TEAC UD-505-X USB DAC / Headphone Amplifier

$2,199.00 inc GST


The condensed high-end audio design philosophy and audio design of the TEAC UD-505-X USB DAC / Headphone Amplifier.

Know-hows learned from over 6 decades of our experience in a small cabinet as small as an A4-sized footprint.

Advice from a specialist?

Our customers tell us that they count on our team for more than just knowledge: they’re always friendly & ready to help with all their questions. Contact our team CJ, Bensan or Toki on 092744515 or via [email protected]
 
 

Description

TEAC UD-505-X USB DAC / Headphone Amplifier

The TEAC UD-505-X USB DAC / Headphone Amplifier is a class-leading dual monaural USB DAC with an integrated fully-balanced headphone amplifier, that fuses high-end audio design concepts and TEAC’s decades of audio design experience, in an A4-sized footprint. The dual mono structure processes stereo signals with higher purity, and the D/A converter section uses one ESS Technology ES9038 Q2M 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, we upgraded it with high specifications that enable native playback of 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz/32bit PCM formats. In the analog processing section, which can be considered the key to audio quality, we include four TEAC-HCLD2 circuits. These are improved versions of our previous TEAC-HCLD. For headphone output using the newly-adopted diamond buffer circuit, in addition to two standard 6.3mm connectors, one 4.4mm 5-pole headphone connector is available, enabling balanced connection and active ground connection with a single plug.

The Bluetooth® receiver supporting LDAC™ and Qualcomm® aptX HD™ allows you to enjoy high-quality wireless audio streaming from your smartphone on this reference USB DAC.

 

Download Owners Manual >>

 

FEATURES:

  • Hi-Res audio playback supporting DSD512 (22.5MHz) and PCM 768kHz/32bit PCM
  • An ESS Technology ES9038Q2M converter each for left and right channels
  • Dual on-board clocks for 44.1kHz and 48kHz frequencies
  • 7 types of PCM digital filters
  • Up-conversion up to 24.5MHz DSD and 384kHz/32bit PCM
  • 10MHz external clock input
  • Bluetooth® receiver supporting LDAC™, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, AAC and SBC
  • Original TEAC-HCLD2 enhanced-current output buffer circuit
  • Dual monaural circuit design
  • Dual toroidal-core power transformers for each channel
  • TEAC-QVCS quad volume control system
  • 4.4mm 5-polar Pentaconn*1 jack and dual 1/4” (6.3mm) TRS jacks for balanced and active-ground drives
  • Full-dot OLED display with dimmer function
  • Newly-developed “Stressless Foot” design with three support points
  • Semi-floating design Top Panel
  • Bulk Pet*2 USB transferring technology with four transfer modes for various sound characters
  • Free TEAC HR Audio Player for Windows/Mac

 

ESS Technology ES9038 Q2M high-performance DAC supports resolutions up to 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz/32bit PCM
We have employed one DAC chip, which is a crucial component for digital audio, in each of the stereo channels. The ESS Technology ES9038Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC that we use has a strong reputation in the high-end audio market. Using 32-bit HyperStream® II DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, 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.

 

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.

 

High-quality wireless audio streaming via Bluetooth®
In addition to conventional SBC and AAC codecs, the UD-505-X also supports LDAC™ (24bit/96kHz Hi-Res audio transmission), and Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, a codec that uses 24bit/48kHz format transmission. These allow you to playback playlists on your smartphone and tablet wirelessly.

 

Dual onboard clocks for 44.1kHz and 48kHz, and an external clock input
Instead of referencing to an unstable and noisy PC clock during USB audio playback, a more accurate and on-board clock is generated by a high-precision, low phase-noise, audio-grade crystal oscillator for USB asynchronous transfer mode. The UD-505-X accommodates two on-board clocks exclusively for 44.1kHz and 48kHz sampling frequencies and applies the appropriate one to incoming digital signals – those that are multiples of 44.1k or 48k – to reproduce identical sound to the original by eliminating jitter effects on the audio signal.

In addition, an external 10MHz clock input is also provided, to synchronize with an even higher-precision master clock generator, such as the TEAC CG-10M/CG-10M-A, for yet further upgraded audio playback with excellent sound quality.

 

Up-conversion up to 384kHz/32bit PCM and 24.5MHz DSD
Employing RDOT-NEO (Refined Digital Output Technology NEO), a fluency algorithm that renders digital audio signals smoothly, the UD-505-X up-converts PCM digital signals up to 384kHz/32bit PCM and 24.5MHz 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 our new USB transmission technology – dubbed “Bulk Pet” – a fixed amount of data is transmitted constantly, levelling 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).

