Small integrated Hi-Fi amplifier MaiA S3 with 24-bit / 192 kHz DAC, Bluetooth 5.0 connection and phono MM preamplifier

The MaiA S3 has a redesigned chassis that is highly resistant to interference. The quality, concept and design of this amplifier leaves nothing to chance and although it is a minimalist component, it convinces with its sound qualities and maximum versatility.

The amplifier has everything you need and will need in the future. You can connect to it e.g. TV via digital optical or coaxial input, your music collectionYou can play your music collection from your phone or tablet wirelessly in high resolution via Bluetooth version 5.0 , and of course, lovers of analogue classics can also connect a turntable via the high-quality MM preamplifier that is built into this amplifier.

There is also a headphone output on the front. Everything can be conveniently controlled with the remote control that is included with the MaiA amplifier.

When Pro-ject started making turntables, it was considered by many to be a dreamer. Over time, it proved to be a very progressive and timeless idea. By analogy, the MAIA S3 integrated amplifier doesn't quite fit the audiophile notion of a 43cm wide "box" that is preferably as big and heavy as possible. The fact that nowadays there is often only "air" in them is something that not everyone admits.

Pro-ject, as usual, decided to go a different way and managed to "cram" the maximum into a small space (the dimensions of the amplifier are 206 x 55 x 153 mm). The amplifier has a whopping 8 inputs. 3 are standard analogue, 1 x Phono for MM cartridge (or MC cartridge with high output), 1 x Bluetooth 5.0 (aptXHD), 2 x digital optical (PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz) and 1 x digital coaxial (PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz). Add to that a headphone output (6.3 jack) and even a variable output from the preamp. In the words of the classic "Gentlemen, who among you has this?" the connectivity is truly excellent.

The amplifier is, of course, digital and brings a very solid 2 x 40 W (4 Ω) power output to residential conditions (approx. 5 x 5 m), yet it is stable even at 2 Ω load!The speaker cable terminals are rugged gold plated and allow for banana plugs. The amplifier uses a high quality Cirrus Logic CS4344 24 bit / 192 kHz converter. The Bluetooth module is 5th generation with aptXHD.

The MAIA S3 is an excellent investment for the future. It is equipped with all the technologies used today, so the risk that a device will not be compatible with the amplifier in a year or two is borderline close to zero. Although it is a digital amplifier, its sound is very warm, one might even say "tube-like". Considering the above, the purchase price is very low. To its credit, Pro-ject also offers the CD BOX S3 CD player in the same line, so there is really nothing missing.

Made in Europe!

LINKS

Product pages:

• Pro-ject MAIA S3

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Power:

• 2 × 23 W / 40 W at 8/4 Ω (1% THD)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: > -97 dB (IEC -D)
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, <- 0.5 dB (@ 4 Ω)
• Channel separation: > 69 dB at 10 kHz
• THD: < 0.04% @ 10 W/4 Ω

Inputs:

• 3 × stereo line (3 pairs RCA)
• 1 × Phono cinch (RCA) for MM and MC-High Output transmissions
• 1 × Bluetooth 5.0 (aptXHD)
• 2 × Digital optical
• 1 × digital coaxial

Outputs:

• 6.3 mm headphonejack
• Variable output for subwoofer or second zone amplifier

Converter:

• Cirrus Logic CS4344 24-bit / 192 kHz Multi-bit Delta Sigma DAC

Bluetooth:

• 5th generation with aptXHD and antenna

Other:

• Phono input with MM and MC High Output option
• Volume control with potentiometer
• Dimensions: 206 × 55 × 153 (176) - W x H x D (mm) (with connectors)
• Weight: 1070 g (without power supply)
• Remote IR control included
• All-metal case, silver or black front panel