TEAC introduces 'baby' AI-101DA integrated amplifier with USB DAC

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TEAC has announced the introduction of the £250 AI-101DA integrated amplifier with USB DAC – the first product in its new 'baby' Reference 101 series that marks the next stage in its "quest to miniaturise hi-fi".

The Reference 101 series is even smaller than its Reference 301 and 501 siblings, with the new AI-101DA housed in a "precision-engineered" aluminium unit that measures 182 x 53 x 91 mm – the size of a book.

According to TEAC, the purpose of the AI-101DA is to let you stream high-res music up to 24-bit/192kHz via aptX Bluetooth or direct wired connections – it features two optical inputs, a USB input and a line audio input.

MORE: Read all our TEAC reviews and news

It houses two 26W Class D power amplifiers and a BurrBrown PCM1796 DAC, the latter of which can upscale lower quality audio signals. The product also comes with an auto power saving mode.

In addition to the AI-101DA itself, TEAC is providing high-resolution audio playback software that can be used with PC and Mac devices. The software will be made available via a free download from TEAC's website.

The AI-101DA can be placed horizontally or vertically and it'll be available in black or silver from January 2015. There will also be the option to purchase a AI-101DA with a pair of TEAC LS-101 speakers for £300.

MORE: High-resolution audio – everything you need to know

Pete Hayman

Pete was content editor on What Hi-Fi?, overseeing production and publication of digital content. In creating and curating feature articles for web and print consumption, he provided digital and editorial expertise and support to help reposition What Hi-Fi? as a ‘digital-first’ title; reflecting the contemporary media trends. He is now a senior content strategist.