 

Seven types of PCM digital filter
Seven types of PCM digital filters are available in this model. This allows you to choose the best filter according to the input file format and music style. Since the filter can be changed with a single operation of the included remote control, you can easily enjoy the differences in the subtle sound nuances of each filter type. The unit can also be used with no enabled filters.

 

Dual high-capacity toroidal-core power transformers
The dual monaural theme continues. Two over-sized high-capacity toroidal-core power transformers are employed in the UD-505-X, 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.

 

Improved TEAC-HCLD2 enhanced-current output buffer amp circuit
We employed the TEAC-HCLD 2 for the analog output circuit. This is a further improved version of the TEAC-HCLD circuit enhanced-current output buffer amp that increases crucial current output capacity (HCLD: High Current Line Driver). This model now uses line buffer ICs with extremely high current output capacity. By using a positive-negative two-circuit structure for each channel, drive can be differential with balanced output and parallel with unbalanced output. Transmitting audio signals without degrading their dynamism becomes possible with increased current supply capacity.

 

TEAC-QVCS four-circuit-structure high-precision volume control newly incorporated for preamp circuits
TEAC-QVCS (Quad Volume Control System) is used for the volume circuit. This electronic volume control is a variable gain amp type comprised of four discrete circuits for left, right, positive and negative (L+, L−, R+, R−). By placing the variable gain amp volume control, which processes in analog, in the audio signal path on the circuit board, issues with noise resulting from diverging wiring are avoided.
Furthermore, this TEAC-QVCS enables volume adjustment in 0.5dB increments, allowing you to set the perfect volume for your audio system or headphones.

 

Discrete circuit design with balanced drive
The UD-505-X’s headphone amplifier circuit provides balanced-drive by using the TEAC-HCLD2 circuit, – comprised of four output transistors for each left and right channel – for headphone output. With challenging 600Ω high-impedance headphones for example, the UD-505-X allows you to bring out the potential of these type of headphones.

 

Pentaconn, a single-plug connector for balanced headphone drive
In addition to the dual conventional 6.3mm (¼”) TRS jacks for balanced connection, the UD-505-X employs a 4.4mm 5-pole headphone jack for balanced drive. At the 6.3mm TRS jack, you can enjoy 3 kinds of drive type, unbalanced connection to drive up to 2 sets headphones, and active-ground drive that is effective to improve the silence and present the sensitive sound, as well as balanced connection.

 

Active-ground drive offers a new headphone drive mode
The active-ground is a new driving mode that employs the principles of balanced connection. It forcefully drives the ground, by lowering the ground level to 0V, providing an ideal ground condition (rather than just connecting to the conventional ground). This means it also suppresses hum noise from the power supply and enhances the purity of silent pauses by lowering the noise floor. Subtle detail, such as the breathing of artists and the textures of sounds, will feel even more convincing.

 

Full-metal body for functionality and beauty
Since the entire body is constructed from metal panels that are resistant to external noise, intrusion of electromagnetic noise generated by computers and other devices is suppressed. A clean internal environment with little noise has been realized even in conditions that are difficult for audio equipment. Furthermore, 8mm-thick aluminum panels covering both sides of the all-metal chassis provide a strong and stable structure that prevents twisting and bending. Moreover, with the size of an A4 page* (viewed from above), the unit can be placed on a desk, side table or other small space.
* This excludes the connectors, knobs and other protrusions.

 

Symmetrically laid out XLR and RCA output jacks
The UD-505-X is equipped with 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 UD-505-X has a total of 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).

 

Newly-developed Stressless Foot design
Our newly-developed original Stressless Foot design with three support points enables stable placement of the unit so that it is not impacted by slight irregularities in the surface beneath it. Compared to the original feet used in previous designs, these feet are only partially fixed to the chassis. This design was developed based on the concept that by allowing the feet to vibrate freely, more natural sound reverberations could be achieved. The tops of the conical feet, which are made of machined steel, are attached so that they hang from the bottom of the chassis and swing freely when the unit is lifted. While maintaining a sense of placement like that of the pin-point spiked feet used by previous models, this design enables more natural rich reverberations.

 

Semi-floating design Top Panel
A semi-floating structure is newly used for the top panel. It has achieved a sound with an excellent sense of openness.

