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TEAC UD-301 DAC/headphone amplifier/preamp (Silver)

Item # 063UD301S

The experts at TEAC sure packed a lot into the compact UD-301.

The experts at TEAC sure packed a lot into the compact UD-301.

4 questions - 10 answers

Item # 063UD301S

Shop all TEAC Desktop USB DACs

About the TEAC UD-301

Dave Bar

High-performance audio in a small, versatile package

The experts at TEAC sure packed a lot into the compact UD-301. In fact, this multi-talented little performer is actually three components in one. First, it's a capable high-end DAC ready to convert your digital music into warm, detailed analog sound. Next, it's a high-performance headphone amplifier that delivers powerful, wide-range sound to your best headphones. Finally, it's a fully functioning preamp with volume control that can connect to your favorite power amp or active speakers to create a killer desktop system. And to top it off, TEAC gave it a sleek, all-metal chassis with aluminum panels that'll look fantastic in your home or office.

High-performance audio in a small, versatile package

The experts at TEAC sure packed a lot into the compact UD-301. In fact, this multi-talented little performer is actually three components in one. First, it's a capable high-end DAC ready to convert your digital music into warm, detailed analog sound. Next, it's a high-performance headphone amplifier that delivers powerful, wide-range sound to your best headphones. Finally, it's a fully functioning preamp with volume control that can connect to your favorite power amp or active speakers to create a killer desktop system. And to top it off, TEAC gave it a sleek, all-metal chassis with aluminum panels that'll look fantastic in your home or office.

Ready for high-res music

Versatile digital music handling comes courtesy of dual built-in Burr-Brown DACs that support high-resolution music, including DSD files and 24-bit/192kHz PCM files. The UD-301's asynchronous USB input allows the DAC to control the timing clock signal instead of your computer, reducing jitter to the lowest levels possible for smoother, more detailed sound. Plus this DAC gives you the option to upconvert digital signals of 96kHz and less to double or quadruple the original signal sampling frequency to reduce jitter even further. The TEAC website has the free USB driver download you'll need for computer playback available online. The UD-301 also uses a beefy toroidal transformer-based power supply and dual-mono circuitry throughout for powerful sound, optimum channel separation, and clear stereo imaging.

The ins and outs

The TEAC UD-301

The TEAC UD-301 sports multiple inputs and outputs to handle your audio system's needs.

This DAC features three inputs: the aforementioned USB, plus two digital inputs (1 coax, 1 optical) for connecting a CD/DVD player, game console, or other audio device with a digital output. You also get unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR audio outputs for flexible connectivity with a wide range of consumer-level and pro-audio gear. A full-size headphone jack and front-panel volume control lets you take advantage of the DAC's built-in headphone amp for private listening.

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Product highlights:

  • plays PCM digital audio sources up to 24-bit/192kHz
  • USB input allows decoding of Direct Stream Digital (DSD) files at 2.8MHz or 5.6MHz resolution natively or via ASIO2.1 or DoP (DSD over PCM)
  • dual Burr-Brown (TI) PCM1795 32-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converters for precise playback of digital music files
  • built-in high-performance headphone amplifier with front-panel volume control
  • preamp mode with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs for connection to an outboard power amp or self-amplified speakers
  • asynchronous USB technology for reduced timing jitter and better sound on USB input
  • dual-monaural design to eliminate interference between right and left channels
  • CCLC (Coupling Capacitor-Less Circuit) headphone amp circuitry ensures full low-frequency output and responsive sound
  • user-defeatable upconversion option for digital signals of 96kHz or lower
  • high-efficiency toroidal core power transformer with low magnetic flux leakage for stable, low-noise operation
  • front-panel LED sampling frequency indicators
  • compact all-metal chassis and aluminum panels minimize vibration for clean playback
Inputs:
  • USB (Type B) input for connection to a computer
  • optical digital audio
  • coaxial digital audio
Outputs:
  • line-level stereo XLR balanced audio output (can be set for fixed, variable, or off)
  • line-level stereo RCA audio output (can be set for fixed, variable, or off)
  • full-size 1/4" headphone jack (compatible with headphones from 8-600 ohms impedance)
Other Info & Specs:
  • supported sample rates for USB input: 32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz Linear PCM; 2.8MHz (DSD64) and 5.6MHz (DSD128)
  • supported sample rates for coaxial input: 32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz Linear PCM
  • supported sample rates for optical input: 32/44.1/48/88.2/96kHz Linear PCM
  • operating system requirements: Windows® XP (32-bit), Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Mac® OS X® 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or later
  • TEAC HR Audio Player application required for high-resolution audio playback on Windows and Mac computers (free USB driver download available from TEAC's website)
  • frequency response (with 192kHz sampling frequency input signal): 5-55,000 Hz (-3 dB)
  • THD (with 192kHz sampling frequency input signal): 0.0015%
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 105 dB
  • detachable AC power cable
  • 8-1/2"W x 2-3/8"H x 11-1/8"D
  • weight: 4.4 lbs.
  • If connecting to a TV, please make sure you can select "PCM" output in your TV's audio menu. This DAC cannot decode multi-channel Dolby® Digital signals.
  • warranty: 1 year
  • MFR # UD-301SL

What's in the box:

  • USB DAC/headphone amp
  • 6' AC power cord
  • Owner's Manual
  • Caution note

Customer reviews for TEAC UD-301

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4.5 out of 5 stars
22 reviews

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More details on the TEAC UD-301

Mark G.

