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Read this manual carefully to get the best performance from this unit.
After reading it, keep it in a safe place for future reference.
Check to be sure the box includes all the supplied accessories shown below.
Please contact the store where you purchased this unit if any of these accessories are missing or have been damaged during transportation.
Power cord × 1 Foot pads × 3
Remote control (RC-1337) × 1
Batteries for remote control (AAA) × 2
Owner's manual (this document, including warranty) × 1
You can download updates for this unit from the TEAC
International Site: https://teac.jp/int/
Click LANGUAGE at the top right of the page and select the desired language to access a page in the corresponding language.
Placement precautions
Maintenance
Wipe dirt from the top cover and other panel surfaces using a soft cloth that has been slightly dampened with a diluted neutral cleanser.
Do not wipe with chemical cleaning cloths, thinner or other chemical agents. Doing so could damage the surface.
For your safety, disconnect the power cord from the outlet before cleaning.
Precautions for use
Misuse of batteries could cause them to rupture or leak, which might result in fire, injury or the staining of nearby materials. Please carefully read and observe the precautions.
Installing batteries
Remove the cover from the back of the remote control and insert two AAA batteries with their ¥/^ oriented as shown in the case. Replace the cover.
When to replace batteries
If the distance required between the remote and the main unit decreases or if the unit stops responding to the remote buttons, replace both batteries with new ones. Dispose of the used batteries according to the instructions on them or requirements set by your local municipality.
Complete all other connections before turning the unit on
Notice about the European model
In accordance with European safety regulations, connecting banana plugs to speaker terminals is not allowed on European models. The holes into which banana plugs could be inserted have been covered with black caps. Connect speakers using bare wires or spade lugs. If a black cap should become separated from its terminal, return it to its original position.
Precautions when making connections
ATTENTION
How to connect speakers
Connecting with banana plugs
You can also make connections using commercially-available banana plugs. First, connect the banana plugs to the speaker cables and then connect the plugs to the terminals.
You can control both this AI-303 and a PD-301 using the RC-1337 remote control. Only the buttons used for the AI-303 are explained in this document.
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.
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 rendering 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.
A reddish purple color shows that the unit is rendering an MQA stream or file. The final expansion of MQA files is undertaken.
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).
Bluetooth® notes
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.
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.
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.
Profiles
This unit supports the following Bluetooth profiles. 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.
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.
NOTE
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
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 (eARC), 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).
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.
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
Operating systems that have been confirmed for use
We provide information about operating systems that have been confirmed for use on the product web page at the following URL.
https://teac.jp/int/product/ai-303/
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
Notes about transmission modes
This unit can transfer data using Isochronous or Bulk Pet mode.
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.
Downloading playback application TEAC HR Audio Player
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/download
Playing back audio files on a computer
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.
Digital filters
Press the remote control FILTER button to change the digital filter type.
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.
Upconversion
The upconversion function can be used with input sources other than analog audio.
Press the remote control UPCONVERT button to change this
The relationships between input sampling frequencies and sampling frequencies after upconversion are shown on the table below.
These values are not converted.
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.
*These are shown at the same time.
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.
General | The unit does not turn on | 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 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.
Amplifier
Rated output
25 W + 25 W. . . . . . 0.03% (LINE IN, 1 kHz, 8 Ω, JEITA)
50 W + 50 W. . . . . 0.03% (LINE IN, 1 kHz, 4 Ω, JEITA)
THD+N. . . . 0.008%
(LINE IN, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 4 Ω, 6.25 W, JEITA)
THD+N. . . . . .. . 0.004% (LINE IN, 1 kHz, 4 Ω, 6.25 W, JEITA)
S/N ratio. . . . . . 100 dB (LINE IN, JEITA)
Frequency response. .. . . . . 2 Hz – 70 kHz
(LINE IN, –5 dB, JEITA)
Digital audio inputs
Coaxial digital connector. .. . . 1
Optical digital connector. . .. . . . . . . . . 1
Supported sampling frequencies
Linear PCM
32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz,
192 kHz (16/24-bit)
DSD. . . . 2.8 MHz
(supported using 176.4kHz/24-bit DoP transmission)
USB Type C port. . . .. . . . USB 2.0 standard
Supported sampling frequencies
Linear PCM
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz,
352.8 kHz, 384 kHz (16/24/32-bit)
DSD. . . . . 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz
HDMI. . . . . ARC/eARC 192 kHz/24-bit (PCM)
Analog audio inputs
RCA connectors. . . . . . . 2
Input impedance. . . . . . 10 kΩ
Bluetooth wireless technology
Bluetooth version. .. . . . . . 4.2
Output class. . . . . . Class 2
(transmission distance without obstructions*. . .. . 10 m)
Supported profiles. . . . . . . A2DP, AVRCP
Supported A2DP codecs. . . . . LDAC, LHDC,
Qualcomm®aptX™ HD audio,
Qualcomm®aptX™ audio, AAC, SBC
Supported A2DP content protection. . . . SCMS-T
Maximum number of stored pairings. . . . . . . . 8
Maximum number of multipoint connections. . . . . 2
* The transmission distance is approximate. The transmission distance could vary depending on the surrounding environment and electromagnetic waves.
Headphones output
Rated output. . . . . . 220 mW + 220 mW
(LINE IN, 32 Ω, 1 kHz, 1%, 25°C, JEITA)
THD+N. . . . . . . . . 0.006%
(LINE IN, 32 Ω, 1 kHz, 50 mW, JEITA)
General
Power supply. . . . AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption. . . . . . . . 33 W
External dimensions (W × H × D, including protrusions)
215 × 61 × 257 mm (8 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 10 1/8")
Weight. . .. . . 2.3 kg (5 1/8 lb)
Operating temperature range. . . . . +5°C to +35°C
Operating humidity range. . . . 5% to 85% (no condensation)
Storage temperature range. . −20°C to +55°C
Included accessories
Power cord × 1
Foot pads × 3
Remote control (RC-1337) × 1
Batteries for remote control (AAA) × 2
Owner's manual (this document, including warranty) × 1
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
IN USA/CANADA, USE ONLY ON 120V SUPPLY.
Products with Class 1 construction are equipped with a power supply cord that has a grounding plug. The cord of such a product must be plugged into an AC outlet that has a protective grounding connection.
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.
The nameplate is located on the bottom of the unit as shown below.
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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