Pro-Ject MAIA S2 CHROME

Small Hi-Fi Integrated Amplifier MaiA S2 with 24-bit / 192k Hz DAC, Bluetooth connection and MM preamplifier

"...The most remarkable aspect of the MaiA S2 was its sound. It was a surprise to hear what 25 watts could do in conjunction with some speakers.The MaiA S2 sounded much better than I dared to think it could, and it aimed well above its class.Don't make the mistake I almost did and mock its size: this is a seriously high-fidelity integrated amplifier with a DAC.If you're in the market for a starter or desktop audio system, or a system for a smaller room, I strongly recommend listening to the MaiA S2..."Vince Hanada SOUNDSTAGE! (USA)

Compared to its predecessor, the MaiA S2 uses BOARD LAY OUT technology to increase immunity to interference. The quality, concept and design of this amplifier are testament to the justified 2020 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR award given annually by SoundStage! magazine.

Our original MaiA is a compact integrated amplifier with maximum input flexibility. It offers a multitude of digital and analog inputs combined with an amplifier that offers a superb sound with a touch of tube amplifier character.(Flying Mole modules) and a premium 24-bit/192 kHz D/A converter. Now it's time to introduce the MaiA in the S2 product line with a modern look featuring a new polished chrome aluminum case and improved electronic circuit layout.However, the comprehensive feature set remains the same as before! The improved design design results in better shielding of electromagnetic interference, further improving the already excellent audio performance: No matter which input you choose, true Hi-Fi sound with realistic characteristics is guaranteed.

This stylish amplifier offers low noise and solid output power for playback in smaller rooms of around 25^m2.In addition, you can connect a subwoofer or other power amplifier. There is a headphone output on the front. Everything can be conveniently controlled with the remote control included with the MaiA amplifier.

An amplifier that has everything you need and will need in the future. You can connect to the amplifier e.g. TV via digital optical or coaxial input, your music collectionYou can play your music collection from your phone or tablet wirelessly via Bluetooth, get excellent sound from your PC via USB, where the amplifier will act as an external card in a much higher quality than what is normally integrated in PCs or laptops, and of course, lovers of analogue classics can also connect a turntable via the high-quality MM preamplifier that is built into this amplifier.

When Pro-ject started making turntables, it was considered by many to be a dreamer. Over time, it has proven to be a very progressive and timeless idea. By analogy, the MAIA S2 integrated amplifier doesn't quite fit the audiophile notion of a 43cm wide "box" that is preferably as big and heavy as possible. The fact that nowadays there is often only "air" in them, not everyone admits.

Pro-ject, as usual, decided to go a different way and managed to "cram" the maximum into a small space (the dimensions of the amplifier are 206 x 38 x 176 mm). The amplifier has a whopping 9 inputs. 3 are standard analogue, 1 x Phono for MM transmission, 1 x Bluetooth (aptX), 2 x digital optical (up to 24-bit / 96 kHz), 1 x digital coaxial (up to 24-bit / 96 kHz) and of course you can't miss USB for connecting a computer. Add to this a headphone output (6.3 jack) and even a variable output from the preamplifier. Connectivity is therefore really excellent.

The amplifier is, of course, digitally manufactured, in Japan by Flying Mole, and brings a very solid 2 x 38 W (4 ?) into the living conditions (approx. 5 x 5 m), but it is stable even at 2 ? load! The circuit architecture is based on dual mono principle. The potentiometer for volume control is motorized. The terminals for connecting the speaker cables are robust gold plated and allow the connection of bananas. The USB input uses an asynchronous XMOS 24-bit/192 kHz converter and the other digital inputs also use a 24-bit/192 kHz converter. The Bluetooth module is 4th generation with aptX. Of course, a remote control is included.

The MAIA S2 CHROME is an excellent investment for the future. It is equipped with all the technologies used today, so the risk that a device will not be compatible with the amplifier in a year or two is borderline close to zero. Although it is a digital amplifier, its sound is very warm, one might even say "tube-like". Considering the above, the purchase price is very low.

LINKS

SOUNDSTAGE! (EN)

Official product website (EN)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Performance:

• 2 × 25 W / 38 W at 8 / 4 Ω
• Signal to noise ratio: > -90 dB (IEC -D)
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0 dB, -0.5 dB)
• Dual-mono design

Inputs:

• 3 × stereo line (2 x RCA and 1 x 3.5 mm)
• 1 × Phono cinch (RCA) for MM and MC-High Output transmissions
• 1 × Bluetooth (aptX)
• 2 × Digital optical
• 1 × digital coaxial
• 1 × USB

Outputs:

• 6.3 mm headphonejack
• Variable output for subwoofer or second zone amplifier

Transducers:

• XMOS asynchronous USB 24-bit/192 kHz
• Cirrus Logic CS4344 24-bit / 192 kHz Multi-bit Delta Sigma DAC

Bluetooth:

• 4th generation with aptX and antenna

Other:

• Phono input with MM and MC High Output options
• Volume control with motorized potentiometer
• Dimensions: 206 × 38 × 165 mm
• Weight: 925 g (without power adapter)
• Remote IR control included
• All-metal case