Features

Class-D Amplifier: After lots of technical research for an amp with high-quality sound and high output power, but low power consumption, the ALC0180 Digital Power Amplifier module, manufactured by ABLETEC, Norway, was decided on to compliment the AI-501DA. Delivering of 60W + 60W (4Ω) or 30W + 30W (8Ω) of output power at a maximum 55W of power consumption, you are able to enjoy powerful sound without hesitation. Furthermore this next generation integrated amplifier consumes only 10W in idling mode, and 0.2W at power-saving standby mode.

Large Capacity Toroidal-Core Power Transformer: An over-sized Toroidal-core power transformer helps deliver high-quality sound without sacrificing energy-efficiency and the unit's compact dimensions.  Conventional diodes produce rectification noise that negatively affects the sound of other units. To combat this, TEAC installed Schottky Barrier Diodes to supply a cleaner internal current and reduce rectification noise.

Burr Brown DAC: The AI-501DA employs the highly celebrated BurrBrown PCM5102 DAC for high performance and support of a wide range of digital audio sources. Its three digital inputs (optical/coaxial/USB) support sampling rates of 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192kHz. It's ideal for playback of FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, and other high-resolution file formats. It is capable of 32-bit processing and even has the capacity to process 2.8/5.6MHz DSD data, for faithful and accurate playback of high-resolution sound sources. The AI-501DA also utilizes high-quality operational-amplifiers and electrolytic capacitors for high-quality sound.

Asynchronous USB Input: The TEAC AI-501DA features a USB (type-B) port for connecting your Windows PC or Mac computer. The AI-501DA accepts digital audio source material stored on your computer at up to 32-bit/192kHz. When receiving digital audio signals from a computer via USB cable, the unit can operate in asynchronous mode, controlling the timing of the input signal using the AI-501DA's internal clock. With asynchronous transmission over USB, signal compromising jitter is effectively eliminated, allowing digital audio signals to be transmitted in a pure, unadulterated state. This allows optimal playback of high-resolution digital audio files from playlists/libraries in your iTunes, Windows Media Player, or similar playback programs on your computer.

HR Audio Player App (for Windows & Mac): The TEAC HR Audio Player is a free application software download to help you playback and enjoy your high-resolution audio files on your Windows or Mac computer with ease through the TEAC AI-501DA and connected speakers. The TEAC HR Audio Player allows you to listen to your audio as soon as you connect the TEAC AI-501DA and install the application; simply drag-and-drop the music files on your computer into the window of the application. Various high-resolution audio files formats are supported, including DSD (2.8MHz/5.6MHz), PCM (44.1-192kHz; 16-32-bit), and FLAC (44.1-192kHz; 16-32-bit), plus compressed music files like MP3 (32-320kbps). You can even choose between ASIO2.1 and DoP (DSD over PCM) modes when playing back DSD files from your Windows PC. In order to maximize the connected unit's performance, a simplified screen of the TEAC HR Audio Player helps reduce CPU load time while data processing.  Furthermore, the RAM Buffer Playback mode that stores the audio data onto the internal memory is supported for the ultimate digital audio playback conditions. Additional features include Playlist, Repeat, and Shuffle playback.

Optical & Coaxial Digital Inputs: The TEAC AI-501DA is fitted with two optical (toslink) inputs and one coaxial (RCA) digital input for connection of other digital audio sources like your CD/SACD, Blu-ray/DVD player, or network player. These digital inputs will accept two channel linear PCM (not Dolby Digital/DTS). The coaxial digital input supports 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192kHz sampling frequencies (16- or 24-bit). The optical digital inputs support only 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96kHz sampling frequencies (16-or 24-bit).

Analog Inputs: The TEAC AI-501DA features two sets of stereo RCA inputs for connecting an external analog audio source, such as your CD player, Tuner, or Tape Deck.

Binding-Post Speaker Terminals: The TEAC AI-501DA USB DAC amplifier is equipped with four binding-post speaker terminals to connect a pair of loudspeakers (4-8Ω). The binding-post speaker terminals will accept bare wire (up to 8AWG), spade-connectors, pin-connectors, and banana plugs (single or dual).

Headphone Amplifier: The TEAC AI-501DA features a built-in headphone amplifier and front-panel 1/4" headphone jack that will accept headphone impedances from 8 to 600-ohms. The 50mW + 50mW output (at 32-ohms load) headphone amplifier uses CCLC (Coupling Capacitor Less Circuit) technology. In conventional headphone output circuits, a capacitor is used for output-stage coupling, and so the sound is unavoidably colored. When the capacitor is combined with a high-pass filter this often results in phase lags, or low frequency level degradation. With CCLC the negative impact of capacitors on sound quality is eliminated, providing full low-frequency sound and a responsive headphone listening environment with great spatiality.

Remote Control & Level Meters: The TEAC USB DAC amplifier comes with a IR remote for wireless operation of the AI-501DA. The remote offers Power, Volume, Input, and Playback controls. Two level meters on the front-panel indicated the output levels of each output channel.

All-Metal Chassis: The TEAC AI-501DA features a compact chassis with aluminum panels and a motor-driven volume knob with the tactile feel you'd expect from controls found in high end full-size hi-fi components. The solid all-metal chassis is impressively inert, minimizing the effects of vibration on the unit's sound quality.

No Cooling-Fan Design: To reach both goals of attaining high performance and compact dimensions, 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.

Auto Power Down: If there is not signal from the selected input source and no operation has occurred for approximately 30 minutes, the USB DAC amplifier will enter standby mode. Power consumption in standby mode is 0.2W or less.