Matrix Mini-i PRO 4 Review: A Versatile Audio Powerhouse That Excels

Experience exceptional sound quality and versatility with the Matrix Mini-i PRO 4, a compact streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier designed to impress.

Introduction: What Is the Matrix Mini-i PRO 4?

The Matrix Mini-i PRO 4 is a high-end music streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier priced around $1,200. It boasts a sleek, premium design packed with features that make it stand out in the crowded audiophile market. This all-in-one device offers music streaming, USB DAC functionality, simultaneous balanced and RCA outputs, a touchscreen, remote control, and AirPlay 2 support.

This combination of features makes the Mini-i PRO 4 a very competitive product, and it’s often compared against top-tier units like the Aune S9C PRO, Soundaware A1X PRO, Matrix Element i, Mano Ultra MKii, and Keces S3.

Matrix Audio, the company behind this device, is well-known among audiophiles seeking or upgrading to high-end desktop systems powered by streamers. Their products are praised not only for their exceptional DACs, headphone amplifiers, and sound implementations but also for their stylish and polished aesthetics.

Build Quality and Design

From the moment you handle the Mini-i PRO 4, it’s clear that it’s more than just a DAC or amplifier. It’s a genuinely powerful streamer with a rich variety of digital inputs, sophisticated sound processing, and support for most streaming network protocols. To unlock its full streaming potential, you’ll want to use the MA Player and MA Remote app, but it also works independently if you use it solely as a USB DAC/amplifier.

At its core is a quad-core Cortex A-55 processor clocked at 2.0 GHz. Inputs include coaxial, optical, HDMI ARC, and USB audio. It supports almost all common sample rates, including PCM up to 768 kHz/24-bit, MQA at 16 and 24 bits, and DSD files.

The DAC chip inside is the ESS ES9039Q2M, known for high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), low distortion, and superb sound quality across music genres. The DAC connects directly to two headphone outputs: 6.3mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced, the latter based on a fully balanced design.

Here are some key audio specs:

• Balanced headphone output: 2200 mW @ 32 Ω, SNR 117 dB, distortion ~1%
• Single-ended headphone output: 1200 mW @ 32 Ω, SNR 116 dB, distortion ~1%
• Output impedance: <22 Ω balanced, <11 Ω single-ended
• Line outputs SNR: 127 dB (XLR), 121 dB (RCA)
• Cross-talk: <146 dB (XLR), <133 dB (RCA)
• Maximum output levels: 4.4 V RMS (XLR), 2.2 V RMS (RCA)

Despite some figures suggesting possible hiss or noise with sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs), real-world testing reveals a quiet, clean performance—even with ultra-sensitive IEMs.

A USB Type-C port supports external hard drives formatted in FAT, FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, drawing up to 5V/1.5A, though practical use may require suitable adapters. Power consumption is modest—under 5W in standby and under 30W at peak.

Streaming & Connectivity Experience

The MA Player app powers the streaming experience and supports all popular audio formats, including MQA and a full range of PCM sampling rates. Roon compatibility is on the horizon. Interestingly, the Mini-i PRO 4 works seamlessly with Windows PCs without needing special USB drivers and shows no USB DAC latency.

I tested the device across various inputs: HDMI ARC with a Samsung TV, coaxial and optical from a PC and high-res player, Ethernet streaming, and smartphone connectivity. Streaming was flawless, with no delays, dropouts, or signal loss, provided a stable Ethernet connection.

The MA Remote app enhances user experience, offering smooth operation and easy control. Personally, I preferred using the Mini-i PRO 4 as a USB DAC for my PC rather than solely as a streamer, since I enjoy the flexibility of PC-based audio.

Sound Quality Insights

I paired the Mini-i PRO 4 with a variety of headphones, including:

• HIFIMAN Audivina
• Audeze LCD-5
• HIDIZS MS5
• Sivga LUAN
• Sennheiser HD660 S2
• iBasso IT05
• Meze 109 PRO
• Erzetich Thalia
• Austrian Audio Hi-X60

The noise floor was impressively low, even with ultra-sensitive IEMs. Unlike many DAC/amps that exhibit hiss or background noise, the Mini-i PRO 4 maintained silence and clarity. Balanced headphone output was powerful enough to drive demanding headphones like the Audeze LCD-5, delivering dynamic, rich, and well-resolved sound.

