TEAC Introduces UD-301 Dual Monaural Digital-To-Analog Converter

Montebello, CA – November 2014… Montebello, CA – September 2014… TEAC, recognized globally as a leading manufacturer of high grade audio video electronics, is pleased to announce the debut of the UD-301 Dual Monaural Digital-To-Analog Converter. Designed as the perfect complement for the Hi-Res audio enthusiast in search of a superior means of converting the playback of digital music files for output to either a power amp and loudspeakers or directly to powered loudspeakers, the new UD-301 delivers pristine audio performance in a compact, elegantly styled desktop component.

At the heart of the UD-301’s superior audio performance is the unit’s support for DSD native playback via USB, which converts 5.6MHz DSD files directly into analog signals, without first requiring PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) conversion. With support for both the ASIO 2.1 and DoP (DSD over PCM) conversion methods, music enthusiasts can enjoy the benefits of Hi-Res audio, including 5.6MHz DSD or 32-bit/192 kHz PCM files. TEAC’s HR Audio Player* computer software application makes interfacing with the UD-301 a snap.

When receiving digital audio signals from a computer via USB, the UD-301 can operate in asynchronous mode, effectively eliminating signal jitter—enabling digital audio signals to be transmitted in a pure, unadulterated state. This capability is one of many features that help one enjoy the best audio quality possible. Equally important, the UD-301 uses two high-performance BurrBrown PCM1795 digital-analog converters that process 5.6MKz DSD or 32- bit/192kHz PCM digital data into analog form—making them indispensable for faithful and accurate playback of high-resolution sound sources.

In addition to the UD-301’s support for both 5.6MHz DSD and 32-bit/192 kHz PCM files, the unit also provides the ability to ‘upscale’ digital signals of 96 kHz or less. This is ideal for enthusiasts with sizeable CD (Compact Disc) collections, as the system will ‘upscale’ to double or quadruple the original signal sampling frequency. Thus, when playing back a 44.1 kHz sound source (equivalent to CD format sound quality), a smoother analog audio signal can be obtained in order to convert the file to a higher resolution digital signal. As expected, this up-conversion facility can be switched in or out, according to the user’s preference. Simply put, one’s CD collection will sound better than ever.

The UD-301’s dual monaural design is another noteworthy attribute. In order to process the audio signal from a high-resolution sound source in the most pure state possible, TEAC engineers adopted a dual monaural circuit design whereby each of the left and right channels comprises its own single monaural circuit. This eliminates interference between the left and right channels and enables pure stereo playback.

In order to ensure the most natural sounding playback, the UD-301 employs two MUSES8920 operational amplifier units—one on each of the left and right channels. Manufactured by New Japan Radio specifically for hi-fi audio, they transform the electrical current output of the D/A converter into a voltage signal and serve as a vital element in determining the final sound quality.

Not only does the UD-301 employ a dual monaural design between the left and right channels, even the headphone amplifiers used in the CCLC (Coupling Capacitor Less Circuit) circuits are of dual monaural design. Unlike traditional headphone output circuits that utilize a capacitor for output-stage coupling, which can color the sound, the CCLC circuits eliminate this unfavorable characteristic and deliver full low-frequency sound and a responsive headphone listening environment with great spatiality.

Hiroshi Oshima, Vice President of the Consumer Product Division of TEAC Corporation, shared his views on the UD-301. “For the audio enthusiast in search of the best possible audio performance, the UD-301 is an ideal component for one’s setup. Customers can select either a black- or silver-faced unit to match the aesthetics of their environment, the unit’s build quality is exceptional, and with its balanced XLR output and the ability to connect to a power amp in pre-amp mode, this unit delivers world-class performance in an elegant desktop design.”

TEAC’s UD-301D Dual Monaural Digital-To-Analog Converter carries an MSRP of $549.99. The units are available now.

About TEAC

TEAC America, Inc., established in 1967, is the largest subsidiary of the Japanese electronics maker TEAC Corporation. TEAC distributes high grade audio video electronics, consumer electronics, and professional recording equipment as well as disc publishing and duplication products. Products are marketed by TEAC America under the brand names TEAC and TASCAM. To learn more about TEAC and TASCAM products, please visit: www.teac.com and http://tascam.com.