AL-303 - Audio Amplifier TEAC - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL AL-303 TEAC

D01395520A CAUTION o Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes. o Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus. o Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a book case or similar unit. o The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC outlet so that you can easily reach the power cord plug at any time. o If the product uses batteries (including a battery pack or installed batteries), they should not be exposed to sunshine, fire or excessive heat. o CAUTION for products that use replaceable lithium batteries: there is danger of explosion if a battery is replaced with an incorrect type of battery. Replace only with the same or equivalent type. V Precautions concerning batteries Misuse of batteries could cause them to rupture or leak leading to fire, injury or the staining of nearby things. Please read and observe the following precautions carefully. o Be sure to insert the batteries with correct positive (¥) and negative (^) orientations. o Use batteries of the same type. Never use different types of batteries together. o If the remote control is not used for a long time (more than a month), remove the batteries to prevent them from leaking. o If the batteries leak, wipe away the leakage inside the battery compartment and replace the batteries with new ones. o Do not use batteries of types other than those specified. Do not mix new batteries with old ones or use different types of batteries together. o Do not heat or disassemble batteries. Never throw batteries into fire or water. o Do not carry or store batteries with other metallic objects. The batteries could short circuit, leak or explode. o Never recharge a battery unless it is confirmed to be a rechargeable type. o Do not expose batteries to extremely low air pressure as it could result in an explosion or leakage of flammable liquids or gases. Supplier’s declaration of conformity Model number: AI-303 Trade name: TEAC Responsible party: 11 Trading Company, LLC Address: 3502 Woodview Trace #200 Indianapolis, IN 46268 U.S.A. URL: https://11tradingcompany.com/contact-us/ This device complies with Part.15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1) This device may not cause harmful interference

2) This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation. Information This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to

Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference

in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: o Reorient or relocate the equipment and/or the receiving antenna. o Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. o Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. o Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. CAUTION Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) Crossfeed function MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information. o By using the crossfeed function when listening through headphones, a sound that is closer to the sound heard from speakers can be re-created. In particular, this can improve appreciation of music recorded with extreme left and right channel separation, which was common in the early days of stereo recording, as well as when listening for extended periods. The AI-303 includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. The state of the MQA indicator shows whether the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, guaranteeing that the sound is identical to that of the source material. When the MQA indicator lights blue, this shows that the file playing is an MQA studio file that has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner. o This unit can decode MQA streams and files only when the playback source is USB, HDMI (ARC), COAXIAL or OPTICAL. o When using speakers, the sound image will be focused toward the center of the stereo field. This has the effect of making vocals and narration clearer and easier to understand. o Turn the CROSSFEED knob all the way to the left to turn off the crossfeed function and use ordinary stereo playback. Turning this all the way to the right will focus all the sound to the center and make it mono. HDMI (eARC) Indicator during MQA playback Type MQA indicator MQA Green MQA Studio Blue MQA Core Magenta By using a single HDMI cable to connect the HDMI connector of this unit to the ARC connector of a TV that supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), digital audio (up to 192kHz/24-bit) from the TV or player connected to the TV can be output from the speaker and headphone jacks of the AI-303. Since HDMI CEC is supported, the TV remote control can be used to adjust the volume of this unit and mute it. In addition, the power of this unit can be linked to turning the TV power on/off (standby). o HDMI CEC support commands differ according to the TV, so synchronized operation with all TVs is not guaranteed. o This unit complies with the eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) specification, but it does not support the decoding of Dolby Atmos®, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X™, DTS-HD and other formats. Set the audio output of the TV to linear PCM before connecting. o The digital audio signals that can be output varies by TV. Even if a Blu-Ray Player or other playback device outputs high-resolution audio signals, the TV might restrict resolution to 48kHz/16-bit. For details, check with the manufacturer of the TV that you are using.

