Matrix Audio Mini i-4
This is the Matrix Audio Mini i-4, a Streamer, D/A Converter and Pre-Amplifier in a compact sized box. This is the cheapest unit from the Matrix Audio Streamer line-up selling at a retail price of 699 € in the EU.
The mini-i4 is delivered with a regular power cord and a quick start guide that's it, no additional cables or remote inside the box. A remote control can
by acquired separately but is not necessary as the unit is meant to be controlled with the free downloadable MA Remote app for IOS and Android devices.
The build quality of the unit is good but not exceptional.
On the front side of the Mini i-4 there is 8,7 cm LCD touch screen which shows playback information and cover arts which is very nice in a desktop use on the left
side of the display there are touch panels for controlling the volume. On the top left side there is the on/off button and on the right side you can see an illuminated
Matrix Logo.
The rear side of the unit is very crowded, from left to right you will find the power plug, a LAN connector for those who prefer having a wired connection to the
router over a Wlan connection, basically any digital connection is available except I2S, a single ended analogue input connection and finally two analogue outputs
in form of RCA and XLR plugs are located on the right. Sadly no digital output connection is available to connect to an external DAC. The internal DAC is not bad
but for those looking to upgrade to a better external DAC at some point this can not be done with this unit which is a big miss in my opinion.
I have had this streamer for a few month, i had it placed in both my office desktop setup with my headphone amps and in the living room in my hifi setup
and i could compare it directly to the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition Streamer and also to the Pro and lastly Ultra Streamers from Wiim.
Starting with the sound quality of the Mini i-4, the DAC ES9039Q2M does a great job, the sound overall is very detailed and well balanced in both used cases
with headphones and speaker setup. Comparing all 4 devices from sound perspective i would say that the Mini i4 is performing way better than the Wiim pro
and slightly better than the Wiim Ultra but this one comes very close, finally it is outclassed by the Eversolo by quite some margin which doesn't surprise as it is nearly twice as expensive. The closest competition is the Wiim Ultra which is sold at roughly 400€, so much cheaper and very near sound quality wise and has the better UI of the two. The Matrix app is not bad but the Wiim app is better in my opinion, both streamers are also ROON ready and the Wiim Ultra has room correction software which can be a big advantage in a speaker setup. The Ultra also has digital outputs and can be upgraded with an external DAC.
Conclusion:
The Matrix Audio Mini-i 4 is a great Streamer/Dac/Preamp, it sounds great and has good features, the screen is nice but only useful in desktop mode as it is
to small to be readable from longer distance. The existence of the Wiim Ultra makes it difficult to fully recommend the mini i-4 as it is better in almost every category except for sound quality so i would recommend getting the Mini-4 for desktop use but i would prefer the Wiim ultra in a speaker setup.
Used listening components:
Singxer SA-1
Xduoo MT-604
Aune S-17 Pro
Fiio FT3
Aune AR-5000
Hifiman He-6 Se V2
Hifiman HE-1000 Stealth
Wiim Ultra
Wiim Pro
Eversolo DMP A-6 Master Ediotion
Aiyima A07 Max
Atoll Ma-100
Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Ed.
Q Acoustics Concept 30
Audioquest Cables & Topping XLR Cables