I got the Mini i Pro 2015 last month second hand for $200. It's a great DAC. I would never buy a streamer so it suits me perfectly. ES9016 ultra chip with 4 d/a converters per channel.
Great review and looks like a great product. I think you have to get the Pro version of this to get Wi-Fi. For $650 it seems like a good streamer option but not having Wi-Fi is a deal breaker. Based on your review I got the Wiim Mini Pro and that unit is hard to beat. Great software, app, Wi-Fi, and works with almost all music streaming services. Oh and roon certified now!
I dont do the streaming thing at all, but buy CDs (not records). Always albums (not "best of"). I usually do my research beforehand, so mostly know I'm going to enjoy it. I like the limitations -- i know i can skip tracks, but after paying for it, I'll give the music a good chance before giving up on it. Sometimes I'm surprised what i like after giving it a chance.
Thank you Tharbamar for shocking TH-cam again with reviews about new products! Now, if we can ignore its price and its features for a moment, at what level can you say the Mini i-4's DAC is (SMSL SU-1; TOPPING D70 PRO; SMSL SU-10)?
What is the difference with all these sub $1000 streamers that are now coming out on the market compared to the much more expensive Aurender and Auralic units that have been around for years?
I’ve just put together a combo that you’ve had …the Wiim Pro streamer with the Topping E50 DAC …for just over 1/2 of what this costs …but this looks like a solid game changer under the $1k price point. Great video 👍☕️🍕🔥
thanks for the detailed review. The downside there's no digital output, the upside is with headphone amp and this mini 4 now includes MA player app, UPNP, DNLA than previous version. Do you think this a good upgrade from CXN V2 to Mini 4 or Mini 4 Pro...? My external DAC is Ares II . Appreciate your advise
Great review! Thanks. This seems to be exactly I was looking for! Question: How would you compare it quality wise to the Topping D70 velvet dac? Especially soundstage withe and dept/layering? Thanks a lot!
In general AKM chip based DACs tend to have a little better depth the rest is pretty much comparable. I would say Mini i-4 is very close to many $1K range DACs in sound quality, thanks
Audioquest OCC RCA cables and Mogami W2549 Balanced XLR cables are always great performers and if I want slightly warmer sound I use Canre L46ES XLR cables. These are interconnect cables?
@@Tharbamar I did ask! I have one Altas cable that is solid OCC between my CD player and the amp. The improvement with the Mogami speaker cable is just plain knee slapping good. It seems strange to me? Is there a trick to matching cable resistance to either speakers and/or the speakers?
@@clarice1001nights it's not strange I've been showing same results to people with high price speaker cables as well, it just shielded speaker cable outperformed most of them in signal delivery, thanks
This streamer sounds even better than any streamer and dac combination under 1K. At 650 it sounds like it absolutely kills the competition dead. The music sample sounds as good as it can get without r2r. Why should one pay 200 more for the EverSolo DMP-A6? These DACS with streamers are a nifty way to bump up a system to a new level.
This version doesn't offer Wi-Fi. Their mini-i Pro 4 at about $959 does, so it is actually a bit more expensive than the EverSolo DMP-A6 for the same streaming connectivity. But yeah, it may sound better than the EverSolo, and since this is not based on Android, it might last longer before getting long in the tooth, so there is that to consider. Now that DACs are saturated at various price points, more of the manufacturers will be getting into these combo devices. Life is good and should get better.
@@nickbdy Thank you for that info. Found the sound from N130 much improved with adding Topping E70V into my system. Will look out Matrix Audio mini streamer dac instead.
Very nice and trusty review! I do however wonder, would this device be good enough direct into a class D amp, or would you prefer a pre included for “organic sound reasons”? I assume, only streaming is used.
Mini i-4 comes with latest generation ESS 9038Q2M Chip plus HiRes streaming with many more features for just $100 more, personally I won’t even think about anything else at this moment in this price range.
Great review as always …. Recently I bought a topping a70 pro (because you recommended it) and I use it with an E50 dac using my computer in the office. I use Roon and the core is also in the office. My question is: did you recommend the matrix I-4 as a DAC??? to replace my e50 and put it with my pc with the topping a70 pro?
Please help me I am between a topping d70 pro Sabre and the Matrix 4. I am Looking for a good DAC for my desktop. I have the a70 pro. But I am not sure what should I choose . You are the only one who tested both products.
