TEAC AP-505 Ultra-Compact Stereo Power Amplifier (Black)

Stereo Power Amplifier

An ultra-compact stereo power amplifier, powered by Hypex
Ncore technology, designed to enable Bi-amping, or use in BTL (Bridge Tied
Load/Bridged) mode

The AP-505 is a versatile stereo power amplifier based
around a high-performance, TEAC-tuned, Hypex Ncore power amplifier module,
housed within a compact and elegant case.

Capable of operating in bi-amp and BTL (Bridge Tied
Load/Bridged) modes, in addition to conventional stereo operation, the AP-505
produces a maximum 115W + 115W of output power in stereo/bi-amp modes and 220W
in BTL/bridged mode. At its heart is an Ncore power amplifier module, made by
Hypex of the Netherlands and specially tuned by TEAC’s R&D team, for
superlative sound quality

As for the exterior, lightweight aluminum-alloy panels cover
a robust steel chassis. A pair of large level meters add visual interest when
the amplifier is in action, while TEAC’s patent-pending ‘Pin- point’ feet,
located at three strategic positions on the underside, add incision to the
sound, helping to create a more detailed and stable stereo image.

Key Features

• Hypex
  Ncore power amplifier module, tuned by TEAC

• 115W +
  115W of max output power, or 220W in BTL/bridged mode

• Can
  operate in Stereo, Bi-Amp and BTL/bridged modes

• Fully
  balanced circuit design

• Carefully
  selected high-quality components, exclusively designed for Hi-Fi
  applications

• Large
  toroidal power transformer and Schottky barrier diodes

• Comprehensive
  protection circuits (Surge, Over-voltage, Thermal)

• Patent-pending
  ‘Pin-point’ feet for easy installation (Japan Patent No.4075477,
  No.3778108)

• Large
  level meters

• Passive-cooling
  for silent operation

• A4-sized
  footprint and full-metal body for rigidity, stability and elegance

• XLR
  Balanced and RCA Unbalanced analog audio inputs (one set of each)

• Wide-pitch,
  screw-type speaker terminals

• Auto
  power-saving

• RoHS
  compliant

LATEST HYPEX NCORE AMPLIFIER TECHNOLOGY, TUNED BY TEAC

The AP-505 employs a high-performance, energy-efficient
Hypex Ncore power amplifier module which produces 115W + 115W in stereo/bi-amp
modes or 220W in BTL mode. The module, which has undergone extensive listening
tests before being carefully tuned and tweaked by our engineers, easily drives
a wide range of speakers, delivering anything from a pianissimo to a
fortissimo, and everything in between. In other words, it properly reproduces
the dynamics of real music.

FULL-METAL, SMALL FOOTPRINT BODY FOR RIGIDITY, STABILITY
AND ELEGANCE

Every external panel – at the front, top and sides – is
formed from high-grade aluminium alloy, firmly attached to the robust steel
inner chassis. This method of construction helps reduce the transmission of
mechanical vibration, ensuring that every single element inside the unit is
allowed to perform at its best. Thanks to its convenient A4-sized footprint,
the AP-505 easily slots into modern interiors where space-efficiency is
important, such as on a desktop. This is in stark contrast to most conventional
bi- amp/BTL-capable power amplifiers which are usually bulky, full-width units.

FULLY-BALANCED DESIGN

By employing a fully-balanced circuit design from the input
section to the output stage, the AP-505 keeps the audio signal as unadulterated
as possible as it moves through the amplifier, the result being extremely low
distortion levels and an excellent signal-to-noise ratio (assisted by the
effective elimination of common-mode noise).

CAREFULLY SELECTED COMPONENTS, EXCLUSIVELY DESIGNED FOR
HI-FI APPLICATIONS

At the input stage, where sound quality is fundamentally
defined, high-quality MUSES8820E dual op- amps are employed for both the XLR
and RCA inputs. In the power supply section for the input stage, both the left
and right channel rectifying circuits are completely independent from the power
transformer onwards, and employ four, high-capacity, 4700μF capacitors on each
channel (8 in total), achieving clear soundstage separation between channels.

