- SNR: 117dB A-weighting\nTHD+N: <0.0004%@20Hz-20kHz 4VRMS\nFrequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@90kHz\nOutput Impedance: <22Ω\nOutput Power: 2200mw@33Ω, 950mw@300Ω, 500mw@600Ω, 1%THD\nGain: +14dB
- 6.35mm unbalanced
- SNR: 116dB A-weighting\nTHD+N: <0.0005%@20Hz-20kHz 2VRMS\nFrequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@90kHz\nOutput Impedance: <11Ω\nOutput Power: 1200mW@33Ω, 260mW@300Ω, 130mW@600Ω, 1%THD\nGain: +14dB
- SNR
- 100dB A-weighting
- THD+N
- <0.0035%@1k, <0.0035%@20Hz-20kHz
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@46kHz
- Channel Crosstalk
- >-105dB
- Input Level
- 2.1VRMS Maximum
- LAN
- 10/100/1000 Mbps
- WLAN
- 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
- Controller app
- MA Remote App
- Format Supported
- MP3 , WMA , WAV , AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, OGG, APE, ALAC, M4A, DSF, DFF, CUE
- PCM Sampling Rate
- PCM 16-24Bit 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz
- MQA
- 16-24Bit /44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz MQA or MQA Studio stream
- DSD Sampling Rate
- 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz
- Power Voltage
- AC 100V-240V 50/60Hz
- Standby Power Consumption
- < 5W
- Maximum Power Consumption
- < 30W
- Weight
- 1.3 kg (2.87 pounds)
- Size
- Width: 224 mm (8.80 inches)\nDepth: 186 mm (7.32 inches)\nHeight: 53 mm (2.07 inches)
- RM5 remote control
- x1
- Power cable
- x1
- Quick start guide
- x1
- Warranty card
- x1
Manufacturer's Description — Matrix Audio
Balance and profound, two choices
Gray represents moderation and balance, while black indicates mystery and profundity. No matter if your audio equipment or your furniture are in elegant and modern light colors or unique in dark colors, you can find the one that best suits your needs.
It's not just a DAC now
The all-new music streamer mini-i Pro 4 does not only have a rich set of digital inputs with excellent digital audio processing capabilities, but also supports various network streaming protocols. Combined with a self-developed high-quality digital audio/streaming playback system MA Player and the controller app MA Remote App, it easily plays a vast amount of online streaming music, provides you with an exceptional high-fidelity listening experience.
Sound quality is the essential of a DAC
Upgraded to the latest ES9039Q2M D/A chip from ESS, with carefully tuned audio circuits, high-quality audio components, and optimized circuit layout, it has a very high SNR and extremely low distortion, delivering excellent performance to various types of music.
Full balanced amplifier with dual output port
mini-i Pro 4 features two headphone output ports: a 6.35mm single-ended output and a 4.4mm balanced output, providing flexible connection options to accommodate different types of headphones. With a fully balanced amplifier circuit design, mini-i Pro 4 reduces interference in signal transmission and effectively enhances output power and sound quality, driving various high-impedance headphones effortlessly.
Sounds great, easy to use
With a 3.46-inch LCD touch screen, making the operations easier. The high resolution display enriches the metadata of the playing tracks and device status, while the MA Remote App and RM5 remote control provide a convenient human-computer interaction. You can enjoy a diverse selection of music sources and a more enjoyable music listening experience.
MA Player
MA Player is a Hi-Fi Streamer OS developed by「Matrix Audio」for its products. With MA player, you can operate and control the mini-i Pro 4 through smartphones or tablets within the local area network. In addition, MA Player also integrates Roon Ready、DLNA/UPnP, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, NetEase Cloud, TIDAL Connect and Audirvāna, allows you to experience high-resolution streaming audio in your network.