Aside from the features, OS and price sound quality is comparable, I would stay away from RS250 for the price of the unit and seeing what comes inside.
Hopefully they'll release a "Pro" version of this as they have with previous generations that has Wi-Fi connectivity. Not everyone is willing to run a long Ethernet cable from their cable modem to their listening area.
@@Tharbamar thanks. I looked it up and found, "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." It is about $959 USD. Still not bad as you said it sounded as good as the SMSL SU-10 which retails for almost as much.
Great review as always. I just need a streamer to play local library instead of using a computer. Do you think this is a good choice for connecting to Musician Aquarius DAC (as per your recommendation too 😊) instead of using a computer? I want a streamer so that I can remotely play music in my sofa 😅. Thanks.
@@TharbamarThanks for the heads-up 🙏. Surprise that it doesn't come with digital output. I like its small form size (I find Eversolo A6 too big), local library feature and can control remotely through an app. Unfortunately, no digital output which does not suit my requirements. BTW, I also bought the Musician Knight 1 from your good review. Appreciate all your awesome reviews.
Think that is just an actual wooden plank covered wall for looks (esthetics) and perhaps serves as some acoustic absorption. It's not one of those wood "diffusers" like Darko has or hanging traps like Guttenberg uses on his walls. That wall does look good though and adds to the "earthy" look. It complements the speakers and rack. Pretty.
Nice review, and if you still have the unit in your possession maybe you can answer a question. Since you're an Audrivana user (I'm making a guess that you use Studio), I'm aware there is a setting in Studio that enables Qobuz's autoplay option. Does the Qobuz implementation in the Mini have this functionality? Currently, I'm using Studio with a Lenovo laptop and iFi Zen Signature DAC. When it comes time to upgrade the PC from Win10 to Win11, I would probably go with a unit like the Matrix, but only if its software has autoplay. BTW, I had conversations with the folks at Wiim and Bubble and neither has any plans to add that capability. Thanks.
Hi, great video as usual! I’m little bit confused-why you use Sony HAP-Z1ES Music Server? Is’t mini-i 4 able to work as music server? Or… and that is my second question: does mini-i 4 stream from NAS devices?
I’m not sure how android based system will work in the long term because Android OS tend to slow down after a few years, currently I’m trying EverSolo for review, I will be doing quick comparison with Mini i-4.
@@Tharbamar I just got my World Best Speaker Cable Mogami 3082 installed. Wow! Great and for such reasonable money. Thanks for your lead. This is not a small improvement. The Timbre of Instruments seems more natural to my ears. I was a tiny bit nervous that these cables could function as an Antenne rather than a RF Filter. They are loads better that the German typical copper cables. Again, I was concerned that they lack of off-axis cable rotation might be a problem. Instead, I think I am in love and the cables are not "broken it". For an upgrade in the future from my WiiM Pro and SU-1 I really have to think about if a combo steamer or a Billie Mk2 or eventually Mk 3 would be worth thinking about if I can win the Lottery??? Please list our interconnect favorites or let me know where you have done so.
W3802 is one of the hidden gem for sure. Billie MK2 is nice, frankly I would go with Ladder Bach R2R Pre + ICEpower Mono blocks for less money, please try it when you have chance because fully balanced R2R Pre with Class D mono blocks sound incredible. Audioquest OCC RCA cables and Mogami W2549 Balanced XLR cables are always great performers and if I want slightly warmer sound I use Canre L46ES XLR cables.
I got the Mini i Pro 2015 last month second hand for $200. It's a great DAC. I would never buy a streamer so it suits me perfectly. ES9016 ultra chip with 4 d/a converters per channel.
Nice review. Pair this with a pair of Acoustic Energy AE1 actives for a very neat little system.
Great review and looks like a great product. I think you have to get the Pro version of this to get Wi-Fi. For $650 it seems like a good streamer option but not having Wi-Fi is a deal breaker. Based on your review I got the Wiim Mini Pro and that unit is hard to beat. Great software, app, Wi-Fi, and works with almost all music streaming services. Oh and roon certified now!
I dont do the streaming thing at all, but buy CDs (not records). Always albums (not "best of"). I usually do my research beforehand, so mostly know I'm going to enjoy it. I like the limitations -- i know i can skip tracks, but after paying for it, I'll give the music a good chance before giving up on it. Sometimes I'm surprised what i like after giving it a chance.
