Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 3 Review - Third Time's a Charm

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  • Опубліковано 18 вер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 134

  • @robertwang7825
    @robertwang7825 3 роки тому +2

    I bought the mini I Pro 3 after watching your review , it’s a very solid product and performs very well. Furthermore their after sales service is superb. I damaged the screen when my Aircon dripped water onto it , I emailed Matrix Audio , they replied within 24hrs. , I sent them the Pro3 , they repaired it in 2 days after receiving it for free and sent it back to me. That is very impressive service from a Chinese company.

  • @HiFiGOAudio
    @HiFiGOAudio 3 роки тому +6

    Pretty elegant device, loved the display on the front!!
    Hope to include this in my desktop setup chain!!

  • @Flavius7
    @Flavius7 3 роки тому +6

    You just love The Matrix, you little Neo! 😉 Beautiful design, wonderful screen, strong components, another BEST BUY. As someone else already said...YOU JUST DON'T REVIEW BAD DACS!

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +4

      I will at some point, not sure when

  • @emilianpredescu3477
    @emilianpredescu3477 3 роки тому +3

    Wow, the comparisons you did in the written review are so interesting, thank you, always a pleasure to read you.

  • @yttean98
    @yttean98 3 роки тому +13

    There so many DACs out there NOW that offer excellent value for their performances, eg E30, M200 M400, SU-9 etc, in future videos you may like to compare them(based on price point vs performance and features) and surmise by making a recommendation(s) of 1 or 2 units for detail evaluation by potential buyers. This should be interesting I am sure your channel will attract many viewers.

    • @richardblaauwgeers4349
      @richardblaauwgeers4349 3 роки тому +1

      I think the problem is, he does not review bad dacs.

    • @krmatiu
      @krmatiu 3 роки тому +2

      Check out his written review, a lot of comparisons made 👍

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +2

      @@richardblaauwgeers4349 would you eat food that tastes bad?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +7

      As far as I know, I'm the single reviewer that is adding comparisons in all my written articles, if I would add that information to the video reviews, I would have them at 22-25 minutes and I really don't want that. If you know where to look, there are plenty of comparisons I've made.

    • @richardblaauwgeers4349
      @richardblaauwgeers4349 3 роки тому +1

      @@Soundnews it was a compliment 😉

  • @dungysphincter7974
    @dungysphincter7974 3 роки тому +4

    Another credible review! Very knowledgeable reviewer. Good job!

  • @aceofspades6667
    @aceofspades6667 3 роки тому +3

    Great review and content as always! Our boy Sandu certainly know how to deliver on the Dac reviews.

  • @marcus1970
    @marcus1970 3 роки тому +4

    Really good review of a nicely designed unit.. I suspect that screen will find its way onto other upcoming Matrix audio streamer/DACs.

  • @szymonjakubowski6429
    @szymonjakubowski6429 3 роки тому +4

    Your videos are the best! :) Good work!

  • @donmiller714
    @donmiller714 3 роки тому +1

    Enjoyed this review and purchased the pro based on your enthusiastic endorsement! I plan to connect to my LAN and drive a Denon AVR-X4500h over Polk RTi A9 speakers via Audirvana with Tidal, plus local files from HDTracks. Like that it can do LDAC over bluetooth so my sony 1000XM3 headphones get a piece too. Thanks for your time and effort!

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому +1

      Also, the LDAC of mini-i Pro 3 is for the music sources which support LDAC, not for headphones.

  • @N3ukenInD3K3uken
    @N3ukenInD3K3uken 3 роки тому +2

    didn't expect it at 749
    please take a look at the Yulong Aquila DAART II, it comes in around the same price but with less features and a stronger focus on headphone amplification

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +1

      Will do, thanks for the suggestion

  • @flippano1848
    @flippano1848 3 роки тому +2

    Hi Sandu. This is a great review and its really useful to have so much detailed and quality information in your assessment. Can I ask if this would be a good match with HiFiman Ananda? Thanks very much. Best Regards.

  • @krmatiu
    @krmatiu 3 роки тому +3

    Another great review. Read the review online too, a great read with even more comparisons.
    Thank you, great job 👍

  • @ScoobaGreek
    @ScoobaGreek 3 роки тому +1

    Hello my friend!
    How do this dac compare to the RME-ADI-2 Fs Dac ? Soundwise is the the Matrix better,? upgrade worthy?

