Matrix Audio Mini-i 3 and Mini-i Pro3 DAC
Aug 13, 2020 at 11:32 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 193
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Matrix Audio Mini-i 3 DAC
Matrix Audio Mini-i 3 & Mini-i Pro3 DAC
$749.00 & $899.00 USD
Order Today (Mini-i 3)
https://www.moon-audio.com/matrix-audio-mini-i-3-dac.html

Order Today (Mini-i Pro3)
https://www.moon-audio.com/matrix-audio-mini-i-pro3-dac.html


This is the 4th generation product under the mini-i series name from Matrix Audio continuing the classic design and superb build quality. The new Mini-i Pro 3 uses a two-color aluminum shell in silent black and space gray with a 3.3-inch LCD screen and a brand new user interface. The Mini-i Pro 3 provides improved user experience and stunning good looks.


Matrix Audio Mini-i 3

Features
  • Two-color aluminum shell with an embedded 3.3-inch LCD screen and a brand new user interface.
  • Support AirPlay2、Roon ready、UPnP
  • 4.4mm balanced headphone AMP
  • MQA full decoder (available for mini-i Pro3)
  • Bluetooth 5.0 support LDAC/APTX HD, 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi (available for mini-i Pro3) and Ethernet connections
  • Analog input
  • Crystek CCHD-950 Femto Clock
  • ES9038Q2M DAC chip
  • IR remote supported
 
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Aug 13, 2020 at 10:02 PM Post #2 of 193
Is the only difference between the pro and non-pro network/streaming capability and Roon Ready?

What’s the output impedance for SE and BAL outputs?


Edit: I think I found the answers on their site. Different clocks, the MQA support and Wi-Fi are the differences
 
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Aug 14, 2020 at 9:33 AM Post #3 of 193
Differences

 Mini-i 3Mini-i Pro 3
ClockSiTime Low Phase Noise ClockCrystek CCHD-950 Ultra Low Phase Noise Femtosecond Clock
Network LAN10BASE-T/100BASE-TX10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Network WLANNO2.4GHz/5GHz, IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standard
MQA SupportNot SupportDecoder+Renderer
 
Moon Audio Stay updated on Moon Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/MoonAudio/ https://twitter.com/MoonAudio https://instagram.com/moonaudio https://www.moon-audio.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@moon-audio sales@moon-audio.com
Aug 16, 2020 at 4:32 AM Post #4 of 193
Running the Mini-i Pro S2 as my PC setup and absolutely loving it, I'd be keen to read about a direct comparison of the Pro 2S and the Pro 3. I use the Oppo PM-2 and couldn't be happier with this combo. Musical but very detailed and a good stage, I wonder whether the new DAC chip and clock of the Pro 3 can push it even further.
Cheers.
 
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Aug 21, 2020 at 5:36 PM Post #5 of 193
The specs seems nice but what to expect from ES9038Q2M vs ES9038 PRO chip differences? I've heard the latter and it sounds phenomenal. Would be nice if someone with enough experience to shed light on the DAC portion of Mini-i pro 3 vs RME's offering.


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Oct 9, 2020 at 12:45 AM Post #7 of 193
We won't know until the shipment roles in the beginning of September.

any update on that?

Also, I understand this is more a Headphone dac/amp streamer combo. but would it be good to plug this to a 2ch stereo integrated amp to drive speakers? Am I correct in saying the element series is more for that function? i.e would sound better than the mini i Pro 3 with the Pro chip vs Q2M.
 
Dec 29, 2020 at 5:36 PM Post #8 of 193
Wanted to check in with a Mini Review of the Matrix mini-i 3

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Set-up and Ease of Use :

I wil use a Mac LT for this review.

The Box containing the Matrix Mini-i3 does not contain a USB A<>C, so, you'll need one if you are going to use it with your Laptop or similar.

Getting the Gear up and running, connected to the Mac@32bit-96kHz, took about 5 seconds.
You turn on the Matrix, and you turn the Big knob to "USB", (big Glass display).. and you check to make certain your Mac sees it.
It will.
= Begin to Listen @Total plug and play simplicity.

-------------------------------------

Overall Quality of the Build :

Like a Tank.
Excellent " digitally stepped" Volume Knob and excellent Remote. (You'll need to provide a watch battery to power the Remote,, as its not supplied).
The Matrix can be controlled with or without the Remote.

----------------------------------------


Dac > Headphone Amp out Sound : As compared to the RME ADI-2 Dac FS and the Monolith 789

The Matrix is : Clearly Superior..

1.) It sounds like its "Class A"

If you buy it from APOS, they Drop Ship it, in 3 days from China, using DHL.

Here is that experience.

The Matrix offers : Astounding Sound.

And the best part ? = When you unplug your Headphones, the Matrix automatically switches to Line(s) out.
No Scrolling, no problem.

And the 2nd best part? This Gear loves Planars.
It sweetens them, beautifully.

Honorable mention : The Display dims when not being called up, and brightens when you make changes.
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Dec 29, 2020 at 6:02 PM Post #10 of 193
Thanks for the mini review. Could you measure output impedance?
Acording to specs its alot:


  • TRS 6.35mm SE
    • SNR: >-116dB
    • THD+N: <0.0006%@2VRMS
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@64kHz
    • Output Impedance: <11Ω
    • Output Power: 1270mW@33Ω, 257mW@300Ω, 133mW@600Ω, 1%THD
    • Gain: +18dB
  • 4.4mm Balanced
    • SNR: >-117dB@4VRMS
    • THD+N: <0.0006%@4VRMS
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@64kHz
    • Output Impedance: <22Ω
    • Output Power: 1900mW@33Ω, 950mW@300Ω, 510mW@600Ω, 1%THD
    • Gain: +24dB
 
Dec 29, 2020 at 6:26 PM Post #11 of 193
Thanks for the mini review. Could you measure output impedance?
Acording to specs its alot:


  • TRS 6.35mm SE
    • SNR: >-116dB
    • THD+N: <0.0006%@2VRMS
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@64kHz
    • Output Impedance: <11Ω
    • Output Power: 1270mW@33Ω, 257mW@300Ω, 133mW@600Ω, 1%THD
    • Gain: +18dB
  • 4.4mm Balanced
    • SNR: >-117dB@4VRMS
    • THD+N: <0.0006%@4VRMS
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1 -3dB@64kHz
    • Output Impedance: <22Ω
    • Output Power: 1900mW@33Ω, 950mW@300Ω, 510mW@600Ω, 1%THD
    • Gain: +24dB

That's accurate according to Z-Reviews.

This gear has an incredible soundstage.
Its 3D, almost like DSP processing, but its not. Its just a really good Hi End Audiophile product.

Try this review :

 
Jan 6, 2021 at 2:11 PM Post #15 of 193
Looks amazing!

This Gear is FR Tonally : Warm and Rich.
It offers a beautiful natural presentation.
Nothing hyped, nothing etched, smooth yet dynamic.
Reminds me of how Vinyl sounds.

did you compare with some dac?
 

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