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Author Topic: Matrix Mini i  (Read 4419 times)

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Offline raymonda

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Matrix Mini i
« on: November 27, 2010, 01:01:30 PM »
I just got this DA/headphone amp because it was cheap, well made and has received some very nice reviews. Intial burn in is promising. At this time it is very close to my MSB GOLD Link and Grado headphone amp compo for way less, e.g. around 1/5 of the price. I'll report more after a week or so with it......but I can say that if you have been considering the Benchmark, Bel Canto or Grace and can't swing the change this might be the ticket.......they go for around $250-325 depending on what they are packaged with.
« Last Edit: November 28, 2010, 09:01:42 PM by raymonda »

Offline raymonda

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Re: Matrix Mini 1
« Reply #1 on: November 27, 2010, 08:51:16 PM »
Here are some specs and another pic.

•  D/A DAC chip AD1955 x 2
•  Full balanced stereo design
•  Up to 24Bit/192kHz sampling
•  USB input works with Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 and Mac OS 10.x, no extra driver needed
•  Pre-Amp/HP-Amp and Pure DAC modes switchable
•  Low jitter receiver chips and separate clock
•  Built-in headphone amplifier, for up to 300 ohm headphones
•  OP275/OPA2134 op-amps NOT replaceable
•  Balanced/Unbalanced outputs
•  Various inputs: BNC/RCA/Toslink/AES/EBU/USB
•  Large screen LCD display
•  Designed and fine tuned for audiophile
•  Digital input pass-through via an RCA output, easy connect to another receiver
 
Technical Specification:
•  Analog Interface:
   - RCA/XLR
   - Frequency Response: 20-20kHz
   - Signal to Noise Ratio: 105dB
   - Dynamic Range: 108dB
   - Distortion 0.0002% (1kHz)
•  Digital Input:
   - Optical: toslink, 32K to 192kHz
   - Coaxial: 75 ohm RCA/BNC, 32 to 192kHz
   - USB: USB-B, 44.1-48kHz
   - AES/EBU: Standard XLR balanced, 32-192kHz
•  Digital Output:
   - Coaxial RCA
   - 32-192kHz
   - Support AC3/DTS Pass Through
•  •  Power Support: AC 220-240V   or 110V
•  Front Panel Color: Silver
•  Case Color: Black/Silver
•  Weight: 2 kg
•  Device Dimension: 205 x 155 x 48mm (L x W x H)
« Last Edit: November 27, 2010, 10:33:15 PM by raymonda »

Offline raymonda

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Re: Matrix Mini i
« Reply #2 on: November 28, 2010, 09:10:59 PM »
I've been bouncing this thing back and forth from my main system to my bedroom headphone system. I'veed run it in for at least 48 hours now. I can't say the sound has changed much during this time. The unit sound very nice right out of the box. I can say that I might be selling my Gold Link........well, maybe...........tonally they sound close.......however, the Gold Link might have a bit less grain up top and an easier time sorting out complex passages, better........maybe........it is close. I do like the fact that I can run a 6 ft AES to RCA and hook up two SPDIF sources. It doesn't upsample.....or at least I don't think it does. The Gold Link does.

The headphone amp sounds much better than it ought to. Although I am driving a pair of Grado RS2, which aren't too dificult a load to handle. The amp close to the sound of my Grado headphone amp, albeit a bit less clear and natural on the high end.

Anyway.......I'll get back in a few days when I've had more time with it.
« Last Edit: November 28, 2010, 10:53:51 PM by raymonda »

Offline raymonda

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Re: Matrix Mini i
« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2010, 10:58:48 PM »
Last thing and then I'll shut up about this unit for a while. Hot rodded, going direct DA level out to my Grado HP amp has proven to be the best yet from this unit. I think I'll be keeping the Grado as HP amp to run with the MMi but will be selling my MSB Gold........any buyers?

Here is another pic that I found.

Offline Gutbucket

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Re: Matrix Mini i
« Reply #4 on: December 03, 2010, 12:31:52 PM »
Interesting.. thanks Ray.  I'll keep my ears open on this.
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Offline raymonda

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Re: Matrix Mini i
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2010, 10:39:02 PM »
Now I been listening to this unit as my main DA, as a DA/HP in the bedroom, and to master a few multi-track shows. It has worked flawlessly and really sounds good. I can't compare it with Benchmark's or Grace's because I don't have one of these units, what I can say is that this little bugger it a steal and anyone looking for a unit like this should try this out before laying out long green on one of the others. I don't know how you could ask for anything more for the money, or twice the price. Well, accept for an analog pass through. If it had this I might have sold my Classe' 5 pre-amp, which is saying a lot.

Just think.....this unit does for $300 what over $5000.00 worth of boxes did  a few short years ago. This could be the center peice for a really nice budget system with highend aspirations.

Bottom line is that this is detailed, extended, dynamic, flexible, well built and affordable. 
« Last Edit: December 12, 2010, 12:18:56 PM by raymonda »

Offline raymonda

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Re: Matrix Mini i
« Reply #6 on: January 22, 2011, 08:12:18 PM »
I've been using this unit extensively since I last reported and can report that I'll be keeping it for the long haul. I would suggest that others try this piece out. You will either improve your current sound or save some money buy spending less on this. I ended up $300 richer after selling my MSB GOLD LINK. Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you take the plunge.
« Last Edit: January 23, 2011, 11:06:08 AM by raymonda »

Offline OOK

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Re: Matrix Mini i
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2011, 06:04:01 PM »
So what is the cost in terms of any customs or duties paid coming to the US.

OOK
DPA/HEB 4060's > R09HR
MBHO648/KA100Lk/KA200/KA300/KA500 > SD702

Offline raymonda

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Re: Matrix Mini i
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2011, 12:10:59 PM »
Nothing. Google Coolfungadget or TAM's audio. He advertises on e-bay but if you buy from him direct you save even more money. I think his price is around $300, which includes shipping. Also, it took only 5 days to get to me from China.
« Last Edit: February 07, 2011, 12:48:01 AM by raymonda »

Offline raymonda

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Re: Matrix Mini i
« Reply #9 on: December 13, 2012, 01:41:24 AM »
bump for person looking for good and cheap

 

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