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Pro-Ject MaiA Pre Compact stereo preamplifier with built-in DAC and Bluetooth® (Silver)

Item # 252MAIAPRS

With its built-in digital-to-analog converter, Bluetooth streaming, and wide array of analog and digital inputs,...

With its built-in digital-to-analog converter, Bluetooth streaming, and wide array of analog and digital inputs,...

4 questions - 13 answers

Item # 252MAIAPRS

Shop all Pro-Ject Stereo Preamps

About the Pro-Ject MaiA Pre

Dave Bar

A full-featured preamp in miniature

With its built-in digital-to-analog converter, Bluetooth streaming, and wide array of analog and digital inputs, you might think that the MaiA Pre was a full-size stereo preamplifier. But when you see it in person, it's astonishingly small — easily capable of being tucked away in a bookcase or used in a versatile desktop system.
Pro-Ject MaiA PRE compact stereo preamplifier

The Pro-Ject MaiA Pre can handle all your analog and digital music sources, plus Bluetooth for wireless music streaming.

A full-featured preamp in miniature

With its built-in digital-to-analog converter, Bluetooth streaming, and wide array of analog and digital inputs, you might think that the MaiA Pre was a full-size stereo preamplifier. But when you see it in person, it's astonishingly small — easily capable of being tucked away in a bookcase or used in a versatile desktop system.

The MaiA Pre's compact, all-metal chassis boasts connections for up to nine audio sources, including a high-quality phono input for your turntable. Just connect this little puppy to your favorite powered speakers, headphones, or power amp, and prepare to enjoy exciting, lifelike sound.


High-res audio

High-resolution sound, and more

The MaiA Pre's built-in DAC faithfully renders your digital sources, including high-res music files. There's also an asynchronous USB input for using your computer as a high-fidelity music source. One coaxial and two optical digital audio inputs means this amp is also ready for CD and Blu-ray players, network streaming devices, and more. 

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Product highlights:

  • built-in 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter
  • asynchronous USB input for playback of high-resolution digital music files from a connected computer (up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution)
  • Bluetooth wireless connectivity for streaming music from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers
    • aptX® encoding provide high-quality music streaming from compatible devices
  • 3 stereo RCA audio inputs, including a phono input (for use with a moving magnet cartridge)
  • minijack analog input for connecting an iPod or other portable player
  • 2 Toslink optical digital audio inputs (supports music files up to 24-bit/96kHz)
  • coaxial digital audio input
  • dual-mono design for maximum stereo separation and imaging
  • built-in headphone amplifier with full-size (1/4") output
  • THD: 0.01%
  • frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz (+0dB, -0.5dB)
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB
  • credit card-style remote control
  • 8-1/8"W x 1-7/16"H x 7-15/16"D
  • weight: 2.43 lbs.
  • warranty: 1 year
  • MFR # MaiA Pre-SL

What's in the box:

  • Preamp/DAC
  • AC power adapter (w/ attached 5' DC cord)
  • 3 AC plug inserts (US/EU/UK)
  • Remote control
  • CR2032 3V battery
  • Bluetooth antenna
  • CD-ROM w/ USB Driver
  • Instructions

Customer reviews for Pro-Ject MaiA Pre

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5.0 out of 5 stars
3 reviews

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More details on the Pro-Ject MaiA Pre

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Inputs
RCA Inputs 2
XLR Inputs 0
3.5mm Inputs 0
Phono Inputs 1
Phono Input Type Moving Magnet/Moving Coil
Optical Digital Inputs 2
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
Digital XLR Inputs 0
USB Type A ---
USB Type B ---
Ethernet Port ---
Outputs
RCA Outputs 2
XLR Outputs 0
Optical Digital Outputs 0
Coaxial Digital Outputs 0
Digital XLR Outputs 0
Subwoofer Outputs 0
Discrete Sub Outs
Headphone Output 1/4"
Audio Features & Specs
Home Theater Bypass ---
Frequency Response Not given
S/N Ratio (Phono) ---
S/N Ratio (Line) 95
THD 0
DAC Bit Depth 24-bit
DAC Sample Rate 192 kHz
High-res Audio Playback
From Network No
From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) No
From Computer (USB-B) No
Wireless Features
Bluetooth Built-in
Bluetooth Formats Supported SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi N/A
Frequency Bands N/A
Streaming Compatibility
Apple AirPlay No
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon No
HEOS No
MusicCast No
BluOS No
Music Services
Amazon Music No
Apple Music No
Pandora No
Qobuz No
SiriusXM No
Spotify No
Tidal No
TuneIn No
YouTube Music No
Control
Apple Control App No
Android Control App No
Amazon Alexa No
Google Assistant No
12 Volt Trigger No
IR Control No
RS-232 No
Other Specs
Width (Inches) 8.125
Height (Inches) 1.4375
Depth (Inches) 7.9375
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year

Product Research

Features

Preamp & DAC: The Pro-Ject MaiA Pre is a small preamplifier/DAC combo with ultimate input flexibility, that is designed to be used with either active speakers, headphones, or any high quality power amplifier. Despite its small size, 9 source devices can be connected simultaneously offering analog & digital input options. A high-quality 24-bit/192kHz DAC is used for its USB, digital, and Bluetooth connections. No matter which input you choose, you'll get a natural & lifelike sound.

Low Output Impedance Preamplifier: The MaiA Pre offers a special low output impedance pre amplifier output stage (< 100ohms) to drive long NF cable lengths without loosing quality.

24-Bit/192kHz DAC: The Pro-Ject MaiA Pre utilizes a Cirrus Logic 24-bit/192kHz multi-bit delta-sigma type DAC (CS4344) for exceptional sound quality from the unit's USB-B input, optical & coaxial digital inputs, and built-in Bluetooth.