  • @sthr2110
    @sthr2110 3 роки тому +2

    One of the reviews I just read said this does not actually work with Roon:
    "Lovely piece of hardware with all the right interface, great sound, and definitely at the right price. Only problem is that I purchased this device with the primary intention of using natively with Roon and that turns out not be possible: it is NOT certified with Roon and due to recently policies enacted by Roon, CANNOT be used as a Roon Endpoint via RAAT (Airplay still works but obviously not the desired goal). At the present time, this should not be listed as a "Roon Ready" device and the marketing material updated."

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +2

      I'm not a Roon user myself, but I have asked and this is the reply I've got from the Matrix audio team: "we will get the Roon certification in a couple of days"

    • @adelkharisov
      @adelkharisov 3 роки тому

      @@Soundnews still not Roon ready. It is only a usb/bt/airplay2 dac now.

  • @adelkharisov
    @adelkharisov 3 роки тому +2

    It will be interesting for me to compare this with rme adi-2 dac FS. I have 68 ohm impedance headphones (SRH1840) and low midrange genelec 8040 monitors. I am also an iPad iOS MacOS user. I like the neutral sound and new remote control of rme, but for me airplay 2 is more convenient than a dedicated Mac mini or Mac Book with Roon.

    • @ScoobaGreek
      @ScoobaGreek 3 роки тому

      Hello Adel
      Do you know how they compare soundwise have you tried the matrix mini i pro?
      I'm a happy owner of the the RME adi-2 fs but i'm always looking for a upgrade.

    • @adelkharisov
      @adelkharisov 3 роки тому +1

      @@ScoobaGreek I have not tried Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 3 yet. At least it’s headphone amp is much worse than in RME Adi-2 DAC.

  • @ericfung01
    @ericfung01 3 роки тому +2

    How does it compare with the Topping DX7 Pro?

  • @cupofteaplease
    @cupofteaplease 3 роки тому +2

    hi sandu have just brought this on your recomendation and have to agree its great,do you think in the future there will be a software update to allow Tidal connect?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +1

      Hi Brian,
      That will probably happen according to them, but not sure when. You should ask their support

    • @cupofteaplease
      @cupofteaplease 3 роки тому

      @@Soundnews ok thanks sandu

  • @jpined14
    @jpined14 3 роки тому +3

    I own the Element M.
    It’s such a great device but it’s strange how this one has a nicer display than both M and X.
    I agree those are some good looking apparatus. The combo of the Benchmark and the Mini I looks as good as it probably sounds.
    But the iOS app still needs some fixing. It’s buggy and isn’t as smooth as it can be.
    Sweet review! Also props for Bad Religion in the intro.

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for your feedback, we are still optimizing our app for iOS and Android.

  • @MrKhao57
    @MrKhao57 3 роки тому +1

    This is a great review, but does the title implies that the previous two iteration (especially the 2S) are unsatisfying ?

  • @chengo51
    @chengo51 3 роки тому +1

    DLNA ??? Internet radios ? The pre-amp sound volume works with the remote ?

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      Hey guy, I believe you need the element series from Matrix Audio, learn more about the entry model element i. This is a DLNA enabled device, and you can stream internet radio from the companion app, you also can control the volume by the built-in digital pre-amp.

  • @yokal
    @yokal 3 роки тому +1

    Hello,
    I am wondering what music player you are using on your iPhone?
    The first page looks very similar to the default Music app on iOS14, but as you go back the pages look different with more information.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +1

      That was Tidal app.

    • @yokal
      @yokal 3 роки тому

      @@Soundnews Thanks for the reply I appreciate it.

  • @jimmerritt2969
    @jimmerritt2969 3 роки тому +1

    Do you have an opinion on sound difference between Bluetooth and AirPlay2?

  • @Mingchops
    @Mingchops 3 роки тому +1

    Have you heard a Qutest, any plans to review one? thanks

  • @fahryst
    @fahryst 2 роки тому +1

    Hey Sandu, do you think Mini i3 Pro is still relevant and future proof? I stream my music from Apple Music Lossless. Although I'm an android user I may get a cheap ipod touch to use AirPlay just for this.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  2 роки тому +2

      I like it a lot as an all-in-one device and yes, it's a future proof unit. The only thing I dislike is its mediocre headphone amp.

  • @ChrisUlrich
    @ChrisUlrich Місяць тому

    Can you hook up a sub for a 2.1 or 2.2 setup?
    Matrix pro 3 to an amp via XLR. Then maybe RCA to the subs?

  • @luisandre12345
    @luisandre12345 3 роки тому +1

    Does it work in UPnP / DLNA protocol? Thank you, great video!!

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +2

      Sorry, it doesn't. The Element line will do UPnP and DLNA

  • @chengo51
    @chengo51 3 роки тому +1

    Yes I ask for more....I want DLNA !

