Integrated amplifiers — Pro-Ject MaiA DS3

The MaiA DS3 is an integrated amplifier with built-in DAC and phono stage from Pro-Ject, built with a sophisticated current-sensing phono design in a remarkably compact chassis. The MaiA DS3 brings Pro-Ject's considered engineering to a complete, feature-rich integrated format.

Key specs that matter

Three single-ended inputs plus a dedicated phono input are provided. The phono stage uses a sophisticated current-sensing design covering both MM at 47,000 ohms and MC at 100 ohms input impedance. Output power is 80W into 8 ohms, rising to 140W into 4 ohms. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is 97dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise under 0.01%. At a remarkably compact 206 x 71 x 240mm and 1.85kg, the MaiA DS3 maintains a space-efficient, feature-complete integrated amplifier chassis.

Sound and use context

Expect surprisingly clean, capable amplification reflecting the strong 97dB signal-to-noise figure, with the sophisticated current-sensing phono stage handling both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges without a separate step-up device, packed into this remarkably compact chassis.

Pairing

The current-sensing phono stage handles both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges directly without needing a separate step-up transformer.

Alternatives

Pro-Ject's own MaiA S3 offers a more compact, Bluetooth-equipped alternative without phono capability within the same broader catalogue.