Стримеры — Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4

The mini-i Pro 4 from Matrix Audio is a network music streamer that houses a DAC, line outputs with volume control and a headphone amplifier within a single small case. At its core sit the ES9039Q2M converter chip from ESS and a quad-core Cortex-A55 processor clocked at 2.0 GHz. The unit sells for USD 999 and comes in black or silver, with an aluminium top panel and sculpted plastic sides.

Key specs that matter

The XLR line output delivers 4.4 V RMS at 0 dB with 127 dB of signal to noise and THD+N below 0.00008 percent. The RCA line output gives 2.2 V RMS at 121 dB, and its THD+N stays under 0.00015 percent. A 4.4 mm balanced headphone socket supplies 2200 mW into 33 ohm at 117 dB signal to noise, and the 6.35 mm unbalanced jack provides 1200 mW into 33 ohm at 116 dB. Both headphone sockets are driven by an amplifier stage working in Class A/B. The casing measures 224 x 186 x 53 mm and weighs 1.3 kg.

Engineering and use context

Network access runs over a wired LAN port at up to 1000 Mbps or over Wi-Fi in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. Supported protocols and services include Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, DLNA and UPnP, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, vTuner, Radio Paradise and HIGHRESAUDIO, and the unit is certified as Plays with Audirvana. Control comes from the MA Player app for iOS and Android, an 88 mm LCD touch screen on the front and the RM5 remote with programmable buttons. Music libraries can be played from a NAS on the network or from storage attached to the USB-C port, which reads FAT, FAT32, exFAT and NTFS drives. A USB-B socket links a computer and takes PCM up to 768 kHz, native DSD512 and MQA. Coaxial and optical digital connections handle PCM to 192 kHz and DSD 2.8 MHz via DoP, and an HDMI ARC input carries PCM up to 192 kHz from a television. An RCA analogue input offers three selectable gain levels rated at 100 dB signal to noise. Maximum power draw stays below 30 W, and standby consumption is under 5 W.

Pairing

Matrix Audio positions the XLR and RCA outputs for connection to active loudspeakers or to a power or integrated amplifier, with level set by the touch panel, the remote, the MA Player app or the separate MA Remote app. On the front panel the volume control is touch operated and carries no printed markings.

Alternatives

The Matrix Audio mini-i 4 is a related music streamer with the same ES9039Q2M chip, offering XLR and RCA line outputs but no headphone output.