Pro-Ject Maia S3 Integrated Amplifier

My Audiophile Integrated Amplifier, or MaiA, represents all that is good about modern hi-fi. It’s compact, powerful, feature-rich, elegant and affordable. Benefiting from Pro-Ject’s many years of success in the micro hi-fi realm, it brings a DAC, a phono stage, a wireless receiver, a headphone amplifier and an integrated amplifier all into one compact chassis that perfectly complements other S3 products.

Boasting a massive eight inputs, MaiA S3 is designed to accommodate any modern source, including turntables, CD players, network music players and wireless devices. This is what starters with ambitious home audio systems need: A small integrated amplifier with ultimate input flexibility, future-proof technology and a core focus on uncompromising sound quality.

Through its built-in Cirrus Logic CS4344 DAC chip, capable of handling up to 24-bit / 192kHz digital audio files, MaiA S3 easily handles most common digital audio formats. Additionally, working with aptX HD® technology, MaiA S3 is also capable of streaming high-resolution audio wirelessly when the supplied Bluetooth antenna is connected.

As well as accommodating for modern and future audio technologies, MaiA S3 is also equipped to support traditional hi-fi sources. The built-in Moving Magnet phono stage is based upon Pro-Ject’s iconic Phono Box designs and produces an impressive sound performance. There are also four analogue Line-level inputs, so radios, CD players and Tape decks can also be easily connected.

On top of its extensive list of connection options, MaiA S3 is also designed to put sound quality first. Pro-Ject’s extensive knowledge of premium audio has produced a sound signature that is surprisingly analogue in its feel, thanks to the brand new low-noise circuitry, built-around the dual-mono design principle. So, when matched with a set of good-quality matching speakers, MaiA S3 will punch well above its diminutive weight. The system can also be expanded with a subwoofer or a separate power amplifier thanks to the variable pre-amplifier output.

MaiA S3 is finished off with a 6.3mm headphone socket, for when using speakers isn’t an option, and control is effortlessly simple, whether using the supplied remote control or the front-mounted buttons. With the S3 Series’ new all-aluminium casework in a slightly larger size than previous generations, MaiA S3 is a delight – both audibly and visually.

Features

• Compact integrated amplifier with 2 x 40W output (4Ω) 
• Five analogue inputs, including one MM phono input. 
• Three digital inputs, utilising built-in 24-bit/192kHz DAC 
• New Bluetooth 5.0 input with aptX HD support for playback of files up-to 24-bit/48kHz 
• Analogue volume control with motor-driven potentiometer 
• 6.3mm Jack headphone output for quiet listening 
• Variable output for subwoofer or power-amplifier connection 
• Remote control included 
• Rigid aluminium housing protects against interference 
• Made in Europe