A compact stereo integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC and nine inputs: MM/MC phono, three line, USB, coaxial, two optical and Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD, delivering 2 x 80 W into 8 ohms and 2 x 140 W into 4 ohms.
MaiA DS3: what is inside
MaiA stands for My audio integrated Amplifier, and the MaiA DS3 is the reworked version of this all-in-one design: a single compact chassis holds amplification, D/A converter, phono stage and Bluetooth reception. Output is 140 W per channel into 4 ohms and 80 W into 8 ohms. The electronics are housed in a machined aluminium enclosure that shields them from outside interference; the layout, according to the distributor's list, is dual mono.
On the analogue side there are three RCA line inputs and a phono input with two settings, MM (40 dB, 47 kohms) and MC (60 dB, 100 ohms); the official sheet rates it for MC as well as MM and MI cartridges. The digital section offers one coaxial, two optical and a USB Audio Class 2 input, handling PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz and DSD up to DSD256. The ninth input is Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD for streaming from a phone. The distributor's list mentions two PCM1795 converters and an asynchronous USB input based on XMOS.
The variable RCA output allows a subwoofer or a second power amplifier to be added, while the fixed one passes the signal to a recorder without going through the volume control, which the distributor describes as motorised. The headphone output gives 2 x 430 mW into 32 ohms. A remote control is supplied and 12 V trigger sockets synchronise switch-on with other units; the power supply is external, rated at 36 V and 5.5 A.
Specifications
- Output: 2 x 80 W into 8 ohms, 2 x 140 W into 4 ohms, at 1% THD
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, within ±0.3 dB at 20 kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 97 dB (105 dB A-weighted) at 1 kHz
- Distortion (THD): below 0.01% at 10 W into 8 ohms
- Headphone output: 2 x 430 mW into 32 ohms
- Line inputs: 3 RCA pairs, 860 mV sensitivity
- Phono input: one RCA pair; MM 40 dB into 47 kohms, MC 60 dB into 100 ohms
- Digital inputs: 1 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB Audio Class 2
- Formats: PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz; DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256
- Bluetooth: version 5.0 with aptX and aptX HD (A2DP)
- Trigger: 12 V input and output
- Power: external 36 V / 5.5 A supply; standby under 0.5 W
- Remote control: supplied, takes two 1.5 V AAA cells
- Dimensions: 206 x 71 x 240 mm (width, height, depth), 252 mm deep including sockets
- Weight: 1850 g, power supply excluded
- Finishes: black, silver
