Matrix mini-i 24/192 Balanced USB DAC

[mr sneff]

Does anybody own/have experience of the Matrix mini-i 24/192 Balanced USB DAC? I came across this on eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Matrix-mini-i-24-192-Balanced-USB-DAC-Head-AMP-Remote-black-/261202581027?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item3cd0e31623

There are a few favourable reviews out there, and on paper it looks like good VFM, but I wondered whether anyone on the forum has any experience of this dac.

[roob]

Not quite so favourable review
http://www.whathifi.com/review/matrix-mini-i
Cheap and cheerful by the look of things depends what you want.

[mr sneff]

Not quite so favourable review
http://www.whathifi.com/review/matrix-mini-i
Cheap and cheerful by the look of things depends what you want.

Andy, I had seen that review which seems to be at odds with some of the other reviews that seem to say that the sound is more 'analogue' than many dacs.

[mr sneff]

Much more favourable review in Hi Fi Choice http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/news/article/matrix-mini-i--pound;260/9277

[mr sneff]

I've taken the plunge and I managed to buy a secondhand Matrix Mini DAC on eBay last week. I've now had a week to listen to it and so far I'm favourably impressed, definitely a step up from my Audioengine D1, both in terms of sound quality and versatility. It can be used as a headphone amp, preamp or just as a DAC which bypasses the volume control and gives a fixed level output of amp or preamp. Additionally, there are SPDIF, Toslink, AES/EBU and USB inputs, phono and balanced outputs and a remote control. Build quality seems to be very good, metal casework and even a solid metal remote in contrast to the usual horrible plastic remotes at this price level. I can now use my Pioneer PD S 705 as a transport via the SPDIF input and also run my laptop via the USB input. The manufacturer claims a better sonic performance when used in DAC only mode as this bypasses the volume control and headphone amp but TBH I prefer using it as a digital preamp directly into my Quad 303 rather than via the Quad 34 preamp. The sound has much more body and vibrancy with the 34 out of the picture. So for £130 I think I got a bargain and even new at the full price around £200 it's good value for money. Review here http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/hi-fi-accessories/matrix-mini-i-dac-977524/review

[synsei]

I've read several reviews of this DAC and it does seem to polarize opinion, some like it, some don't. It's sort of the same with the Rega DAC which is also very analogue sounding. Personally I think the Matrix Mini would probably appeal to me, nice find ;)

[BlueMax]

Hi Guys! Long time no see!

There is a new model out now. The Matrix mini-i 24bit/384kHz DAC & Headphone AMP
Have not seen any reviews as yet, but many improvements to the spec. And the digital in is a more useful RCA than the previous BNC.
http://www.matrix-digi.com/en/products/58/index.html
There is also the AUNE X1 Pro DAC with asynchronous chip SA9027 which is sensibly priced.

I moved over to active speakers couple of years back. Arcam FMJ integrated got reduced to being used as a pre-amp. Which is a shame!
So on the look out for a DAC with a good pre-amp. But nothing as expensive as Cyrus Pre DAC or even the Audiolab M-Dac.