TEAC AI-301DA-X: Compact high quality integrated amplifier

The metal case of the TEAC AI-301DA-X amplifier contains an integrated stereo amplifier with a nominal power of 2 x 43 W, a modern digital-to-analog converter and a Bluetooth receiver with support for the improved aptX audio codec. On the laconic front panel, made of aluminum, there is only a volume control and a signal source selector with LED indication, as well as a 6.3 mm jack for connecting stereo phones. The device is distinguished by high quality workmanship and finishing, and is available in black or silver.

TEAC Corporation, following last year’s A-H01 model, introduced another compact integrated amplifier with a built-in digital-to-analog converter. The TEAC AI-301DA-X amplifier is the “younger brother” of the AI-501DA model and cannot boast of high output power, but it stands out for its increased functionality, and it weighs only a little more than two kilograms with dimensions of 61 × 215 × 258 mm.

The DAC itself is built on the basis of the PCM1795 chip from Burr-Brown; when connected via an asynchronous USB-B port, the new product is capable of processing a digital PCM signal with a resolution of up to 192 kHz/32 bits, as well as a DSD stream of 2.8/5.6 MHz. But from the coaxial and optical digital inputs, the amplifier can only accept a PCM signal (up to 192 kHz/24 bit and 96 kHz/24 bit, respectively). By the way, the aforementioned predecessor does not have the ability to work with the DSD format, this is the main difference between these two models. Another important advantage of the new product is support for Bluetooth technology (v 2.1 + EDR) and the high-quality aptX codec.

The maximum output power of the device at a 4-ohm load is 2 × 40 W at THD = 10%, but the rated power is significantly lower. The amplifier operates in class D, and its output stages are based on ICEpower technology. The device is assembled from selected components in a metal case with excellent anti-vibration properties, the front panel is machined from aluminum. The volume control is made on a motorized ALPS potentiometer, and the contacts of all analog connectors on the rear panel are gold-plated.

Thus, based on the AI-301DA-X model, you can assemble a great-sounding PC-based audio system; you just need to add a couple of speakers, such as the LS-H265 or S-300NEO.

Technical characteristics: TEAC AI-301DA-X

Output power 2 x 43 W (JEITA 0.1%, 4 Ohms), 2 x 22 W (JEITA 0.1%, 8 Ohms)
Amplifiers class D, ICEpower
Frequency range 2 Hz – 100 kHz (-5 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio 95 dB (line input)
Total harmonic distortion 0.01%
BurrBrown PCM 1795 DAC
USB input USB 2.0 type B, asynchronous, DSD (2.8 / 5.6 MHz), PCM (up to 192 kHz), bitrate (16, 24, 32 bits)
Coaxial input RCA, PCM (up to 192 kHz), bitrate 16 / 24 bits
Optical input PCM (up to 96 kHz), bitrate 16 / 24 bits
RCA input 2
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, Class 2, A2DP, AVRCP, aptX
Outputs for subwoofer, headphones, screw terminals on speakers
Headphone output Jack 6.3 mm, output power 2 x 100 mV (32 Ohms), distortion 0.005%
Headphone impedance from 8 to 600 Ohm
Power consumption 38 W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 215 x 61 x 254 mm
Weight 2.1 kg