Agree, CDs ironically make me listen to a wider assortment of music tracks than streaming for this exact reason.
Thank you Tharbamar for shocking TH-cam again with reviews about new products!
Now, if we can ignore its price and its features for a moment, at what level can you say the Mini i-4's DAC is (SMSL SU-1; TOPPING D70 PRO; SMSL SU-10)?
Sound quality alone it is as good as SU-10, thanks
@@Tharbamar wow. The SU-10 goes for $899 now, so that alone makes the Mini a good bargain! Thanks.
What is the difference with all these sub $1000 streamers that are now coming out on the market compared to the much more expensive Aurender and Auralic units that have been around for years?
Not much .. all Abt different dacs , functions
The live recording sounds magical even on iPhone
I was so impressed by the sound quality out of this Mini i-4.
I’ve just put together a combo that you’ve had …the Wiim Pro streamer with the Topping E50 DAC …for just over 1/2 of what this costs …but this looks like a solid game changer under the $1k price point.
Great video 👍☕️🍕🔥
Great choice!
@@Tharbamar Your video sold me on both 👍☕️🔥🍕
thanks for the detailed review.
The downside there's no digital output, the upside is with headphone amp and this mini 4 now includes MA player app, UPNP, DNLA than previous version.
Do you think this a good upgrade from CXN V2 to Mini 4 or Mini 4 Pro...?
My external DAC is Ares II . Appreciate your advise
Thanks for the great review! Could you please tell me that for the dac sound quality only compare to the Eversolo A6, which one better?
I did explain that in the video, thanks
Great review! Thanks. This seems to be exactly I was looking for!
Question: How would you compare it quality wise to the Topping D70 velvet dac? Especially soundstage withe and dept/layering?
Thanks a lot!
In general AKM chip based DACs tend to have a little better depth the rest is pretty much comparable.
I would say Mini i-4 is very close to many $1K range DACs in sound quality, thanks
Thanks for the answer 🤟
Audioquest OCC RCA cables and Mogami W2549 Balanced XLR cables are always great performers and if I want slightly warmer sound I use Canre L46ES XLR cables. These are interconnect cables?
Oh I thought you asked about interconnect cables, it might be some one else.
@@Tharbamar I did ask! I have one Altas cable that is solid OCC between my CD player and the amp. The improvement with the Mogami speaker cable is just plain knee slapping good. It seems strange to me? Is there a trick to matching cable resistance to either speakers and/or the speakers?
@@clarice1001nights it's not strange I've been showing same results to people with high price speaker cables as well, it just shielded speaker cable outperformed most of them in signal delivery, thanks
This streamer sounds even better than any streamer and dac combination under 1K. At 650 it sounds like it absolutely kills the competition dead. The music sample sounds as good as it can get without r2r. Why should one pay 200 more for the EverSolo DMP-A6? These DACS with streamers are a nifty way to bump up a system to a new level.
Maybe because the Eversolo A6 has a bigger, better screen. Also: A6 has digital outs. Additionally: you can load lots of additional android apps
This version doesn't offer Wi-Fi. Their mini-i Pro 4 at about $959 does, so it is actually a bit more expensive than the EverSolo DMP-A6 for the same streaming connectivity. But yeah, it may sound better than the EverSolo, and since this is not based on Android, it might last longer before getting long in the tooth, so there is that to consider. Now that DACs are saturated at various price points, more of the manufacturers will be getting into these combo devices. Life is good and should get better.
С какой моделью smsl , matrix audio mini i 4 можно поставить в один уровень по качеству звучания ЦАП?
Looks great. Thank you for this one. I wonder if it is a better bet than the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master edition?
I don't know about master edition but It would be as good as regular edition if not better, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thank you for that. How is it compared to the Bluesound node (2021 edition)?
I AB’d the N130 and the DMP-A6 and there was barely any perceptible difference on my system/room. Sent the DMP-A6 back and stuck with the Node
@@nickbdy Thank you for that info. Found the sound from N130 much improved with adding Topping E70V into my system. Will look out Matrix Audio mini streamer dac instead.
That was a great start from Lando Norris at the British GP
He did great, probably one of the most exciting race so far this season.
