Hardware Pick: TEAC AI-301DA Amp

Andy Ihnatko's pick of the week on MacBreak Weekly 560 is an update to a previous pick. A few weeks ago, Andy recommended an inexpensive $100 USB digital audio converter for hooking up regular speakers. He's since found a better solution — the TEAC AI-301DA. This is an integrated amp that has among its inputs a USB DAC, but also Bluetooth using the aptX codec, an optical digital input, and two analog inputs.

This is like a receiver you would have bought 10 or 15 years ago for your speakers and components, except this also has more modern features. It's a powerful amp with a 60W + 60W (4 ohms) output. Andy can have his computer audio running through it in addition to sources like a CD player, and he can have his iPad paired via Bluetooth as well. It comes with a remote, so you could also use it as a living room receiver and have your TV audio going through it.

- Learn more about the TEAC AI-301DA amp (teac.com)
- Buy the TEAC AI-301DA amp on Amazon ($399.99 as of 5/24/17)