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Submitted by
Seth=L
a AudioPhile
from Date Reviewed: January 19, 2011
Bottom Line: I spent the nearly five years searching for this little integrated amplifier. I was drawn by the overall appearance, robust build quality, and selection of parts used to make the A-H500. I took a gamble on a lesser Teac Reference component a few years ago, the CR-H220 CD/Receiver, and I was so impressed with it I was hooked on Teac's Reference line from then on. Since then I have had a Teac AG-H300, AG-H500, A-H300, and now the A-H500. I never really felt any of the other Teac components I had owned really took a major step up in quality compared to the CR-H220 CD/Receiver so I ended up letting go of most of them. It wasn't until I got the A-H500 that I really felt like I had stepped into another league of audio refinement.
Now I can tell you about the A-H500 integrated amplifier. I have yet to see a class A/B amplifier this size that can do what the A-H500 does. It is incredibly powerful and I'm certain that its power output was not measured on the same standard as the rest of the Teac Reference line. The AG-H500 stereo receiver was rated 40 watts RMS x 2 @ 8 ohms (1kHz 0.05% THD). The A-H500 is rated 50 watts RMS x 2 @ 8 ohms (1kHz 0.03 THD @ 45 watts) and 80 watts @ 4 ohms. The A-H500's headroom is massive in comparison to the AG-H500 receiver, and it should with a large toroidal transformer with separate windings for each channel and a total block capacitance of 18,800 microfarads. Many home theater receivers aren't graced with such niceties. The output configuration is dual mono with 4 discrete output transistors dedicated to each channel, each channel has its own heatsink. The preamplifier section is isolated in a Faraday cage underneath the toroidal transformer.
Short version: if you like good linear power in a small package, the Teac A-H500 is a real gem. If you desire a colored sound or sonic signature then this amplifier may not be for you.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
mikanally
a Audio Enthusiast
from Date Reviewed: May 20, 2004
Strengths: Smooth, crisp sound, versatile for any music. The volume control is very subtle, which I love. Accepts inputs for everything you can think of, including their CD recorder (which is amazing) and even a mini disc recorder if you so wish. Exudes quality and craftsmanship, and for the price you'd be hard pressed to find anything approaching it. Price was $600 purchased in Canada.Weaknesses: Sound sculpting ability may be limited for some (bass and treble). May be too sexy for some.Bottom Line: I bought this amp with their CD player about 6 years ago and was mightiliy impressed with the build quality, not to mention the great sounds this chunky little unit seems to pump out with ease.
A few years later, I had some rare extra cash and went for the complete system.
TEAC has a great reputation in the pro music industry and this integrated amplifier will easily satisfy the serious audiophile. My tastes run to different styles of music and find it can sound great for any genre, but lovers of jazz and classical will get the most from this amp. Speaker choice will definitely factor in as well.
Cosmetically speaking, it's a very eye catching little unit finished in brushed gold with a large volume control planted dead centre, with selection controls and bass/treble controls flanking each side. Has that retro-chic thing going on in spades. A handy (but huge) remote is included which can work the whole system.
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At: Kromer Radio
Similar Products Used: Complete H500 system.
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