TEAC Audio Brand Guide: Amplifiers, DACs, CD Players & VRDS Technology Explained
Read Time: Approx. 19 min.
Welcome to TEAC Audio
For over 70 years, TEAC Audio has been one of the leading hi-fi manufacturers in amplification, digital-to-analog conversion, and tape technology. What began in 1953 with two brothers, a hand-made tape recorder, and a vision for engineering excellence has evolved into a legacy that has fundamentally shaped modern audio. TEAC pioneered the home multi-track recording revolution with reel-to-reel tape machines in the 1970s, earned multiple Emmy Awards, and in 1987 introduced the legendary VRDS mechanism–a groundbreaking technology that is still recognized as the gold standard for CD playback nearly four decades later.
Today, TEAC occupies a unique position in high fidelity audio: One of the few manufacturers with both the heritage of analog mastery and the innovation of cutting-edge digital technology, from the company's reference series amplifiers and DACs to the flagship network players and CD transports. This brand guide is your comprehensive resource for understanding TEAC's current product lineup, the technologies that set them apart, and the story of how they became one of the most respected names in high-fidelity audio. Whether you're building your first serious audio system or upgrading to reference-level components, you'll discover how TEAC continues to honor its founding mission: enriching society through the pure joy of exceptional sound.
TEAC Product Line
Reference 500 Series
TEAC PD-507T CD Transport
The TEAC PD-507T CD Transport is the company's reference 500 series CD Transport, delivering high-quality CD playback through various audio systems equipped with digital inputs. The PD-507T Transport is built around TEAC's in-house manufactured CD-5020A mechanism, known for its ruggedness and reliability. This mechanism is combined with a semi-floating mounting structure and a specially designed drive circuit to achieve incredible sonic results.
One notable feature is the ability to turn off unused digital outputs to reduce electrical noise and maintain signal purity. The PD-507T also has separate power supplies for each clock and digital output, along with upgraded electrical circuitry and mechanical construction. Connect it to an external clock like the TEAC CG-10M-X for even more precise timing and reap all of the sonic benefits the PD-507T has to offer.
With an incredibly compact form factor, a new amber full-dot OLED display, and control terminals, the PD-507T is an uncomplicated, no-frills CD transport at an incredible price point.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Blue Dragon Power Cable, Black Dragon Coax Digital Cable
TEAC UD-505-X Headphone Amplifier
TEAC's USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier, the UD-505-X combines a high-performance DAC, a fully-balanced headphone amplifier, and an analog preamplifier into a compact A4-sized chassis. The UD-505-X delivers class-leading audio quality that surpasses its desktop-friendly footprint.
Rather than using a single DAC chip, TEAC incorporated dual ESS Technology ES9038Q2M DAC chips–one dedicated to each stereo channel–operating in monaural mode for superior signal-to-noise ratio. Using 32-bit HyperStream II DAC architecture with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology, the UD-505-X achieves outstanding dynamic range and increased linearity in D/A conversion. TEAC's proprietary RDOT-NEO (Redefined Digital Output Technology NEO) fluency algorithm smoothly up-converts PCM digital signals up to 384kHz/32-bit and 24.5MHz DSD, breathing new life into familiar recordings. As a USB DAC with extensive connectivity, the UD-505-X supports native 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz/32-bit PCM playback, along with wireless hi-res transmission via LDAC and aptX HD Bluetooth codecs.
The UD-505-X acts as a fully balanced amplifier with XLR and RCA analog inputs and outputs, plus a versatile headphone amplifier featuring dual 6.3mm jacks and a 4.4mm 5-pole balanced connector. The headphone section offers three drive modes: an unbalanced connection for up to two sets of headphones, active-ground drive that lowers the noise floor, and a balanced connection for maximum performance. With four output transistors per channel, the TEAC-HCLD2 circuit delivers the power needed to drive even challenging 600Ω high-impedance headphones to their full potential. It's a true dual mono design with incredible technology and a sound quality you just can't beat.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Blue Dragon Power Cable, Silver Dragon USB Cable, Blue Dragon Interconnect Cable
TEAC UD-507 DAC, Preamp, Headphone Amplifier
Following in the footsteps of TEAC's acclaimed 701 series, the TEAC UD-507 DAC, Preamp, Headphone Amplifier offers listeners a truly immersive musical experience at an incredible price point. The UD-507 features TEAC's new TRDD 5 discrete DAC, designed with musicality as the top priority, offering a clear soundstage and accurate imaging.