 

Free TEAC HR Audio Player software for DSD512 playback on both Windows and Mac
The next-generation Hi-Res formats, DSD512 (22.5MHz) and PCM 768kHz/32-bit are supported via the TEAC HR Audio Player software for Windows and Mac. This software guarantees the best available playback quality with any combination of audio format and computer configuration via a single USB cable. All the user has to do is choose the UD-505-X 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.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Supported formats
USB input
PCM 16/24/32 bit
44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k/176.4k/192k/352.8k/384k/705.6k/768k Hz
DSD 2.8M/5.6M/11.2M/22.5M Hz
Coaxial digital input
PCM 16/24 bit
32k/44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k/176.4k/192k Hz
DSD 2.8MHz(supported with 176.4kHz/24-bit DoP format)
Optical digital input
PCM 16/24 bit
32k/44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k/176.4k/192k Hz
DSD 2.8MHz(supported with 176.4kHz/24-bit DoP format)
DAC section
USB DAC ESS Technology ES9038 Q2M ×2
Up-conversion up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM, 24.5MHz DSD
Audio inputs
USB USB B port, USB 2.0, asynchronous mode transfer, bulk transfer
Compatible Software TEAC HR Audio Player (Windows, Macintosh)
COAXIAL digital (rear) RCA pin ×1 (gold-plated)
Input level 0.5Vp-p
Input impedance 75Ω
Optical digital (rear) TOS-link ×1
Input level -24.0 to -14.5dBm peak
Coaxial digital (front) 1/8” (3.5mm) mini* ×1 (combined with optical digital input, detected automatically)
Input level 0.5Vp-p
Input impedance 75Ω
* 1/8” Mini – RCA conversion cable included.
Optical digital (front) 1/8” Mini Optical*×1 (combined with coaxial digital input, detected automatically)
Input level -24.0 to -14.5dBm peak
Analog (rear) RCA pin ×1 pair (gold-plated)
Input impedance 24kΩ
Input sensitivity 130mV
Bluetooth®
Bluetooth® version 4.0
Output class Class2 (Range: approx. 33ft/10m)
Supported profiles A2DP, AVRCP
Content protection SCMS-T
Supported codec LDAC™, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
No. of paired device maximum 8 devices
Audio outputs
XLR balanced XLR ×1 pair (gold-plated)
Output level Fixed (0dB), fixed (+6dB), variable, output off (selectable)
Maximum output leve 2.0Vrms (1kHz, full scale, into 10kΩ, when set to fixed (0dB))
4.0Vrms (1kHz, full scale, into 10kΩ, when set to fixed (+6dB))
12.0Vrms (1kHz, full scale, into 10kΩ, when set to variable)
Output impedance 188Ω
RCA unbalanced RCA pin ×1 pair (gold-plated)
Output level Fixed (0dB), fixed (+6dB), variable, output off (selectable)
Maximum output leve 2.0Vrms (1kHz, full scale, into 10kΩ, when set to fixed (0dB))
4.0Vrms (1kHz, full scale, into 10kΩ, when set to fixed (+6dB))
6.0Vrms (1kHz, full scale, into 10kΩ, when set to variable)
Output impedance 150Ω
Headphone outputs
Connector 1 1/4” (6.3mm) TRS stereo jacks ×2 (gold-plated)
Polarity (balanced) Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: NC (GND)
Polarity (unbalanced) Tip: L, Ring: R, Sleeve: GND
Connector 2 4.4mm 5-pole Pentaconn ×1 (gold-plated)
Polarity (balanced) Tip: L+, Ring1: L-, Ring2: R+, Ring3: R-, Sleeve: GND
Maximum output
Balanced 700mW + 700mW (into 32Ω)
Unbalanced 500mW + 500mW (into 32Ω×1)
350mW + 350mW(into 32Ω×2)
Active ground 500mW + 500mW (into 32Ω)
Supported impedances 16 to 600Ω
Clock section
Internal clock
Type Crystal oscillator
Number of clocks 2 (44.1kHz and 48kHz)
External clock input
Connector BNC (gold-plated)
Input frequency 10MHz
Input impedance 50Ω
Input level Rectangle wave: equivalent to TTL levels
Sine wave: 0.5 to 1.0 Vrms
Audio performance
Frequency Response 10 to 80,000 Hz (+1/–3 dB, 192kHz PCM input, RCA output, digital filter off)
Total harmonic distortion 0.002% or less (192kHz PCM input, RCA output, digital filter off)
S/N ratio 110dB or higher (192kHz PCM input, RCA output, digital filter off)
Power supply
US/Canada AC 120V 60Hz
UK/Europe AC 220 to 240V 50Hz
Power consumption 18W (0.4W in standby)
dimensions (including protrusions) 290(W)×84.5(H)×248.7(D) mm / 11.4”(W)×3.3”(H)×9.8”(D)
Weight 4.1kg / 9.1lbs
Included accessories Power cord, RCA mini plug adapter cable, remote control(RC-1330), 2 AAA batteries for remote control, 3 feet cushions, Owner’s Manual(with warranty)

