Trickle down from Esoteric to price points with a wider audience from TEAC...

[cmalak]

Just saw these interesting products at Dagogo.com: TEAC Announces the 501 Series Amplifier, DAC, Disc Player, Headphone Amp | A Unique Audiophile Experiance

1) TEAC HA-501 headphone amplifier ($849):

The HA-501 Headphone Amplifier sports an impressive list of features. 2 RCA lines in, 1 balanced XLR line in, 1 pre-line out, a selectable damping to dial in different headphones impedance (16 Ohms – 600 Ohms), 1.4W of power, toroidal-core power transformer for stable power supply and is fully analog with monaural discrete circuit in a Class-A design.

2) TEAC PD-501HR DSD/CD player ($799):

The PD-501HR is a high def DSD/PCM/CD player which can not only play 24bit/192kHz disc but also uses an extensively tested Vibration Acoustic Control Structure (VACS) to control vibration, allowing for nearly bit perfect disc read. The DSD and CD/PCM play back sample rates via the digital outs are equal to the source, during pure mode playback, the RCA used for output. The PS-501HR also uses separate power supplies for analog and digital to reduce system noise, allowing for as black a background level as possible. SACD is not supported, nor are there balanced XLR outs for the HA-501 Headphone Amplifier or UD-501 DAC.

30 AI-501DA Integrated Class D amplifier ($849):

The AI-501DA integrated Class-D ABLETEC Norway amplifier puts out a max power of 90W, has an integrated USB 192kHz digital audio input, which are processed by BurrBrown PCM5102 DAC. It also has a headphone jack, two RCA lines in, coaxial and optical inputs. The AI-501DA also uses a toroidal-core power transformer. This amplifier should offer the musical and smooth sound, characteristics of the Class-D amplifier. Unfortunately, there does not appear to be any XLR inputs for the star of the series, the UD-501 DAC.

4) UD-501 DAC ($840):

Last but not least, the main attraction of the 501 Series, the UD-501 DAC which supports DSD 2.8/5.6MHZ file at native playback by ASIO 2.1 or DoP methods or up to 32bit/384kHz PCM. WOW that is impressive resolution. With the balanced XLR outs, a headphone rig using the 501 series gear would be impressive. Two 32-bit BurrBrown DACs per channel and JRC MUSES op amps and a dual monaural design. Also using a toroidal-core power supply. TEAC states that the UD-501 can compete with gear up to five times its price.

This intro sums up the trickle down aspects:

TEAC has focused on bringing the quality and technology of their flagship Esoteric brand to an affordable price point. And the impressive spec list on the 501 series and added circuit and CD vibration technology shows TEAC’s efforts to make that statement a reality. Thus you will find many trickle down technologies, like the discrete circuitry, dual monaural designs, high-grade power transformers, in the TEAC gear that can also be found in the flagship Esoteric products.

I don't know about you guys but these components to me look like they can be the basis of a very satisfying smaller, secondary system or as great introductory products to the world of high-end audio at an affordable price point. Good for TEAC/Esoteric

[cmalak]

Ivan...given that your an Esoteric dealer, do you have access to these TEAC products as well?

[Masterlu]

Cyril... Yes, I carry the full Teac line.

I have heard some of the Teac units, and every time they blow me away.

[Masterlu]

Also carry M2 Tech, which BTW is raising prices across the board March 1st.

[cmalak]

Ivan...is M2 Tech also part of or affiliated with TEAC/Esoteric?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Ivan...is M2 Tech also part of or affiliated with TEAC/Esoteric?

Yes, and so is Cabasse speakers.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Yes, and so is Cabasse speakers.

[jdandy]

Cyril.......Thanks for posting these fine Teac components. I have been impressed with Teac Micro components for a number of years. This line up of components will sell like blueberry pancakes at a blueberry festival.

[JJinID]

The UD-501 DAC for $840 looks interesting... Anyone listen to this yet?

[LordoftheRingsEE]

-- Those TEAC components are gorgeously cute, and inexpensive too! ...And I bet they sound as good as they look.