Pro-Ject Releases MaiA DS3 and Stereo Box S3 BT Amplifiers
Pro-Ject's MaiA DS3 and Stereo Box S3 BT amplifiers promise bang-for-buck quality without needing much room.
Out of Pro-Ject's new MaiA DS3 and Stereo Box S3 BT offerings, the former is the main event and is the follow-up to the original MaiA integrated amplifier. Although compact, MaiA DS3 boasts an impressive nine inputs, which should cover most music lovers' needs.
Measuring just 206 x 71 x 240mm, the MaiA DS3 is said to be able to power even demanding loudspeakers thanks to boasting 140W of power per channel into 4 ohms (80wpc into 8 ohms). Moreover, the sub output allows you to add a dedicated woofer and take the low-end duties away from your stereo pair. The amp even has fixed and variable output RCA jacks for multi-room sound.
Vinylistas will appreciate the built-in phono preamp that accommodates both MM and MC cartridges alongside three additional line-level inputs. Furthermore, digital sources are offered a coaxial input, a pair of optical inputs and a USB input for the onboard DAC, which handles up to 32-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD256 files.
Meanwhile, for those looking to send tunes from their mobile device, Bluetooth aptX HD streaming is on hand. Finally, for those into late-night listening, there is a fascia-mounted 6.3mm headphone socket connected to the onboard headphone amp with a stated output of 2 x 430mW at 32ohm (1%THD).
Pro-Ject Stereo Box S3 BT
As you might have already guessed, the 103 x 37 x 115mm dinky Stereo Box S3 BT adds Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD for wireless playback from a phone, tablet or computer.
Additionally, you have the option of two sets of line-level inputs on the back panel to connect components by cable.
It might be the same size as the S2, but the S3 BT boasts more power, clocking in at 40W per channel into 4 ohms alongside and less distortion (< 0,12% at 5W / 4 ohms). This is output via speaker terminal posts that accommodate 4mm banana plugs, spade connectors or naked wire.
Pro-Ject boldly claims the diminutive Box S3 BT can compete with amps four times its size regarding power, so it should at least be enough to rock your bookshelf speakers.
The MaiA DS3 is available in silver or black finishes and sells for AUD $1,999 RRP. It will be available in 2023 and will sell for NZD $2,199 RRP. Also available in black or silver, the Stereo Box S3 BT sells for AUD $649 / NZD $729 RRP.
Visit Pro-Ject for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
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