Rather than using an off-the-shelf DAC chip, the TRDD 5 discrete DAC incorporates an FPGA in a proprietary algorithm that processes all incoming digital signals at 64-bit/512Fs and converts them to analog signals by 16 elements per channel. The DSD signal is processed directly, while the PCM signal is converted to a 1-bit signal by a delta-sigma modulator before being output as a high-quality analog signal.
Inside the UD-507 is a fully balanced dual monaural headphone amplifier featuring the TEAC-HCLD2 high current line driver, characterized by its high current supply capability. Compared to previous models, the maximum output power has been greatly improved, resulting in a generous driving power of 1,200mW + 1,200mW (balanced output at 100 ohms load). The power amplifier gain can be switched between three positions (low/mid/high) to fine-tune the output to best match the sensitivity and impedance of the headphones.
As a preamplifier, the UD-507 incorporates the TEAC-QVCS high precision analog volume attenuator and the powerful TEAC HCLD2 high current line buffer circuit. With five digital inputs and two analog inputs (balanced and unbalanced), a wide variety of devices can be connected to the UD-507 with ease. The UD-507 is complete with a full MQA decoder, a non-feedback power supply circuit, two types of dedicated clocks, an up-sampling function, a Bluetooth receiver supporting LDAC, Aptx HD, and multipoint connection, plus so much more. Audiophiles who refuse to compromise on performance but want the luxury of an integrated component will be thrilled with the UD-507.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Blue Dragon Power Cable, Silver Dragon USB Cable, Blue Dragon Interconnect Cable
TEAC NT-505-X USB DAC Network Player
The TEAC NT-505-X is a class-leading dual monaural USB DAC with versatile network playback capabilities, incorporating the latest network technologies with TEAC's decades of accumulated design experience. The NT-505-X features the ESS Technology ES9038Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC in each of the left and right channels. A dual monaural circuit configuration is used throughout, from the power supply, including power transformers, to the digital-to-analog converters in the digital section and the analog output stage. This achieves a high signal-to-noise ratio by using each DAC in mono mode, and when used as a USB DAC, its high specifications enable native playback of 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz/32-bit PCM formats.
The NT-505-X's analog section includes four TEAC-HCLD2 buffer amp circuits that support two drive modes — fully-balanced drive for balanced output and parallel drive mode for unbalanced output — to achieve enhanced acoustic expression. Sit back and enjoy a clear, accurate sound quality with an incredible dynamic range.
On the network audio side, the NT-505-X supports high-quality music subscription services including Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, and Roon Ready. By connecting the NT-505-X to a home network using a LAN cable, music files saved on NAS music servers and computers can be accessed and played back. The unit supports OpenHome for synchronized multi-room playback with gapless playback support, and high-resolution Bluetooth codecs including LDAC for 24-bit 96kHz transmission and Qualcomm aptX HD for 24-bit 84kHz transmission.
All wrapped up in an A4-sized chassis, the NT-505-X accommodates two onboard clocks exclusively for 44.1kHz and 48kHz sampling frequencies, and an external 10MHz clock input to synchronize with an even higher-precision master clock generator. The NT-505-X is equipped with both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA gold-plated analog audio outputs symmetrically laid out, allowing a wide range of possible audio configurations.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Blue Dragon Power Cable, Silver Dragon USB Cable, Blue Dragon Interconnect Cable
TEAC CG-10M-X Master Clock Generator
TEAC's master clock, the CG-10M-X, is a master clock generator that delivers an extremely accurate clock signal to DACs, network audio players, and CD players. As the company's top-of-the-line reference clock generator, the CG-10M-X is the updated version of the CG-10M with refinements for higher sound quality.
The crystal oscillator at the heart of the CG-10M-X is an OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator), which is equipped with a thermostatic chamber to ensure high oscillation stability. By reducing oscillation frequency fluctuations caused by temperature changes, the CG-10M-X generates an accurate clock signal–specifically an ultra-high precision 10MHz clock signal within plus or minus 3 parts per billion of frequency temperature characteristics and within plus or minus 0.1 parts per million of frequency precision to DACs and digital players.
In the X edition, the output buffer amplifier circuit, power supply circuit, and chassis construction have been refined. Each circuit in the CG-10M-X is completely isolated to prevent cross-interference when multiple devices are connected to the gold-plated BNC connectors.
