Matrix Audio mini-i 4 Streamer Review

[PenguinMusic]

Hi,

Can the mini-i 4 be used with third-party software as both "media server" and "renderer" ?

1°) AS a media server
Let's assume I hook up a USB drive to the mini-i 4.
I am sure that I can then browse thorough the content of that USB drive to play it from the Matrix app on my Android phone or tablet.
But will it be considered as a media server by third party software in case the Matrix app does fit my needs ?
Maybe something like mConnect or Bubble UPnP ?

2°) As a renderer
Will I be able to get music from anywhere (Emby or the Matrix used as a media server) and then play it to the mini-i 4 ?
If so will I be able to do it with third party software like mConnect, Bubble UPnP or Symfonium ?

Any problems if used outside the dedicated Matrix app ?

Thanks a lot for your answers.

Regards.

 

[Antlestxp]

Shame. How well does it work with Spotify?

As of right now it does tidal qobuz and hiresaudio for streaming.

To be clear It does have Spotify connect but no way to browse. Like tidal or qobuz. I don't think they will go further than that.

 

[Antlestxp]

Hi,

Can the mini-i 4 be used with third-party software as both "media server" and "renderer" ?

1°) AS a media server
Let's assume I hook up a USB drive to the mini-i 4.
I am sure that I can then browse thorough the content of that USB drive to play it from the Matrix app on my Android phone or tablet.
But will it be considered as a media server by third party software in case the Matrix app does fit my needs ?
Maybe something like mConnect or Bubble UPnP ?

2°) As a renderer
Will I be able to get music from anywhere (Emby or the Matrix used as a media server) and then play it to the mini-i 4 ?
If so will I be able to do it with third party software like mConnect, Bubble UPnP or Symfonium ?

Any problems if used outside the dedicated Matrix app ?

Thanks a lot for your answers.

Regards.

1) the matrix will not serve files that are attached to it. (At least I'm not seeing an option for it anywhere in the app. I will check again later)

2) I thought I saw a way to add a share in the app and now I can't find it.

 

[Jimster480]

As of right now it does tidal qobuz and hiresaudio for streaming.

To be clear It does have Spotify connect but no way to browse. Like tidal or qobuz. I don't think they will go further than that.

Well with Spotify Connect that is fine because I can control it from my phone like I do with my Heos stuff.

 

[Stopeter44]

This streamer dac is on a short list of two for me, the other is Audalytic (Gustard) AH90.

The advantage of the AH90 is the roon integration (Roon bridge I think?). This is important to me, as this is how I access my music. OTOH, I could get around that by, using QOBUZ and local files directly through the MA app, I suppose.

This mini-i 4 is close to ideal for me, Roon and wifi would be nice, but I have an Argon solo, I can keep for a while longer for Roon, or I could use the Oppo 203, via the HDMI input, that I so rarely use as the Roon end point.

@MatrixAudio do you have a work around until Roon certification comes through ?

 

[Jasperous]

An interesting feature that I noticed, the USB-C port provides power.

I've been wanting to make a single cable solution to play Apple Music Lossless using an iPad.

With other DACs you need to use a USB Hub to route power to the iPad while its connected to the DAC.

A single connection from the DAC to the iPad that provides power could make for a very clean setup. Since it seems like iPads directly connected to a DAC are really the only way to get AM lossless without conversion.

I hope that more DACs offer this!

(The lack of physical volume control, especially if its to act as a pre-amp for lots of sources is a deal breaker for me. And to use it purely as a DAC is a bit out of my price range. A minor annoyance is touch screens for input selection - but that seems to be the norm for most DACs...)

This is an Apple introduced limitation so that you purchase their Camera dongle as lightning port is a USB2 implementation with some additional features.

 

[Antlestxp]

This streamer dac is on a short list of two for me, the other is Audalytic (Gustard) AH90.

The advantage of the AH90 is the roon integration (Roon bridge I think?). This is important to me, as this is how I access my music. OTOH, I could get around that by, using QOBUZ and local files directly through the MA app, I suppose.

This mini-i 4 is close to ideal for me, Roon and wifi would be nice, but I have an Argon solo, I can keep for a while longer for Roon, or I could use the Oppo 203, via the HDMI input, that I so rarely use as the Roon end point.

@MatrixAudio do you have a work around until Roon certification comes through ?

you can use it as a usb dac for a roon endpoint. A pi running roopie or similar will let the matrix run as an endpoint until it gets certified.

 

[PenguinMusic]

This streamer dac is on a short list of two for me, the other is Audalytic (Gustard) AH90.

The advantage of the AH90 is the roon integration (Roon bridge I think?). This is important to me, as this is how I access my music. OTOH, I could get around that by, using QOBUZ and local files directly through the MA app, I suppose.

This mini-i 4 is close to ideal for me, Roon and wifi would be nice, but I have an Argon solo, I can keep for a while longer for Roon, or I could use the Oppo 203, via the HDMI input, that I so rarely use as the Roon end point.

