Info. on new Matrix Audio mini-i

[suttondesign]

I received this information from Matrix Audio, thought the forum would be interested to see a new, small streamer. I think the idea is that the unit is so small that you can just haul it around your house with you? It's got a really small antenna compared to the Element series but otherwise seems quite similar.

The new mini's page is:

https://www.matrix-digi.com/en/products/489.html

 

[Lobo_M]

I can't find any information about software. We know that it will be ROON ready, but roon cost extra money. Spotify maybe later in 2020. What about Tidal? Do you know. Or @MatrixAudio know?

 

[Racheski]

I can't find any information about software. We know that it will be ROON ready, but roon cost extra money. Spotify maybe later in 2020. What about Tidal? Do you know. Or @MatrixAudio know?

Their other streamers support Tidal and Qobuz, so I assume these are no different.

 

[Racheski]

Initial Thoughts -

• 4.4mm Balanced Output +1
• USB Type-C Digital Input +1
• RCA In Analog Input +1
• 22 ohm output impedance for 4.4mm jack -50

I'm really surprised about the headphone output impedance...why would they be OK with this?

 

[Lobo_M]

Their other streamers support Tidal and Qobuz, so I assume these are no different.

I hope so, but there is no clear info about it
"The new Mini-i 3 and Mini-i Pro 3 use a two-color aluminum shell in silent black and space gray with a 3.3-inch LCD screen and a brand new user interface. "
We don't know what does it mean

 

[Massimo]

Initial Thoughts -

• 4.4mm Balanced Output +1
• USB Type-C Digital Input +1
• RCA In Analog Input +1
• 22 ohm output impedance for 4.4mm jack -50

I'm really surprised about the headphone output impedance...why would they be OK with this?

22 ohms! The Matrix Element i is only 0.6 ohms. The high output impedance of the new unit is a showstopper.

 

[Veri]

22 ohms! The Matrix Element i is only 0.6 ohms. The high output impedance of the new unit is a showstopper.

This is probably the big cost reduction, no dedicated headphone amp like the more expensive series, but an off-the-shelf one which tends to have relatively high Z out.

 

[Massimo]

This is probably the big cost reduction, no dedicated headphone amp like the more expensive series, but an off-the-shelf one which tends to have relatively high Z out.

The Element i is only a little more expensive than the Mini-i Pro 3. I would pay the difference for the discrete headphone stage.

 

[MatrixAudio]

I can't find any information about software. We know that it will be ROON ready, but roon cost extra money. Spotify maybe later in 2020. What about Tidal? Do you know. Or @MatrixAudio know?

The mini-i Pro 3 do not need the mobile app. If you would like to play Tidal on it, bluetooth and AirPlay can be the solution. By the way, over USB port is another solution.

 

[sx70nk]

@MatrixAudio

If the Mini-i Pro 3 is connected via Ethernet only (not USB), can it still decode MQA?? Seems so many MQA capable DACs only handle MQA via USB input exclusively. I am looking for a Network bridge/streamer/Dac (budget $1000-ish) that only needs an ethernet connection to handle Tidal/MQA and send to my integrated tube amp. Preferably with analog in/pre-amp function to gain remote control of my amp... I know, I want it all and ideally for no money...

 

[Lobo_M]

The mini-i Pro 3 do not need the mobile app. If you would like to play Tidal on it, bluetooth and AirPlay can be the solution. By the way, over USB port is another solution.

Yes I know, but If SQ is most important TIDAL via client would be the best. Roon is OK, but create extra cost

 

[MatrixAudio]

@MatrixAudio

If the Mini-i Pro 3 is connected via Ethernet only (not USB), can it still decode MQA?? Seems so many MQA capable DACs only handle MQA via USB input exclusively. I am looking for a Network bridge/streamer/Dac (budget $1000-ish) that only needs an ethernet connection to handle Tidal/MQA and send to my integrated tube amp. Preferably with analog in/pre-amp function to gain remote control of my amp... I know, I want it all and ideally for no money...

Roon also transfer MQA bit-perfectly to Mini-i Pro 3. But an extra cost needed.

 

[Hemi-Demon]

@MatrixAudio

Why include the headphone amp, especially at 22 ohm impedance. I would certainly be interested in this device for a $100 or so cheaper, without the headphone amp. Seems an unnecessary cost and add on. Also can you use the USB type c port for OTG smartphone use or playback from a DAP?

 

[SunnyRehde]

@MatrixAudio can you please put a list of all differences between Mini-i 3 and Mini-i 3 Pro here? Thank you!!

 

[Jimbob54]

Initial Thoughts -

• 4.4mm Balanced Output +1
• USB Type-C Digital Input +1
• RCA In Analog Input +1
• 22 ohm output impedance for 4.4mm jack -50

I'm really surprised about the headphone output impedance...why would they be OK with this?

Ouch- well that ends my considerations of this over the Element i- HPA clearly an afterthought in the mini.

 

[sx70nk]

Hi @MatrixAudio

Roon also transfer MQA bit-perfectly to Mini-i Pro 3. But an extra cost needed.

Somehow still don't know the answer to my question, which is: Can Mini-i Pro fully render/decode MQA via ETHERNET and NOT using Roon?

 

[watchnerd]

I received this information from Matrix Audio, thought the forum would be interested to see a new, small streamer. I think the idea is that the unit is so small that you can just haul it around your house with you? It's got a really small antenna compared to the Element series but otherwise seems quite similar.

The new mini's page is:

https://www.matrix-digi.com/en/products/489.html

Could be cool for my work shed.

Those XLR connectors would let me hook up the JBL LSR-305s I have gathering dust on a shelf.

 

[watchnerd]

What's the price?

If I hit "Buy Now" nothing loads.

 

[Jimbob54]

What's the price?

If I hit "Buy Now" nothing loads.

Think the pro is around $1k, the non pro a hundred or so less, from memory.

 

[watchnerd]

Think the pro is around $1k, the non pro a hundred or so less, from memory.

I'd be tempted at $499, not at $1k. Not with that DIY kit type case.

Not to mention warranty / repair.