Suffering from a shortage of desk space? The new TEAC AI-303 USB DAC Amplifier offers connectivity options for a myriad of sources and includes a headphone amplifier.
The AI-303 is solidly built and offers a flexible two-channel stereo hub for hi-fi enthusiasts looking for a compact solution that also supports hi-res streaming, Bluetooth aptX HD, DSD, and MQA.
Features
Product Design: The AI-303 is encased in a full metal cabinet with Aluminum/Steel panels. This construction helps to suppress incoming electromagnetic interference from PCs and other devices, contributing to better sound reproduction.
Three-point Feet: TEAC has incorporated a three-point support foot “stress-less foot” design. The AI-303 supports stable installation without being affected by distortion of floor/desk/table/shelf surfaces. Unlike a conventional foot design, the stress-less foot does not fix to the chassis directly. This allows it to vibrate freely also supporting more natural sound.
Hypex Ncore Power Amplifier: The AI-303 has a high energy efficient/high-performance Ncore power amplifier designed by Hypex.
Audio Format Support: The AI-303 supports up to DSD512 and 32-bit/384kHz PCM Hi-Res audio formats via physical connectivity. To optimize quality, the D/A converter on the AI-303 uses two types of digital filters and x2Fs, x4Fs, and x8Fs up-conversion processing. Integrated MQA decoding is also included.
HDMI ARC/eARC: In addition to USB, analog, and digital coax/optical connection options, the AI-303 is also equipped with an HDMI ARC/eARC input connection. This means that you can use the AI-303 not just to listen to music but also as a part of a sound system for watching movies and shows via a direct connection to your TV.
Tip: The AI-303 does not have a dedicated phono/turntable input. To connect a turntable, it needs to have a built-in phono preamp, or you will need to connect an external phono preamp between the turntable and the AI-303 via its line level input options.
USB-C Connectivity: The AI-303 includes a self-powered USB-C port. Most Android devices and recent iPad Air/iPad Pro models that are equipped with USB-C ports allow single USB-C cable connection without extra devices.
Asynchronous USB: When used as a USB DAC, the AI-303 operates in asynchronous mode, where the input signal timing is regulated by an onboard clock. This results in cleaner digital signal transmission.
Bluetooth: In addition to physical inputs, the AI-303 also has a Bluetooth receiver that supports LDAC, aptX HD, and more. This allows direct wireless transmission from compatible smartphones, so you can listen to any music streaming service or music library you have access to on your smartphone or other compatible source device. Multipoint is also supported.
Attenuated Volume Control: The AI-303 includes ladder-type attenuation in its volume control. The front volume circuit of the AI-303 is designed not to pass the music signal directly. By reading the value of the volume knob, the circuit reproduces the value with a resistive ladder-type attenuator, transmitting the music signal to the amplifier in the shortest path that maintains signal quality.
The system also achieves low distortion and high S/N even when the volume is attenuated so that the original sound source can be delivered at low volume levels without loss of sound quality. The level difference between the left and right channels (gang error) and crosstalk between channels is also minimized.
“Bulk Pet” Digital Audio Transmission: This feature supports stable file transfer by averaging the processing load on both the source and AI-303 sides to transfer a certain amount of data consistently. Since the sound quality also changes as the load status of a PC changes, you can select sound quality preferences from four pre-set transfer modes.
Headphone Output: The AI-303 wouldn’t be complete unless it had a built-in headphone amplifier. The headphone output supports ground-separate connection by using a 4-pole jack.
Headphone Crossfeed: This provides a more “speaker-like” stereo listening experience where a low level of left channel sound is sent to the right ear and vice versa. This provides a more natural soundfield than the typical left/right channel isolation in headphone listening.
Control: The AI-303 can be controlled via the provided wireless remote. Limited controls are provided on the front panel.
Specifications
- Model Number: AI-303B
- Amplifier Type: Class D
- Amplifier Channels: 2
- Rated Power Output (4 ohms): 2 x 50 Watts
- Rated Power Output (8 ohms): 2 x 25 Watts
- THD at the Rated output (4 or 8 ohms): .03%
- SNR: 100 dB
- Frequency Response: 2Hz to 70kHz
- Wireless: Bluetooth ver 4.2 (codec support includes AAC, aptX, aptX HD, SBC, LDAC, LHDC)
Physical Connectivity
- 1 HDMI (ARC/eARC)
- 2 digital (SPDIF Coax and Optical)
- 1 USB
- 2 RCA line inputs,
- 1 Set of Speaker terminals (4 to 8-ohm support)
- Subwoofer Preamp Output
- Front panel headphone output (3.5mm)
Availability and Pricing
The TEAC AI-303 Integrated Amplifier is available in black or silver finish for 899 euros (£794 UK). US and Canada availability and pricing are forthcoming.
For more information: teac.jp
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