  • @lonestar1664
    @lonestar1664 3 роки тому +5

    Please do a 2020 awards for best DAC and headphones Amp .

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +7

      Thinking about it, thanks for the suggestion

    • @adelkharisov
      @adelkharisov 3 роки тому +1

      @@Soundnews Please, include RME Adi-2 DAC Fs into this list.

  • @colinwilby8803
    @colinwilby8803 3 роки тому

    I have been looking at reviews for hours today as it could be a great fit for my system. Yours gave me by far the best understanding of the product without getting too technical. Thanks and keep up the great work. For Audio listening I have Revel Concerto M16 speakers (which will be updated o F36 floor standers when I can get a pair), driver by an Atoll SE 100 Amp, which is fed from pre-outs on a Marantz SR6013. I am using a dedicated Surface Pro 4 as a Roon endpoint connected to a Chord Mojo by USB and headphone out to RCA inputs on the Marantz. This works very well but am looking at replacing the Surface and Mojo with a streamer like this and even taking the Marantz out as the Marix can be a preamp. Do you think the Matrix be a good choice for this. I do use headphones Meze Classics and Dunu 3000 pro so a good amp,for this would be a bonus, not the main purpose for buying it. Thank you again.

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      Hi friend, mini-i Pro 3 is a Roon Ready device, it's very good to replace your current Roon end-point (which composed by a Surface Pro + Mojo + Marantz) You'll get a versatile Roon endpoint and a good headphone amp for your system. We use a balanced Meze 99 Classic and Meze Empyrean with mini-i Pro 3 in audio shows for demo, audiophiles are very love and recognized the sound.

  • @zdenekcanada5408
    @zdenekcanada5408 3 роки тому

    Nice piece of equipment .. my question is : how about driving Sennheiser HD820 ?? Is to much for mini Pro 3 ?

  • @ronhong1961
    @ronhong1961 3 роки тому +1

    Good review and simple

  • @brucelavender
    @brucelavender 3 роки тому +1

    @ Soundnews If I wanted to use a separate integrated amp with the mini-i pro 3, how would I connect it, ...and could I still use the 4.4mm TRRRS balanced headphone jack and the volume control on the mini I pro 3?

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому +1

      Hi, you can connect mini-i Pro 3 to your amp with a pair of XLR or RCA cable, and set the lineout mode of the unit as "Fixed". Then you can adjust volume by your integrated AMP. Sure, both of the lineout and the headphone out (1/4 inch and 4.4mm pentaconn) volumes could be controled by the knob or the IR remote control on the mini-i Pro 3.

    • @brucelavender
      @brucelavender 3 роки тому

      @@matrixaudio Thank you!

  • @jamesmoore4827
    @jamesmoore4827 3 роки тому

    I love the idea of "little one". It's perfect for me. Would this be an ideal pairing with hifiman ananda?

  • @jaempilang
    @jaempilang 3 роки тому +1

    if you have a good DAC already, can you still use this device and my high end DAC? I'm new to streaming.

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      No, this device only output analog signal, you cannot connect another DAC to it.

  • @syncwork
    @syncwork 3 роки тому +1

    What device should i look for, if i just want everything excluding music streaming? :D

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      Buy the mini-i Pro 3, and ignore the streaming functionality. lol

  • @navinadv
    @navinadv 3 роки тому +1

    Can I connect a USB hard drive to the USB audio input? My hard drive is a self powered LaCie 6TB D2 professional.

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому +1

      Sorry Sir, this model cannot playback music from a USB storage device. If you want to do so, you can consider element series from Matrix Audio.

    • @navinadv
      @navinadv 3 роки тому

      @@matrixaudio The Element I does not have MQA and the Element M is outside my budget, besides these have an older chip set than the mini pro. It is odd to pay more for an older DAC.

  • @Lukie86
    @Lukie86 3 роки тому +1

    Great vid, many thanks, already got my mini i pro 3. would you know if it will get an updated power amp like the version 2? any suggestions when playing music from nas? greetings from Ireland!

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      If you need to play music from a NAS, you need the help of Roon. mini-i Pro 3 have no companion app to use.

    • @Lukie86
      @Lukie86 3 роки тому

      @@matrixaudio Many thanks for replying. I'm a newbie with Roon but I guess I'll have to start then :) In terms of the dedicated amp, would there be updated or at least color matching version of mini i power amp (like with mini i pro 2) down the line?

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      @@Lukie86 Hi, Lukas, the mini-i AMP is discontinued, and we have no plan on update this model for now. Sorry.

    • @Lukie86
      @Lukie86 3 роки тому

      @@matrixaudio Totally okay, so far blown away with new mini i 3 pro. Air play seems to get the best out of it.

