Teac has released the UD-503 USB DAC with DSD 11.2 MHz support and new oversampling algorithms

Teac has released the UD-503 USB DAC with DSD 11.2 MHz support and new oversampling algorithms

Teac last fall introduced a USB DAC and headphone amplifier UD-503 with a dual mono design, and they went on sale in Russia this month. The new product uses Verita AK4490 DAC chips, which, according to a press release, thanks to the Velvet Sound architecture are capable of producing “full of subtle details and expressive sound even beyond the audible range.”

In addition to the DSD 11.2 MHz signal, the device also supports PCM 32 bit/384 kHz. When connected via USB, the new product operates with asynchronous data transfer, which allows you to fully control PCM and DSD signals with its own clock signals from precision quartz clock generators. The UD-503 is equipped with two clock generators - one each for frequencies that are multiples of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz. The new product also has a 10 MHz external clock input, which allows you to connect the DAC to a higher-end Esoteric generator or to a GPS clock for calibration or continuous use.

The UD-503 uses Teac's proprietary Fluency upconversion circuitry. In addition to upsampling PCM signals at 2x, 4x, and 8x, the DAC also supports DSD conversion up to 12.2MHz (4x DSD). Thanks to this unique technology, the UD-503 transforms the 16-bit/44.1 kHz signal from conventional CDs into an 11.2 MHz DSD stream at 256 times higher frequency. Audio data with frequencies above 20 kHz is generated using an interpolation algorithm, which will restore natural sound as close to the original as possible. This design is used to ensure that the listener, "even when listening to CD or MP3 recordings, gets that feeling of 'atmosphere' of the performance or 'air' that is usually unique to DSD." 48kHz PCM audio files can also be played back as a 12.2MHz DSD stream after conversion.

A digital isolator is installed between the digital and analog parts, which completely isolates each power path and ground path. The DAC has a “dual mono” design, and it also has two toroidal power transformers - one for each channel. In addition, each channel in the analog amplifier section uses Teac-HCLD circuitry, which improves transient response during differential processing in balanced mode and parallel processing in single-ended output mode.

The headphone amplifier produces 700 mW per channel and, according to statements. The headphones are connected using a new method - with an active ground: the same connection as a balanced connection, but with the COLD pin being forced to a stable level of 0V using an amplification circuit through which the COLD is shorted to ground. As a result, not only does the ground potential become closer to ideal than in a conventional circuit, but also the background influence from the power source is noticeably suppressed.

The cost of Teac UD-503 is 116,000 rubles.

DAC Teac UD-503 silver

Digital-to-analog converter with headphone amplifier. DAC 2 x AK4490EQ. Inputs: RCA, 3.5mm coaxial/optical, coaxial, optical, asynchronous USB (Type B, up to 32bit/384kHz PCM, up to 11.2MHz DSD). Outputs: RCA, XLR, two 6.3 mm headphone jacks. Dimensions 290x81x249 mm. Weight 4.2 kg. Silver color.

The TEAC UD-503 external DAC, equipped with a headphone amplifier, continues the development line of its predecessor UD-501. Its main difference from the UD-501 is the use of new VERITA AK4490 chips (one per channel), which allow PCM (up to 32 bit/384 kHz) and DSD (up to 11.2 MHz) conversion. Two clocks (clock generators) operate on signals that are multiples of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz. An upgrade is available by connecting an external 10 MHz clock via a BNC port. This device has 4 digital filters for PCM (with the ability to turn them off) and a pair of filters for DSD. A switchable upsampler controlled by a programmable FPGA chip increases sample rates by 2x, 4x and 8x for PCM. Moreover, any digital signals, for example, audio with a resolution of 16 bits/44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, can be converted to DSD (11.2 or 12.2 MHz).

The body of the device is reinforced with 8 mm aluminum sidewalls with rack handles and rests on three anti-vibration legs with conical spikes and thrust bearings. On the left side of its front panel there is a power switch, an LED diode indicating synchronization with an external clock, a 3.5 mm optical / coaxial input with support for PCM (24 bit / 192 kHz) and DSD (2.8 MHz) in DoP mode , input selector (also used in menu settings) and menu button.