Asynchronous USB-B Input: The Pro-Ject preamplifier/DAC provides a USB-B input to connect your Windows PC or Mac computer for playback of compressed and high-res music files stored on your laptop or desktop. The unit's USB-B input bypass the inferior DAC in your computer and utilizes the 24-bit/192kHz DAC of the MaiA Pre for exceptional sound quality. Asynchronous technology allows the digital clock inside MaiA Pre to control the flow of data coming from your computer. This method of communication leads to less jitter (timing errors) for the unit's built-in DAC to deal with which results in clearer more defined sound.

Note: Windows PC will require a USB Class 2 driver that is installed on the included CD-ROM. Mac computers do not require a separate USB driver.

Built-in Bluetooth: The MaiA Pre offers built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming of stored music and music apps on your Bluetooth-enabled Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Windows PC/Phone, Mac computer/laptop, and more. The MaiA can pair with up to 8 Bluetooth devices, but only one can be used at a time. You'll still continue to use your Bluetooth device to control music playback and view song/artist information.

Note: Due to the differences in Bluetooth technology, some Bluetooth enabled devices may be incompatible, function improperly, or may not support all features when used with the Pro-Ject MaiA Pre.

Optical & Coaxial Digital Inputs: The Pro-Ject MaiA Pre features two optical (toslink) digital inputs and one coaxial (RCA) digital input to connect your Blu-ray/DVD player, cable/satellite box, game system, or TV. These digital inputs will accept 2ch PCM only. The optical digital inputs support up to 24-bit/96kHz, while the coaxial digital input supports up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Line-Level Inputs: The MaiA Pre includes two sets of stereo RCA inputs for connection of an analog audio device, like a CD player, AM/FM tuner, or tape deck. There is also a stereo minijack (3.5mm) input for connection of a portable music player.

Phono Input: The Pro-Ject preamplifer/DAC is equipped with a Phono input for connection of a turntable with an MM or MC cartridge.

Line Output: The Pro-Ject MaiA is fitted with a stereo RCA line output to connect to a power amplifier or powered speakers.

Headphone Jack: There is a 1/4" headphone jack on the front-panel for connecting a set of headphones (16-600 ohms).

Simple Control: The Pro-Ject MaiA Pre includes an IR remote control for wireless operation of the preamplifier/DAC. Control options include Power On/Off, Input Select, and Volume Up/Down. These same controls are also located on the unit's front-panel.

Metal Chassis: The MaiA Pre features a metal casing which effectively protects against interferences. The MaiA Pre is available with silver or black faceplates.

AC Power Adapter: The Pro-Ject MaiA Pre operates off of standard household current using the supplied external AC power adapter.

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Customer Q&A

4 questions already asked

Q
I need a DAC with Bluetooth capability and a phono input. I'm guessing this one isn't it?
john  Sep 24, 2019
3 answers
A
This unit did have those abilities for audio inputs into it. However, we no longer have it. We do have advisors that you can reach by calling 1-800-324-9695 who can give you a recommendation on a current unit that meets all your needs.
jason  Oct 12, 2019 (Staff)
A
High-quality phono MM preamp and Wireless Bluetooth streaming (aptX capable) input with dedicated antenna.
john  Oct 11, 2019
A
Well, the MaiA Pre has some physical digital inputs (USB and optical lightpipe), some analog inputs (phono and aux), and analog output, so naturally there's DAC function going on inside. And yes, you can pair it with a Bluetooth source and stream audio from a smart device such as an iPhone. I guess the real question might be one of implementation. This is a preamp, not just a converter. Its primary purpose is to let you select one of several sources sources (in this case, some analog, some digital) and send the selected source to a power amp and speakers. That's what a preamp does. Do you want a preamp?
daniel  Oct 11, 2019
Q
Will it output to wireless speakers as well as hardwired?
katie  Jun 02, 2019
7 answers
A
You may want to ask technical support on this since I haven't set mine up that way. I assume that wireless speakers will work with any stereo system.
mitch  Jun 03, 2019
A
We have it hardwired...not sure
brian  Jun 03, 2019
A
Katie, The manual clearly refers to the "Bluetooth INPUT", and describes streaming audio via bluetooth FROM your tablet or smartphone TO the MaiA Pre. So it appears that the MaiA Pre is a RECEIVER of Bluetooth audio, not a transmitter. I've successfully paired Bluetooth audio that way; never tried the reverse. But according to the manual, I'd say the answer to your question is "no". Maybe you can find a Bluetooth transmitter which would accept analog audio from the Pre's analog outputs, but the whole point of owning a MaiA Pre is to enjoy something much better-sounding than wireless speakers :-)
daniel  Jun 03, 2019
A
No, Bluetooth streaming is input only. Output is hardwired to speakers or amplifier.
christopher  Jun 03, 2019
A
Only if your wireless speakers support Bluetooth streaming. If your speakers support WiFi, this will not work.
christopher  Jun 03, 2019
A
This is a preamp with a single RCA out
david  Jun 03, 2019
A
This device has no tone controls but it should drive a speaker with a built in amplifier. It does have a front panel level control which could serve as a volume control for an amplified speaker. It can be wired into an input to a receiver or pre-amp. I use the digital input to feed into a Parasound pre-amp.
kevin  Jun 03, 2019
Q
can I connect both active speakers and a subwoofer at the same time?
pezti  Feb 13, 2018
1 answer
A
There is only one set of outputs to an amplifier. You could try use RCA splitter to run output signals to two amps.
william  Feb 13, 2018
Q
Is the output fixed or variable?
harry m  Aug 30, 2017
2 answers
A
Variable. Volume knob front and center.
a brett  Aug 30, 2017
A
Output is fixed.
gilbert  Aug 30, 2017

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