TEAC AI-303
Integrated amplifier
If you are in the market for a compact amplifier with a nice selection of features, the TEAC AI-303 might be one of the options you should take a closer look at.
TEAC AI-303 Highlights
- High-quality Bluetooth
- HDMI with Audio Return Channel
- USB input with support for DSD, DXD and MQA
- Analog and digital inputs
- Compact, sturdy design
Stream audio from your favorite smart device to TEAC AI-303
We are tempted to say that this amplifier does everything. Of course, it dosen’t, but it can do the basic things an amplifier should be able to do, and then some. Thanks to the compact physical size, it is suitable for use in a discreet sound system for the living room, or as a desk amplifier in the office. This compact amplifier has Bluetooth on board, and not just the ordinary kind, but the very highest quality. With both AAC, aptX HD as well as LDAC and LHDC, you can get the best possible sound quality from your smartphone, tablet or computer, sent directly to the amplifier, completely wirelessly. An LED on the front even indicates which type of Bluetooth transfer is currently being used.
HDMI input with ARC
The TEAC AI-303 is equipped with an HDMI input with ARC, so you can connect a compatible flat screen and output the sound to a pair of real speakers. HDMI eARC also integrates the control of the volume control, so you can adjust the volume of the amplifier with the remote control for the TV. The HDMI input is compatible with PCM audio, and thus cannot decode Dolby or DTS. In most TVs you can simply choose to have it decode bitstream formats to PCM via the HDMI output.
Digital and analog inputs
In addition to the HDMI input, you will also find an asynchronous USB input on the back, which can receive DSD up to 11.2MHz and PCM up to 384kHz at 32-bit. This enables you to connect your PC or Mac computer and use it as an audio player. With the USB connection, you ensure the best possible data connection between the two. TEAC also found space on the read for both an optical TosLink input and a coaxial S/PDIF, so you can connect other digital sources, such as a CD player. All the digital inputs are processed by a dedicated chip, which also offers several different FIR filters and upsampling, both of which can be selected via the remote control. Two pairs of analog inputs with RCA connectors allow for the connection of analog sources, such as a record player with built-in phono stage.
Headphone output with crossfeed adjustment
On the front of the TEAC AI-303 you will find a 3.5mm headphone output, which is quite well well thought out. There's even a dedicated crossfeed button so you can adjust the placement of the stereo image in your headphones. It can be an extremely useful feature, especially if you listen to older recordings where the right/left channel can be mixed very 'hard' to each side.
The sturdy cabinet is made of steel and aluminum, and is shielded against external electrical noise. 8mm thick aluminum panels ensure that the construction is strong and stable. The amplifier stands on three feet, which is just the right way to create stability. The TEAC AI-303 is equipped with Ncore amplifier modules from Hypex, which deliver 2 x 25 watts into 8 Ohms and 2 x 50 watts into 4 Ohms.
| Measurements | 21,5 x 6,1 x 25,7 cm |
| Weight (net) | 2.3 kg |
| Digital input(s) | Yes |
| Input, optical (TosLink) | 1 |
| Input, coaxial (S/Pdif) | 1 |
| Input, USB | 1 |
| Input, Stereo RCA | 2 |
| Input, HDMI | 1 |
| Output, Headphone | Yes, 3,5 mm TRS |
| Network features | Bluetooth, Bluetooth AAC, Bluetooth aptX HD, Bluetooth LDAC, Bluetooth LDHC |
| Audio decoding | DSD64 / 2.8 MHz, DSD128 / 5.6 MHz, DSD256 / 11.2 MHz, DXD, MQA decoder |
| Supported sample rates, kHz | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352, 384 |
| Supported bit depth | 16 bit, 24 bit, 32 bit |
| Power at 8Ω (per channel) | 25 watts |
| Power at 4Ω (per. channel) | 50 watts |
| Number of channels | 2 |
| Amplifier type | Class D |
| In the box | Remote control, Power cable, Users guide |
| Power consumption | 63 watts |