The TEAC UD-503 uses a balanced "dual mono" circuit topology using a separate toroidal power transformer in each channel. Thanks to the use of a digital isolator, noise from digital signal sources does not penetrate analog circuits. TEAC-HCLD technology is used: buffer high-current discrete amplifiers are installed in the analog stage, capable of providing a wide dynamic range. The TEAC UD-503 DAC allows you to change the voltage at the linear output. To adjust the volume level, a 256-step control is used in 0.5 dB steps.

The Class AB headphone amplifier has two 6.3 mm jacks that can be used to connect balanced or two pairs of regular headphones. HCLD technology is also used here. A balanced connection with active GDN is available to suppress noise generated by the power supply.

The TEAC UD-503 DAC is a guarantee of high-quality sound and has serious potential with reserve for the future.

Features of the external DAC TEAC UD-503

“Dual mono” circuit design, one VERITA AK4490 DAC in each channel Processing PCM (up to 32 bit/384 kHz) and DSD (up to 11.2 MHz) via USB input Upsampler, preamplifier function, possibility of using an external clock Headphone amplifier with balanced connection

TEAC NT-503 - Universal network player with premium quality USB DAC

The TEAC NT-503 is an all-in-one network player with a premium USB DAC and dual mono architecture that delivers the highest quality playback experience using a range of technologies and circuitry derived from Esoteric's high-end components. The NT-503 uses a pair of VERITA AK4490 DAC chips designed by Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation. VELVET SOUND architecture of the AK4490 chip

capable of producing full, subtle detail and expressive sound even beyond the audible range to achieve the best quality High-Resolution (Hi-Res) audio playback.
Newly developed Low Distortion Technology delivers a signal-to-noise ratio better than 112dB S/(N+D), the industry's highest achievement for a 120dB-class DAC.
In addition to playing back DSD streams with native resolutions up to 11.2MHz (Native playback), the NT-503 also supports a wide variety of Hi-Res sources, including 32-bit/384kHz PCM

. The smoothness of detail and outstanding precision of sound source placement are reproduced to the extremes of Hi-Res Audio. The AK4490 DAC is a product of the Audio4pro™ brand developed by Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation for professional audio equipment and high-end digital audio components.

The NT-503 uses TEAC's latest Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with exclusive Fluency up-conversion algorithm

. In addition to upsampling PCM encoded data at 2x, 4x, and 8x, it also supports upconversion of DSD streams up to 12.2MHz (4x DSD). Thanks to this unique system, the NT-503 converts 16-bit/44.1kHz data from conventional CDs into an 11.2MHz DSD stream – at 256 times the frequency. Audio data with frequencies above 20kHz is generated using an interpolation algorithm to restore natural sound as close to the original as possible. As a result, even when listening to CD or MP3 recordings, the listener receives a feeling of “atmosphere” of performance or “air” that is usually inherent only in the DSD format.

NT-503 has a pair of clock generators, one each for frequencies that are multiples of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz

. Additionally, a 10 MHz external clock input allows the DAC to be connected to an Esoteric rubidium oscillator or GPS clock for calibration or continuous use.

The NT-503's best-in-class performance is based on new, dual-mono circuitry. From the power supply to the DAC chips and to the analog output stages, the element base is a mirror pair of perfectly matched components

. A pair of high-efficiency toroidal power transformers and high-quality VERITA AK4490 DAC chips, for example, operate as a single mono circuit on each channel, preventing cross-talk between audio signals.

Based on TEAC's many years of experience in high-end audio design, the analog amplifier section operates a pair of discrete high-current buffer amplifiers. TEAC-HCLD (High Current Line Driver) circuits in each channel

improve transient characteristics during differential processing in balanced mode and during parallel processing in unbalanced output mode. As a result, the NT-503 provides a wide dynamic range of the original high-resolution signal without losing the dynamism of the music.

Between the digital and analog sections, the NT-503 uses a Digital Isolator to completely isolate each power path and ground path.

. It prevents all noise from digital sources, in particular from computers connected to the USB input, from entering the analog part through power supply or grounding channels. This isolation scheme offers significant benefits, particularly for high-resolution audio playback where sources have higher sampling rates.

NT-503 is equipped with separate high power toroidal power transformers for the left and right channels,

which produce clean and stable current regardless of the dual mono type concept. Each power supply provides a stable supply current to its channel and is not affected by changes in the current consumption of the other channel. This power supply is usually the preserve of large, high-quality audio components, but here it is used for excellent handling of peak loads.

