TEAC UD501 is a big blow to all competitors
In the magazine “HIFI PLUS” (Jan 03, 2014, https://www.hifiplus.com/articles/teac-ud-501-digital-converter/) an extensive test of the new digital-to-analog converter TEAC UD-501 appeared. The author of the article, based on the test results, strongly recommends it to all music lovers - “Strongly recommended!”
“TEAC UD-501 is today’s most affordable DAC that can accept DSD data stream to the USB input.”
“Internally it has a dual-mono design, from the two toroidal power transformers all the way down to the output stages, which share only the chassis. Each channel uses BurrBrown PCM1795 chips and a pair of special “made-for-hi-fi” MUSES8920 operational amplifiers. The op amps work in parallel to the RCA output jacks as a buffer stage to ensure that the signal arrives at the amplifier's input in good form, even over a long cable." “TEAC UD-501 supports playback of PCM files on all digital inputs: optical TOSlink limited to 24 bits, 96 kHz, and coaxial S/PDIF limited to 24 bits, 192 kHz. The USB input accepts files up to 32-bit, 384 kHz (files at this “speculative” resolution are not yet commercially available). PCM files below 192 kHz can be reclocked to 192 kHz, eliminating jitter in the incoming signal. You can choose from three digital filters: Slow, Sharp or Off.” “TEAC supports native DSD streams up to 128x via ASIO 2.0 on Windows PCs only (after downloading software), and in DoP mode on both Windows PCs and Macs. DoP (DSD over PCM) tricks USB controllers into thinking that DSD is PCM files. The TEAC UD-501 supports both "standard" 2.8 MHz and "dual" 5.6 MHz stream DSD (DSD128) files, and they can already be downloaded from sites such as Channel Classics, MA Recordings, Blue Coast, 2L, and also obtained great demo sampler from Opus 3 in 2.8 MHz or 5.6 MHz version." “I listened to this DAC with a variety of different music tracks, from a cappella female vocals ('Tom's Diner' from Solitude Standing by Suzanne Vega on 16/44.1 PCM) to big band ('You're No Body Until Somebody Loves You') ' on Sinatra Swings by Frank Sinatra in 24/192 PCM) and to complex orchestral works (Beethoven's 7th Symphony, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Channel Classics DSD download), and even to Eric Bibb blues, both in DSD and DSD128 form - on demo track from Opus 3. In all cases, the TEAC produced a complete, detailed and accurate reproduction of the original recordings, without any noticeable signs of missing even the smallest details or the appearance of ad-libs. At the highest resolution (DSD128), the sound was extremely smooth and engaging - much like what vinyl lovers typically attribute exclusively to their best LP records. But even if you only use this DAC with 16/44.1 PCM files, you will be more than happy."
Conclusion: “The TEAC UD-501 is an extremely impressive DAC. It plays any audio file, and does so while showing a big screw-up to all the companies that claim that you can only play DSD files for a lot of money. Apart from integrated streaming audio players, I don't see how anyone could ask for anything more than what TEAC can do. Highly recommend!"
DSD DAC Teac UD-501
Perhaps the best DSD DAC for its price
Black muzzle Complete set, box printed, included to test functionality. condition 10 out of 10 Waiting to meet the owner!
42500 rub Moscow, regions by agreement
The TEAC UD-501 uses the latest technology to provide the highest quality digital-to-analog conversion. The UD-501 supports Direct Stream Digital (DSD) processing at 2.8 MHz or 5.6 MHz (DXD) sampling rates, as well as PCM audio at up to 384 kHz/32-bit. The DAC can connect to a computer via USB using ASIO 2.1 or DoP (optical and coaxial connections are also available). Asynchronous data transfer mode ignores the clock signal from the computer and provides more accurate transmission, almost free of interference and noise from the clock generator. All TEAC UD-501 units are consistently designed according to the dual mono principle. The UD-501's output circuitry includes one BurrBrown PCM1795 32-bit DAC and two JRC MUSES op-amps per channel. Both balanced XLR and standard RCA outputs are available for connecting an amplifier. Toroidal transformers (one per channel) as the power source provide maximum performance and clear, transparent sound. According to TEAC, the UD-501 is superior in sound quality to components costing 5 times more. The OLED display provides all the necessary information, and the presence of dimmer functions allows you to adjust its brightness. The UD-501 DAC is housed in an all-metal housing with massive top, front and side aluminum panels that guarantee the necessary level of protection from vibration and external interference. In addition, the DAC looks very impressive and will be a great addition to any modern interior. Available in silver or black.
