The “500th” series of TEAC devices in the “A4” form factor (the device takes the place of a standard sheet of paper on the table) has been replenished with the UD-507 model. This is a DAC/preamp/headphone amplifier that shares much of the same concept as the higher-end 700 series. In particular, the design uses proprietary reference discrete TRDD 5 DACs as part of a full “dual mono”.
The UD-507 accepts DSD up to 22.5 MHz and PCM up to 32 bit/384 kHz, and supports asynchronous USB. On board are a pair of high-precision audio-grade crystal oscillators for frequencies of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz, each of which is capable of using an external 10 MHz clock input. Upscaling of digital signals uses RDOT-NEO (Refined Digital Output Technology NEO): the system is used to convert PCM sampling frequencies by 2.4 or 8 times (up to a maximum of 384 kHz).
Input digital PCM signals are processed at 64-bit resolution and 512 Fs using a proprietary delta-sigma modulator in the FPGA and converted to a 1-bit signal. Then – to analog using 16 DAC elements per channel. Each such element contains two logic circuits and one low-pass filter. DSD streams are naturally processed directly.
For headphones with a resistance of 100 Ohms, the device is capable of delivering up to 1,200 mW per channel at the balanced output (two options – XLR and Pentaconn). A three-position switch is provided to adapt to different impedances. The TEAC-QVCS (Quad Volume Control System) volume attenuator is also applicable in pre-amplifier mode. The new product received five digital and two analog stereo inputs, balanced and unbalanced.
In addition, there is USB Type-B on the rear panel, and USB Type-C on the front panel. For built-in Bluetooth, the codecs stated are AAC, LDAC, LHDC, aptX and aptX HD. Multi-point (in the sense of two-point) connection is supported. MQA decoding has not been forgotten either. To use the TEAC UD-507 as an external computer USB sound card, the Teac HR Audio Player application is provided for Windows and Mac. In this case, the maximum parameters of the device become available – DSD 22.5 MHz and PCM 32 bit/384 kHz.
The body of the new product received a 2.8 mm thick upper support plate, to which the power transformer is suspended in a floating structure. The proprietary Stressless Feet v2 support system contributes to the anti-vibration properties of the case. And, although the TEAC UD-507 will go on sale in June.
