Compact and efficient desktop amplifiers are becoming extremely popular in 2025 as more consumers look to build out systems that can drive both high-end headphones and bookshelf speakers and it looks like TEAC has a new power amplifier utilising the latest in Class D technology. Following the releases of the HA-507 Headphone Amp/Preamp and UD-507 DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amp in 2024, TEAC has announced another addition to the 500 reference component series, the AP-507 Power Amplifier.
Introduction
The TEAC AP-507 is primarily designed to be a companion to the above-mentioned previously released components, but can also elevate the performance of almost any audio system.
The AP-507 is a step up from the AP-505 that was released in 2019, but with an updated amplifier module and higher power output along with much lower levels of distortion.
Amplifier Section
The AP-507 features TEAC’s custom-tuned new generation ‘NCOREx’ power amplifier module. Tuned by TEAC’s R&D team, the AP-507 is designed to achieve exceptional audio performance. At the heart of the AP-507 is TEAC’s in-house designed dual-mono buffer amplifier. Featuring ultra-linear performance, low distortion, and high efficiency, the fully balanced design allows the AP-507 to reproduce music with the best possible quality.
The AP-507 supports flexible operation including Stereo, Bi-AMP, and BTL mono modes. It can deliver a high power output of 170 watts per channel at 4 ohms and up to 350 watts at 8 ohms in BTL mode. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for enhancing AV surround sound systems.
To provide full support for the needs of the amplifier section, the AP-507 includes a High-Capacity Power Supply with a large toroidal transformer and 18,800 μF capacitors per channel.
Compact Size
The AP-507 has a small footprint. While the amplifier is designed for audiophiles looking for precision, clarity, and dynamic performance, it is also designed to be able to fit attractively and seamlessly into modern living spaces. TEAC claims that the AP-507 is small enough to be used in a desktop audio system.
Exterior Design
The AP-507 features an aluminum and steel chassis with a 2.8mm thick semi-floating aluminum top plate and a 3-point stress-less isolation foot system. This design minimizes vibrations, creating a more open and natural listening experience. The AP-507 also runs fairly cool and has a fanless design for minimal noise.
Like its predecessor, the AP-507 also provides Dual Point VU meters with a 4-step dimmer and 2-step sensitivity switch. This makes it easy to keep track of the AP -507’s operational status.
Comparison
| Model | AP-507 (2025) | AP-505 (2019) |
| Price | $2,199 | $1,499 |
| Amplifier Type | Hypex “NCOREx” new generation amplifier module custom-modified to TEAC’s specifications. | Hypex Ncore power amplifier module |
| Amplifier Drive Modes (Selectable) | Stereo, Bi-Amp, and BTL | Stereo, Bi-Amp, and BTL |
| Amplifier Power Output (Maximum Effective – 1 kHz) | Stereo or Bi-Amp: 170W + 170W（4 Ω), 95W + 95W（8 Ω) BTL: 350W（8 Ω) | Stereo or Bi-Amp: 130W + 130W (4Ω), 90W + 90W (8Ω) BTL: 250W (8Ω) |
| Amplifier Power Output (Rated Output – 1% THD, 1kHz) | Stereo or Bi-Amp: 125W + 125W（4 Ω) , 70W + 70W（8 Ω) BTL: 230W（8 Ω) | Stereo or Bi-Amp: 115W + 115W (4Ω), 70W + 70W (8Ω) BTL: 220W (8Ω) |
| Speaker Output Impedance | Stereo or Bi-Amp: 4 Ω to 16 Ω BTL: 8 Ω to 16 Ω | Stereo or Bi-Amp: 4 Ω to 16 Ω BTL: 8 Ω to 16 Ω |
| THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) | 0.0015% 8 Ω, 1kHz, 12.5W） | 0.0015% (8Ω, 1kHz, 12.5W) |
| SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) | 113 dB (8 Ω, 1kHz） | 113 dB (8Ω, 1kHz) |
| Frequency Response （8Ω、1kHz、1W） | 10 to 50kHz(+0dB, −5dB) | 10Hz to 50,000Hz (+0dB, –5dB) |
| Damping Factor | Not Indicated | 370 or higher (20Hz to 20kHz, Output impedance: 22mΩ, 8Ω loaded) |
| Inputs | 1 x XLR 1 x RCA Inputs | 1 x XLR 1 x RCA Inputs |
| Outputs | 1 x Large Screw-Type Speaker Binding Posts | 1 x Large Screw-Type Speaker Binding Posts |
| Input Sensitivity ( 8 Ω, 1% THD output) | RCA 0.66V, XLR 1.3V | RCA 0.66V, XLR 1.3V |
| Input Impedance (RCA/XLR) | 10k Ω or more | 10k Ω or higher |
| Control | Front Panel Controls 1 x Trigger In 1 x Trigger Through | Front Panel Controls (Triggers not provided) |
| Power Supply | AC 220–230 V, 50/60 Hz (Europe) AC 120 V, 60 Hz (USA/Canada) | AC 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz (Europe) AC 120 V, 60 Hz (USA/Canada) |
| Power Consumption | 58W | 106W |
| Standby Power | Not Indicated | 0.1W or less (at Auto power-saving mode) |
| Finish | Silver or Back | Silver or Back |
| Dimensions (WHD, including protrusions) | 290 x 84.5 x 271mm 11 1/2 × 3 3/8 × 10 ¾ inches | 290 × 84.5 × 271 mm 11.4 × 3.3 × 10.7 inches |
| Weight | 4.4kg (9 3/4 lb) | 4.4kg (9.7 lbs) |
| Included Accessories | Power cord × 1, Rubber pads × 3, Owner’s Manual | Power cord, Owner’s Manual (incl. Warranty card) |
The Bottom Line
With each new generation of products, class D technology continues to improve; one of the advantages of the updated Hypex NCOREx modules is that there is a lot less heat dissipation. The module will run in a much lower idle current when it can and will only switch to a higher idle current when performance is needed. The output impedance has also improved and the levels of measured distortion have also been reduced even further — these are extraoridnalry quiet amplifiers that run rather cool.
However, keep that the AP-507 is a power amp, you need to budget for a preamp (such as HA-507 and UD-507) to supply input switching and any processing that may be needed before sending those signals to the AP-507 to power the speakers.
That being said, on paper the specs for the AP-507 look good and for its price point, it might be a great power amp solution for a two-channel audio system, as a bi-amp or bridged amplifier for a portion of a home theater audio system.
Price & Availability
The AP-507 will be available to purchase in Spring 2025 from TEACUSA.com and select dealers. The MSRP is $2199 (USA) / €1899 (EU) / £1899 (UK).
Related Reading
ORT
February 13, 2025 at 2:23 am
Style is back in style! Vu Meters 4Ever!
ORT
Ian White
February 13, 2025 at 11:31 am
ORT,
Looks like they all got the message. I agree that Vu meters are definitely back.
IW