The CG-10M-X's chassis construction has been redesigned with a semi-floating top panel and "Stressless Foot" for a more open, natural, and full sound quality, with the elimination of the top panel screws emphasizing the clean, elegant look of the CG-10M-X. An analog oven status meter prominently displayed on the front panel allows the user to check the internal operating status of the OCXO from the outside at any time. From the robust chassis to the accurate clock signal, the TEAC CG-10M-X is the ultimate performance piece for any hi-fi audio system.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Blue Dragon Power Cable, Black Dragon Coax Digital Cable, or Silver Dragon Coax Digital Cable
TEAC HA-507 Balanced High Output Headphone Amplifier
For headphone purists demanding more from their listening sessions, the TEAC HA-507 Balanced Output Headphone Amplifier incorporates TEAC's premium audio technologies to achieve the highest level of sound quality. Unlike many modern headphone amplifiers, the TEAC HA-507 forgoes all digital circuitry in favor of a pure analog design with no DAC, Bluetooth, or wireless connectivity, focusing exclusively on analog input and output for both its preamp and headphone amplifier functions.
The HA-507 employs a high-power analog amplifier circuit with exceptionally wide bandwidth and low distortion characteristics. It features a fully balanced, dual-mono configuration with four amplifier elements (left/right/positive/negative) with a headphone drive capability of 6,700mW + 6,700mW (32 ohms), which can fully drive any headphones, including low-sensitivity and high-impedance ones. When driving unbalanced headphones, the internal balanced amplifiers are switched to an active-ground configuration, providing an exceptionally wide soundstage by actively driving the signal ground level to zero voltage.
Pushing the boundaries of performance, the HA-507 can also be used as a pure analog preamplifier. Whether for headphones or speakers, the preamp section features TEAC's HCLD 2 technology (High Current Line Driver 2), providing fast and powerful external amp drive capability with one XLR and one RCA preamp output. The unit also offers a preamp pass-through function that allows it to be used as a dedicated headphone power amplifier when paired with high-end external preamplifiers.
Wrapped up in a compact A4-sized aluminum chassis and powered by two independent power supplies–one dedicated to audio circuits and another to control circuits–the HA-507 delivers dynamic, responsive sound quality with unparalleled musicality.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Blue Dragon Power Cable, Silver Dragon USB Cable, and Blue Dragon Interconnect Cable
TEAC AP-507 Stereo Power Amplifier
An ultra-compact stereo power amplifier, the TEAC AP-507 offers exceptional performance whether used as a standalone unit or in advanced configurations like bi-amp mode or high-power BTL mode. The AP-507 is designed for flexibility, equipped with TEAC's own custom-tuned new generation "NCOREx" power amplifier module manufactured by Hypex in the Netherlands. This technology delivers an immersive, three-dimensional soundstage and a more expansive spatial presence.
At the heart of the AP-507 is TEAC's in-house designed dual-mono buffer amplifier, refined with meticulous attention to component and circuit detail for unparalleled clarity and richness. Despite the AP-507's compact design, this amplifier delivers 170 watts per channel at 4 ohms and up to 350 watts at 8 ohms when configured in BTL bridged mode. Furthermore, the AP-507 features fully balanced transmission across all stages of its front-end buffer amplifier and power amplifier sections, and both the RCA and XLR input circuits use the premium Muses 8820E operational amplifier.
With dual-pointer VU meters, a four-step dimmer, and two-step sensitivity adjustment, TEAC has intentionally designed every aspect of the AP-507 with power and performance in mind. Perfect for headphone enthusiasts looking to enhance their listening experience with speakers, the TEAC AP-507 is a powerhouse offering outstanding sound quality and seamless drivability across any speaker setup.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Blue Dragon Power Cable, Black Dragon Interconnect Cable, Cardas Crosslink Custom Speaker Cable
TEAC PE-505 Balanced Phono Preamplifier
Specially designed with turntables in mind, the TEAC PE-505 Balanced Phono Preamplifier is a phono equalizing amplifier with dual monaural and fully balanced input/output circuits that support balanced MC input for moving coil phono cartridges.
From the head amplifier to the equalizing amplifier sections to the buffer amplifier section on the final output stage, the PE-505 employs a fully-balanced circuit design throughout all stages that amplifies, equalizes, and maintains signal purity of even the most extremely faint audio signals picked up by a cartridge. Even an unbalanced signal on the RCA input is converted to the differential processing mode right after the input terminals.
The PE-505 features a high-precision RIAA correction circuit with a newly developed NF-type equalizing amplifier that achieves less than plus or minus 0.05 decibels of RIAA deviation from 20Hz to 20kHz. As well as the modern RIAA curve, the PE-505 supports individual equalization curves from DECCA and COLUMBIA that were issued before the RIAA curve was defined in 1955.
