TEAC AP505B Reference 500 Series Stereo Power Amplifier - Black

TEAC AP505B Reference 500 Series Stereo Power Amplifier - Black

A stereo power amplifier that is incredibly small and uses Hypex Ncore technology to enable bi-amping or BTL (Bridge Tied Load/Bridged) mode A high-performance, TEAC-tuned Hypex Ncore power amplifier module contained inside a small, stylish housing, serves as the foundation of the adaptable stereo power amplifier known as the AP505B.

The AP505B may operate in stereo, bi-amp, and BTL (Bridge Tied Load/Bridged) modes, in addition to traditional stereo operation. In stereo and bi-amp modes, the AP-505 can output a maximum of 130W + 130W and 250W, respectively. Its core is a Ncore power amplifier module developed by Dutch company Hypex that has been expertly tweaked for outstanding sound quality by TEAC's R&D team.

A sturdy steel chassis is covered by lightweight aluminum-alloy panels on the outside. When the amplifier is in use, two huge level metres offer visual interest, and three strategically placed "Pin-point" feet on the underside of the amplifier lend incision to the sound, assisting in the creation of a more stable and detailed stereo image.

NCore Audio Power Conversion

The Hypex Ncore power amplifier module used in the AP505B is high-performance and energy-efficient, producing 250W in BTL mode or 130W + 130W in stereo/bi-amp modes. The module, which has been meticulously calibrated and tweaked by our engineers after undergoing rigorous listening tests, readily drives a variety of speakers, giving anything from a pianissimo to a fortissimo and everything in between. Therefore, it accurately mimics the dynamics of real music.

Stereo, Bi-amp, And BTL Modes Are Supported

By placing a few AP505B units side by side, this little unit offers multiple speaker driving modes, Bi-amp, and BTL modes in addition to the traditional stereo mode with 130W + 130W of output power. While the BTL modes create 250W of output power in each channel, the Bi-amp mode drives the woofer and tweeter separately.

Stiffness, Stability And Elegance Provided By A Full-Metal, Small-Footprint Body

Every exterior panel, including those on the front, top, and sides is made of a sturdy steel core chassis and a high-grade aluminium alloy. This technique of construction ensures that every component inside the unit is able to operate at its peak performance by reducing the transmission of mechanical vibration. Because of its practical A4-sized footprint, the AP505B fits in seamlessly in contemporary settings where saving space is crucial, like a desktop. Contrast this with the majority of traditional bi-amp/BTL-capable power amplifiers, which are typically hefty, full-width equipment.

Full-Scale Balance

The AP505B maintains the audio signal as pure as possible as it passes through the amplifier by using a fully balanced circuit design from the input section to the output stage. This leads to extremely low distortion levels and a fantastic signal-to-noise ratio (assisted by the effective elimination of common-mode noise).

Components That Have Been Carefully Chosen And Are Only Used In Hi-Fi Applications

High-quality MUSES8820E dual op-amps are used at the input stage, where sound quality is essentially determined, for both the XLR and RCA inputs. The left and right channel rectifying circuits use four high-capacity 4700F capacitors on each channel (8 in total) in the power supply part of the input stage to achieve distinct soundstage separation between the left and right channels. A well-designed circuit provides great signal integrity at the XLR input portion, in part due to the removal of coupling capacitors, which frequently cause audio information to be lost as a signal passes through them.

Large Toroidal Power Transformer

The AP505B's power supply uses a large capacity toroidal-core transformer while the rectifying circuit uses Schottky barrier diodes. Schottky barrier diodes, as opposed to conventional diodes, lessen rectifier noise, resulting in a "cleaner" supply and a more steady delivery of current.

Easy Installation Thanks To 'Pin-Point' Feet

The AP505B uses the "Pin-Point" feet that TEAC is attempting to patent. These consist of two independent metal pieces enclosed in a single housing. One is attached to the chassis's bottom and has a spiked top, while the other has a basin-shaped base with a flange-shaped cup that hangs down from the spiked area. The 'Pin-Point' feet have a special design that significantly reduces vibrations and resonance because the unit is held by just three points and has a very limited surface contact area. This arrangement improves the soundstage and enhances fine auditory clarity by reducing mid- and low-frequency muddiness.

Design Using Passive Cooling For Silent Operation

Designing an amplifier that produces a pair of speakers with outstanding sound but also produces a cooling fan that is always making noise is absurd. Our engineers were adamant from the beginning to adopt a circuit and layout that would permit adequate natural cooling, enabling the design of a small but powerful amplifier that didn't require a cooling fan.

Dual Analogue Level Meters Indicate The Musical Tempo

The AP505B front panel's analogue level metres move in reaction to signal levels, providing an aesthetically pleasing indication that the amplifier is functioning as intended. Users may alter the display's intensity in four steps (bright, mid, dim off), and a switchable sensitivity (0dB, +20dB, movement off) lets them choose whether they'd like to see more, less, or even no metre movement. Naturally, you can determine the device is on even if the lighting is out and the metre movement has been disabled by looking at the location of the power switch!

Features

• TEAC-tuned Hypex Ncore power amplifier module
• Maximum output power of 130W plus 130W, or 250W in BTL/bridged mode.
• Able to function in stereo, bi-amp, and bridged/BTL modes
• Complete circuit balancing
• Carefully chosen premium components created specifically for hi-fi applications
• Large-scale Schottky barrier diodes and toroidal power transformers
• Circuits for comprehensive protection (Surge, Over-voltage, Thermal)
• Pin-point feet for simple installation that are still subject to patent (Japan Patent Nos. 4075477, 3778108)
• Substantial level metres
• Use of passive cooling to achieve silence
• Full-metal body with an A4-sized footprint for rigidity, stability, and elegance
• Analogue audio inputs with XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced connections (one set of each)
• Screw-type speaker connectors with a wide pitch
• Automatic power saving
• RoHS compliant