Teac a-h500 [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

Steve Eddy

24-08-2010, 21:25

I fell in love with the little TEAC AH-500 first time I laid eyes on it. However I never got 'round to buying one. They're no longer in production and they don't come up for sale here in the US too often as not may were ever sold here.

However I know that TEAC did quite a lot of advertising in the UK audio press so I'm wondering how readily available they are on the used market in the UK.

Financial priorities are elsewhere at the moment but I'm determined to finally get one before the year's out. Perhaps as a Christmas present to myself.

Thanks!

se

Techno Commander

24-08-2010, 21:44

Here's one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TEAC-A-H500-Integrated-stereo-Reference-500-amplifier-/300457110974?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_Amplifiers) on the bay.

The Grand Wazoo

24-08-2010, 23:32

Techno Commander

25-08-2010, 00:00

Here is a complete set (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TEAC-System-A-H500i-PD-H500c-T-H500-Stereo-CD-Amp-/300457117020?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_CDPlayerSeparates).

Steve Eddy

25-08-2010, 00:37

Here's one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TEAC-A-H500-Integrated-stereo-Reference-500-amplifier-/300457110974?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_Amplifiers) on the bay.

Thanks.

That's the silver version. I gotta have the champagne gold that the Japanese seem to do oh so beautifully well.

se

Steve Eddy

25-08-2010, 00:40

Nice little amps, respectable sound & good build - a phono stage too!
My daughter has one in her system - when we got it for her I was very impressed with the build and performance - the same goes for the CD player. There are plenty about here in the UK.

Yeah. Had a chance to play with one briefly. Very impressed.

Good to hear there are plenty about over there. That's likely where I'll end up getting mine.

se

DSJR

25-08-2010, 16:47

Steve Eddy

25-08-2010, 17:12

This was one of the first little systems that showed the bloated (in cost) audio industry what could be done for £800 the lot.

Great little system - we sold a good few. the 300 (mini sized) system was pretty good too I thought.

True. Do you recall if they were manufactured in Japan?

And yeah, the 300 series wasn't bad either. In fact, I would be willing to settle for an A-H300 integrated.

se

DSJR

26-08-2010, 09:29

The 300 was a bit underpowered by comparison, needing careful speaker choice IMO. I can't remember where these were made. It could have been China or Malaysia where labour and parts were cheaper..

Techno Commander

26-08-2010, 12:00

I gotta have the champagne gold that the Japanese seem to do oh so beautifully well.

se

The gold looks a little too "gangsta pimp" for my tastes. :)

Steve Eddy

26-08-2010, 15:44

The 300 was a bit underpowered by comparison, needing careful speaker choice IMO.

The speakers I'd be using it with have a sensitivity of 95dB. 30 watts is plenty to get 'em rockin' in my rather smallish office.

I can't remember where these were made. It could have been China or Malaysia where labour and parts were cheaper..

Yeah. But they weren't exactly "cheap," so I was thinking that being sold under the "Reference" series banner, they might have been making them in Japan.

se

Steve Eddy

26-08-2010, 15:47

The gold looks a little too "gangsta pimp" for my tastes. :)

Hehehe. I'm ok with the more delicate "champagne gold." I fell in love with that long before a bunch of ghetto thugs with hideously gaudy jewelry gave gold a bad name.

se

Seth=L

26-10-2010, 17:04

All Teac Reference 500 series components come in one finish, champagne. Sometimes they appear to be silver because of the lighting conditions, and the stock photos are enhanced to appear more "gold" in color.

I'm love with my Teac A-H500 integrated. The performance is astounding in comparison to the AG-H500 (stereo receiver from the same series). The AG-H500 performs in league with the A-H300 integrated that I used to have. Honestly, every component in the Reference line is an afterthought of the A-H500 which spawned from the A-H400 (similar design, little different aesthetic approach).

Teac introduced the VRDS-9 compact CD player/transport and the A-H400 was meant to compliment it (this was 93'-94'?). Both were of excellent build quality. By the mid 90's Teac had decided to make an entire line of compact components by introducing the Reference 500 series. The Reference 300 and 100 series were released not long after. Closer to 2000 they released the 200 series and got rid of the 100 series.

The Grand Wazoo

26-10-2010, 17:19

Hi Seth,
Welcome to the Art of Sound.
If you wouldn't mind posting an entry into the Welcome area for us, that would be great. This will give you a chance to tell us a little about yourself, your system and what music you like. That way, we can all find you to say hello!

