TEAC UD-505-X USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier

TEAC UD-505-X headphone amplifier employs an ESS technology ES9038Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC in each of its stereo channels which is renowned for its quality in the world of HiFi. The DAC utilises ESS original technologies 32-bit HyperStream II DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator to create an outstanding level of dynamic range and linearity is increased in the D/A conversion.

Dual monaural circuit design and fully-balanced design

The UD-505-X circuit configuration is dual monaural throughout the system, everything is configured for single-channel processing. This prevents any interference caused from within the system while reproducing a deep acoustic expressiveness. Additionally, all analog audio signals traveling along the left and right channels are processed in full balanced mode after the D/A converters, this aids in creating an improved S/N ratio and full dynamic range.

High-quality wireless audio streaming via Bluetooth

TEAC has used the conventional SBC and AAC for the UD-505-X codecs however the system also supports LDAC (24bit/96kHz Hi-Res audio transmission), and Qualcomm® aptX HD which is a codec that uses 24bit/48kHz format transmission. These Bluetooth options allow you to play your music from your smartphone or tablet wirelessly.

Dual onboard clocks for 44.1kHz and 48kHz, and an external clock input

The UD-505-x onboard clock is generated by a low phase-noise, high-precision, audiophile-grade crystal oscillator for USB asynchronous transfer mode. 44.1kHz and 48kHz sampling frequencies are also exclusively managed by two onboard clocks which then apply the correct frequency to incoming digital signals to reproduce identical sound to the original by eliminating jitter effects. Additionally, an external 10MHz clock input is provided that will synchronize with a master clock generator such as the TEAC CG-10M/CG-10M-A.

Up-conversion up to 384kHz/32bit PCM and 24.5MHz DSD

TEAC has employed Refined Digital Output Technology NEO (RDOT-NEO), which is a fluency algorithm that renders audio signals smoothly and PCM digital signals up-converted to 384kHz/32bit PCM and 24.5MHz DSD. After the up-conversion is activated you will hear an improvement in audio quality, even with music you have heard a thousand times.

"Bulk Pet" USB transfer technology for enhanced audio quality

Listening to HiFi quality audio can commonly involve sending large volumes of data through USB cables and using conventional transfer modes can cause large variations in how the data is sent between computer and USB DAC. This can cause sound to drop out, however, TEAC’s new USB transmission technology, named "Bulk Pet", data is transmitted constantly which levels out the burden between computer and USB which contributes to stable data transmission.

Seven types of PCM digital filter

Building upon older models the UD-505-X now has seven types of PCM filters. This allows the user to choose which filter they want for the music style they are listening to. The filter can be changed with the remote control, so you can enjoy the differences in each filter type.

Dual high-capacity toroidal-core power transformers

The UD-505-X boasts a stable, individual current source for each left and right channel via two over-sized high capacity toroidal-core power transformers. The means that neither channel will be affected by changes in power consumption.

Improved TEAC-HCLD2 enhanced-current output buffer amp circuit

TEAC has employed their TEAC-HCLD 2 for the UD-505-X analog output circuit. TEAC-HCLD 2 is a further improved version that increases crucial current output capacity (HCLD: High Current Line Driver). The UD-505-X uses line buffer ICs with an extremely high current output capacity and by using a positive-negative two-circuit structure for each channel audio signals can be transmitted without degrading their dynamism.

TEAC-QVCS four-circuit-structure high-precision volume control newly incorporated for preamp circuits

The UD-505-X uses TEAC-QVCS (Quad Volume Control System) for the volume control circuit. The TEAC-QVCS is an electronic volume control that is comprised of four discrete circuits for left, right, positive and negative. The volume control has been placed in the audio signal path so that issues with noise resulting from diverging wiring are avoided. Additionally, the TEAC-QVCS allows volume adjustments in 0.5dB increments which allow the user to set the perfect volume.

Discrete circuit design with balanced drive

Balanced drive is achieved by using the TEAC-HCLD2 circuit for headphone output, this allows the UD-505-X to bring out the potential in even challenging 600ohm headphones.

Pentaconn, a single-plug connector for balanced headphone drive

The UD-505-X uses dual conventional 6.3mm TRS jacks for balanced connection in addition to a 4.4mm 5-pole headphone jack for balanced drive. Within the 6.3mm TRS jack 3 kinds of drive can be enjoyed, an active ground drive which improves sensitive sound and an unbalanced connection to drive up to 2 sets of headphones.

Active-ground drive offers a new headphone drive mode

The principles of balanced connection have been employed in TEAC’s new active-ground driving mode. The mode lowers the ground level to 0V which provides an ideal ground condition rather than just connecting to a convention ground. This means that hum from the power supply is suppressed and it enhances the silent pauses by lowering the noise floor. This new driving mode is meant to bring out the subtle details in your music making it feel more convincing.

Symmetrically laid out XLR and RCA output jacks

The UD-505-X comes with balanced and unbalanced analog audio outputs with a pair of gold-plated XLR connectors and another pair of RCA connectors are symmetrically laid out. For the RCA outputs, a wide-spaced pitch layout accommodates professional grade plugs with large diameter shells. The system has 5 digital inputs, USB audio, coaxial, optical on the rear panel, and a combination jack on the front panel (for coaxial and optical, supporting PCM 24bit/192kHz and DSD64 (2.8MHz) in DoP format).

Free TEAC HR Audio Player software for DSD512 playback on both Windows and Mac

Via the TEAC HR Audio Player software for Windows and Mac, the next generation Hi-Res formats DSD512 (22.5MHz) and PCM 768kHz/32-bit are supported. The software guarantees the best possible playback qualities regardless of the combination of audio format and computer configuration via a single USB cable.

Full-metal body for functionality and beauty

The UD-505-X is no larger than an A4 page and the entire body is made from metal panels that are resistant to external noise so that noise generated by other devices is suppressed. Moreover, 8mm-thick aluminum panels cover the sides of the chassis which provides a strong and stable structure. Vibrations and any irregularities in the surface the unit is placed on is combated by TEAC’s newly developed stressless foot design. The new feet are only partially fixed to the chassis which allows the feet to vibrate freely so that more natural sound reverberations are achieved. Finally, the top panel is semi-floating which aids in achieving a sound with an excellent sense of openness.