The PE-505 includes selectable load resistance for MC cartridges with impedance options of 10, 22, 47, 100, 220, 470, and 1,000 ohms, and selectable load capacity for MM cartridges with options of 0, 100, 220, and 330 picofarads, allowing users to optimize the settings for the type of cartridge used and for the condition of the record. The unit offers switchable gain modes with low gain providing 34 decibels for MM and 54 decibels for MC inputs, while high gain provides 46 decibels for MM and 66 decibels for MC inputs.
The PE-505 embodies TEAC's audio technology expertise, focusing on recording and playback so you can enjoy the original intent of a recording as accurately as possible. It achieves impressive signal-to-noise ratios, features an illuminated analog meter on the front panel, and can also display the volume of subsonic frequencies all wrapped up into TEAC's signature chassis.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Blue Dragon Power Cable, Blue Dragon Interconnect Cable
Reference 700 Series
TEAC VRDS-701 CD Player, USB DAC
The TEAC VRDS-701 CD Player/USB DAC is a feature-rich all-in-one system that plays CDs and streams music digitally — perfect for any home audio system. The VRDS-701 employs a newly developed VRDS mechanism, a TEAC-original, that reduces rotation and other unwanted vibrations by clamping the CD to an aluminum turntable of the same diameter to maximize inertial mass. Instead of any ordinary DAC chip for the DAC section, the VRDS-701 sports a TEAC Delta Sigma Discrete DAC, which delivers an organic sound quality and brings tiny details right to the surface.
With the ability to play MQA CDs using full MQA decoding capabilities and support for 22.5MHz DSD and 384kHz/32-bit PCM formats as a USB DAC, the VRDS-701 is much more than just a CD player–it's a gateway to exceptional sound. Put down the smartphone, wipe the dust off your CDs, add a TEAC unit to your audio setup, and rediscover the pure magic of physical media in the audiophile's modern age.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Black Dragon Power Cable, Black Dragon Interconnect Cable, Black Dragon Coax Digital Cable
TEAC AP-701 Speaker Amplifier
Flagship performance meets unconstrained dynamics in the TEAC AP-701 Speaker Amplifier. The AP-701 merges all the elements desired in a power amplifier at a high level, featuring independent left and right high-capacity toroidal core power supply transformers, discrete buffer amps, and two Ncore modules that provide a complete dual mono structure from input to output. The result is outstanding channel separation, rich audio reproduction, and a three-dimensional sound quality.
The AP-701 employs two Hypex Ncore power amplifier modules, tuned and designed specifically for TEAC. These modules realize both high efficiency and high audio quality by combining the stability of UcD with improved load impedance, lower distortion, and lower output impedance. The amplifier delivers a practical maximum of 260 watts per channel at 4 ohms and 170 watts per channel at 8 ohms, with total harmonic distortion of 0.003 percent at 55 watts into 8 ohms at 1 kilohertz.
The AP-701's chassis has been expertly constructed for vibration control and effective ventilation. The front, side, and rear panels are secured with 3mm-thick heavy sheet metal as the primary material, then joints that provide suspension are used at the junctures of the front, side, rear, and top panels. This enclosure with a flexible structure controls the vibration of the entire device, enabling an open and vibrant sound quality.
Despite the high output of this power amp, TEAC has opted for a fan-free design with meticulous placement of the circuit board, air inlets, and outlets for precise airflow. A floating structure keeps the transformers detached from the bottom panel for vibration control, and the unique form of the side panels aids in heat dispersion and additional vibration elimination. The AP-701's low-profile body creates new potential in living spaces, while the extravagant internal circuitry enables rich audio reproduction where you lose yourself in the instrumentation of your favorite songs.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Black Dragon Power Cable, Black Dragon Interconnect Cable, Black Dragon Speaker Cable
TEAC VRDS-701T CD Transport
Built for the physical media lover, the TEAC VRDS-701T CD Transport commemorates the longstanding success of TEAC Audio's high-end components. Utilizing TEAC's newly developed VRDS mechanism, the VRDS-701T maximizes the true capabilities of your hi-fi audio system when used with a DAC. The VRDS system (Vibration-free Rigid Disc-clamping System) drastically reduces rotation vibration and other unwanted noise by clamping the CD to an aluminum turntable with the same diameter to maximize inertial mass. Why does this matter? By clamping the optical disc on a turntable of the same diameter, the surface blurring caused by rotational vibration and warping is suppressed, and the relative optical axis accuracy between the optical pickup and the pits and lands of the signal engraved on the disc is increased, resulting in an improved sound quality.
