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Updated, Upgraded 'Tube-like' Desktop Integrated Amp
Pro-Ject's original MaiA was a compact integrated amplifier with ultimate input flexibility along with circuitry that avoids compromising the sound quality. It offered all the digital and analog input options you could dream of combined with an amplifier stage that delivers outstanding tube-like sound (via Flying Mole modules) and a high-class 24bit/192kHz D/A converter stage.
That was then and this is now. The MaiA S2 is here with modern looks, a new all-aluminum case, and an improved board layout. The astonishing feature-set remains the same as before.
MaiA S2's improved case and board layout result in better shielding of electromagnetic interference further improving the already excellent audio performance: No matter which input you choose, a real musical sound with lifelike characteristics is guaranteed.
A Generous Complement of Inputs
The MaiA S2's generous complement of inputs consists of two optical ins, a coaxial in, and a USB interface along with three standard analog line-level inputs and a moving magnet phono input for your turntable using a built-in, high quality MM phono preamp. Not only does the MaiA S2 give you all these wired connectivity options, but it also includes wireless streaming via great-sounding Bluetooth aptX® technology, allowing you to stream music directly from your phone or Bluetooth capable device.
No matter which input you choose, you will enjoy a highly musical sound quality with lifelike performance. This stylish amplifier offers low noise and solid output power of 38 watts-per-channel that will fill small to medium rooms with audiophile playback quality.
Additionally, a subwoofer or another power amplifier can be connected. In addition to powering your speakers, MaiA boasts an onboard headphone stage with 1/4" jack to thrill you with lush and lifelike private listening.
An infrared The massive but compact metal casing is elegant and helps shield MaiA from interference. Choose black or silver finish faceplate finish.
'Flying Mole' Design
Over twenty years ago, a group of senior engineers at a large Japanese audio company held a meeting with the company’s principals. They proposed a new type of amplifier using a newly designed compact, highly efficient, high-powered digital amp circuit with vanishingly low distortion. Their circuit’s combination of high power and low distortion was not only revolutionary at the time, but it also remains so today.
Senior management of the big Japanese company told the engineers that management was taking the company in different direction – video and plasma TVs. But management loved the engineers' design and authorized them to pursue it on their own. The engineers quit their jobs and started building amps. They called their new company "Flying Mole." Why? Flying mole is an oxymoron. Moles live underground and don’t fly. Their circuit design, too, was an oxymoron. A high-powered digital amp with extremely low distortion. Unheard of!
Shortly after their launch, the Japanese audiophile community fell in love with the sound of Flying Mole amps. So did the audiophile press, which greeted the amps with one rave review after another. For ten years the compact, high-powered Flying Mole amplifiers were the rage in Japan and Europe, where space and efficiency are important. Time, however, took a toll on the aging engineers. In 2010 the last of the originals shut down the company.
Birth of the Box Series
After Flying Mole closed, the Austrian distributor, Pro-Ject's Heinz Lichtenegger, hired a team of engineers to update the original circuit. With advanced new components, his new circuit had even lower distortion that the original. It sounded so good, Heinz decided to start a company built on his new design – and Pro-Ject Box Design was born.
MaiA's design, as well as the design of Pro-Ject's other Box Design components is very compact due to the amazing efficiency of the Flying Mole concept. Heinz puts the money into the circuit parts instead of into big metal box. This is why Pro-Ject's Box Design components offer performance that is unmatched for the price in the audio market.