Features of the TEAC UD-501 DAC: Supports DSD 2.8/5.6MHz (USB) Supports PCM 32bit/384kHz (USB) Supports PCM 24bit/192kHz (coaxial input) Supports up to 24bit/96kHz (optical input) Supports DSD using ASIO2.1 or DoP methods Two BurrBrown PCM1795 DACs (one per channel) Four MUSES8920 operational amplifiers (2 per channel) Two toroidal transformers Asynchronous data transfer mode Metal housing OLED display with adjustable backlight 4 custom analog filters (USB playback, DSD) 3 custom digital filters (USB playback, PCM) Switchable upsampling up to 192 kHz Serial dual mono design from batteries to output elements Parallel buffer for RCA output Ability to de-energize USB circuit when using S/PDIF and line-out circuit when using headphones Low power consumption (max. 13 W) Power saving mode (switchable) Switching the information displayed on the display (conversion mode and selected filter) Line output switchable (XLR or RCA) Polarity change to XLR (pin 2 hot / pin 3 hot) USB audio input 2 optical inputs 2 coaxial inputs Line Out (RCA/XLR) Windows specific driver/Mac standard software
review English Teac UD-501 Dual-Monaural PCM/DSD USB Digital to Analog Converter | AudioStream
DAC Teac UD-501 silver
Digital-to-analog converter. Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC. DSD support. USB ASIO 2.1. XLR outputs. Headphone output. Dimensions (WxHxD) 290x81x244 mm. Weight 4 kg. Silver color.
TEAC UD-501 from the Reference 501 line allows you to process audio in DSD format with a sampling frequency of 2.8/5.6 MHz (via ASIO or DoP protocols), as well as work with PCM signals with a resolution of up to 32 bits/384 kHz.
The topology of the circuits is made according to the “dual mono” principle. The right and left channel sections are spaced as far apart as possible to reduce interference. Each of them uses one Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC (32 bit/192 kHz), as well as two JRC MUSES8920 op-amps, designed specifically for Hi-Fi components. The Tenor 8802 USB input uses asynchronous data transfer mode and uses a high-precision clock generator to help reduce jitter. When connecting to a Windows PC via USB port, you will need to install the ASIO 2.1 driver, which is available for download on the company's official website. The power supply contains two power toroidal transformers (one per channel).
For PCM files, two types of digital filters are used - Slow roll-off and Sharp roll-off, and filtering can be completely disabled. Filters for DSD: FIR1, FIR2, FIR3, FIR4 with cutoff frequencies of 185, 90, 85 and 94 kHz. TEAC UD-501 has a wide frequency range with an upper limit of 80 kHz. The signal-to-noise ratio reaches 115 dB. PCM files can be upsampled to 192 kHz to reduce jitter. Proprietary software is available for playing high-resolution or DSD files.
The TEAC UD-501 DAC has a compact body with a steel chassis, clear design lines and reliable protection against vibrations and resonances. The front, top cover and sides with handles for rack mounting are made of aluminum. On the front panel there is an OELD display with adjustable brightness, to the right of which there is a smooth volume control knob for the headphone amplifier. To the left is the menu button and the input selector knob. On the left side of the facade there is a power switch and a 6.3 mm headphone jack.
The inputs are a USB port, as well as two coaxial and a pair of optical connectors. Outputs: linear RCA and balanced XLR. There is a useful feature that disables the USB input circuits if any of the S/PDIF connectors are used.
TEAC UD-501 has received many awards and, according to TEAC, will compete with devices that are several times higher in price. The model is distinguished by a rich sound character with excellent resolution in the upper register, excellent elaboration of the midrange and fast, well-defined bass.
Features of the external DAC TEAC UD-501
Two Burr-Brown PCM1795 (32-bit/192 kHz) DACs (one per channel) DSD (2.8/5.6 MHz) and PCM (up to 32-bit/384 kHz) processing Asynchronous USB port, PC connection (Windows OS) ) using the ASIO driver Advanced filtering system