(May 31, 2024) Japan's audiophile-leaning brand TEAC has unveiled a new all-in-one DAC, the UD-507, an eloquent jack-of-all-trades that can serve as a stereo preamp or standalone headphone amp. Preped to ship in late June for $2099, the UD-507 is billed as a redesign of the 500 Series UD-505X, injected with conceptual inspirations from the company's 700 Series and packed into a compact A4-size package.
TEAC touts its use of its new in-house TRDD5 (TEAC Reference Discrete DAC) in the UD-507, which is similar to a DAC design found in its significantly more expensive UD-701N DAC Network Player. Jo Yoshida, TEAC Brand Manager, says the TRDD5 places musicality as a top priority, making it the most important technology infused in the UD-507's audio chain. "The design goal of this in-house developed discrete DAC is to provide a more immersive musical experience for all listeners," explains Yoshida. "Thanks to the clear soundstage and precise imaging, you will discover the breadth and articulation of your favorite artists that you never noticed before.”
To preserve the purity of channel signals, the UD-507's converter section is independent of the left and right channels. This dual monaural circuit is present throughout the analog output stage, preventing interference between left and right signals. The DAC can be fed through single USB Type-B (22.5MHz DSD and 384kHz/32bit PCM), optical, and coax inputs on the rear, and USB Type-C on the front. In addition, content can be streamed via high-quality Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and aptX HD. The presence of stereo XLR and RCA inputs allows for analog sources as well.
Owners can dump output to a standalone amplifier via XLR and RCA outs, but can also take advantage of the 507's fully balanced dual monaural headphone amplifier using three front-panel inputs (6.3-mm or .25-inch, four-pin XLR, and 4.4mm Pentaconn). The headphone amp features the TEAC-HCLD2 (TEAC High Current Line Driver), characterized by its high current supply capability. Compared to the previous models, TEAC has upped the 507's maximum output power by bolstering the power supply, resulting in a generous driving power of 1,200mW + 1,200mW (balanced output at 100 ohm load). Power amplifier gain can be switched between 3 positions (Low/Mid/High) to fine-tune the output, allowing listeners to best match the sensitivity and impedance of their headphones.
The UD-507's physical package is quite impressive. It's available in black and silver, with keen attention to vibration reduction through design. TEAC says a traditional vibration source, the transformer, is internally suspended from the base plate in a floating structure, keeping it separate from crucial internal circuitry. Other anti-vibration measures include TEAC’s original Stressless Feet v2 and a new 2.8mm thick top plate. The UD-507 also incorporates the TEAC-QVCS (Quad Volume Control System) high-precision analog volume attenuator and a powerful TEAC-HCLD2 high-current line buffer circuit, both of which, says the company, lend to audio purity.
The 507's size (11.4" W x 3.3" T x 9.8" D) makes it room-friendly and easy to manage.
For more information, visit TEAC or your local dealer.
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