Bluetooth® wireless technology Bluetooth® notes Profiles When using this unit with a mobile phone or other Bluetooth devices, they should be no more than about 10 m (33 ft) apart. Depending on the circumstances of use, however, the effective transmission distance might be shorter. This unit supports the following Bluetooth profiles. Wireless communication with every device that supports Bluetooth wireless technology is not guaranteed. To determine the compatibility between this unit and another device that supports Bluetooth wireless technology, refer to that device’s operation manual or contact the shop where you purchased it. Content protection This unit supports SCMS-T as a form of content protection when transmitting audio, so it can play protected audio. o A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) o AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) In order to transfer audio using Bluetooth wireless transmission, the Bluetooth device must support A2DP. In order to control playback on the Bluetooth device, it must support AVRCP. Even if a Bluetooth device supports the same profiles, though, its functions might differ according to its specifications. Codecs This unit supports the following codecs. It will automatically select one that is appropriate for the other Bluetooth device during audio transfer. o LDAC o LHDC Transmission security This unit supports security functions during Bluetooth wireless transmission in accordance with the Bluetooth standard specifications, but it does not guarantee the privacy of such transmissions. TEAC CORPORATION will bear no responsibility should an information leak occur during Bluetooth wireless transmission. o Qualcomm® aptX™ HD audio o Qualcomm® aptX™ audio o AAC o SBC

Bluetooth® wireless technology (continued)

Press the SOURCE button one or more times to select Bluetooth (

This puts the unit into Bluetooth mode.

Pair or connect with another Bluetooth device. Pairing with another Bluetooth device The first time another Bluetooth device is used with this unit, they must be paired. To prepare this unit to pair, put it into Bluetooth mode and press the SOURCE button or remote control button for at least three seconds. When this unit is ready to pair, its indicator flashes rapidly. After this unit enters pairing mode, pair with it (shown as AI-303) on the other Bluetooth device. The indicator stops flashing and stays lit when pairing completes and they are connected. For details, refer to the operation manual of that Bluetooth device. To connect with a Bluetooth device that has already been paired, follow the connection procedures for that device. o When pairing or connecting, devices should be within a few meters of each other. If they are too far apart, pairing and connection afterwards might become impossible. o If you want to delete pairing data and initialize the Bluetooth circuit, press the SOURCE button or remote control button for at least 10 seconds. At this time, all input indicators will flash twice. V ATTENTION Regardless of the connection standby states of this unit and the other Bluetooth device, if the Bluetooth indicator continues blinking for a long time, turn off both this unit and the other device. Then, restart them and conduct connection procedures again.

Start audio output on the other Bluetooth device. o Confirm that the volume is turned up on the other Bluetooth device. If the volume of the audio being output is not turned up, no sound might be output from this unit.

Adjust the volume. o The volumes of this unit and the other Bluetooth device are not linked. This unit cannot control the volume of the other Bluetooth device, and that device cannot control the volume of this unit. NOTE o You cannot select the codec to be used by pressing a button, for example. o Due to the characteristics of Bluetooth wireless technology, compared to the playback on the Bluetooth device, audio output through this unit will be slightly delayed. Checking the Bluetooth audio codec The audio codec being used for Bluetooth playback is shown by the green indicator. Support for multipoint connection Connecting with 2 Bluetooth devices at the same time is possible. Audio can only be output from one at a time when connected. Output from the device that most recently started playback will be prioritized. Playback will be stopped on the previously playing device. LDAC is an audio coding technology developed by Sony that enables the transmission of High-Resolution (Hi-Res) Audio content, even over a Bluetooth connection. Unlike other Bluetooth compatible coding technologies such as SBC, it operates without any down-conversion of the Hi-Res Audio content*, and allows approximately three times more data** than those other technologies to be transmitted over a Bluetooth wireless network with unprecedented sound quality, by means of efficient coding and optimized packetization.

• excluding DSD format contents ** in comparison with SBC (Subband Coding) when the bitrate of 990 kbps (96/48 kHz) or 909 kbps (88.2/44.1 kHz) is selected

Energy-saving functions This product has energy-saving sleep and standby states. The operation of these functions depend on the automatic standby setting and the selected input source. Sleep overview Only when the input source is USB, HDMI (ARC), Bluetooth, COAXIAL or OPTICAL If there is no digital input signal from the selected source and no operation occurs for about three minutes, the unit will enter sleep mode. Inputting the selected digital signal will wake the unit (automatic power on function). o When in sleep mode, the input indicators will light dimly. When the automatic standby function is on The unit will enter standby mode after about 30 minutes if it remains in sleep mode or if there is no sound when the input source is LINE. When in standby mode, inputting the selected digital signal will not turn the unit on again. Press the standby/on (¤) button on the main unit or the remote control to turn the unit on again. o Power consumption in standby mode is 0.5 W or less. Checking procedure If the automatic standby function is off, all the input indicators will light temporarily when the unit is turned on. Setting the automatic standby function When the unit is in a standby state, press and hold the standby/on (¤) button. After about three seconds the input indicators will change as shown below and the automatic standby setting will change. From all lit to two flashes: automatic standby function on From the current input indicator lit to all indicators lit: automatic standby function off

