The black NT-505 USB DAC/Network Player from Teac is an advanced dual monaural USB DAC with versatile network playback capabilities. It employs a dual monaural circuit design to process audio signals with purity, and uses VERITA AK4497 DAC chips on each of its two channels. By processing each channel individually in monaural mode, the NT-505 improves the S/N ratio while delivering DSD512 (22.5 MHz) native and 768 kHz, 32-bit PCM playback capabilities.
The analog section includes four TEAC-HCLD buffer amp circuits that allow for two different drive modes—fully balanced drive for balanced output and parallel drive mode for unbalanced output—to achieve enhanced acoustic expression. On the network audio side, the NT-505 supports high-quality music subscription services such as TIDAL and Qobuz, and is Roon ready. Also featured are a built-in MQA decoder and advanced digital/analog processing technologies so you can enjoy unlimited music content from the internet.
In addition to a wide range of digital and analog inputs, the NT-505 incorporates a Bluetooth receiver supporting LDAC and Qualcomm aptX HD, allowing you to stream high-quality audio wirelessly from your smartphone. The NT-505 is a compact audiophile USB DAC and network player that supports a variety of Hi-Res formats and online music subscription services.
High-Performance VERITA AK4497 DACs Supporting DSD512 and 32-Bit /768 kHz PCM
The NT-505 uses Asahi Kasei Microdevices VERITA AK4497 DACs on both left and right channels. The VERITA AK4497 DAC supports DSD512 (22.5 MHz) and 768 kHz / 32-bit PCM formats, achieving ultra-low distortion levels. OSRD (Over-Sampling Ratio Doubler) technology, meanwhile, significantly reduces out-of-band noise. As a result, the NT-505 has the refinement necessary to make the most of Hi-Res formats, successfully processing information that lies outside the audible range.
Dual Monaural Circuit and Fully Balanced Design
A dual monaural circuit configuration is used throughout, from the power supply (including power transformers), to the D/A converters in the digital section and the analog output stage. From the high-performance VERITA AK4497 D/A converters to the massive toroidal-core power transformers, each element is configured for single-channel processing. This prevents mutual interference effects while reproducing a rich acoustic expressiveness. In addition, the analog audio signals of both the left and right channels are processed in full balanced mode soon after the D/A converters all the way to the output terminal, contributing to an improved S/N ratio and extended dynamic range. This allows the sense of air that Hi-Res formats possess to be processed and conveyed without losses.
TIDAL and Qobuz Music Subscription Service Support, Roon Ready
Connecting to your home network via a LAN cable, the NT-505 allows you to access Hi-Res music libraries on available music servers and computers, as well as hundreds of millions of CD-quality tracks on the internet via music subscription services like TIDAL and Qobuz. The NT-505 is also a Roon-ready product that enables Hi-Res audio streaming thanks to its high-performance D/A converters.
Wireless Audio Streaming via Bluetooth
In addition to conventional SBC and AAC codecs, the NT-505 also supports LDAC (24-bit/96 kHz Hi-Res audio transmission), and Qualcomm aptX HD, a codec that uses 24-bit/48 kHz format transmission. These allow you to playback playlists on your smartphone and tablet wirelessly.
Hi-Res Audio Playback from USB Flash Drive
The USB port on the front panel allows you to play back Hi-Res audio formats including DSD128 (5.6 MHz) and PCM 24-bit/192 kHz.
Dual Onboard Clocks for 44.1 and 48 kHz, and External Clock Input
Instead of referencing to an unstable and noisy PC clock during USB audio playback, a more accurate and onboard clock is generated by a high-precision, low-phase-noise, audio-grade crystal oscillator for USB asynchronous transfer mode. The NT-505 accommodates two onboard clocks exclusively for 44.1 and 48 kHz sampling frequencies and applies the appropriate one to incoming digital signals—those that are multiples of 44.1 or 48—to reproduce identical sound to the original by eliminating jitter effects on the audio signal. In addition, an external 10 MHz clock input is also provided, to synchronize with an optional, even higher-precision master clock generator, such as the Teac CG-10M, for further upgraded audio playback.
Up-Conversion up to 384 kHz 32-Bit PCM and 24.5 MHz DSD
Employing RDOT-NEO (Refined Digital Output Technology NEO), a fluency algorithm that renders digital audio signals smoothly, the NT-505 up-converts PCM digital signals up to 384 kHz, 32-bit PCM and 24.5 MHz DSD. With the up-conversion function activated, you will hear an improvement in quality, even with music that you are familiar with.
Bulk Pet USB Transfer Technology for Enhanced Audio Quality
When transferring large volumes of digital data for Hi-Res audio sources through USB cables using conventional isochronous transfer mode, large variations can occur in the processing loads of the sending computer and the receiving USB DAC. This can cause sound to drop out and other problems to occur. However, with Bulk Pet USB transmission technology, a fixed amount of data is transmitted constantly, leveling out the processing burden on both devices and contributing to stable data transmission. Changing the processing burden on the computer directly affects audio quality so users can select the setting they prefer (from four transmission modes).
Digital Filters
On the NT-505, there are two types of DSD filters and another five types of PCM digital filters, allowing you to apply the filter that best matches the file format or type of music you're listening to. The filter can be changed at the touch of a button on the remote control, allowing you to enjoy the different sonic nuances of each filter.
