Интегральные усилители — Pro-Ject MaiA S3

The MaiA S3 is the entry integrated model of the Pro-Ject MaiA series and brings together a stereo power amplifier, a DAC, a moving magnet phono preamplifier, Bluetooth reception and a 6.3 mm headphone socket. Silver and black versions exist, and a remote control powered by two AAA cells is supplied.

Key specs that matter

Rated power is 2 x 23 W into 8 ohms and 2 x 40 W into 4 ohms at 1% THD. THD is below 0.04% at 10 W into 4 ohms, while S/N is 97 dB, or 101 dB A-weighted, measured into 4 ohms. Channel separation is -69 dB at 10 kHz, and frequency response between 20 Hz and 20 kHz deviates less than 0.5 dB into 4 ohms. The case measures 206 x 55 x 153 mm, or 176 mm deep including connectors, and has a mass of 1070 g, not counting the external power supply.

Engineering and use context

Analogue connections consist of three RCA line level inputs and a single RCA phono socket for MM pickups. The digital section is based on a Cirrus Logic CS4344 converter with 24-bit and 192 kHz resolution, fed by one coaxial RCA input and two Toslink optical inputs. Wireless playback uses Bluetooth 5.0 with the aptX HD codec. A pair of variable RCA outputs is provided, so the volume control also governs a connected subwoofer or power amplifier. The headphone jack works with headphones from 16 to 600 ohms and delivers 2 x 75 mW into 32 ohms. The speaker terminals take 4 mm bananas, spade lugs or stripped cable. Power comes from an external 20 V 3 A DC supply that runs on mains from 100 to 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz, and standby consumption is below 0.5 W. The small chassis footprint suits a computer workstation or a shelf beside a TV.

Pairing

The modest power rating makes efficient compact speakers the logical partners. Record players fitted with a moving magnet pickup can use the phono socket without an external preamp, while a TV or streamer can use one of the optical inputs and a phone connects over Bluetooth. The variable outputs make it simple to add an active subwoofer, which extends the low end of small bookshelf speakers without loading the amplifier further. For personal listening, a 32 ohm headphone such as Pro-Ject's own Hear it Two, which is specified for a maximum input of 50 mW, sits inside the 16 to 600 ohm window of the front jack.

Alternatives

The Pro-Ject MaiA DS3 is the bigger model of the MaiA series, delivering 80 W into 8 ohms with USB input and MC phono support.