Pint-Sized Footprint, Huge Flexibility, High-Class Sonics: TEAC AI-303 USB DAC Amplifier Plays High-Res Music, Delivers 24-Bit/192kHz TV Sound, Includes Abundant Connectivity

High-res desktop audio, tiny-footprint TV sound, audiophile stereo — or a combination of all three — are all possible and easy with the TEAC AI-303 USB DAC amplifier. Measuring just 2.4 x 8.5 x 10.1 inches (HWD), weighing a scant 5.1 pounds, and anchored by an extremely efficient Ncore power amplifier devised by Hypex, the 25Wpc AI-303 fits practically anywhere and delivers size-belying performance from anything to which it’s connected. 

Able to play up to DSD 512 and 32-bit/384kHz via its asynchronous DAC, AI-303 features a built-in Bluetooth receiver that supports LDAC, LDHC, aptX HD, and other standard codecs. Its powered USB-C input syncs with PCs, smartphones, and tablets while two pairs of line-level inputs accommodate sources in your existing system, from CD players to turntables with a built-in phonostage. Coaxial and optical inputs provide more flexibility. And a handy HDMI input lets you connect a TV with a single cable — and supports eARC and HDMI CEC. You can even power on and turn off AI-303 with a TV remote, as well as control the volume level.  

Want to add a subwoofer? Simple, thanks to a sub preout. In the event you want to use your headphones, a four-pole, Coupling Capacitor Less Circuit (CCLC) headphone output — complete with a circuit designed as a separated ground on both the left and right channels for clear, wide soundstaging — with crossfeed functionality stands at the ready to supply natural, engaging playback. 

Unlike most devices, AI-303 transmits digital audio via “Bulk Pet” — a method that allows for stable data transfer by averaging the processing load on both sides to consistently.transfer a certain amount of data. Because sonics also change as the load status of your PC changes, you can select your preferred sound from four pre-set transfer modes. AI-303 also has dedicated Select Output Control (SoC) for digital processing — including full MQA decoding. For the best-possible performance, the digital filters required for analog conversion are also processed in the SoC. You can also choose to use Non Over Sampling (NOS) mode if you select the unit’s RDOT filter, which enables faithful analog conversion to the input waveform.

Housed in a full-metal cabinet comprised of 8mm-thick aluminum-steel panels  and stabilized by three-point, stress-less, machined-steel feet, AI-303 resists torsion, interference, and distortion with the same prowess with which it provides natural, dynamic sound. An analog volume control with a ladder-type attenuator is located to the right of the crossfeed knob on the clean front panel. AI-303 even comes with a palm-sized remote control for added convenience. 

Whether you place AI-303 in a rack, put it in a TV cabinet, or rest it on a shelf, watching TV and listening to music will never be the same. Who said great things don’t come in small packages?