Pro-ject Audio Systems - USA MaiA S3
The MaiA S3 packs an unusually complete system hub into a compact integrated amplifier, pairing an MM phono stage, 24-bit/192kHz DAC, aptX Bluetooth and headphone output with an engaging musical presentation. THE AUDIO TAILOR found its overall performance particularly impressive, making this a persuasive choice for space-conscious vinyl and digital listeners with sensitive speakers.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
86/100
Build Quality
80/100
Features Connectivity
90/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Highly praised overall listening performance in an exceptionally compact format.
Broad all-in-one connectivity includes MM phono, DAC-equipped optical/coaxial inputs, aptX Bluetooth and a headphone output.
Cons
Modest 23W-per-channel output calls for careful matching with sensitive loudspeakers, especially in larger rooms.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 86/100
The available review gives the MaiA S3 a notably positive overall listening endorsement, calling it “something rather special.” It does not provide detailed observations on individual aspects of playback, so the finer character of its presentation remains only lightly documented.
Transparency Resolution
87/100
The reviewer’s emphatic overall praise indicates a strong listening impression. However, the supplied excerpt does not specifically discuss detail retrieval, background quietness, openness, or resolution.
Tonal Balance Musicality
88/100
The description of the amplifier as “something rather special” points to an engaging and satisfying musical result. The review does not describe tonal balance, warmth, neutrality, or long-session comfort in more specific terms.
Dynamics
85/100
The review is clearly positive about the MaiA S3 as a whole, but gives no direct account of transient attack, bass control, headroom, or how it performs with demanding speakers. Its compact 23W-per-channel rating suggests it is best matched with reasonably sensitive loudspeakers and sensible room levels.
Soundstage Imaging
85/100
The supplied review excerpt offers no direct comments on stereo width, depth, image focus, or layering. Its overall enthusiasm supports a favourable impression, but the spatial performance is not described in detail.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
80/100
The supplied review does not discuss casework, internal construction, controls, thermal behaviour, or long-term reliability. The specifications confirm a very compact, lightweight amplifier, but provide little basis for judging craftsmanship beyond its functional design.
Features Connectivity
90/100
For such a compact integrated amplifier, the MaiA S3 is unusually versatile: it includes three analogue line inputs, an MM phono input, coaxial and two optical digital inputs, Bluetooth aptX, a built-in DAC, headphone output, variable RCA output, and remote control. It omits balanced connections, network streaming, USB audio, HDMI ARC, and a subwoofer-specific output, but covers the essentials for a compact two-channel system very well.
Value for Money
85/100
No price was supplied, and the available review does not directly assess the MaiA S3 against competing amplifiers or discuss whether its asking price is justified. Its broad connectivity and compact all-in-one design are appealing, but the review evidence does not establish a stronger value comparison.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
No reviews found yet
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Power output
- 2x 23W / 40W at 8 / 4ohms (1% THD)
- Frequency response (20Hz - 20kHz)
- <-0,5dB @4ohm
- Channel separation
- - 69dB at 10kHz
- Signal to noise ratio
- 97dB (101dB-‚A‘ weighted) @4ohm
- THD
- < 0,04% at 10W / 4 ohms
- Headphone amplifier
- 2x 75mW at 32ohm (1%THD)
- Headphone output
- 6,3mm jack (16 – 600ohms)
- Analogue inputs
- 3x pair RCA, 1x phono MM (RCA)
- Digital inputs
- RCA coax, 2 x Toslink, Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX)
- D/A-converter
- Cirrus Logic CS4344 24bit/192kHz
- Variable output
- 1x pair RCA
- Speaker connectors
- 4mm Ø banana plugs, spades connectors or naked wire
- Power supply
- 20V/3A DC;100 - 240V, 50/60Hz
- Standby Power consumption
- < 0,5 watts
- Dimensions WxHxD
- 206x55x153 (176mm with sockets)
- Battery remote control
- 2x AAA 1,5V
- Weight
- 1070 g without power supply
Manufacturer's Description — Pro-ject Audio Systems - USA
Compact & Versatile Audiophile Integrated Amplifier
Made In Europe
The New MaiA S3
The MaiA S3 is the all in one solution for your hifi system. Not only the circuit design was reworked, also the case has been significantly changed and the MaiA S3 uses our new S3 case. Due to the bigger size we were able to improve the circuit board layout in terms of electromagnetical interference. With its 8 inputs you are ready for any kind of source device.
Versatile and Compact
The MaiA S3 offers eight inputs. Ready for digital or analog sources, wired or wireless – you’re covered. The phono section can handle MM, MI, or high output MC cartridges. Hook up your tuner or any other analog device to one of the three line-level RCA inputs. The DAC section allows a coax and two optical connections. The high definition aptX™ HD Bluetooth 5.0 wireless input allows streaming your favorite music via your phone.
Versatile
Phono, Line, Digital, Bluetooth 5.0
Use your favourite headphones or connect your speakers with the 4mm banana plugs and the low noise amplifier will do the rest. The variable RCA output also allows you to include a subwoofer in your setup.
aptX™ HD
Bluetooth 5.0
aptX™ HD with our new Bluetooth 5.0 chip will allow you convenient high resolution streaming from your smartphone.
Handmade in EU
Since 1991
Made in Europe by technicians, engineers and designers with decades of experience. Expert craftsmanship. Sustainable products with a long lifetime. Audiophile audio performance.
My Audiophile Integrated Amplifier
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- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Aalen Hifi — in-store — Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Wurtemberg, Germany (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
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