Compared to the largest headphone amplifier I've ever reviewed, the Bryston BHA-1, the Teac HA-501 is almost compact. But it's still chunky enough to dwarf the recently reviewed Meridian Prime [HFN Feb '14] and, unlike the Meridian, it makes little pretence to modern aesthetics. There are, for instance, more visible fasteners on the casework than you can shake a stick at - I counted 39. Rather, the HA-501 is a Japanese product of the old school, with the type of no-nonsense looks that appeal more to male than female eyes and a quality of fit and finish that belies its £700 asking price. For not showing its feminine side, I love it - even if those mock rack handles are perhaps a bit silly.
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