The latest separates-based mini hi-fi system from the Japanese manufacturer promises great sound with an uncompromising retro look.

TEAC Reference 501

Available to purchase on a ‘pick and mix’ basis, each of the four components in the retro-styled TEAC Reference 501 series is constructed from weighty solid aluminium panels attached to a thick steel chassis.

The AI-501DA Integrated Amplifier with DAC (top) delivers an impressive, particularly for its size, 90 watts per channel. Designed to accept digital audio from both Windows and Mac OS-based computers, the amplifier boasts four digital (USB, coaxial, 2x optical) and two analogue inputs.

With speaker connections handled via proper binding posts, a high quality headphone output located on the front panel and full remote control of all functionality (including the other Reference 501 series components) the AI-501DA offers versatility and power from a surprisingly tiny enclosure.

Next down is the UD-501 Dual Mono DSD-compatible Digital-to-Analogue Converter, which is designed to process digital signals from a variety of sources, including PCs and Macs, and then output them as analogue signals to an amplifier, such as the AI-501DA.

The PD-501HR DSD-compatible CD player (bottom) comes equipped with a centrally-mounted, slot-loading mechanism plus a unique VACS (Vibration Acoustic Control System) to minimise read errors and improve sound quality.

The highlight feature is the fact it plays computer-created DVDs encoded with DSD 2.8/5.6Mz audio content. Moreover, it processes the content on such discs natively ie without converting DSD to PCM as most ‘DSD-compatible’ devices do, thus preserving all the integrity of the original DSD signal.

Completing the crew is the HA-501 Dual Mono, Class-A headphone amplifier (second from bottom) produced in response to a renewed interest for high quality headphone amplifiers. With a frequency range of 2Hz-100kHz and 1,400mA of output power per channel (at 32 ohms impedance) the HA-501 has more than enough current drive capability not only for the majority of regular headphones, but also high-end 600 ohm designs.

Available in black or silver, each component of the TEAC Reference 501 series is priced at £699 and is available now.