At the XLR input section, a well-designed circuit delivers excellent
signal integrity, thanks in part to the elimination of coupling capacitors that
can often lose audio information as a signal travels through them.

AN OVERSIZED TOROIDAL POWER TRANSFORMER

In the power supply, the AP-505 employs a high capacity toroidal-core
transformer, with Schottky barrier diodes in the rectifying circuit. Unlike
conventional diodes, Schottky barrier diodes reduce rectifier noise, leading to
a ‘cleaner’ supply and a more stable delivery of current.

‘PIN-POINT’ FEET FOR EASY INSTALLATION

The AP-505 employs TEAC’s patent-pending ‘Pin-Point’ feet.
These comprise two separated metal sections in an integrated housing. One has a
spiked top and is attached to the bottom of the chassis, the other is a
basin-shaped base that hangs down from the spiked section, with a flange-shaped
cup to simplify installation. As a result of the unique design, the ‘Pin-Point’
feet considerably minimize vibrations and resonance, by virtue of the fact that
the unit is supported on just three points, with a very small surface contact
area. This arrangement reduces mid and low frequency muddiness so improving the
soundstage and enhancing fine sonic detail.

* Japan Patent numbers 4075477 and 3778108

PASSIVE-COOLING DESIGN FOR SILENT OPERATION

It makes no sense to design an amplifier that delivers
excellent sound to a pair of speakers but which itself generates distracting
operating noise from a cooling fan. From the outset our engineers were
determined to use a circuit and layout that would allow sufficient natural
cooling, one that would allow the creation of a compact but powerful amplifier
which didn’t need the help of a cooling fan.

DUAL ANALOG LEVEL METERS SIGNAL MUSICAL MOMENTUM

Analog level meters on the front panel move in response to
signal levels, giving a visually pleasing confirmation that the amplifier is
doing its job. A four-step dimmer (bright, mid, dim off) allows users to adjust
the intensity of display to their taste, while a switchable sensitivity (±0dB,
+20dB, movement off) allows you to enjoy more, less, or even no meter movement,
if preferred.

Naturally, even if the backlight is off and meter movement has been disabled,
you are still able to tell the unit is on… by checking the position of power
switch!

Amplifier section
Maximum output power
Stereo, Bi-amp modes	130W + 130W (4Ω, 1kHz, JEITA) 90W + 90W (8Ω, 1kHz, JEITA)
BTL (Bridge) mode	250W (8Ω, 1kHz, JEITA)
Rate output over
Stereo, Bi-amp modes	115W + 115W (4Ω, 1kHz, THD 0.8%) 70W + 70W (8Ω, 1kHz, THD 0.8%)
BTL (Bridge) mode	220W (8Ω, 1kHz, THD 0.8%)
Total harmonic distortion	0.0015% (8Ω, 1kHz, 12.5W, JEITA)
Signal-to-Noise ratio	113dB (8Ω, 1kHz, IHF-A)
Frequency response	10Hz to 50,000Hz (+0dB, –5dB, 8Ω, 1kHz, 1W, JEITA)
Dumping factor	370 or higher, JEITA (20Hz to 20kHz, Output impedance: 22mΩ, 8Ω loaded)
Input section
LINE IN (Balanced)
Connector	XLR (2: HOT) × 1 pair
Input sensitivity	1.3V (Output 8Ω, THD 1%)
Input impedance	10kΩ or higher
LINE IN (Unbalance)
Connector	RCA Pin (gold-plated) × 1 pair
Input sensitivity	0.66V (Output 8Ω, THD 1%)
Input impedance	10kΩ or higher
Speaker outputs
Connector	Screw type × 1 set (gold-plated, AWG8 and Banana-plug compatible)
Compatible speaker impedance
Stereo, Bi-amp modes	4Ω to 16Ω
BTL (Bridge) mode	8Ω to 16Ω
Power consumption	106W
Standby power	0.1W or less (at Auto power-saving mode)
Overall dimensions	290 × 84.5 × 271 mm / 11.4″ × 3.3″ × 10.7″ (W × H × D)
Weight	4.4kg / 9.7 lbs.
Included accessories	Power code, Owner’s manual (incl. Warranty card)