TEAC HA-501

Full-Analog Dual Monaural Headphone Amplifier

Everything is designed to maximize headphone potential.

Main Features

• A lavishing Class-A Amplifier for superior sound quality. (Full-analog Dual Monaural Discrete design)
• Active DC Servo Technology to eliminate Offset Electrical Potential, to achieve stable drive
• Switchable Damping Factor, to dive diaphragm under the best conditions. (5 positions)
• 1,400mA/ch (32 ohms loaded) of high output power to drive high impedance headphones as high as 600 ohms
• A Toroidal-Core Power Transformer for stable current supply
• Full-metal jacket. Gorgeous aluminium panels for front top and sides. Small footprint fits your desktop

Features at a Glance

• Full analogue circuit design
• Discrete design Class-A Amplifier
• Dual Monaural design
• Active DC Servo technology
• Dual MUSES8920 Op-amps for Left and Right channels
• 1,400mW + 1,400mW Output Power (at 32 ohms)
• Damping Factor Selector
• Over-sized Toroidal-core Power Transformer
• Full-metal Jacket, Rigid construction
• A pair of XLR connectors by Neutrik for balanced audio input
• 2 pair of RCA pin connectors for unbalanced audio input on rear (Gold-plated)
• 1 stereo audio input on front (1/8” or 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack)
• 1 stereo headphone out on front (1/4” or 6.35mm Stereo Jack)
• 1 pair of RCA pin connectors for stereo unbalanced audio output (Gold-plated)
• Switchable output line level (Fixed, Variable, Off)
• ±15V high voltage operation current achieved high S/N ratio
• Precisely machined aluminum knobs (Volume, Input Selector, Damping Factor Selector)
• Auto-muting when headphone plug is disconnected
• A 3-polar AC socket with a detachable AC cable

A headphone Amplifier to achieve peak headphone performance
In general, a headphone output from conventional hi-fi components does not allow even high-quality headphones to perform at their peak potential. The same way one chooses an amplifier to match with your favourite speakers, it is very important to choose an appropriate headphone amplifier that matches your favourite headphones. A headphone amplifier is a “must-have” listening device for audiophiles.
 
Active DC Servo Technology for decreased distortion, and discrete Class-A Amplifier
In order to develop a first-class low distortion Class-A headphone amplifier, TEAC held a series of sound evaluations during the development. These tests led to the careful choosing of parts and discrete circuit design. In addition, like most full-size hi-fi components, in order to eliminate Offset Electrical Potential, Active DC Servo Technology is utilized.
 
A Large Toroidal-core Power Transformer
An over-sized Toroidal-core power transformer is also employed to supply stable current to every part of the circuit.
 
Dual Monaural Design that eliminates interference between Left and Right channels
In regards to the circuit design, each channel is completely designed on an individual basis to avoid signal interface to/from another. This contribution eliminates cross-talk, crucial headphone listening.
 
MUSES8920 Op-Amps - for high-end quality
A couple of MUSES8920 Op-Amp chip-sets are designed for high-end audio. Employed individually on the Left and Right channels, they help achieve superior sound.
 
Total 2,800mA of output power drives your high impedance headphones
The HA-501 achieves a remarkable 1,400mW output power per channel at 32 ohms impedance. The device delivers not only enough power to drive standard headphones with an impedance range from 80 to 250 ohms but also high-class 600 ohms hi-fi headphones.
 
Damping Factor Selector to optimize headphones’ characteristic
Each pair of headphones has its Damping Factor, a resisting force against non-intentional movement of the diaphragm moving air forwards and backwards as sound. The value of the Damping Factor varies model by model, as diaphragms are made by different materials, in different shapes or different construction designs. Since headphones’ diaphragms are activated by a very small current compared to conventional speakers, the damping factor increases, the sound is lean and crisp and has a close relationship with headphones’ impedance. Therefore, selecting the right Damping Factor is crucial in order for your headphones to perform at their peak potential. The HA-501 provides 5 selectable Damping Factors, so users have the best-suited signal for multiple headphones.
 
Robust Aluminum Body with a Classy Appearance
Re-defining high-class hi-fi components, the HA-501 has a small footprint, classy appearance and is constructed with aluminium panels to create an authentic but modern looking hi-fi component. A robust metal construction helps eliminate vibrations that may affect the sound quality. The bottom and sidewalls are formed with a steel chassis, aluminium for the front panel and the rear panel out of steel. In order to ensure its rugged design, each panel is connected with a beam that runs through the centre of the unit. Normally, this type of construction is only for full-size components, particularly CD players that generate inherent motor vibrations. This construction ensures the HA-501 is an authentic hi-fi component that will last you for many years. Choose between a handsome black version and a brilliant silver version to match with any interior or design.
 
Well-designed User Interface
Another remarkable feature of the HA-501 is user-friendly. The firm-torqued volume control allows users to adjust the volume level with ease and precision while the toggle-type power switch assures ON/OFF operation at a glance. Auto-muting function protects your ears from the unexpected loud sound when switching between headphones with different levels of impedance.
 
Professional grade Input/Output connectors
On the rear panel, a pair of NEUTRIK brand XLR input connectors allow users to connect high-end components or professional audio equipment, while wider-pitch RCA pin jacks allow the user to connect large-shaft RCA pin cables from other markets. A detachable type 3-polar power inlet socket is also available. On the front, a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack allows users to connect a portable music player such as an iPod, conveniently.
 
Switchable Output Mode for flexibility
Line output level from the rear panel can be switched amongst “Fixed Level”, “Variable Level (coupled with volume)” and “Off”.