Shopping for a stereo preamp with a good built-in DAC and headphone amp can be frustrating, but TEAC has announced a solution that might be worth checking out, its newly announced UD-507.
Built on the foundation of its previous UD-500 series models with some added touches borrowed from its higher-end UD-700 series, the UD-507 is designed to provide the best combination of sound quality and user flexibility in a compact form factor.
Core Features
DAC: The UD-507 incorporates TEAC’s proprietary “TRDD5” (TEAC Reference Discrete DAC). This DAC is designed with musicality as the top priority, following in the footsteps of the discrete DAC design applied to the higher-end 700 series.
From Jo Yoshida, TEAC Brand Manager: “The most important feature of the UD-507 is the newly designed and manufactured “TRDD 5” discrete D/A converter. The design goal of this in-house developed discrete DAC is to provide a more immersive musical experience for all listeners. Thanks to the clear soundstage and precise imaging, you will discover the breadth and articulation of your favorite artists that you never noticed before.”
Headphone Amplifier: The UD-507 is a balanced Dual Mono headphone amplifier featuring the TEAC-HCLD2 (TEAC High Current Line Driver). This feature is noted for its high current supply capability. Compared to the previous model, the maximum output power has been improved by strengthening the power supply, resulting in a generous driving power of 1,200mW + 1,200mW (balanced output at 100-ohm load), which is comparable to a dedicated headphone amplifier without DAC.
The power amplifier gain can be switched between 3 positions (Low/Mid/High) to fine-tune the output to best match the sensitivity and impedance of the headphones.
Preamplifier: In addition to headphone listening the UD-507 incorporates a preamplifier that allows connection of needed analog and digital sources, as well as outputs (both unbalanced and balanced) for connecting the UD-507 to an external amplifier or another compatible audio system.
The UD-507’s preamp features the TEAC-QVCS (Quad Volume Control System). This is a high-precision analog volume attenuator, as well as the PTEAC-HCLD2 high current line buffer circuit.
Additional Features
Expanding on its core DAC, Heaphone Amp, and DAC the UD-507 also includes the following additional features that support a quality music listening experience and ease of use.
- Full-stage dual monaural/balanced circuit configuration that supports better channel separation
- 22.5MHz DSD and 384kHz/32bit PCM playback as a USB DAC.
- 5 digital inputs (USB Type-B (rear), USB Type-C (front), Coaxial, Optical, Bluetooth) and 2 analog inputs (RCA, XLR)
- Full MQA decoder, supporting all digital inputs except Bluetooth.
- “RDOT-NEO” (Refined Digital Output Technology NEO) up-conversion function (2xFs/4xFs/8xFs)
- Bluetooth receiver supporting high-quality audio codecs including LDAC and aptX HD
- Proprietary “TEAC-HCLD2” output buffer circuit for powerful current transmission
- “TEAC-QVCS” high-resolution analog preamplifier circuit
TEAC 500 Series
| TEAC 500 Series Model | UD-507 | UD-505X | UD505 | UD-503 | UD-501 |
| Price | $2,099.99 | $1,849.99 | Discontinued | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| USB DAC | TRDD5 x 1 (L/R) | ES9038 x 2 (L/R) | AK4497 X 2 (L/R) | AK4490 X 2 (L/R) | PCM 1795 x 2 (L/R) |
| DSD Format Support | 22.5Mhz/32-bit Max | 22.5Mhz Max | 22.5Mhz Max | 11.2Mhz Max | 5.6MHz Max |
| PCM Format Support | 384kHz/32bit Max | 768kHz/32bit Max | 768kHz/32bit Max | 384kHz/32bit Max | 384kHz/32bit Max |