The superpower of the VRDS-701T is its synergy with any external DAC and ability to integrate into an existing hi-fi system. When used in combination with the TEAC UD-701N, the VRDS-701T turns into the ultimate hi-fi component, but it's compatible with any DAC of your choosing. The inclusion of a 10MHz clock input enables flexible integration with systems that are synchronized using an external clock, and a built-in MQA core decoder reads and digitally outputs MQA CDs at 88.2kHz.
The entire design of the VRDS-701T is focused on eliminating unwanted vibrations and maximizing performance. The VRDS-701T's CD mechanism is mounted on the sub-chassis in a semi-floating state to control vibrations transmitted between the CD mechanism and the chassis. By eliminating the DAC function, the internal circuitry of the VRDS-701T has been optimized for digital output. Independent high-capacity toroidal core transformers, dedicated to the digital control section and the CD mechanism, are mounted on a floating structure, separating and isolating them from the bottom panel, while side fins for heat dispersion have been tailored to eliminate lymphatic vibrations.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Black Dragon Power Cable, Black Dragon Coax Digital Cable
TEAC UD-701N Headphone Amplifier, USB DAC, and Network Player
TEAC's top-of-the-line USB DAC Network Player, the UD-701N, combines a network player, an analog preamplifier, a headphone amplifier, and a high-quality DAC into a single chassis for exceptional playback in any scenario.
Instead of using a generic DAC circuit, TEAC incorporated a newly developed original Delta sigma discrete DAC featuring an FPGA in a unique algorithm, outputting analog signals with high audio quality. DSD signals are transmitted as is, while PCM signals are transmitted after passing through a Delta Sigma modulator and conversion to either 1-bit or multi-bit signals according to the end user's choice. As a USB DAC and network player, the UD-701N supports 22.5MHz DSD and 384kHz 32-bit PCM playback.
The UD-701N is not just a DAC but also a fully balanced, two-input line-level preamplifier with RCA and XLR analog inputs, and a two-output headphone amplifier with 4-pin XLR and quarter-inch headphone jacks. It's a fully balanced unit with an extravagant dual mono structure throughout. The fully balanced transmission of both the left and right analog output signals from after D/A conversion through the final output stage improves the signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range, while the dual mono structure throughout, from the power circuit with independent left and right toroidal core transformers to the D/A converter section and analog output stage, prevents interference between the two channels for rich musical expression with space and dimension.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Black Dragon Power Cable, Black Dragon Interconnect Cable, Silver Dragon USB Cable
Dragon Cables
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
About TEAC Audio
Since its start in 1953, TEAC Audio has been producing an extensive range of products for the world. TEAC's story begins with its original founding as the Tokyo Television Acoustic Company, employing Katsuma Tani, a former aviation and aeronautics engineer who had established a reputation as a highly qualified creator of audio equipment.
In 1956, Katsuma's brother, Tomoma Tani, brought home a hand-made, 3-motor, 3-head stereo tape recorder that would change everything. Inspired and confident they could engineer something even better, the Tani brothers founded the Tokyo Electro-Acoustic Company on December 24, 1956. Eight years later, in 1964, these two companies merged to form the modern TEAC Corporation, taking its name from the initials of the Tokyo Electro-Acoustic Company.
From its earliest days, TEAC established a clear philosophy that continues to guide the company today. After early successes proved that technically flawless products would be embraced by the market, the company adopted a credo that became its North Star: "We exist to make the best products in the world." This commitment to excellence, combined with TEAC's guiding principle to enrich society through innovative products, has driven over seven decades of audio innovation.
Innovation Through the Decades
TEAC's journey to becoming a global audio brand began with the TD-102, the company's first original production model, which went on sale in 1957. The unit garnered a lot of interest with American company Lafayette Radio Electronics ordering 25 units. According to legend, TEAC's staff worked for 72 hours straight to complete the order, and once the TD-102 crossed over into the US market, the rest was history.
Throughout the 1960s and beyond, TEAC continued to push boundaries and establish new standards in audio technology. By 1969, TEAC had produced the first consumer four-track reel-to-reel tape recorders capable of playing pre-recorded Quadraphonic open reel tapes. By the early 1970s, TASC had developed revolutionary recorders and mixers, including the groundbreaking 3300 series that offered simultaneous recording and playback of up to four tracks.
