A question for the round: I would have the chance to change my “headphone only” mini system from the combo Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra + Pre Box S2 Digital to a Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 3. Does anyone here know the equipment and can tell me if this would be a worthwhile switch? Unfortunately I can’t test the mini-i Pro 3 before I buy it…
I am basically not dissatisfied with the Pro-Ject units, but the Matrix Audio unit is “all in one” and I heard that the headphone performance is supposed to be much better than with my Pro-Jects.
2 Likes
AceRimmer
(Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast!)
2
I believe that @Michael_Harris has one and so do I so can speak from experience but not from a comparison as never owned the Project.
As you say it is a complete all in one, its Roon Ready, a great DAC and an excellent headphone amp, all for under a grand.
Oh and it does MQA if that’s off interest…
It drives my Focal and Sennheiser cans very easily and I need nothing more.
As a DAC I actually use the i2s input from my Antipodes server and have not felt the need to even look for anything better.
I do not think you would be disappointed my friend.
I am also a big fan and it drives all my headphones great as well as being a good DAC and being able to feed an external Amp/preamp as a streamer if needed (I fed my Sonos AMP for some time).
For the price and all in one nature of this device it’s hard to look past it.
I have read that it can struggle a little with hard to drive Headphones, but none of my 4 headphones fit into that category. Two sets of HiFiMan a pair of AKG 710 pro and DCA Aeon.
Thanks a lot @Michael_Harris, I think the unit should be fine with my AudioQuest NightOwl and as well with my B&W P7 (wired version).
I’ll sleep on it and decide tomorrow.
Hi Uli. I can’t do a comparison either, but I can tell you that the Matrix does a great job for me. Using with Powered Studio Monitors and 5 sets of Headphones (HIFIMAN Arya and Yamaha YH-L700A) and IEM’s (Kinera Nanna Pro, Raptgo Hook X and Crinicle X Zero)
I owned the Project Stream Box S2 Ultra + Pre Box S2 Digital and returned it after 48 hours of use because it had too many bugs. That combo has no support from Project since 2017 which is went it got its latest firmware (V2.12) from his designer who left Project and then Project didn’t care to fix all the remaining bugs. I also owned the mini-i Pro 3 for about 1 year and it was and still is a great streamer/headphone amp from Matrix Audio. I sold it after getting the Matrix Audio X-SABRE 3 + Topping A90D Combo. My recommendation is to get the mini-i Pro 3 without any hesitation as you will have full support from Matrix Audio and the mini-i Pro 3 is able to drive low impedance headphones without any issues, including my DCA AEON 2 Noire.
(I was lucky with my timing, I ordered mine the day Roon Certification was announced and by the time I got it the firmware was available. It has never given me a moments problem to be fair to it)
Well it seems like you are making a very good choice. Between the measurements and the users experience of this product in this thread, it is all good.
but good luck with whatever you decide.