| Up-Conversion (Max) | PCM 384kHz/32 bit (2 fs, 4 fs, 8 fs) | DSD: 24.5MHz (DSD 256/DSD 512) PCM 384kHz/32 bit (2 fs, 4 fs, 8 fs) | DSD: 24.5MHz (DSD 256/DSD 512) PCM 384kHz/32 bit (2 fs, 4 fs, 8 fs) | DSD: 12.2MHz (DSD 256) PCM 384kHz/32 bit (2 fs, 4 fs, 8 fs) | PCM 192kHz/24bit (fixed) |
| Dual Mono | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Current Buffer Circuit | TEAC HCLD2 | TEAC HCLD2 | TEAC HCLD | TEAC HCLD | – |
| TEAC QVCS Circuit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Line/Balanced Inputs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Line/Balanced Outputs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Line Parallel Unbalanced Outputs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| High Precision Dual Clock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| External Clock Input | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Preamp FunctionBult Pet Transmission | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Line Output Level Switching | Fixed (0db) Fixed (+6dB) Variable Path Thru Off | Fixed (0db) Fixed (+6dB) Variable Off | Fixed (0db) Fixed (+6dB) Variable Off | Fixed (0db) Fixed (+6dB) Variable Off | Line output on/off selection only when headphones are connected |
| Front Digital Input | Yes (USB Type C) | Yes (combined coaxial/optical mini jack) | Yes (combined coaxial/optical mini jack) | Yes (combined coaxial/optical mini jack) | Mp |
| Analog Line Inputs | 2 pairs (XLR, RCA) | 1 pair (RCA) | 1 pair (RCA) | Yes (combined coaxial/optical mini jack) | Mp |
| Bluetooth Receiver | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | Mp |
| Headphone Amplifier Circuit | Current Strengthing Circuit | Current Strengthing Circuit | Current Strengthing Circuit | Current Strengthing Circuit | Op Amp |
| Headphone Output com nectors/Drive modes | XLR 4pin x 1 (Balanced, Active Ground) 4.4 mm 5 pole x 1 (Balanced, Active Ground) Standard 6.3mm x1 (Unbalanced) | 4.4 mm 5 pole x 1 (Balanced, Active Ground) Standard 6.3mm x1 (Balanced, Active Ground, Unbalanced) | 4.4 mm 5 pole x 1 (Balanced, Active Ground) Standard 6.3mm x1 (Balanced, Active Ground, Unbalanced) | Standard 6.3mm x1 (Balanced, Active Ground, Unbalanced) | 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack x 1 (Unbalanced) |
| Feet | Stressless Foot v 2 | Stressless Foot | PinPoint Foot | PinPoint Foot | Conventional Insulated Foot |
| Remote Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 290 × 85 × 249 mm 11.4 × 3.3”× 9.8 inches | 290 × 84.5 × 248.7 mm 11.4 ×3 .3 × 9.8-inches | 290 × 84.5 × 248.7 mm 11.4 ×3.3 × 9.8 -inches | 290 × 81.2 × 248.7 mm 11.4 × 3.2 × 9.8 -inches | 290 × 81.2 × 244 mm 11.4 × 3.2 × 9.6 -inches |
| Weight | 4.9kg / 10.8lbs | 4.1kg / 9.1lbs | 4.2kg / 9.3lbs | 4.2kg / 9.3lbs | 4.0kg / 8 15/16 lbs |
| Finishes | Black/Silver | Black/Silver | Black/Silver | Black/Silver | Black/Silver |
Initial Thoughts
The TEAC UD507 packs in a lot – combining a DAC, preamp, and headphone amp provides a lot of music listening and setup flexibility either as a standalone unit or integrated into an external audio system. The only thing missing is built-in network streaming (although Bluetooth is built-in).
With a $2,100 price tag, the UH-507 is expensive when you consider that WiiM and Schiit Audio offer a line of similar products at much lower prices, but the UD-507 has more extensive connectivity and digital file compatibility that are worth a good look.
Availability and Pricing
The Teac UD-507 will be available for purchase in June 2024 for $2,099.99 USD from TEACUSA,com and select dealers.
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