TEAC Reference Series AX-501 dual-monaural amplifier offers High-end superb sound in an A size compact all aluminum and metal chassis utilizing the best components. Excellent for a home office or living room setup.
I also am selling a pair of Sonus Faber ‘Toy’ series bookshelf speakers that complement the TEAC Reference Series components beautifully. In addition, I have a matching pair of 1m XLR cables from Straightwire that cost over $350 for sale and two sets of 10’ pair of Kimber Cable high-end speaker cables w/banana plugs.
Will pack securely in separate boxes or in one box (see my add selling both matching amp and preamp/network streamer) as the original ones were disposed of.
Remotes and owners manuals included.
Crutchfield Review:
Simple is beautiful
For serious music nuts like us, a simple, elegant integrated amplifier can be a thing of beauty. Especially when it's got cool level meters on the front like the TEAC AX-501. Their rhythmic dance can be intoxicating, but it won't be enough to distract you from this amp's audio performance. It's got ample power and a "sound-first" design that will have you rediscovering your music collection and renewing your love for your stereo speakers.
Balanced inputs and design
In addition to standard unbalanced RCA inputs, the AX-501 features balanced XLR inputs for connection to an audiophile-quality CD player or digital-to-analog converter (TEAC's UD-501 DAC is a perfect mate). This ensures a low-noise signal from your source all the way through this amp's fully balanced analog preamp circuitry to the output stage. You'll enjoy clean playback with minimal distortion, so more detail comes through in your music.
Energy-efficient Class D design
The AX-501 uses an innovative amplifier design that's robust and energy efficient. A toroidal-core power transformer supplies the right dose of clean current, for low-noise playback. Class D amplification uses only the necessary power to give you clear, dynamic sound. This means the amp runs cool without a noisy internal fan, for quiet performance. It also offers more placement flexibility without having to make lots of extra room in a cabinet to ensure proper ventilation.
Craftsmanship is still alive and well
Though compact, this amplifier is rock-solid. Built on a steel chassis with aluminum panels, the AX-501 is well protected from external vibrations that can introduce distortion into the signal. The front-panel level meters add a touch of hi-fi elegance and retro style to this thoroughly modern design. Dim the lights, put on some tunes, and watch them dance deep into the night.
Highlights:
• 65 watts x 2 into 8 ohms (1 kHz)
• Large toroidal-core power transformer for low noise and high-current output
• Class D amplifier design offers clear, robust sound and energy efficiency from a compact amp
• Fully balanced analog preamp circuitry for low-noise performance
• Dual analog level meters with dimmable backlight
• 1 pair of balanced XLR inputs
• 3 pairs of unbalanced RCA inputs
• NOTE: no phono input — to connect a turntable you'll need to add a phono preamp
• High-quality headphone amplifier with 1/4" jack
• Steel chassis and aluminum top, front, and side panels minimize vibration for clean playback
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 100 dB
• Binding post speaker connectors
• Detachable power cable
• Sleek remote control
• Overall Dimensions: 11-1/2"W x 3-1/4"H x 10-1/2"D
• Weight: 8.8 lbs.
Features
Class-D Power Amplifier (120W +120W @ 4Ω): TEAC specifically selected the ABLETEC ALC0240 digital power amplifier for the AX-501. A maximum power output of 120W+120W with low power consumption of 68W (at max level) delivers powerful, convincing audio reproduction. This next-generation integrated amplifier consumes 0.5W in power-saving mode.
Fully-Balanced Circuitry: In addition to support for balanced connections, a fully-balanced approach for the pre-amp analog circuits supplies constant balanced signals through the entire AX-501 work-flow until they are input to the power amplifier. This configuration is highly resistant to external circuit noise.
Large Capacity Toroidal-Core Power Transformer: An over-sized Troidal-core power transformer helps deliver high-quality sound without sacrificing energy-efficiency and the unit's compact design. Conventional diodes produce rectification noise that negatively affects the sound of other units. To combat this, TEAC installed Schottky Barrier Diodes to supply a cleaner internal current and reduce rectification noise.
Balanced & Unbalanced Analog Inputs: A key feature of the AX-501 is its large number of input terminals, allowing users to connect both current and future audio components along with full-scale audio systems.
XLR Balanced Inputs: The AX-501 features XLR balanced input terminals that allow balanced connection to high-quality USB DAC equipment to cancel out external noise and achieve an unadulterated transmission of high-quality audio signals from the USB DAC to the power amplifier.
RCA Unbalanced Inputs: In addition to the XLR input terminals ideally suited for USB DAC connections, the AX-501 incorporates three sets of unbalanced RCA analog input terminals.
Binding Post Speaker Outputs: The speaker terminals use large binding-post terminals compatible with both banana plugs (single only) and AWG8 speaker cables for versatile speaker connections. The integrated amplifier will support a single pair of speakers (4-8 Ω).
High Quality Headphone Output: The AX-501 features a 1/4" headphone output with audio quality optimized for headphone listening, a feature increasingly popular in recent years. The CCLC (Coupling Capacitor-Less Circuit) system keeps the coupling free of capacitors; ensuring a stronger signal reaches the headphones to achieve accurate audio reproduction.
Full-Metal Construction: Not only the front panel, both side and top panels are made of aluminum panels and attached to a robust steel chassis. These heavy parts eliminate vibrations, and allow all internal circuits to always perform under stable conditions. An A4-size body allows users to place the unit small spaces. The Reference 501 series defines a new standard that fits all modern interior with great space-saving design and a timeless presence.
Quiet Operation: Efforts to eliminate noise and ensure high-quality audio playback are meaningless if the amplifier itself generates noise. Careful selection and efficient placement of potential heat-generating components during circuit and chassis combine to create a compact, high-performance design that doesn't require cooling fans.
Front-Panel & Remote Control: A machined aluminum volume knob and a toggle type main power switch give the user assured operation. The remote control with aluminum facia gives the unit an elegant appearance and very precise volume control. To help contribute to the musical atmosphere, there is a 4-step dimmable backlight (Normal, Dark, Very Dark or Off) and dual analog meters. The level meters can be turned off, as well.
Auto Power Save: The unit will automatically enter standby mod if there is no audio input for approximately 30 minutes.
Detachable AC Power Cord: The AC power supply cable is detachable, with a 3-pin inlet incase users choose to upgrade to ultrahigh-grade AC cables.