Press and hold Playing back music on a computer Operating systems that have been confirmed for use Downloading playback application TEAC HR Audio Player We provide information about operating systems that have been confirmed for use on the product web page at the following URL. You can download Mac and Windows versions of our free TEAC HR Audio Player application that supports playback of DSD files. https://teac.jp/int/product/ai-303/ https://teac.jp/int/product/ai-303/download Installing the driver When using Mac This unit can be operated with the standard OS driver, so there is no need to install a driver. A dedicated driver must be installed on the computer, however, to use Bulk Pet. When using Windows The dedicated driver must be installed on the computer. Installing the driver on a computer Install the dedicated driver on the computer after downloading it from the following URL. For details about installation and OS setting procedures, see the installation guide included with the driver. https://teac.jp/int/product/ai-303/download The sampling frequencies that can be transmitted are 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz and 384 kHz. 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz and 11.2MHz DSD are also supported. When properly connected, you will be able to select “TEAC USB AUDIO DEVICE” as the audio output for the operating system.

Playing back music on a computer (continued) Playing back audio files on a computer

Connect this unit to the computer using a USB cable. o When a dedicated driver is necessary for connection, it must be installed on the computer beforehand (page 19). USB cable o Use a cable that has a USB Type-C connector for connecting to this unit.

Turn the computer on. o Confirm that the computer has started up correctly.

Press the SOURCE button repeatedly to select USB.

Start playback of an audio file on the computer. If you can adjust the volume from the computer, set it to its maximum level and use this unit’s VOLUME knob to adjust the level for the best audio quality. o If you are using the TEAC HR Audio Player application, the volume cannot be adjusted from the computer.

o The computer and this unit cannot control each other. o Do not do any of the following when playing back audio files over the USB connection. Doing so could cause the computer to malfunction. Always quit the audio playback software before conducting any of these operations. o Unplugging the USB cable o Putting the unit into standby mode. o Changing the current input selection o To avoid outputting computer operation sounds, change the settings on the computer. o Connect the computer and this unit and wait until the driver has loaded properly before starting the audio playback software. When connecting for the first time or using a different USB port, driver loading could take some time.

Playback operations Sampling frequency display during playback Press the remote control DISPLAY button to show for a few seconds the sampling frequency (Fs) of the sound source playing back. Upconversion The upconversion function can be used with input sources other than analog audio. Press the remote control UPCONVERT button to change this setting. o This setting only functions when the RDOT digital filter is selected. Digital filters Press the remote control FILTER button to change the digital filter type. o This setting has no effect when the input is DSD. RDOT filter RDOT is an analogous interpolation method, that uses fluency logic. This filter features re-creation of natural tones and sound space. With upconversion, 4 settings are available. FIR filter This FIR filter features short delay with slow roll-off. Compared to RDOT, the sound is warmer. Upconversion is disabled. The relationships between input sampling frequencies and sampling frequencies after upconversion are shown on the table below. Input source Digital audio input USB Upconversion setting OFF 2× Fs 4× Fs 8× Fs Input sampling Sampling frequency after upconversion frequency [kHz] [kHz]

These values are not converted. o The maximum upconversion is 8× Fs. o Upconversion is not possible when the input is DSD.

Input indicator lighting Pressing the DISPLAY, FILTER or UPCONVERT button on the remote control will cause the input indicator lighting to change, showing the state, as follows. Input source indicators Item Sampling frequency of playing audio* Sampling frequency of playing audio (PCM)* Sampling frequency of playing audio (DSD)* State USB HDMI (ARC) Blue

Digital filter Upconversion setting COAX LDAC 2× Fs Blue Blue

*These are shown at the same time.