Isolated Digital and Analog Sections
The NT-505 employs independent power supplies and ground circuits in the digital and analog sections, thus eliminating cross-interference in the signal path where digital and analog sections connect. A digital isolator is used at the input section to eliminate noise originating from any connected digital sources, including noise that is generated from the computer via USB, power line, and the ground path. This isolation circuit also makes a significant improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio as well as the final sound quality.
Dual Toroidal-Core Power Transformers
Two oversized high-capacity, toroidal-core power transformers are employed in the NT-505, supplying stable, individual current sources for each of the left and right channels. This means neither channel will be affected by changes in the power consumption of the other during digital processing.
Teac-HCLD Output Buffer Amp Circuits
At the heart of the analog section are Teac-HCLD (High Current Line Driver) buffer amp circuits, designed to enhance current supply. Each channel employs two identical buffer amps that process differential drive for balanced output, and parallel drive for unbalanced output. By increasing the current supply to the buffer amp section, the Analog audio signal is passed to the next step without any loss of dynamism.
Teac-QVCS Volume Control with Four Circuits
The NT-505 also offers advanced preamp capabilities thanks to its combination of analog processing performance, wide range of analog/digital inputs, and fixed/variable-level XLR (balanced) and RCA (unbalanced) outputs. These features allow you to build a fully fledged hi-fi system around the NT-505 with a stereo amplifier or pair of monaural power amplifiers and floorstanding speakers, or a simplified system based on a pair of active speakers.
The Teac-QVCS (Quad Volume Control System) is a precise volume control design incorporated in the preamp section. This circuit employs four sets of variable-gain amps controlling volume for left, right, positive, and negative (L+, L-, R+, R-). Each variable-gain amp is located on a simplified signal path, which helps eliminate interference noise by creating a shorter signal path. In addition, the Teac-QVCS provides precise volume control in 0.5 dB steps in 'dB' display mode, or 100 steps in 'step' display mode.
The Teac-QVCS (Quad Volume Control System) is a precise volume control design incorporated in the preamp section. This circuit employs four sets of variable-gain amps controlling volume for left, right, positive, and negative (L+, L-, R+, R-). Each variable-gain amp is located on a simplified signal path, which helps eliminate interference noise by creating a shorter signal path. In addition, the Teac-QVCS provides precise volume control in 0.5 dB steps in 'dB' display mode, or 100 steps in 'step' display mode.
Ground-Separate Headphone Drive Mode
Applying Teac-HCLD (which comprises four output transistors in each of the left and right channels) for headphone amplification delivers clean sound quality via the conventional 1/4" stereo TRS jack. Furthermore, by driving these transistors in parallel when a single-ended headphone is connected, stronger driving power than conventional single-ended headphone amps provide can be delivered to the headphones.
In conventional headphone listening, the amplifier is configured to operate in Class A, despite normally being a Class AB amplifier. The NT-505 allows you to bring out the potential of any type of headphones including 600-Ohm high-impedance models. Moreover, the ground-separate drive mode completely separates the grounds of the left and right channels from the amp section to the output jacks.
In conventional headphone listening, the amplifier is configured to operate in Class A, despite normally being a Class AB amplifier. The NT-505 allows you to bring out the potential of any type of headphones including 600-Ohm high-impedance models. Moreover, the ground-separate drive mode completely separates the grounds of the left and right channels from the amp section to the output jacks.
Full-Metal Body for Functionality and Aesthetics
The NT-505 uses aluminum-alloy panels and a robust metal chassis with a compact A4-size footprint that completely matches with the 500 series and the CG-10M master clock generator. The full metal construction is functional and highly effective at isolating the internal circuits from electromagnetic noise.
Full-Dot OLED Display
The NT-505 is equipped with a high-contrast, full-dot OLED (organic EL display) with four-step dimmer. A highly legible, large font size allows you to easily verify the volume level, input source, and other information.
Symmetric XLR and RCA Output Jacks
The NT-505 has both balanced and unbalanced analog audio outputs. A pair of XLR connectors and another pair of RCA connectors, each gold plated, are symmetrically laid out, hinting at the dual monaural arrangement inside, and allowing a wide range of possible audio configurations. A wide-spaced pitch layout for the RCA outputs accommodates professional-grade plugs with large-diameter shells.
The NT-505 has a total of five digital inputs: USB audio, coaxial, and optical on the rear panel, and a combination jack on the front panel for coaxial and optical, supporting PCM 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD64 in DoP formats.
The NT-505 has a total of five digital inputs: USB audio, coaxial, and optical on the rear panel, and a combination jack on the front panel for coaxial and optical, supporting PCM 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD64 in DoP formats.
Free Teac HR Audio Player Software for DSD512 Playback on Both Windows and Mac
Advanced Hi-Res formats such as DSD512 (22.5 MHz) and PCM 768 kHz, 32-bit are supported via the Teac HR Audio Player software for Windows and Mac. This software guarantees playback quality with any audio format and computer configuration via a single USB cable. All you have to do is choose the NT-505 from the pull-down menu showing target output devices. The Teac HR Audio Player is downloadable from Teac's web site and is completely free to use.
Free Teac HR Streamer App for iOS & Android Devices
Supporting Hi-Res audio formats up to 5.6 MHz DSD and 192 kHz PCM, this free app for iOS and Android devices allows you to control wireless streaming music playback from devices, NAS, computers, and the internet, along with rich graphic information such as album artwork.
Note:
A Wi-Fi network is required to use the app.