I would like to inquire whether it is possible to adjust the treble and bass EQ.
Very nice and trusty review! I do however wonder, would this device be good enough direct into a class D amp, or would you prefer a pre included for “organic sound reasons”? I assume, only streaming is used.
If you need proper Pre stage together check out EverSolo DMP-A6, I will have my review up on Tuesday, thanks
Another great review ! thank you; BTW : Any plans to review products from Venture Electronics like Prime DAC+RA2B FE or Defiant amp ?
Hi Tharbamar, is this one much more detailed and refined than i-3 Pro?
As mini-i 3 Pro owner I would also much appreciate a comparison of 2. Would like to know if mini-i 4 is a serious improvement sound quality wise.
@@a_teonnai-ki8049 Yes i hope he could tell us more!
Sound should be similar in general, thanks
So beautiful sound,.. How is your opinion comparing to DacMagic 200M? I cannot decide.
Mini i-4 comes with latest generation ESS 9038Q2M Chip plus HiRes streaming with many more features for just $100 more, personally I won’t even think about anything else at this moment in this price range.
Great review as always …. Recently I bought a topping a70 pro (because you recommended it) and I use it with an E50 dac using my computer in the office. I use Roon and the core is also in the office. My question is: did you recommend the matrix I-4 as a DAC??? to replace my e50 and put it with my pc with the topping a70 pro?
Please help me I am between a topping d70 pro Sabre and the Matrix 4. I am
Looking for a good DAC for my desktop.
I have the a70 pro. But I am not sure what should I choose . You are the only one who tested both products.
Thanks for the video this sounds interesting!! Any idea on how it compares vs Bluesound Node N130 or Node X, Hifi Rose RS250 or EverSolo DMP A6?
Aside from the features, OS and price sound quality is comparable, I would stay away from RS250 for the price of the unit and seeing what comes inside.
Please review the matrix element S.
Eversolo or this one it’s better?
Hopefully they'll release a "Pro" version of this as they have with previous generations that has Wi-Fi connectivity. Not everyone is willing to run a long Ethernet cable from their cable modem to their listening area.
They already have Pro version with Headphone Amp, thanks
@@Tharbamar thanks. I looked it up and found, "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." It is about $959 USD. Still not bad as you said it sounded as good as the SMSL SU-10 which retails for almost as much.
hows is the comparisons between the eversolo a6, which is the best from this matrix i 4?
As good as A6 in sound quality but i-4 will help you save two years worth of streaming subscription coast 😀
thanks, now i can decided which to buy , i will save more monies on the matrix i 4
another thing, can we use the matrix i 4 streamer without hooking up the to the dac build in, as i have the smsl ex 400
@@francislok8899 You cannot because Mini i-4 do not have digital out.
@@Tharbamar, i see, that the downside for the this streamer
I see they have an upgraded Pro version of this streamer. I wonder if it's worth the added expense
If you need headphone amp, otherwise it is the same.
Great review as always. I just need a streamer to play local library instead of using a computer. Do you think this is a good choice for connecting to Musician Aquarius DAC (as per your recommendation too 😊) instead of using a computer? I want a streamer so that I can remotely play music in my sofa 😅. Thanks.
Hi this mini i-4 do not come with digital out, you might have to look something else, Aquarius is a great DAC, thanks
@@TharbamarThanks for the heads-up 🙏. Surprise that it doesn't come with digital output. I like its small form size (I find Eversolo A6 too big), local library feature and can control remotely through an app. Unfortunately, no digital output which does not suit my requirements. BTW, I also bought the Musician Knight 1 from your good review. Appreciate all your awesome reviews.
@Tharbamar Does this device stream Amazon HD via his app like for example wiim mini or pro?
Not from MA App at this moment but you stream via Airplay, thanks
@@Tharbamarthank you! I'm an android user and i got no Apple device in my house😅. You help me Save my money😂
Do you happen to know how to access your Qobuz playlists in the app? No one @ Matrix Audio will respond to me.
another day another dac
What if compare with Eversolo?
Better he said in another post. Said it compared favorably with the SMSL SU-10 that goes for $900 alone.
Hi Tharbamar, I am curious. What do you call your acoustic wall that looks like wood? Where do you get them? Thanks. Keep up the good work.
