PRO-JECT MaiA

Pro-Ject’s precious-sounding MaiA stands for ‘My Audiophile Integrated Amplifier’ and, eight years on from its introduction into the market, aims to be as versatile as ever in its third generation.

Again, the Austrian brand has been generous with the feature set of the deceptively small stereo amplifier, combining a DAC, phono stage, Bluetooth receiver, headphone amp and, of course, an integrated amp within its petite chassis.

Featuring eight analogue, digital and wireless inputs, the MaiA S3 offers three RCA line-levels, one moving magnet phono stage based on Pro-Ject’s Phono Box, and three digital inputs fed by a Cirrus Logic CS4344 DAC chip, which can handle files up to 24-bit/192kHz. There’s also a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver with aptX HD support. Needless to say, that should satisfy the needs of most source requirements.

The amp section delivers 40 watts per channel at 4 ohms (or 23 watts at 8 ohms) and benefits from improved low-noise circuitry and a dual mono design at its core. Thanks to the variable pre-amplifier output, the system can also be expanded with a subwoofer or separate power amplifier.

The front of the MaiA S3 is clean and uncluttered, providing source selection, a 6.3mm headphone socket for private listening, and a central analogue volume control with a motor-driven potentiometer.

The new, highly compact aluminium casing is slightly larger than previous generations, measuring 5.5 x 20.6 x 17.6cm (hwd), and has been designed to visually complement other S3 range components that Pro-Ject would undoubtedly love to see all neatly stacked together.

The Pro-Ject MaiA S3 will be available shortly with an expected $1,000 price tag.

For more information, contact Interdyn on (03) 9426 3600 or visit www.interdyn.com.au