Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 Music Streamer, DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 Music Streamer, DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Reference-grade streaming, DAC conversion, and headphone amplification — in the most compact package Matrix Audio makes.

The Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 is the flagship of the mini-i series — a compact all-in-one network streamer, ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, fully balanced headphone amplifier, and line-level preamplifier that delivers audiophile-grade performance at a price that makes it one of the most compelling all-in-one streaming solutions available. It is driven by a Quad Cortex-A55 2.0 GHz processor for a responsive, full-featured streaming experience, runs Matrix Audio's MA Player OS for Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA, and UPnP streaming, and includes HDMI ARC for receiving television audio — the first mini-i series product to offer this input. At $999 with balanced XLR outputs measuring 127 dB SNR and less than 0.00008% THD+N, and headphone power of 2,200 mW into 33 ohms balanced, the mini-i Pro 4 sets a new standard for what a compact all-in-one streaming DAC at this price can deliver.

Available now at All Elite Audio, your authorized Matrix Audio dealer in Timonium, Maryland — with in-store demos, expert guidance, and nationwide shipping.

ESS ES9039Q2M — Hyperstream IV DAC Architecture

The mini-i Pro 4 is built around the ESS ES9039Q2M — the latest generation Q2M DAC chip from ESS Technology, featuring ESS's fourth-generation Hyperstream PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) modulation architecture. Hyperstream IV reduces high-order harmonic distortion components to near-inaudible levels by pushing the noise shaping further out of the audible band than previous Hyperstream generations. Combined with carefully tuned audio circuits, high-quality audio components, and an optimized circuit layout, the ES9039Q2M achieves XLR balanced line output measurements of 127 dB SNR A-weighted, THD+N below 0.00008% at 1 kHz, and channel crosstalk below -146 dB — figures that compete with dedicated DACs at significantly higher price points.

The mini-i Pro 4 is driven by a Quad Cortex-A55 processor running at 2.0 GHz — substantially more powerful than the processors in previous mini-i generations — providing the computing headroom needed for smooth streaming, fast app response, and the full MA Player feature set without performance compromise.

HDMI ARC — The Key New Feature for TV Hi-Fi Integration

The addition of HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) to the mini-i Pro 4 is its most significant new capability versus the previous generation. HDMI ARC allows a compatible television, projector, or AV processor to send its audio output to the mini-i Pro 4 through a single HDMI cable, replacing the television's built-in speakers or soundbar with the mini-i Pro 4's high-quality DAC and the connected headphones or speakers. When the display device supports HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), playback on the mini-i Pro 4 can be controlled directly from the TV remote — volume, input selection, and power — without requiring a separate app or remote. This makes the mini-i Pro 4 genuinely useful as a television audio upgrade, a desktop streaming DAC, and a headphone system simultaneously — a flexibility that few products at this price point achieve.

Fully Balanced Headphone Amplifier — 2,200 mW at 33 Ohms

The mini-i Pro 4's headphone amplifier is a fully balanced design, providing a 4.4mm balanced output and a 6.35mm unbalanced output on the front panel. The balanced output delivers 2,200 mW into 33 ohms and 950 mW into 300 ohms — power levels that handle demanding planar magnetic headphones with authority and high-impedance dynamic headphones without strain. Output impedance is below 22 ohms balanced. The headphone amplifier gain is +14 dB, and the headphone output SNR is 117 dB A-weighted. The single-ended 6.35mm output delivers 1,200 mW into 33 ohms, covering the full range of headphone types from sensitive IEMs — using appropriate volume settings — to high-impedance studio cans.

Complete Input Suite — Analog, Digital, and Network

The mini-i Pro 4 accepts sources from across the signal landscape. Coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs accept PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD64 via DoP. The USB Audio input accepts PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD512 native and via DoP, and MQA hardware decoding. HDMI ARC accepts PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz from compatible television and display sources. An analog RCA line input accommodates external line-level sources. A USB Type-C port provides an additional connectivity option for computers and mobile devices alongside the standard USB Audio input.

Network streaming via Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi handles TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, DLNA, UPnP, and internet radio from vTuner and Radio Paradise. Local library playback from USB storage devices and NAS drives is fully supported — the mini-i Pro 4 automatically indexes connected storage and builds a music library organized by album, artist, genre, composer, and more, accessible through the MA Remote app.

Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA Line Outputs — Preamp Function

The mini-i Pro 4 provides balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line outputs for connection to a power amplifier or active speakers. The XLR output delivers 4.4 Vrms at 0 dB with 127 dB SNR and THD+N below 0.00008% at 1 kHz. The RCA output delivers 2.2 Vrms at 0 dB with 121 dB SNR. The volume control operates across all outputs simultaneously, allowing the mini-i Pro 4 to function as the complete volume-control preamplifier for a two-channel speaker system fed directly from its XLR or RCA outputs — eliminating the need for a separate preamplifier.

RM5 Remote Control and 3.46-Inch Touchscreen

The mini-i Pro 4 ships with the newly designed RM5 remote control, created specifically for the mini-i series. The RM5 combines a metal front panel with a warm, smooth back cover for comfortable grip and a more substantial feel than typical plastic remote controls. The button layout has been redesigned from previous generations, and a programmable button allows assignment of a frequently used function through the MA Remote app. The 3.46-inch LCD touchscreen on the front panel displays track metadata, album art, and device status, with a customizable shortcut menu accessible by swiping left on the home screen. All hardware settings, firmware updates, and streaming service configuration are managed through the MA Remote app on iOS and Android.

mini-i Pro 4 vs mini-i 4 — Which Is Right For You?

The mini-i Pro 4 and mini-i 4 share the same ES9039Q2M DAC, MA Player streaming platform, HDMI ARC input, 3.46-inch touchscreen, and general feature set. The key difference is outputs: the mini-i Pro 4 adds balanced XLR line outputs (4.4 Vrms, 127 dB SNR) and the 4.4mm balanced headphone jack with full balanced headphone amplifier circuitry, alongside the 6.35mm unbalanced headphone output. The mini-i 4 provides only unbalanced RCA line outputs and the 6.35mm unbalanced headphone output. For listeners who use balanced headphones, want the lower noise floor of balanced XLR line outputs, or are connecting to a balanced power amplifier or preamplifier, the mini-i Pro 4 is the right choice. For listeners who are primarily unbalanced and want to save budget, the mini-i 4 covers the same streaming and DAC functionality.

Key Specifications

DAC Chip: ESS ES9039Q2M (Hyperstream IV PWM architecture) Processor: Quad Cortex-A55, 2.0 GHz XLR Balanced Line Output: 4.4 Vrms at 0 dB; SNR 127 dB A-weighted; THD+N less than 0.00008% at 1 kHz; Channel crosstalk below -146 dB RCA Unbalanced Line Output: 2.2 Vrms at 0 dB; SNR 121 dB A-weighted; THD+N less than 0.00015% at 1 kHz; Channel crosstalk below -133 dB Headphone Output (4.4mm balanced): 2,200 mW at 33 ohms; 950 mW at 300 ohms; 500 mW at 600 ohms; SNR 117 dB; output impedance below 22 ohms; gain +14 dB Headphone Output (6.35mm unbalanced): 1,200 mW at 33 ohms Digital Inputs: Coaxial (PCM 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD64 DoP), Optical (PCM 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD64 DoP), HDMI ARC (PCM 24-bit/192 kHz; CEC control), USB Audio (PCM 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD512 native and DoP, MQA) Analog Input: RCA line-level USB: USB Type-C port; USB Audio input Network: Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Streaming: TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA, UPnP, internet radio (vTuner, Radio Paradise) Protocol: Roon Ready Local Playback: USB storage, NAS mounting; automatic library indexing Display: 3.46-inch LCD touchscreen Remote: RM5 infrared remote with programmable button OS: MA Player, MA Remote App (iOS and Android) Dimensions (W x D x H): 224 x 186 x 53 mm Weight: Approximately 1.6 kg Warranty: 1 year manufacturer warranty

Why Buy From All Elite Audio

All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer located in Timonium, Maryland — part of the greater Baltimore area. We carry the full Matrix Audio mini-i series including the mini-i Pro 4 and mini-i 4, as well as the complete Element series, X-SABRE 3, and M Series reference system. Our team can help you determine which Matrix Audio product best matches your headphones, speakers, and system goals.

We offer white-glove service, in-store demos, and support before and after your purchase. Whether you are local to Maryland or ordering nationwide, we are here to help you get the most from your system.

Call: 443-402-5055 Text: 443-402-5064 Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093

Frequently Asked Questions — Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4

What is the Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 and what does it do? The Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 is a compact all-in-one network streamer, ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, fully balanced headphone amplifier, and line-level preamplifier. It streams from TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, and other services via Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, AirPlay 2, and other protocols over Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi. It accepts HDMI ARC from a television, coaxial, optical, USB Audio, and analog RCA inputs. It drives headphones through a 4.4mm balanced output at 2,200 mW into 33 ohms or a 6.35mm unbalanced output, and outputs line-level audio through balanced XLR (4.4 Vrms, 127 dB SNR) and unbalanced RCA outputs for connection to a power amplifier or active speakers.

