The Pro-Ject MaiA S3 is the third generation of Pro-Ject’s compact integrated amplifier, sitting within the S3 range of micro hi-fi components designed to stack together. Despite its diminutive 206mm-wide chassis, it packs a dual-mono Class A/B amplifier, a Cirrus Logic CS4344 DAC, a moving magnet phono stage, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, and a headphone amplifier into a single all-metal enclosure. It is made in Europe.
Amplifier Design
The MaiA S3 uses a dual-mono electrical design, delivering 2 × 23W into 8 ohms or 2 × 40W into 4 ohms at 1% THD. Signal-to-noise ratio is quoted at 97 dB (101 dB A-weighted) into 4 ohms, with THD below 0.04% at 10W into 4 ohms and channel separation of −69 dB at 10 kHz. The Class A/B topology is powered by an external 20V/3A DC supply, keeping the transformer and its associated interference outside the signal path.
Connectivity
Eight inputs cover analogue, digital and wireless sources. On the analogue side there are three line-level RCA pairs and a dedicated MM phono input suitable for moving magnet, moving iron, or high-output moving coil cartridges. Digital inputs comprise one RCA coaxial and two Toslink optical connections, all handled by the onboard Cirrus Logic CS4344 DAC running at up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD provides wireless streaming from phones and tablets.
Outputs include binding posts that accept 4 mm banana plugs, spades, or bare wire, a variable RCA pair for connecting an active subwoofer, and a 6.3 mm headphone jack rated for loads between 16 and 600 ohms at 2 × 75 mW into 32 ohms.
S3 System Integration
The MaiA S3 is designed to stack with other Pro-Ject S3 components, including the CD Box S3 CD player. The matching chassis dimensions and industrial design allow a complete micro hi-fi system to be built from source to amplification in a compact footprint. A remote control is included for volume, input selection and power.
What the Press Says
- Best Buy — AV Forums, 9/10
- Hi-Fi Choice Group Test Winner
- Applause Award — StereoNET
| Power Output | 2 × 23W (8 ohms) / 2 × 40W (4 ohms) at 1% THD |
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| Headphone Output | 2 × 75 mW at 32 ohms (1% THD) |
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| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (<-0.5 dB at 4 ohms) |
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| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 97 dB (101 dB A-weighted) at 4 ohms |
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| THD | <0.04% at 10W / 4 ohms |
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| Channel Separation | -69 dB at 10 kHz |
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| DAC | Cirrus Logic CS4344, 24-bit/192 kHz |
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| Analogue Inputs | 3 × RCA line, 1 × RCA phono (MM) |
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| Digital Inputs | 1 × RCA coaxial, 2 × Toslink optical |
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| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD |
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| Speaker Outputs | 4 mm banana / spade / bare wire binding posts |
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| Headphone Jack | 6.3 mm (16–600 ohms) |
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| Subwoofer Output | 1 × variable RCA pair |
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| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 206 × 55 × 153 mm (176 mm depth with sockets) |
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| Weight | 1,070 g (without power supply) |
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| Power Supply | External 20V/3A DC; 100–240V, 50/60 Hz |
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| Standby Consumption | <0.5 W |
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| Finish | Black |
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