MA Remote App
The MA Remote App is self-developed by「Matrix Audio」which is available for iPhone, iPad, or Android phones. With these devices, you can browse and play high resolution online audio from TIDAL, Qobuz, Sony Select, QQ Music, Baidu Cloud and HIGHRESAUDIO, listen to internet radio stations, adjust every hardware settings, check and install new firmware for your mini-i Pro 4.
Sort out your local music, play them effortlessly
The mini-i Pro 4 supports local music playback from USB storage devices and NAS. It indexes the storage and builds a music library based on these storage sources automatically. Music files will be categorized under "Library" in the MA Remote App, allowing you to easily find your desired music based on albums, tracks, artists, genres, composers, performers, ages, labels, etc. Simply browse and play your music collections.
Open the door to the high-res online streaming
mini-i Pro 4 provides a rich selection of online streaming music resources for you. You can login accounts of TIDAL, Qobuz, and HIGHRESAUDIO in MA Remote App, easily browse and play a vast amount of high-quality online streaming music, opening up an endless world of music for you.
Enjoy streaming music right away
mini-i Pro 4 supports various network streaming protocols. In addition to Roon Ready and AirPlay, it also supports DLNA/UPnP, QPlay, NetEase Cloud, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect and Audirvāna. It means you can transmit audio through different devices and platforms. Whether using the Roon audio system or wireless streaming through DLNA/UPnP or AirPlay such as QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music, high-quality audio playback and listening experience can be achieved.
24×365, enjoy Internet radio programs
mini-i Pro 4 supports Internet radio from vTuner and Radio Paradise. Simply connect the mini-i Pro 4 to the Internet, open the MA Remote App, no matter the pop music, classical music or energetic atmosphere music or talk shows, it can meet your needs and let you fully explore diverse music.
High-quality USB DAC
mini-i Pro 4 features a high-quality USB DAC. It allows you to choose the appropriate USB cable to connect to computers, smartphones or tablets, and supports various audio formats and sampling rate specs up to 768kHz PCM, DSD512 and MQA audio.
Experience TV Hi-Fi
mini-i Pro 4 has added an HDMI ARC input port, which allows the audio signal from the TV or projector to be transmitted to mini-i Pro 4. You can enjoy clearer and more realistic audio while watching videos. The sampling rates are supported up to PCM 24 bit/192kHz. The power on/off, volume and playback linkage between mini-i Pro 4 and the display device can be controlled through CEC, which brings a new TV Hi-Fi experience to you.
Broadly compatible S/PDIF input
mini-i Pro 4 has S/PDIF optical and coaxial input interfaces, which can handle S/PDIF signals within the range of PCM 44.1-192kHz and DSD64 in DoP mode, providing users with a higher-quality audio decoding experience.
Jack of all trades
In addition to digital audio input and streaming audio playback, mini-i Pro 4 also has one set of RCA analog input which offers three input gain levels. It allows you to adjust the input gain based on the front-end device and your preferences. Whether you want to connect traditional analog audio devices or enjoy modern high-res digital music, mini-i Pro 4 will provide you with excellent audio performance and convenient operation.
Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi
mini-i Pro 4 is equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi connection. The Ethernet connection ensures stability and sufficient transmission speed for audio data. Wi-Fi makes the connection tidy and convenient. Both the wired and wireless connection let the audio files stream to your audio system smoothly and stably. Get ready for a feast of music!
Multiple playback control
The RM5 remote control, specially designed for the mini-i series, combines a sturdy and delicate metal panel with a warm and smooth back cover, providing a better grip and an elegant compact appearance. We redesign the layout and functionality of the buttons. The newly added programmable button allows you to add a shortcut to your frequently used function. Now, control your playback contents easily.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- A/V Solutions — in-store — Pleasanton, California, United States (website)
- A1 Futureshop — online and in-store — North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Altitudo Audio — online and in-store — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (website)
- Analog Matters — online and in-store — Ormond Beach, Florida, United States (website)
- Apos Audio — online and in-store — Oakland, California, United States (website)
and 61 more verified dealers