Think that is just an actual wooden plank covered wall for looks (esthetics) and perhaps serves as some acoustic absorption. It's not one of those wood "diffusers" like Darko has or hanging traps like Guttenberg uses on his walls. That wall does look good though and adds to the "earthy" look. It complements the speakers and rack. Pretty.
С. E70 VELVET интересно сравнить
Nice review, and if you still have the unit in your possession maybe you can answer a question. Since you're an Audrivana user (I'm making a guess that you use Studio), I'm aware there is a setting in Studio that enables Qobuz's autoplay option. Does the Qobuz implementation in the Mini have this functionality? Currently, I'm using Studio with a Lenovo laptop and iFi Zen Signature DAC. When it comes time to upgrade the PC from Win10 to Win11, I would probably go with a unit like the Matrix, but only if its software has autoplay. BTW, I had conversations with the folks at Wiim and Bubble and neither has any plans to add that capability. Thanks.
Curious, what is "Autoplay"?
Awesome and thank you only thing is that I miss the separation of the video as you had before. How would you compare its dac with other?
I don’t want to mention names but I would say sound quality is as good as any $1k range DAC in general, thanks
How do you think this compares to Bluesound Node?
Sound is subjective, to me Mini i-4 is better buy because it can play everything natively and better resolution plus HDMI ARC is game changer, thanks
Hi, great video as usual! I’m little bit confused-why you use Sony HAP-Z1ES Music Server? Is’t mini-i 4 able to work as music server? Or… and that is my second question: does mini-i 4 stream from NAS devices?
Mini i-4 is Just a streamer, NAS devices are supported.
You might have missed it everything is included in the video, thanks
I have an Audio flight FL Three S Integrated Amp with integrated dac. What is the best way to connect to the Matrix Audio Mini i-4? Thanks in advance
You just have to use analog out from Mini i4, thanks
please help me decide on these two standmounts
Totem element fire V2 or Dali Epicon 2 ???
I have the Epicon 2 go for the element fire much more alive, vivid better sound stage imaging
Can I play LDAC ????
Any idea what stands or end tables he’s using with those JBL’s ?
Hi, I built them for 19" height that I need.
How would this work with hi res apple music?
It will work as normal HiRes DAC with maximum capability of Apple devices except Apple exclusive spatial audio.
@@Tharbamarnot streaming though.
Is it switching power?
yes .
ir remote capability? I have no interest in using a phone app for input switching and volume control.
That sell RC separately.
Can I use Deezer Hi-Fi on this device?
Not directly, thanks
How does this streamer stack up against the FiiO streamer?
I’m not sure how android based system will work in the long term because Android OS tend to slow down after a few years, currently I’m trying EverSolo for review, I will be doing quick comparison with Mini i-4.
@@Tharbamar I just got my World Best Speaker Cable Mogami 3082 installed. Wow! Great and for such reasonable money. Thanks for your lead. This is not a small improvement. The Timbre of Instruments seems more natural to my ears. I was a tiny bit nervous that these cables could function as an Antenne rather than a RF Filter. They are loads better that the German typical copper cables. Again, I was concerned that they lack of off-axis cable rotation might be a problem.
Instead, I think I am in love and the cables are not "broken it".
For an upgrade in the future from my WiiM Pro and SU-1 I really have to think about if a combo steamer or a Billie Mk2 or eventually Mk 3 would be worth thinking about if I can win the Lottery???
Please list our interconnect favorites or let me know where you have done so.
@@Tharbamar I am also concerned about how to get the best out of our music stored on our media NAS.
W3802 is one of the hidden gem for sure.
Billie MK2 is nice, frankly I would go with Ladder Bach R2R Pre + ICEpower Mono blocks for less money, please try it when you have chance because fully balanced R2R Pre with Class D mono blocks sound incredible.
Audioquest OCC RCA cables and Mogami W2549 Balanced XLR cables are always great performers and if I want slightly warmer sound I use Canre L46ES XLR cables.
@@Tharbamar I will keep your suggestion in mind. That combination would be less than the Billie?
Just get GUSTARD R26 it will do it all
Save your money 💰
It won’t do it all, just endpoint.
Does Gustard R26 have Tidal Connect?
Gustard Roon ready?? LOL
Tengo el i element de la marca y como Dac es muy bueno pero como streemer una basura
Эти колонки JBL плохие. Зачем на них демонстрировать 😢