Hi Just a quick update. My mini found a new caring home. I've upgraded (only temporarily) with a Lumin D2 for my main system and a Gold Note D-10 for my headphone setting (I think the Lumin will go). Now despite both of these streamers are FAR more technically and sonically capable (Driving NAS, Spotify Connect, etc), I do have a HUGE respect for the Mini ... I compared it to the new comers and it is still a stupendous little wonder. I confess I was somewhat sceptical selecting a ChiFi machine...but hey, I was wrong. There are things the Mini can do others can't and its practicality (the front 4.4.mm balanced input is a real killer so much so that Naim had to do a Uniti Atom version for headphones with that to respond to the Matrix Mini pro, Element I,M,X and Mytek Bridge etc). Plus it's REALLY smooth...the treble is very delicate and i have used it for hours non stop.
I'm curious to see the next Matrix I,M,,X generation...
pro: practicality, sonics,timbre, implementations, robustness, constructions, easiness -the 4.4mm balanced front input, the great OLED screen, customer support, Roon certification, number of input and outputs, the remote, its stability, the ability to drive difficult cans like my HD800.
cons: lack of tidal and spotify connect, driving NAS, lack of HDMI ARC (all of which can be found in higher price point headphone amp/streamers)