Features & specs

Design
Type ---
Built-in Rechargable Battery ---
Built-in Headphone Amplifier
Output Power ---
Output Impedance (Unbalanced) ---
Output Impedance (Balanced) ---
Audio Specs
Bit Depth (USB) 32
Max Sampling Rate (USB) 192
Bit Depth (S/PDIF) 32
Max Sampling Rate S/PDIF 192
S/N Ratio (Unbalanced, in dB) ---
S/N Ratio (Balanced, in dB) 105
THD (Unbalanced) ---
THD (Balanced) 0.0015%
Supported File Types
PCM ---
DSD ---
DXD ---
MQA ---
Inputs
Total Inputs 3
USB Type B
Optical Digital 1
Coaxial Digital 1
3.5mm Digital None
Stereo RCA Analog None
Stereo 3.5mm Analog None
Stereo XLR Analog ---
Headphone Outputs
3.5mm Unbalanced ---
1/4-inch Unbalanced ---
4.4mm Balanced ---
XLR4 Balanced ---
Other Headphone Outs ---
Line Level & Digital Outs
RCA Line Out 1
3.5mm Line Out None
XLR Line Out ---
Subwoofer Out None
Optical Digital Out None
Coaxial Digital Out None
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth ---
Wi-Fi ---
Apple-compatible ---
Android-compatible ---
General Info
Width (inches) 8-1/2
Height (inches) 2-3/8
Depth (inches) 11-1/8
Weight 4.5 lbs.
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year

Product Research

Features

Dual Burr Brown DACs: The TEAC UD-301 uses two Burr Brown 1795 DACs 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. The two internal Burr Brown 1795 digital-to-analog converters each work on a single channel (left or right) for true dual monaural operation. They are capable of 32-bit processing and even have the capacity to process 2.8/5.6MHz DSD data, for faithful and accurate playback of high-resolution sound sources.

192kHz Up-Conversion: When handling digital signals of 96kHz and less, you have the option to up-convert to double or quadruple the original signal sampling frequency - up to 192kHz. Even when playing back a 44.1kHz sound source (equivalent to CD sound quality) a smoother analog audio signal can be obtained in order to convert to a higher resolution digital signal. 44.1kHz input frequencies can be up-converted to 88.2 or 176.4kHz, 48kHz input frequencies can be up-converted to 96 or 192kHz, 88.2kHz input frequencies can be up-converted to 176.4kHz, and 96kHz input frequencies can be up-converted to 192kHz. Frequencies of 176.4kHz and higher will not be up-converted when input. This up-conversion feature can be switched on/off, according to your preference and application.

Dual MUSE Operational Amplifiers: The TEAC UD-301 employs dual MUSE operational amplifiers to transform the electrical current output of the D/A converter into a voltage signal. TEAC opted for a dual monaural configuration for the operational amplifiers, employing two MUSES8920 operational amplifiers, one on each of the left and right channels. These devices are made by New Japan Radio and are designed especially for hi-fi audio.

Dual Monaural Design: In order to process the audio signal from a high-resolution sound source in a purer state, TEAC adopted a dual monaural circuit design whereby each of the left and right channels comprises its own single monaural circuit. This avoids mutual interference between the left and right channels and enables pure stereo playback.

Toroidal Core Power Transformer: A high-efficiency toroidal core power transformer with low magnetic flux leakage is used to guarantee the stable operation of the twin left and right D/A converters that are so essential to the UD-301's high-speed signal processing. This transformer provides a stable power supply even in situations where a sudden surge of power is required, such as when starting up at very high volume.

Asynchronous USB Input: The TEAC UD-301 features a USB (type-B) port for connecting your Windows PC or Mac computer. The UD-301 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 UD-301'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.

Note: Compatible with Windows XP (32-bit), Vista (32/64-bit), 7 (32/64-bit), 8 (32/64-bit), 8.1 (32/64-bit), and 10 (32/64-bit); Windows computer will also require the installation of a dedicated TEAC USB driver. Compatible with Macintosh OS X Snow Leopard (10.6), OS X Lion (10.7), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8), OS X Mavericks (10.9); no additional driver required for Macintosh computers.

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 UD-301 and your connected home audio system. The TEAC HR Audio Player allows you to listen to your audio as soon as you connect the TEAC UD-301 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.