  • @benoitdugas745
    @benoitdugas745 3 роки тому

    Hi great review but how does this compares with bluesound node2i?

  • @mikylenaidoo1779
    @mikylenaidoo1779 2 роки тому

    Hello friend , I have a decision to make... I sold my d90(ak4499) .... I wonder of you know , will the matrix element i2 that is released , going to be a better DAC than d90 ?

  • @johnsonadekunle7675
    @johnsonadekunle7675 3 роки тому +1

    Can this really stream music from Tidal without data loss?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +2

      From Tidal only via Roon, but Roon support is not ready yet. All that works via Wi-Fi, so forget about data loss.

  • @yogiwp_
    @yogiwp_ 3 роки тому +1

    How does it compare against D90 or A18 purely on sound, particularly on punch/slam, dynamics, and stage? (I've read the written review)

  • @larsv6144
    @larsv6144 3 роки тому

    Can you stream Tidal with the Mini-i Pro 3, and how? Using what app?? What is currently your top 3 DACs under 1000 euros/dollars? Is the Mini-i Pro 3 better than the Topping D70s?

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      Hi, with mini-i Pro 3, you have 2 ways to stream music from Tidal to it. If you are Roon subscriber, you can stream Tidal to mini-i Pro 3 via Roon; or you can send Tidal music to mini-i Pro 3 via AirPlay (with Tidal native app). By the way, if Bluetooth is considerable? lol

  • @adelkharisov
    @adelkharisov 3 роки тому

    I am on the market now for a similar product and I will buy Matrix Audio Mini I Pro 3 only if it will:
    1) have a zero impedance headphone amp instead of cheap TPA with 11 omhs (RME ADI-2 DAC Fs has a two separate < 1 omhs impedance headphone amps);
    2) AutoRef and Loudness function like RME ADI-2 DAC FS, because nobody listen on 0 dB;
    3) Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect
    Makes no sense:
    1) Balanced output for headphones (headphones are neither microphones nor studio monitors) ;
    2) MQA (most music recorded or digitally mastered in 1411 kbps except latest releases of top artists).

  • @Luca84v
    @Luca84v 3 роки тому

    Sorry i don’t understand does this stream just via Airplay 2? There is no other way to stream amazon music or spotify that connect with airplay?!

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      Hi, If you are Roon subscriber, you can stream Tidal or Qobuz to mini-i Pro 3 via Roon; or you can send Tidal music to mini-i Pro 3 via AirPlay (with Tidal native app).

  • @giorgivashakidze4805
    @giorgivashakidze4805 2 роки тому

    Hi, can i stream apple lossless 24/196 through thr AirPlay?

  • @giorgivashakidze4805
    @giorgivashakidze4805 2 роки тому

    Hi, can i stream Apple Lossless through the Airplay?

  • @TheNorliss
    @TheNorliss 3 роки тому

    Very detailed and nicely shot video! Shame that your audio is so badly clipped...

  • @donmiller714
    @donmiller714 3 роки тому +1

    How did you get this device to work over roon? I just received mine and it says in roon that it is not supported. I can enable it in "other network" section, but only get airplay quality. Also, I understand it has BT 5.0 broadcast but I can't figure out how to pair my sony 1000m3 headphones. any help appreciated.

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому +1

      Hi we are still doing Roon certification now, you can enable it as an Roon Ready endpoint after the certification tests passed. Please wait some more days. Sorry for the inconvenience. For BT connection, the DAC is a receiver only device, headphones cannot connect to it over bluetooth, only music players can connect to it.

  • @konna200
    @konna200 3 роки тому

    This gem is best from my use scenario wink* it works with a HD800/S perfectly and HD660S/Ananda. Very happy for this purchase.

  • @syncwork
    @syncwork 3 роки тому

    Hey man, please review Dethonray Honey H1. 🙏🙏😭 And comparision with Mini-i pro 3 will be awesome. :D I trust you all the way for dac amp reviews.

  • @LockeNL
    @LockeNL 3 роки тому

    How will this drive an hd800s?

  • @a2raya772
    @a2raya772 Місяць тому

    so is this a amp? or both dac/amp

  • @Sebastian-gc2hc
    @Sebastian-gc2hc 3 роки тому

    Hello, how does it compare to Aries II in terms of natural sound reproduction?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +1

      Hello. Aries 2 streamer of Auralic? Don't know. Ares 2 of Denafrips? Don't know that either as I've tested only the Ares 1 which had a slight roll-off at both sub-bass and upper-treble regions. Mini-i 3 doesn't have that roll-off.

