Matrix Mini-i - New 2014 models, DSD/DXD

[Job CF]

I have had a few DACs over the years. Best is a well modded M-Audio SuperDac 2496 I had for around 8 years.
Optical outs from the CDP and TV and SPDIF from DVD player goes into it.

Couple of two years ago, I moved over to active speakers with the Arcam FMJ A32 integrated, reduced to working as a pre-amp.
8 years is a long time in electronics and I am now on the look out for a modern DAC with a good pre-amp. But not in the price brackets as Cyrus Pre DAC or even the Audiolab M-Dac.

Was facinated to read good reviews by WHF and others about the Matrix mini-i
Two of the current models are:
Matrix mini-i 24bit/384kHz DAC & Headphone AMP
and
Matrix mini-i Pro 24bit/384kHz DSD DXD DAC & Headphone AMP
Apparently, many improvements all around.

Saw just one review on a new model but couldn't find anything anywhere about how good its preamp is!

Has anyone listened to these or other DSD DACs with preamps ?
Views please? Thanks!

 

[ID.]

You've probably seen it, but this seems to have the most in-depth discussion.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/695880/matrix-mini-i-pro-impressions

Not too much detail on it's sound as a preamp. I only went through searching for "pre" rather than reading every post. On the 13th page someone mentioned they prefer the XLR output to the headphone amp, hinting that the bass is tighter.

 

[Job CF]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I have seen the review and comments at head-fi

I am using a raher expensive Arcam FMJ A32 as pre-amp at the moment to feed active speakers. If there is DAC with a good pre-amp section, it will help a lot.

 

[ID.]

There aren't a lot out there, and for the products available, most reviews tend to just talk about their capabilities as a headphone amp.

Currently considering the M-DAC, Pioneer U-05, and Marantz HD-DAC1 myself.

For my desktop system I currently use a NuForce Icon HDP, which I really like and has a tiny desktop footprint when using the silicon stand to put it on its side, but for the living room I want something with a remote. I'm leaning towards the Pioneer when the price comes down some more because I'm a sucker for highly resolving equipment, but the Marantz looks pretty sexy and is a bit smoother/easier on the ear.

I was tempted by the Mini-i and Matrix Quattro, but they don't have distributors where I live, so wasn't prepared to take a risk on the customer service front if anything went wrong.