TEAC AP-505 Stereo Power Amplifier

TEAC AP-505 Stereo Power Amplifier The AP-505 is a versatile, TEAC-tuned stereo power amplifier with Hypex Ncore technology in a compact, elegant case. The lightweight aluminium-alloy panels cover a robust steel chassis. A pair of large level meters add an interesting visual effect 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 and help create a more detailed and stable stereo image.

Hypex Ncore Amplifier Technology Tuned by TEAC
The AP-505 employs a high-performance, energy-efficient Hypex Ncore power amplifier module, which produces 130W + 130W in stereo/bi-amp modes or 250W in BTL mode. The module drives a wide range of speakers, delivering a mean pianissimo, fortissimo and everything in between. In other words, it properly reproduces the dynamics of real music.

Stability and Elegance
The front, top and side panels are made from high-grade aluminium alloy and firmly attached to the robust steel inner chassis. This method of construction helps reduce the transmission of mechanical vibration and ensures that every single element inside the unit performs at its best. Thanks to its convenient A4-size, the AP-505 is very space-efficient and easily fits into modern interiors. This is in stark contrast to most conventional bi-amp/BTL-capable power amplifiers, which are usually bulky, full-width units.

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
The amplifier employs high-quality MUSES8820E dual op-amps 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 and use four high-capacity, 4700μF capacitors on each channel (8 in total), achieving clear soundstage separation between channels. 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.

Toroidal Power Transformer
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 current delivery.

‘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, while the other is basin-shaped and 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, an arrangement that reduces mid and low frequency muddiness to improve the soundstage and enhance fine sonic details.

Passive Cooling Design for Silent Operation
It makes no sense to design an amplifier that delivers excellent sound to a pair of speakers but generates distracting operating noise from a cooling fan. The design of the AP-505’s circuit and layout therefore allow sufficient natural cooling.

Dual Analogue Level Meters
Analogue 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 function (±0dB, +20dB, movement off) allows you to enjoy more, less or even no meter movement, if preferred. By checking the position of power switch, you can still tell if the unit is on.

Features at-a-glance
Hypex Ncore power amplifier module, tuned by TEAC
130W + 130W of max output power, or 250W in BTL mode
3 switchable output modes: Stereo, Bi-Amp and BTL (Bridge Tied Load/Bridged)
Fully balanced circuit design, from input to output
Power supply features large toroidal power transformer and Schottky barrier diodes
Comprehensive protection circuitry (Current surge, Over-voltage, Over-heating)
Patent-pending ‘Pin-point’ feet for easy installation (Japan Patent No.4075477, No.3778108)
Large level meters
XLR Balanced and RCA Unbalanced analog audio inputs
For more specifications, see the datasheet in the downloads tab.

Included accessories
Power cord
3 Feet pads
Owner's manual