Regardless of headphone impedance, technology, or sensitivity, the Mini-i PRO 4 handled all with ease, proving itself a truly versatile amplifier.

Testing the device with stereo systems further confirmed its noiseless, high-detail performance. Using the Mini-i PRO 4 as a DAC feeding into a Keces S300+ amplifier and KLH Model Five speakers yielded clean, dynamic, and rich sound. It simultaneously supports XLR and RCA outputs — perfect for connecting subwoofers alongside main speakers.

Sound Character and Musicality

The Mini-i PRO 4’s headphone output offers a warm, smooth high-frequency response, while the DAC output remains neutral, clean, and exceptionally dynamic.

• Bass: Deep, fast, and rich, with enhanced presence across sub, mid, and high bass ranges. Even jazz with subtle nuances comes alive.
• Midrange: Warm and smooth, especially friendly to male vocals, guitars, and energetic music. The sound favors deeper, weightier tones.
• Treble: Clean and smooth, never harsh or fatiguing, making brighter headphones sound more natural.
• Soundstage: Wide, deep, and natural with excellent instrument separation.

The overall presentation avoids being overly analytical, instead delivering a natural, immersive listening experience with weight and warmth.

Interestingly, the amp can smooth out harsher headphones, pairing well with aggressive models like the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 or Audeze LCD-XC 2021.

Comparisons With Other Top Devices

Matrix Mini-i PRO 4 vs. Aune S9C PRO

Both have appealing designs, but Mini-i PRO 4 has more inputs and better streaming support. Aune S9C PRO leans toward a cold, analytical sound, while Mini-i PRO 4 offers a warm, intimate, and powerful bass-driven sound. Choose Mini-i PRO 4 for streaming and a smooth sound; pick Aune for a more analytical experience.

Matrix Mini-i PRO 4 vs. Soundaware A1X PRO

Mini-i PRO 4 is smaller, with better sound quality and noise floor, better volume control, and superior streaming support. Soundaware has some unique media playback options but suffers from slower firmware. Mini-i PRO 4 wins for overall performance and user experience.

Matrix Mini-i PRO 4 vs. Matrix Element i

Mini-i PRO 4 boasts a sleeker design, quieter operation, and fuller sound with more power, making it a clear upgrade over the Element i.

Matrix Mini-i PRO 4 vs. Mano Ultra MK ii

While Mano Ultra MKii is a digital pass-through streamer, Mini-i PRO 4 is an all-in-one device with balanced outputs, better headphone amp power, and broader versatility.

Matrix Mini-i PRO 4 vs. Keces S3

Mini-i PRO 4 is smaller but packs more features, including balanced headphone outputs and remote control. Keces S3 offers slightly more detail and brightness but less warmth. Mini-i PRO 4’s warm, smooth character makes it less fatiguing over time.

"The Matrix Mini-i PRO 4 offers so many features, all seamlessly integrated, delivering exceptional performance in every aspect."

Final Thoughts: Value and Verdict

In today’s market, it’s easy to take advanced audio tech for granted, but Matrix Mini-i PRO 4 impresses with its seamless integration, broad feature set, and stellar performance. It delivers sound quality equal to or better than devices costing far more.

The device features XLR DAC outputs, a powerful and silky balanced headphone amp, and a quiet internal power supply that won’t interfere with sensitive speakers or IEMs.

The Matrix Mini-i PRO 4 truly belongs in the “Audiophile Hall of Fame” for its exceptional sound, versatility, and competitive price.

If you want one device that does it all — DAC, headphone amplifier, streamer, USB decoder — with superb sound and a sleek modern design, the Mini-i PRO 4 is a highly recommended choice.

FAQs

• What streaming protocols does the Matrix Mini-i PRO 4 support?
  It supports most popular protocols, including AirPlay 2 and works best with the MA Player app for seamless streaming.
• Can the Mini-i PRO 4 drive high-impedance headphones?
  Yes, it features a powerful balanced output capable of driving demanding headphones like the Audeze LCD-5 with ease.
• Does it work without the proprietary app?
  Absolutely. You can use it as a USB DAC/amplifier without needing the MA Player app.
• Is there any noticeable background noise with sensitive IEMs?
  Though specs could suggest some hiss, real-world testing shows it remains very quiet and noise-free with sensitive in-ear monitors.
• Can XLR and RCA outputs be used simultaneously?
  Yes, both outputs can work at the same time without any loss in audio quality, allowing for versatile system setups.

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