Cheers

Seth=L

26-10-2010, 17:49

I saw a Teac A-H400 listed for sale somewhere in the UK, unfortunately I did not save the image of it. Teac also made a PD-H400 (essentially the same as the PD-H500). The PD-H400 was a single disc CD player. The foundation of the Reference series, as mentioned above, was the VRDS-9. The VRDS-9 came in two color options, black and champagne.

Here's the VRDS-9 in black finish.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/SethKL/teac1-1.jpg

Champagne...

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/SethKL/img_big0.jpg

It looks right at home with an A-H500 integrated. Comically enough, the CD player weighs more than the amp does at 9 kgs (19 lbs) vs. the amplifier's 6.9 kgs (15 lbs).

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/SethKL/1562284-prodam-high-end-teac-vrds-9-a-h500i-1-1.jpg

Seth=L

26-10-2010, 18:14

I figured I would do an internal comparison among the A-H300, AG-H500, and A-H500.:)

A Teac Reference A-H300 integrated amplifier with her cover removed (ooh, nudies!)...

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/SethKL/Teac%20A-H300/IMG_5836.jpg

Teac Reference AG-H500 stereo receiver insides...

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/SethKL/Teac%20AG-H500/IMG_6352.jpg

And finally, the Teac Reference A-H500 integrated amplifier guts...

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/SethKL/Teac%20A-H500/teaca-h500-a1.jpg

I hope you all enjoy!

Techno Commander

26-10-2010, 18:19

Thats a serious power supply for a little integrated. :)

Reid Malenfant

26-10-2010, 18:28

Thats a serious power supply for a little integrated. :)
Indeed, it's dual mono as well :) Not messing about are they :eyebrows:

Kind of reminds me of some of the mini Aiwa components i have from the 80s, just a shame that the cassette deck is stuffed, it needs more belts than an orchestra :doh: The tuner, pre & power amp are all ok though & i found a nice Yamaha cassette deck that just about matches :eyebrows:

Seth=L

26-10-2010, 22:20

Indeed, it's dual mono as well :) Not messing about are they :eyebrows:

I like the isolation in the amplifier. The preamp section is also neatly tucked underneath the transformer in a Faraday cage.

Kind of reminds me of some of the mini Aiwa components i have from the 80s...

Several manufacturers offered micro systems of parallel performance and design when Aiwa components arrived on the scene. Before Aiwa was part of electronics and entertainment giant, Sony, they had some excellent products that were before their time. Technics, Pioneer, Denon, Sony, Toshiba (Aurex) have all at one point made similar products in order to compete. Toshiba's Aurex is among my favorites.

http://www.audioscope.net/images/aurextoshibascm15.jpg

Alex_UK

26-10-2010, 22:46

There's a definite Children's TV theme running tonight - that Tosh looks just like Mickey Mouse! ;)

Seth=L

26-10-2010, 22:48

The two pieces I have significant interest in that I don't have are the Teac Reference AG-H550 (5.1 surround receiver) and the Teac VRDS-9 transport/CD player.

Here are a few more pictures of the VRDS-9, it's just so beautiful.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/SethKL/1284151554629169.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/SethKL/1284151555712620.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/SethKL/1284151557856964.jpg

And a couple of the AG-H550

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/SethKL/h550teac1.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/SethKL/h550teac3.jpg

Someone let me know if I'm posting too much, and I try to dial it down and condense more into each post I make.

The Grand Wazoo

26-10-2010, 22:52

- that Tosh looks just like Mickey Mouse
..........or a certain marmalade eating bear, eh Alex.
You're gonna scare the hell out of Seth before he's even got his coat off!

Sorry Seth, Alex has had a busy day today - he's rather tired!

Seth=L

26-10-2010, 22:55

Sorry Seth, Alex has had a busy day today - he's rather tired!
I'm used to this kind of behavior from anyone calling themselves Alex.;)

Alex_UK

26-10-2010, 23:03

Don't panic, I'm going to bed soon, with my teddy bear of course! :)

(And you're right, it has been a busy day, nearly 15 hours of work and then my brain just splurges over these pages, so please don't be scared, Seth, I'm quite normal really. Sometimes!)

Techno Commander

26-10-2010, 23:31

Its when Alex gets "serious" you need to worry.

Seth=L

28-10-2010, 03:08

Its when Alex gets "serious" you need to worry.

As long as he doesn't go Ashley Carpenter on me and slash my tires and threaten to rape me while patronizing me by saying "you're very impressive".

