Description
The NT-505-X is a class-leading dual monaural USB DAC with versatile network playback capabilities. It successfully incorporates the latest network technologies, along with TEAC’s decades of accumulated audio design experience, in an attractive package with an A4-sized footprint. The dual mono structure processes stereo signals with higher purity, and the D/A converter section uses one ES9038 Q2M (made by ESS Technology) in each of the left and right channels. This model achieves a high signal-to-noise ratio by using each DAC in mono mode. Moreover, when used as a USB DAC, its high specifications enable native playback of 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz/32bit PCM formats. The Analog section, which is one of the keys to sound quality, includes four TEAC-HCLD2 buffer amp circuits that allow 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-X supports high-quality music subscription services, namely TIDAL, Qobuz and Roon Ready*. There’s also a built-in MQA decoder, and you will enjoy unlimited music content on the Internet thanks to its high-quality digital and Analog processing technologies.
Furthermore, you can also enjoy wireless playback from smart devices with high audio quality thanks to the high performance specifications of the DAC.
ESS Technology ES9038 Q2M high-performance DAC supports resolutions up to 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz/32bit PCM
We have employed one DAC chip, a crucial component for digital audio, in each of the stereo channels. The ESS Technology ES9038Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC we use has a strong reputation in the high-end audio market. Using 32-bit HyperStream
II DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator (both of which are ESS original technologies), an outstanding dynamic range is realized, and linearity is increased in the D/A conversion. As a result, clear and accurate audio playback with superior dynamic characteristics has been made possible.
Dual monaural circuit design 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 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 fantastic sense of air that Hi-Res formats possess to be processed and conveyed without any losses.
Support for popular and convenient network functions, including OpenHome and Roon Ready
Common control apps that support OpenHome can be used with the NT-505-X, which also supports this platform. Moreover, playlists on the NT-505-X can be managed using TEAC HR Streamer and other control apps that support OpenHome. Gapless playback is also supported.
With support for Roon Ready, functions provided by RAAT (Roon Advanced Audio Transport), including high-quality audio playback, easy and convenient operation using apps, and multi-room synchronized playback, can be used without limits.
dimensions (including protrusions):290(W)×84.5(H)×248.7(D) mm / 11.4”(W)×3.3”(H)×9.8”(D)
