John
Nine — an impressive number of inputs squeezed by Pro-Ject into their latest – and rather diminutive – super integrated amplifier, the MaiA S2.
On the analogue front, we note 3 x line-level RCA pairings, a 3.5mm line-level socket and MM* phono staging. That’s five. Saying hello to up to 24bit/192kHz PCM and feeding an internal Cirrus Logic CS4344 DAC chip are asynchronous USB, 2 x TOSLINK and aptX Bluetooth. That’s four more. Total: nine.
Measuring a mere 20cm wide and 4cm high, the MaiA S2 is also one of the smallest super-integrated amplifiers currently available. The internal amplifier circuitry is dual mono but light on output muscle – 25wpc into 8 Ohms; 38wpc into 4 Ohms – and, in the absence of high-current delivery claims, will likely warrant careful loudspeaker matching.
A subwoofer output presents for those who want to flesh out the sound in the low end and a 6.4mm headphone socket should comfortably satisfy those with 32 Ohm headphones.
The elegant twist in the tail comes when we look back to 2018’s CD Box S2 (€399) whose chassis width makes it the perfect aesthetic match for the new MaiA S2 integrated to net an elegantly simple two-box CD-to-loudspeaker hi-fi system (as seen in the header image).
The MaiA S2 is available in silver or black, ships with an infra-red remote, sells for €499 and begins shipping shortly.
Further information: Pro-Ject
* Also compatible with high output MC.