What is the ESS ES9039Q2M and what is Hyperstream IV? The ES9039Q2M is the latest generation entry in ESS Technology's Q2M DAC chip series, featuring ESS's fourth-generation Hyperstream PWM modulation architecture. Hyperstream IV is ESS's proprietary approach to delta-sigma modulation that uses pulse-width modulation rather than standard delta-sigma methods, pushing high-order harmonic distortion products further out of the audible band than previous generations. The result is extremely low measured THD+N — below 0.00008% at 1 kHz from the balanced XLR output — and high dynamic range in a chip that is well-matched for compact audio products where power efficiency and circuit simplicity also matter.

What makes HDMI ARC significant on the mini-i Pro 4? HDMI ARC allows a compatible television, projector, or AV processor to send its audio directly to the mini-i Pro 4 through a single HDMI cable. This replaces the television's internal speakers or soundbar with the mini-i Pro 4's high-quality DAC, routing TV audio through the mini-i Pro 4's headphone output or line outputs to speakers or a power amplifier. When the TV supports HDMI CEC, the TV remote can control volume and input on the mini-i Pro 4 directly. For listeners who want to improve their TV audio quality through the same device they use for streaming music and headphone listening, HDMI ARC eliminates the need for any additional components.

What is the difference between the mini-i Pro 4 and the mini-i 4? The mini-i Pro 4 and mini-i 4 share the same ES9039Q2M DAC, streaming platform, HDMI ARC, processor, display, and general features. The mini-i Pro 4 adds balanced XLR line outputs (4.4 Vrms, 127 dB SNR, THD+N below 0.00008%) and a 4.4mm balanced headphone output with full balanced amplifier circuitry delivering 2,200 mW into 33 ohms. The mini-i 4 provides only unbalanced RCA line outputs and a 6.35mm unbalanced headphone output. Choose the mini-i Pro 4 for balanced headphones, lower noise floor from balanced XLR outputs, or balanced connection to a power amplifier or preamplifier. Choose the mini-i 4 for unbalanced setups at a lower price.

Can the mini-i Pro 4 drive demanding planar magnetic headphones? Yes. With 2,200 mW into 33 ohms from the 4.4mm balanced output and 950 mW into 300 ohms for high-impedance headphones, the mini-i Pro 4 has sufficient power for demanding planars including models from HiFiMAN, Audeze, and similar manufacturers. The +14 dB gain setting and below-22-ohm output impedance provide strong driver control. High-efficiency IEMs should use lower volume settings on the mini-i Pro 4 given its output power capability.

Does the mini-i Pro 4 support local music storage from NAS and USB drives? Yes. The mini-i Pro 4 supports local music playback from USB storage devices connected to its USB port and from NAS drives mounted over the network. It automatically indexes connected storage and builds a library organized by album, artist, genre, composer, and other metadata, accessible through the MA Remote app. Files can be browsed and played directly from the Library section without any manual organization.

What streaming services and protocols does the mini-i Pro 4 support? TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA, UPnP, and internet radio from vTuner and Radio Paradise natively via MA Player OS. The mini-i Pro 4 is Roon Ready certified. Qobuz and other services are accessible through the MA Remote app. Local library playback from USB and NAS storage is fully supported.

What is the RM5 remote and what does the programmable button do? The RM5 is Matrix Audio's newly designed remote for the mini-i series, featuring a metal front panel and a smooth back cover for comfortable grip. It handles standard functions including power, volume, mute, input selection, and track control. A programmable button can be assigned to any frequently used function through the MA Remote app — for example, switching to a specific input, toggling a filter, or activating a shortcut — allowing the remote to be customized for each user's most common actions.

What warranty does the Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 include? The Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 carries a one-year manufacturer warranty. All Elite Audio is a fully authorized Matrix Audio dealer, ensuring your warranty is valid and supported.

Where can I buy the Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 4 and get expert advice? All Elite Audio is an authorized Matrix Audio dealer with a full home audio showroom located at 1921 York Rd, Timonium, Maryland 21093. We carry the full Matrix Audio mini-i series and can help you determine whether the mini-i Pro 4 or another Matrix Audio model best fits your system. Call us at 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064. We also ship nationwide.