TEAC NR-7CD: CD player, network player, DAC and amplifier combined

TEAC NR-7CD is the first model in the new Reference 7 Series, into which the company has invested all of its experience in high-resolution audio signal processing, accumulated in the creation of...

TEAC NR-7CD
TEAC NR-7CD

TEAC NR-7CD is the first model in the new Reference 7 Series, into which the company has invested all of its experience in high-resolution audio signal processing, accumulated in the creation of high-end and professional audio equipment. The TEAC NR-7CD model is a universal audio device that combines a CD player, network audio player, DAC for external devices and a stereo amplifier. At the same time, the device not only meets all modern requirements for audio equipment, but is also created using proprietary technologies aimed at obtaining the highest sound quality.

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The TEAC NR-7CD can handle everything from high-resolution masters, including DSD, to classic albums lurking in the corners of your CD library and huge collections of music available on online services. Despite its versatility, the TEAC NR-7CD is an uncompromising device. Each stage – from the DAC to the power amplifier – has a ‘dual mono’ configuration, completely balanced from start to finish. From soldering to assembly, only specialists with extensive experience are involved in the production of this model. The “Made in Japan” mark on the case means close attention to all details, as well as the high sound quality that is inherent only in the flagship Reference series devices.

TEAC NR-7CD has an attractive design with a symmetrical aluminum front panel, on both sides of which there are dial indicators for signal strength. The centrally located CD drive is manufactured by TEAC and is optimized for playing audio CDs. TEAC NR-7CD is equipped with a digital-to-analog converter, each channel of which is powered by VERITA AK4490 chips, which provides an expanded sound range and excellent stereo imaging.

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TEAC NR-7CD supports playback of high-resolution recordings from NAS drives and USB flash drives. In addition to 2.8/5.6MHz DSD streams and PCM format with a resolution of 384kHz/32-bit, it accepts many other formats (DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC). Any format with lossless compression allows gapless playback, allowing you to listen to live concerts without interruption. Full support for streaming services TIDAL and Qobuz is provided. Owners can use TEAC HR Streamer to select and play tracks from NAS and USB drives, as well as Tidal/Qobuz’s extensive cloud collections.

In addition to the LDAC algorithm, which allows high-resolution audio transmission, the NR-7CD is equipped with a Bluetooth® receiver that supports Qualcomm® aptX™, AAC and SBC codecs. LDAC can transfer data 3 times faster than existing technologies.

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To supply a signal from external sources, the TEAC NR-7CD has two digital and one optical inputs, as well as a linear analog input. To improve the accuracy of audio signal processing, the device uses an RDOT-NEO circuit on an FPGA chip, which expands the range of reproduced high frequencies. The amplifier’s volume control is built using the Octa Volume Control System circuit using precision resistor assemblies and has very low noise. The TEAC NR-7CD uses Class D amplifier modules from ICEPower, bridged in each channel. Thus, the output power of the device is up to 140 W at a 4 Ohm load, which is more than enough to fully drive even complex speaker systems.

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The CD drive is entirely designed and manufactured by TEAC, ensuring high reliability and reading quality. To adjust the volume, use the proprietary TEAC-OVCS (Octa Volume Control System) method, when turning the knob simultaneously switches 8 resistor assemblies that make up independent parallel circuits for the right and left channels. The proprietary RDOT-NEO (Refined Digital Output Technology NEO) algorithm increases the sampling frequency of signals using interpolation, bringing audio beyond 20 kHz and making the sound closer to the original source. It is implemented by an FPGA chip, which allows you to smoothly increase the volume of digital audio data. Using this function, you can easily feel the “air” that is characteristic only of DSD files when playing CDs from your archives.

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During CD playback, the signal is converted to 11.2 MHz DSD format, which contains 256 times more data than a standard CD. This method is truly outstanding for recreating the natural tonality and soundstage that resembles a live performance. You will be able to hear the natural reverberation of the music and feel the difference in resolution. 48 kHz PCM audio sources can also be played back in 384 kHz PCM or 12.2 MHz DSD.

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The new “vintage” design, like classic audio components, is not subject to the trends of the times and fits well with modern interiors. As expected, large dial indicators are installed on the front panel, allowing you to “feel” the dynamics of the music.

Characteristics of TEAC NR-7CD

Disc types CD-Audio, CD-R/RW
Output power 2 x 100 W (4 Ohms, THD 0.07%), 2 x 60 W (8 Ohms, THD 0.07%)
Amplifiers class D , ICEpower, bridged in each channel
Frequency response 5 Hz – 100 kHz (-3 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio 110 dB (line input)
Total harmonic distortion 0.008%
DAC 2 x AK4490
USB input USB 2.0 type A
File formats USB DSD : 2.8/5.6 MHz, PCM – 44.1 – 384 kHz, 16 – 32 bit (352.8 kHz, 384 kHz and 32-bit formats are downscaled before playback)
Inputs linear, coaxial, 2 optical
Optional Ethernet
Bluetooth 4.0 aptX
Headphone outputs, screw terminals on speakers
Headphone output mini-jack 3.5 mm, output power 2 x 500 mW (32 Ohm)
Headphone impedance from 16 to 600 Ohm
Power consumption 130 W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 442 x 152 x 345 mm
Weight 13.4 kg