Troubleshooting If you experience a problem with the unit, please take a moment to review the following information before requesting service. If it still does not operate correctly, contact the retailer where you purchased the unit. The unit does not turn on. General Check that the power cord is completely plugged into the power outlet. If the outlet is switched, confirm that the switch is in the ON position. Connect a different electrical device to the outlet to confirm that it is supplying power. Connections with a computer All the indicators on the front are blinking. The protection circuit is operating because excessive electrical current flowed to a speaker output connector. Turn the unit off and check if anything is wrong with the speaker output connectors. In addition, confirm that nothing is wrong with the speaker cables and speakers themselves. Computer does not recognize this unit. If the connection requires a driver, confirm that the latest driver has been installed properly and restart the computer. The latest driver can be downloaded from the website for this product, which is shown on page 19. Even if a computer operating system has been confirmed to work with this unit, proper connection still might not be possible depending on the composition of the computer hardware and software. Noise occurs. Starting other applications during playback of an audio file may interrupt playback or cause noise. Do not start other applications during playback. Audio files cannot be played back. Connect this unit to the computer, and set this unit’s input to USB before starting audio playback software and audio file playback. Proper playback might not be possible if you connect this unit to the computer or change its input to USB after starting the audio playback software. Volume Volume is low when connected to a computer or Bluetooth device. Confirm that the volume setting is not low on the computer or other Bluetooth device. Better sound quality can be achieved by maximizing the volume of the source device and adjusting the volume with this unit. Connections with a TV Sound from a TV connected by HDMI is not output. Connect the cable to an HDMI connector labeled ARC or eARC on the TV. Set the TV audio output to use an external sound system. Select PCM for the digital audio output of the TV. Since this unit uses a microcontroller, external noise and other interference can cause the unit to malfunction. If this occurs, unplug the power cord, wait for a while, and then turn the unit on again and restart operations.

44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz,

In the United States/Canada/Aux États-Unis/Canada Model/Modèle: AI-303 Serial No./N° de série Owner’s address/Adresse du propriétaire Date of purchase/Date de l’achat Dealer’s name/Nom du revendeur Owner’s name/Nom du propriétaire Dealer’s address/Adresse du revendeur Length of Warranty The parts and labor warranty will be effective for one (1) year from the date of the original purchase for products not used for commercial purposes. For products used commercially, the warranty is ninety (90) days for magnetic heads and optical pickups, one (1) year for all other parts and ninety (90) days for labor. How To Obtain Warranty Service Your unit must be serviced by an authorized TEAC service station within the country in which the product was purchased. If you are unable to locate an authorized service station in your area, please contact TEAC at the applicable address shown at the end of this warranty statement. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR UNIT TO TEAC WITHOUT OUR PRIOR AUTHORIZATION. You must pay shipping charges if it is necessary to ship the product for service. However, if the necessary repairs are covered by warranty, we will pay the return shipping charges to any destination within the country in which the product was purchased. Whenever warranty service is required, you must present the original dated sales receipt, or other proof indicating the purchase place and date, as proof of warranty coverage. Who Is Covered Under This Warranty This warranty is valid only in the United States or Canada, dependent upon the country in which original purchase was made, and enforceable only by the original purchaser within the country in which the purchase was made. What Is Not Covered Under This Warranty o Damage to or deterioration of the external cabinet. o Damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, or neglect. o Damage resulting from failure to follow instructions contained in the products owners’ manual or otherwise provided with the product. o Damage occurring during shipment of the product (Claims must be presented to the carrier). o Damage resulting from the repair or attempted repair by anyone other than TEAC or an authorized TEAC service station. o Damage resulting from modification or attempted modification of product not authorized by TEAC. o Damage resulting from causes other than product defects, including lack of technical skills, competence, or experience of the user. o Damage to any unit that has been altered or which the serial number has been defaced, modified or removed. What TEAC Will Pay For TEAC will pay all labor and material expenses for items covered by the warranty. Payment of shipping charges is covered in the next section.

ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF

TEAC CORPORATION 1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan https://teac.jp/int/ The serial number for this product is printed on the nameplate on the bottom of the unit. Please write it here and retain this for your records. Model name: AI-303 Serial number 1022 MA-3553A