Note: Compatible with Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. Compatible with Macintosh OS X Lion (10.7) or later.

Optical & Coaxial Digital Inputs: The TEAC UD-301 is fitted with optical (toslink) and coaxial (RCA) digital inputs 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 input supports only 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96kHz sampling frequencies (16-or 24-bit).

Headphone Amplifier: The TEAC UD-301 features a built-in headphone amplifier and front-panel 1/4" headphone jack that will accept headphone impedances from 8 to 600-ohms. The 100mW + 100mW 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.

Note: In addition to the dual monaural headphone circuits, there are options to switch off the XLR and RCA outputs on the rear panel. By cutting the power supply and isolating those circuits that are unrelated to the headphone output, the performance of the UD-301's headphone output can be maximized. This feature also makes the headphone amp very easy to use as the volume control for the headphones is completely separate from the output mode (Fixed, Adjustable or Off) on the rear panel.

Balanced & Unbalanced Outputs: The TEAC UD-301 is equipped with a stereo XLR balanced output that can be connected not only to other domestic hi-fi components, but also to professional audio equipment. As a highly versatile, high-performance DAC, the UD-301 offers a high-degree of interoperability with devices ranging from those used by discerning consumers all the way up to those used in the professional domain. The UD-301 also contains a stereo RCA unbalanced outputs to connect to most stereo receivers and integrated amplifiers.

Note: The XLR balanced output and RCA unbalanced outputs on the rear panel can both be set at Fixed, Adjustable or Off. Using the Adjustable setting, the UD-301 can be connected to a power amplifier to create a system with a separate pre-amp and power amp, or alternatively, can be directly connected to an active speaker.

All-Metal Chassis: The TEAC UD-301 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.

AC Power: The TEAC UD-301 operates off of standard household current using the supplied AC power cord. Thanks to its auto power save function, the unit goes into sleep mode after 30 minutes if it has failed to detect a sound signal. Power consumption in standby mode is 0.5W or less.

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Customer Q&A

4 questions already asked

Q
Remote control? Or similar product with one to control volume, with digital optical input and balanced TRS/XLR output? Please help!
john  May 15, 2018
1 answer
A
I'm afraid there is no remote for the TEAC UD-301 DAC/headphone amp. However the upgraded UD-503 model includes an IR remote control for wireless operation: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_063UD503/TEAC-UD-503.html For more details or to discuss further please contact an Advisor directly by phone (888.955.6000) or online chat. Thanks :)
david  May 27, 2018 (Staff)
Q
Does this really have a "motor-driven" volume control, and if so, why? There is no remote, so I don't understand why it would have this feature (if indeed it does). Also, what type of volume control used - analog potentiometer, analog resistor ladder, digital attenuation, digitally-controlled analog chip?
krikor  Jun 23, 2016
1 answer
A
It does have the motor driven volume control for the more tactile feel of higher-end (and much more expensive) audio components. They do no list the type of volume control used but you can contact TEAC directly to see if they will disclose this information: 323-726-0303 I hope that helps. My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=5
ryan  Jun 29, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Can this be used with an iPad ?
chris  Jun 18, 2016
7 answers
A
Hi Chris, No, this is strictly a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter). If you're coming from your iPad, odds are you'd be playing it through the headphone jack which would already be an analog signal. I'm using this device to stream digital audio files from my PC through USB to the DAC where it can go L and R via a Balanced XLR to a mixer. If you're looking to play from your iPad you just need to adapt the 3.5mm phone jack (headphone) to whatever style you need. You won't need to convert the signal. Hope this helps! -Isaac
frontier  Jun 19, 2016
A
refer to my last answer a lightning to usb b connector might work
coleman  Jun 18, 2016
A
no not normaly
coleman  Jun 18, 2016
A
If you can find the proper cable I see no reason why it wouldn't. If you look at the rear panel picture of the UD-301 on Crutchfield you can see the available connections.
herbert n  Jun 18, 2016
A
I do not know for sure, as I don't own any IOS devices but it might be possible. I think you'll need a Camera connection Kit, that is what I've seen for other DACs connected to iPad/iPhones.
anibal  Jun 18, 2016
A
You can connect to the UD-301 using a Lightning to USB adaptor and then USB to the DAC.
bruce  Jun 18, 2016
A
it depends on how you plan to connect the iPad to the headphone amplifier. I stream music to my headphone amplifier using airplay. I take the optical output from airport express to the headphone receiver. If you want to connect your iPad using a cable you will need to go from the iPads lightning port connector to a RCA jack. I don't know if that cables available but it wouldn't surprise me if you can find one
joseph  Jun 18, 2016
Q
What is the actual difference between the UD 301 & AI 301 DA ?
rupss  Aug 04, 2015
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.
kristina  Aug 05, 2015 (Staff)

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