Alex_UK

28-10-2010, 13:49

As long as he doesn't go Ashley Carpenter on me and slash my tires and threaten to rape me while patronizing me by saying "you're very impressive".

Now there's a thought! :eyebrows: ;)

The Vinyl Adventure

28-10-2010, 16:06

Seth=L

28-10-2010, 20:48

i remember those little teac systems being really quite expensive? maybe i was just young?
is this an area of second hand hifi that a bargain can still be had then?
i guess this thread will change that ...
They were kind of expensive, but I feel they offered a better value than most competitors in quality compact components. The new Reference equipment doesn't seem to take that approach and they are quite a bit more costly than those of the yesteryear.

The Teac Reference components frequently pop up on ebay.co.uk and typically don't go for much. Despite their small size many Brits are apposed to posting packages, even within the UK.

Seth=L

28-10-2010, 20:58

Now there's a thought!

Depends, do you know who Ashley is? If he hasn't found this forum already, hope that he doesn't.

Alex_UK

28-10-2010, 21:02

Depends, do you know who Ashley is? If he hasn't found this forum already, hope that he doesn't.

No idea, Seth, (but the rest sounded interesting!) Apart from me (:eyebrows:) anyone else causing you distress is likely not to last too long on AoS, so I'm sure the mods have got your back... :)

Steve Eddy

29-10-2010, 05:08

Seth, thanks so much for all the additional information and history!

Much appreciated!

se

Seth=L

30-10-2010, 04:05

Seth, thanks so much for all the additional information and history!

Much appreciated!

se
Words can't express just how much I love the A-H500 man. It's a little powerhouse. It is completely unlike the rest of the Teac Reference components. While they are all really good the A-H500 is in a league of it's own.

I know you already want one, but you can be certain you won't be disappointed if you get one.:)

Steve Eddy

30-10-2010, 04:16

Words can't express just how much I love the A-H500 man. It's a little powerhouse. It is completely unlike the rest of the Teac Reference components. While they are all really good the A-H500 is in a league of it's own.

I know you already want one, but you can be certain you won't be disappointed if you get one.:)

Hell, I'd be happy with one even if all it did was sit on the shelf. :lol:

se

Seth=L

30-10-2010, 04:42

Hell, I'd be happy with one even if all it did was sit on the shelf. :lol:

se
Well then you could just buy one from the UK and not worry about getting a voltage adapter.:lol:

Steve Eddy

30-10-2010, 04:59

Well then you could just buy one from the UK and not worry about getting a voltage adapter.:lol:

BRILLIANT! :lol:

Though it would be a nice little bonus to drive my Pioneer CS-99a's with it. :)

se

Seth=L

30-10-2010, 05:32

BRILLIANT! :lol:

Though it would be a nice little bonus to drive my Pioneer CS-99a's with it. :)

se
You really just want it to look at, like a statement piece. I understand how that feels. I've lusted after this unit for so long that having it now is like having a work of art in my room.

Techno Commander

24-11-2010, 19:15

If we accept that the A-H500 is the best sounding og these amps. Which would be the next best sounding one, the A-H300, or the AG-H300 & AG-H500 receivers?

I quite fancy one of these for the computer desk, but I dont really want anything in gold.

I have also heard the new reference series amps are using Tripath chips. Does anyone have any confirmation of this?

Seth=L

26-11-2010, 16:31

The Legacy series used Tripath amplifiers. The Reference 100, 200, 300, and 500 all used Class A/B (other than the DR-H300 and following models, they might use some sort of switching amplifier, can't confirm). The 600 series uses a class D design, not sure if it's Tripath or not.

The A-H300 would probably follow the A-H500 in terms of build quality and SQ, although the AG-H500 is not far behind. The AG-H300 is not as robust as the A-H300 and AG-H500.

The Grand Wazoo

26-11-2010, 20:02

Take a lookee here, anyone who's interested in this stuff:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TEAC-reference-500-hi-fi-inc-sound-organisation-stand-/330498884016?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4cf344c1b0#ht_1235wt_1716

Jac Hawk

27-11-2010, 00:35

Seth=L

27-11-2010, 02:46

have you ever thought of the pioneer a400, now there's an amp that punches way above it's price, and i would think it's a damn sight easier to find one over in the states too.

just a thought.........
The Pioneer just doesn't have the same aesthetic appeal [for me]. I've had many integrated amplifiers and receivers of comparable quality that are far more common than the Teac Reference components, but they don't look as cool, or have the same form factor. The compact size could be cosmetically pleasing or a necessity for certain applications. I move my gear around a lot and I like for it to look very nice; the Teac Reference equipment allows me the luxury of being able to move them around easily without worrying about damaging them or myself, and they look stellar in my humble opinion.

