Teac AI-501DA

Teac AI-501DA

Teac AI-501DA

The AI-501DA integrated power amplifier with 192kHz USB digital audio inputs and low power consumption is the powerhouse of TEAC’s new 501 series. Hosting a BurrBrown PCM5102 D/A Converter, USB connectivity, Class-D ABLETEC Norway amplifier and a toroidal-core power transformer makes the AI-501DA a key component for the 501 series or any other 2-channel audio system.

Just connecting a USB cable between any Mac/Windows-PC and the AI-501DA, a variety of audio formats can be transferred in a fully digital manner. Once the driver software is installed, your playlist iTunes or Windows Media Player turns into part of your high-quality audio system. This allows 24bit/192kHz data transfer mode reduces jitter noise while the digital data travels along the USB cable.

The AI-501DA employs the highly celebrated BurrBrown PCM5102, allowing 32bit processing across the USB audio input, Optical and Coaxial digital inputs. Parts were carefully selected for the analog circuits. The unit utilizes high-quality operational-amplifiers and electrolytic capacitors already proven on previous high-end models.

The AI-501DA provides sufficient number of audio inputs allowing users to integrate full-scale hi-fi systems with both existing and future expansions. The device is equipped with two optical inputs and one coaxial input, along with two analog (two stereo) audio inputs. A set of large biding-post speaker terminals accommodates high-grade speaker cables up to AWG8 grade. A detachable AC cable with a 3-polar socket allows user to upgrade to a high-grade AC cable.

The AI-501DA is also designed for headphone listening, as well as speaker listening. An exclusive operational amplifier is employed on each channel. Conventional hi-fi systems only use a single operational amplifier for both channels.

Effort to eliminate the signal to noise ratio and ensure high-quality audio playback mean nothing with a noisy cooling fan. To reach both goals of attaining high performance and compact dimentions, TEAC carefully arranged the inner-workings to eliminate the need of a fan. There are two parameters that conflict with efficient heat dissipation, the circuit design and chassis design. After careful strategy, effective placement of potential heat-generating components allows this high-performance compact amplifier to operate without a cooling fan.