@MatrixAudio do you have a work around until Roon certification comes through ?

Hi,

Did not know about that other device.

Besides, you can compare it to mini-i Pro 4 because it includes HP amp.
But a lot less wireless and analog options.

Still a real choice to consider....

Regards.

 

[Stopeter44]

you can use it as a usb dac for a roon endpoint. A pi running roopie or similar will let the matrix run as an endpoint until it gets certified.

Yes, I even thought of testing that route with a spare Macbook I have at home, but I'm looking for a one box solution.

Besides, you can compare it to mini-i Pro 4 because it includes HP amp.
But a lot less wireless and analog options.

I don't need the HP option, I'm retired and I don't have a context for listening to headphones, although back in the day, when I was an IT developer I used them a lot. What I really want is wifi, rather than ethernet, connection to roon. OTOH, I have seen that I can get a wifi extender for about 30 € from which I can run an ethernet cable.

 

[Chrisnew]

Matrix mini-i 4 is now room ready. https://www.matrix-digi.com/news/546

 

[Antlestxp]

Matrix mini-i 4 is now room ready. https://www.matrix-digi.com/news/546

Yup my units popped up under roon a week ago

 

[Stopeter44]

Yup my units popped up under roon a week ago

So it’s the mini-i 4 or the Eversolo dmp-a6 as the most likely candidates in this price range.

 

[Chrisnew]

Just down to what's important to you. For me it's was hdmi arc and xlr output. Both are excellent choices. Hard to go wrong.

I did hear a side by side comparison between the a6 and mini-4. The mini probably had a slight edge on details. But eversolo does have a lot more in terms of functionality

 

[Purité Audio]

I wouldn’t expect there to be the slightest difference in sound quality between the two.

Matrix Audio mini-i 4 Streamer Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Matrix Audio mini-i 4 streamer, balanced DAC and preamplifier. It was sent to me by Shenzehenaudio and costs US $649. I am neutral on the look of the unit. The only button for power is on top. The front panel is touch sensitive in different...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Eversolo DMP-A6 Streamer Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Streamer and balanced DAC. It was sent to me by the company. I don't have the price but see it on sale for US $850. The DMP-A6 design is absolutely gorgeous. A large, high contrast LCD allows it to show realistic visualizations...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Buy on features/functionality.
Keith

 

[Stopeter44]

Just down to what's important to you. For me it's was hdmi arc and xlr output. Both are excellent choices. Hard to go wrong.

I did hear a side by side comparison between the a6 and mini-4. The mini probably had a slight edge on details. But eversolo does have a lot more in terms of functionality

I went with Roon Ready, already (DMP-A6), and wifi connectivity, very important for my installation, there's no LAN port nearby. OTOH, HDMI ARC would be nice, but it also looks something of crap shoot with respect to compatibility. I could live with optical, because MCH is of no interest to me.

 

[Chrisnew]

Congrats and enjoy!

 

[Gyosa1]

I went with Roon Ready, already (DMP-A6), and wifi connectivity, very important for my installation, there's no LAN port nearby. OTOH, HDMI ARC would be nice, but it also looks something of crap shoot with respect to compatibility. I could live with optical, because MCH is of no interest to me.

The HDMI ARC is not CEC compliant on the mini-I4 , fwiw ….
nor is it on the DMP-A8 either .

bk

 

[Antlestxp]

So it’s the mini-i 4 or the Eversolo dmp-a6 as the most likely candidates in this price range.

I had to have hdmi arc. It is the center of an audio/tv/gaming setup

 

[Chrisnew]

The HDMI ARC is not CEC compliant on the mini-I4 , fwiw ….
nor is it on the DMP-A8 either .

bk

True, it's not perfect on mini-i 4. I just learnt to turn on the mini and let it turn on my TV. Vol control is fine. I will just off the tv and the mini auto offs after a while.

I'm hoping they improve it over time. Find me something at the same price point that works well and I'll happily switch.

I was one of the early buyers of buchardt a500 and platin took a year plus to work out the HDMI issues on the hub, so I understand it's not a straight forward issue.

 

[Antlestxp]

True, it's not perfect on mini-i 4. I just learnt to turn on the mini and let it turn on my TV. Vol control is fine. I will just off the tv and the mini auto offs after a while.

I'm hoping they improve it over time. Find me something at the same price point that works well and I'll happily switch.

I was one of the early buyers of buchardt a500 and platin took a year plus to work out the HDMI issues on the hub, so I understand it's not a straight forward issue.

It's a bummer they have the cec function backwards. They are aware of it. Hopefully they can fix it. I just leave mine on with the display off. I set the top buttons to wake or sleep the display with a tap. I'm going to give it a few more months to decide if I will keep it or not. Holding out the the wiim ultra. If that doesn't work I will slum it with a nad c700.