The A400 would be an excellent option for someone looking for good clean power in a standard size component with decent cosmetic appeal. There's a chance it's built better and has better performance than the Teac A-H500 as well, but the A-H500 exceeds my performance requirements while meeting my other requirements as well. I basically follow the line with a cult like status.

Take a lookee here, anyone who's interested in this stuff:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TEAC-reference...ht_1235wt_1716

I wish I could find a stand like that in the United States. Seems most of those quality stands offered for compact components are only available in Europe.

Peter Stockwell

27-11-2010, 02:56

http://www.hifiracks.co.uk/page2.htm

Hifi Racks Uk can make you something out of Hardwood that would look very nice, if wood is your thing.

The Grand Wazoo

27-11-2010, 08:23

A bit pricey to post great lumps of hardwood to Peru, Peter!

DSJR

27-11-2010, 08:26

The A400 was a strange amp. In some setups it could sound horrid, a real dogs dinner and not at all involving. Give it a top flight source and some semi-decent speakers it liked however and it could change into something seriously good. A shame it was so unbalanced and fussy..

That little Teac amp really was very reasonable and was one of the first of the "cheap labour" style giant killers that now come from the likes of Cambridge Audio. Some of their full-size gear from this time was really good too as I remember.

Techno Commander

27-11-2010, 11:00

I think the Pioneer would be a bit too big sat on the computer desk. :)

Jac Hawk

27-11-2010, 11:24

ok then the pioneer is a bit fussy and a bit big, so the next logical step is the Mission Cyrus II, an absolutely fantastic amp, and small enough to fit on your desk, and i know it isn't as sparkly as the Teac and it doesn't have a remote, but in my opinion it sounds better and unlike the Teac which was designed as a system i.e. to go with other components in the same range that are gold and sparkly, the Mission wasn't, and is very low key.

DSJR

27-11-2010, 22:44

The Cyrus 2 needs a PSX to become fully competitive and sounds great with one (may also need a re-cap by now). Obviously, they are most often placed side-by-side but I'm sure they could be stacked..

Seth=L

28-11-2010, 04:36

A bit pricey to post great lumps of hardwood to Peru, Peter!
Thanks. ;)

I'm actually looking for something available in the states. I was crafty when I selected the location.:eyebrows:

That Mission amplifier is fairly robust, although I find the lack of large capacitors to be odd. It's a pretty ugly kit, but since it's from the 80's I can understand. It puts me in mind of Meridian components from that time frame as well.

I'd like this rig.

http://i39.tinypic.com/16itb1c.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/29lh7k0.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/28bwmrd.jpg

Jac Hawk

28-11-2010, 12:13

c'mon seth, the mission is in my eyes a thing of beauty, with everything you need and nothing you don't, like the audiolab amps of the 80's the mission has an almost iconic place in hifi history and still sounds bloody good too.

Seth=L

30-01-2011, 05:28

I was not correct when I made the statements regarding the A-H400 integrated as being the first matched component and was of parallel performance to the A-H500. The A-H400, as per specifications, would appear to closely resemble the AG-H500 stereo receiver (sans tuner) and the A-H300. These three kits share similar power consumption figures, weight, and specifications (A-H300 specifications indicate 5 watts less per channel than the AG-H500 and A-H400).

The A-H500 is really the only component in the Reference series that really differs from the rest of it and seems to be a significant cut above in design, build quality, parts, and capability. If any component was made to match the VRDS-9 it would have been the A-H500 integrated.

I'm now eagerly awaiting the arrival of an AG-H550 5.1 receiver. The little AVR tips the scale at over 9 kg. This would be the single heaviest Teac Reference component I will have the pleasure of owning. I will report my impressions of its capabilities and sound purity.

biggzy

06-02-2011, 20:06

Hi all, i have always wanted a teac reference system since i got into hifi when i was 18 (im 29 now), but got out of it 8 years ago, now im back and in the market for a small system and decided on the original ref 300, now this is the question, is the original color (not the silver/black mk2 or mk3) champagne or gold? i have seen photos and in some they look gold, and others look champagne with a gold rim around the volume knob, i hope its just 1 color so its easy to buy these off ebay and not worry about color matching.

Thanks for any help you can give.

thanks , Adam.