With more people listening to their music through their desktop computers, TVs and smartphones, TEAC has unveiled its brand new Reference 301 series of mini hi-fi components.
The range features two components – an integrated amp and a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) – and a pair of loudspeakers, all of which are now available to buy.
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We start with the AI-301DA, which is a stereo amplifier with aptX Bluetooth, USB and built-in DAC costing £399 and housing a 2 x 40W Class-D ICE power power amp.
It offers 2.8MHz/5.6MHz DSD native playback and 32-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio support, while its aptX Bluetooth codec lets you stream music from a range of devices.
Meanwhile, coupling capacitor-less technology is installed to boost sound quality if you want to listen with headphones and the unit also has coaxial and optical digital inputs.
MORE: TEAC unveils new headphone amplifier with built-in DAC
The UD-301 dual mono, DSD-capable 32-bit/192kHz DAC will also set you back £399 and has the same high-res support as the AI-301DA, as well as 192kHz up-conversion.
Its dual monaural design aims to remove interference between the left and right channels, with the device able to be directly connected to a power amp or active speaker.
Other features include a toroidal core power transformer and XLR balanced outputs and RCA output can be set to fixed, adjustable or off to increase the unit's versatility.
MORE: Read all our DAC reviews
And completing the Reference 301 series is the LS-301 two-way coaxial loudspeaker system, developed using 'trickledown' technology from TEAC's flagship S-300NEO.
The speakers come with 10cm woofer and 2cm silk-coated tweeter using the Air Direct Center Pole System, and can reproduce high frequencies up to 40kHz.
Available for £299, the speakers are designed to work with the AI-501DA amplifier and features coaxial driver technology to provide "a superb sense of sonic cohesiveness".
MORE: TEAC AI-501DA review
by Pete Hayman