    • @Sebastian-gc2hc
      @Sebastian-gc2hc 3 роки тому

      Denafrips Ares 2, then you need to compare it because it's popular dac known for natural sound and people say it's extended

  • @antonelloalessi
    @antonelloalessi 3 роки тому

    but there is qobuz or tidal? or only way airplay?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +1

      Airplay 2 and Roon (soon, not ready yet)

    • @antonelloalessi
      @antonelloalessi 3 роки тому

      @@Soundnews Not good ..

  • @Xbig74
    @Xbig74 3 роки тому

    vs the d70s?

  • @BlueMax333
    @BlueMax333 2 роки тому

    I have been using a MATRIX Mini-i Pro bought in 2014.
    Have worked well, although some of the LED segments have failed.
    Seriously considered upgrading to the Mini-i Pro 3, 4th Gen.
    But was disappointed to note that:
    1. LAN and WiFi does not with PC or Android. Only with iPhone, iPad or macOS computer over AirPlay.
    2. No direct connection to HD or SSD
    So I am looking elsewhere.

  • @nc3419
    @nc3419 3 роки тому

    Question, how many products do you listen to but don't end up reviewing and just send back? So far no really bad reviews as others have stated.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +1

      There is a lot of gear that I didn't like that much. Check Hifiman Deva or my latest Loxjie D30. There were several devices that were sent back without posting a review. Several KZ, HifiHear and Tin earphones went back without a review and there were others too

    • @nc3419
      @nc3419 3 роки тому +1

      @@Soundnews That's good to hear. I know our ears and what we like are different, but regarding the Keces E40, is it really that good? I have a Hegel h160 and like the sound with a Focal 807W. I have smaller Triangle Zetas and wonder if the E-40 could be a good fit for desktop/small room. I don't mind a bit rolled off highs but not a veiled midrange or flabby bass. Looking for good resolution, good dynamics and as much detail retrieval as possible at a price point. Smoothness over grit (ex Musical Fidelity m2si). The alternative is an Emotiva A100 but I wonder if the E-40 is a notch or two above that. Any opinion would be appreciated. BTW, the Keces S125 amp was just discontinued according to the distributor.

  • @ayabittmann5133
    @ayabittmann5133 3 роки тому +1

    No returns on Matrix Audio products!!!
    If you consider buying a Matrix product be aware that there is no return option on their products.
    I bought two weeks ago a mini-i pro 3 but It does not suit me (no good integration with my system).
    After contacting Matrix their final word is that they do not allow returns. I think HIFI producers, when they sell direct, should allow returns, What do you think?
    Any case be absolutely sure, for 100%, before you set your order.

  • @ryansudding667
    @ryansudding667 3 роки тому

    Does it support Tidal Connect?

    • @adelkharisov
      @adelkharisov 3 роки тому

      In the future it will.

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому +1

      @@adelkharisov Not sure now. lol

    • @adelkharisov
      @adelkharisov 3 роки тому

      @@matrixaudio It is pity Tidal will work first with a major brands.

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      @@adelkharisov Yes they are selecting partners, Matrix is not big enough now. lol

  • @willmac5642
    @willmac5642 3 роки тому +1

    Shit I wish I had bought this.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  3 роки тому +1

      What did you get instead?

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      Buy it now, it's not too late. lol

  • @FroiValencia
    @FroiValencia 3 роки тому

    great review. I am in a market for a streamer. Can anybody give a suggestion.

  • @johncusanelli6516
    @johncusanelli6516 3 роки тому

    Does this DAC have an actual app like vlusound? If you use Airplay you won’t be able to use MQA because Airppay is limited to 44.1 correct?

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      This DAC is not like the element product line, have no companion app. If you need to unfold MQA files completely, you need to stream music to it through Roon.

    • @johncusanelli6516
      @johncusanelli6516 3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the reply. So to be clear here the Mini Pro 3 has no app. According to the official site it talks about their companion app and the ability to logon to Tidal and stream directly from the device. I’m confused. I was under the impression it worked like BluOS where you can log into streaming services. If you use Airplay from an iOS device you will never get MQA because AirPlay is limited to 16/44.1.

    • @Luca84v
      @Luca84v 3 роки тому

      Yeah so it is true that Airplay 2 is not a good way to stream music or it is a reliable way?! Bluesound app has the streaming into the app so they say it is much better than airplay 2 is it true?!

    • @matrixaudio
      @matrixaudio 3 роки тому

      @@johncusanelli6516 can you send me the webpage link you saw the description about companion app of mini-i-i 3?

    • @joossseeee
      @joossseeee 3 роки тому

      @@matrixaudio so to render and decode MQA you need to (a) use Roon or (b) wire in via USB-C?