In 1987, TEAC took another bold step by launching the "ESOTERIC" brand exclusively for high-end audio products. Esoteric quickly earned a reputation for making some of the best CD and SACD transports and players, DACs, and digital master clocks in the business. At the heart of Esoteric's success was the VRDS (Vibration-free Rigid Disc-clamping System), introduced in 1987 with the P-1 CD transport.
More than 70 years after its founding, TEAC continues to bridge heritage analog technologies with cutting-edge digital innovation. Committed to continuing to provide products that are made with the utmost care and attention, for people just like you who love music.
TEAC Technologies
VRDS (Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System)
Arguably, TEAC's best asset is its Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System (VRDS). Introduced in 1987 with the P-1 CD Transport, VRDS revolutionized how CDs could be read. This TEAC-original CD drive mechanism reduces rotation vibration of the disc itself as well as unwanted mechanism vibration by clamping the CD to an aluminum turntable with the same diameter and maximizing inertial mass in order to stabilize rotation. If there's even a slight wobble or minor warp in the disc, it's pressed completely flat. This allows the laser beam to maintain its position at a precisely consistent distance and angle from the disc at all times, without having to constantly adjust to compensate for disc irregularities.
The result is dramatically reduced read errors and more accurate detail retrieval, which translates directly into superior sound quality. VRDS technology has evolved through multiple generations, with VRDS-NEO representing the current state of the art.
Delta Sigma Discrete DAC: The Heart of TEAC Sound
At the core of TEAC's flagship products lies one of their best technological advancements: the TEAC Delta Sigma (ΔΣ) Discrete DAC. Instead of using generic DAC chips, TEAC uses the newly developed Delta Sigma Discrete DAC, comprised of discrete circuitry that uses an FPGA incorporating original algorithms. DSD signals are transmitted as is, while PCM signals are transmitted after passing through the Delta Sigma modulator and conversion to either 1-bit or multi-bit signals according to the end user's choice.
TEAC characterizes the Delta Sigma Discrete DAC as achieving a wide, clear sound field, which can be realized specifically because of the discrete design, reaching the pinnacle of their sound objectives. This discrete DAC design enables playback of high-resolution formats, including 22.5MHz DSD and 384kHz/32-bit PCM.
Analog Output: TEAC-HCLD and TEAC-HCLD2
At the core of TEAC's flagship products lies one of their best technological advancements: the TEAC Delta Sigma (ΔΣ) Discrete DAC. Instead of using generic DAC chips, TEAC uses the newly developed Delta Sigma Discrete DAC, comprised of discrete circuitry that uses an FPGA incorporating original algorithms. DSD signals are transmitted as is, while PCM signals are transmitted after passing through the Delta Sigma modulator and conversion to either 1-bit or multi-bit signals according to the end user's choice.
TEAC characterizes the Delta Sigma Discrete DAC as achieving a wide, clear sound field, which can be realized specifically because of the discrete design, reaching the pinnacle of their sound objectives. This discrete DAC design enables playback of high-resolution formats, including 22.5MHz DSD and 384kHz/32-bit PCM.
Volume Control: TEAC-QVCS Precision
Volume control might seem straightforward, but TEAC approaches volume control with the same meticulous attention to detail as every other aspect of their designs. TEAC-QVCS (Quad Volume Control System) is an electronic volume control that is a variable gain amp type comprised of four discrete circuits for left, right, positive, and negative (L+, L-, R+, R-). By placing the variable gain amp volume control, which processes in analog, in the audio signal path on the circuit board, issues with noise resulting from diverging wiring are avoided. The TEAC-QVCS enables volume adjustment in 0.5dB increments, allowing you to set the perfect volume for your audio system or headphones.
Verdict
Since its humbling beginnings in 1953, TEAC Audio has remained steadfast in its goal to deliver audiophiles and music lovers exceptional sound quality and uncompromising performance at every price point. From the top-of-the-line UD-701N Headphone Amp, USB DAC, Network Player to the smaller desktop units like the NT-505-X USB DAC Network Player, TEAC Audio's selection of hi-fi gear elevates your listening experience, transforming your relationship with your favorite songs.
When you invest in a TEAC component, you're not just purchasing a piece of equipment; you're gaining access to proprietary technologies like VRDS, Delta Sigma Discrete DACs, and TEAC-HCLD2 amplification that other manufacturers simply can't replicate. Whether you're rediscovering the warmth of analog with a Phono Preamplifier, embracing the convenience of network streaming, or building a complete reference system from CD Transport to Master Clock and Amplifier, TEAC provides the tools to experience music exactly as the artist intended.
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