With just one USB cable, Hi-Res audio data including 11.2 MHz DSD and 32-bit/384 kHz PCM can be played back without complex settings.

TEAC offers a free application “TEAC HR Audio Player” for Windows OS and Macintosh OS. This allows listeners to create, save and recall their own playlists, or simply drag and drop music files into the playlist window (Windows driver required).

The NT-503 is a versatile network media player that offers such capabilities along with DLNA 1.5. Hi-Res audio formats such as 5.6 MHz DSD and WAV/FLAC 24 bit 192 kHz can be played from a PC or NAS (network server). Playback can be controlled using the free iOS or Android app “TEAC HR Remote”.

HT-503 supports wireless playback via Bluetooth®

using advanced technologies such as aptx®, AAC and SBC codec for the best sound possible. (HT-503 does not support wireless audio transmission via Bluetooth to wireless headphones).

The front panel USB port of the NT-503 supports 5.6 MHz DSD and 192 kHz PCM files stored on USB flash drives, as well as regular MP3 and WMA files.

The free TEAC HR Remote app for iOS/Android turns your smartphone and tablet into a touchscreen remote control to browse and select music files on USB flash drives. Gapless playback is also supported when playing files with the same sample rate: WAV, FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, WMA, OGG Vorbis, and MP3.

The free “TEAC HR Remote” application for iOS and “TEAC AVR Remote” for Android allows the HT-503 to subscribe to online music services

, such as Spotify, Deezer and Slacker. In addition, access to the Internet radio portal provides free listening to more than 100,000 radio stations and 4 million podcasts around the world.

Like the UD-503, the HT-503 also features a high-quality headphone amplifier that provides 500MW+500MW output power

. “TEAC-HCLD” circuits with four output transistors operating in parallel mode make ordinary headphones sound powerful and accurate. In addition, the amplifier's exclusive Class AB design and extended Class A operating range allow the HT-503 to operate primarily in A-mode, maximizing its performance potential for a wide variety of headphones, including high-impedance headphones up to 600 ohms. .

• USB DAC supporting 11.2MHz DSD Native playback and 32-bit/384kHz PCM, from PC via one USB cable
• Streaming audio in 5.6MHz DSD and 24-bit/192kHz WAV/FLAC formats over LAN (DLNA1.5 and Home Media Playback compatible)
• Audio playback in 5.6MHz DSD and 24-bit/192kHz WAV/FLAC formats from USB flash drives
• High-quality wireless playback via Bluetooth® with support for aptX®, AAC and SBC codecs
• Access to Internet radio stations (TuneIn)
• Access to online music services Spotify, Deezer and Slacker (USA)
• Access to online music services Spotify and Deezer (Europe)
• Digital radio reception in DAB and DAB+ (NT-503DAB model)
• Free Remote App for control from iOS and Android devices
• Free Music Playback App for Windows/Mac, supporting 11.2MHz DSD
• Two AK4490 DAC chips from Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation
• DSD and PCM filter options for selecting sound options to suit your tastes
• 10MHz External Clock input for more accurate timing (USB Asynchronous mode only)
• Two precision clock generators for frequencies that are multiples of 44.1kHz and 48kHz (USB asynchronous mode only)
• Upconverting to 12.2MHz DSD and 384kHz PCM – for finer detail reproduction
• Buffer amplifier circuit "TEAC-HCLD" Quad Buffer Amplifier with high current delivery
• "TEAC-QVCS" Precision Volume Control Circuits
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line outputs with fixed (0dB, +6dB) or variable output
• Polarity switching on XLR outputs (2:HOT or 3:HOT)
• A USB B-type port for receiving streaming audio from a PC, an Ethernet port for receiving streaming audio from a network, as well as coaxial and optical digital inputs
• Gapless playback from USB, DLNA and Home Media (only for files with the same sample rate - WAV, FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, WMA, OGG Vorbis and MP3.))
• Front panel coaxial and optical digital inputs for portable digital audio players
• Headphone amplifier using discrete elements with an output power of 500mW + 500mW
• Large volume indicator on a bright OLED display (4-step dimmer, plus Off switch)
• Low power consumption thanks to Auto Power Saving function
• Durable and elegant all-metal housing protects against external vibrations and noise
• RoHS Compliant