 

Up-conversion table

Input Frequency Up-converted Frequency
Coax/Opt USB off 2Fs 4Fs 8Fs DSD256 DSD512
32kHz 32kHz 64kHz 128kHz 256kHz 8MHz 16MHz
44.1kHz 44.1kHz 44.1kHz 88.2kHz 176.4kHz 352.8kHz 11.2MHz 22.5MHz
88.2kHz 88.2kHz 88.2kHz 88.2kHz 176.4kHz 352.8kHz 11.2MHz 22.5MHz
176.4kHz 176.4kHz 176.4kHz 176.4kHz 176.4kHz 352.8kHz 11.2MHz 22.5MHz
352.8kHz 352.8kHz 352.8kHz 352.8kHz 352.8kHz 11.2MHz 22.5MHz
705.6kHz 705.6kHz 705.6kHz 705.6kHz 705.6kHz 11.2MHz 22.5MHz
48Hz 48Hz 48kHz 96kHz 192kHz 384kHz 12.2MHz 24.5MHz
96kHz 96kHz 96kHz 96kHz 192kHz 384kHz 12.2MHz 24.5MHz
192kHz 192kHz 192kHz 192kHz 192kHz 384kHz 12.2MHz 24.5MHz
384kHz 384kHz 384kHz 384kHz 384kHz 12.2MHz 24.5MHz
768kHz 768kHz 768kHz 768kHz 768kHz 12.2MHz 24.5MHz
No conversion
* Maximum up-conversion rate is 8Fs.

 

Comparison with previous models

UD-505-X UD-505 UD-503 UD-501
USB DAC ES9038 Q2M ×2 (L/R) AK4497 ×2 (L/R) AK4490 ×2 (L/R) PCM 1795 ×2 (L/R)
Supported DSD formats 22.5MHz maximum 22.5MHz maximum 11.2MHz maximum 5.6MHz maximum
Supported PCM formats 768kHz/32-bit maximum 768kHz/32-bit maximum 384kHz/32-bit maximum 384kHz/32-bit maximum
Up-conversion (Max) DSD: 24.5MHz (DSD 256, 512)
PCM: 384kHz/32-bit (2 fs, 4 fs, 8 fs)
DSD: 24.5MHz (DSD 256, 512)
PCM: 384kHz/32-bit (2 fs, 4 fs, 8 fs)
DSD: 12.2MHz (DSD 256)
PCM: 384kHz/32-bit (2 fs, 4 fs, 8 fs)
PCM: 192kHz/24-bit (fixed)
Dual monaural Yes Yes Yes Yes
Current buffer circuit TEAC-HCLD2 TEAC-HCLD TEAC-HCLD
TEAC QVCS circuit
(High-precision volume)
Yes Yes Yes
Line/balanced outputs Yes Yes Yes Yes
Line parallel/
unbalanced outputs
Yes Yes Yes Yes
High-precision dual clock Yes Yes Yes Yes
External clock input Yes Yes Yes
Preamplifier function Yes Yes Yes
Bulk Pet transmission Yes Yes
Line output level switching
  • Fixed (0 dB)
  • Fixed (+6 dB)
  • Variable
  • Off
  • Fixed (0 dB)
  • Fixed (+6 dB)
  • Variable
  • Off
  • Fixed (0 dB)
  • Fixed (+6 dB)
  • Variable
  • Off

(Line output on/off selection only when headphones connected)
Front digital input Yes
(Combined coaxial/optical mini jack)
Yes
(Combined coaxial/optical mini jack)
Yes
(Combined coaxial/optical mini jack)
Analog line inputs 1 pair (RCA) 1 pair (RCA) 1 pair (RCA)
Bluetooth® receiver Yes Yes
Headphone amplifier circuit Current-strengthening circuit Current-strengthening circuit Current-strengthening circuit Op-amp
Headphone output connectors/
drive modes
4.4mm 5-pole ×1

  • Balanced
  • Active ground

Standard 6.3mm ×2

  • Balanced
  • Active ground
  • Unbalanced
4.4mm 5-pole ×1

  • Balanced
  • Active ground

Standard 6.3mm ×2

  • Balanced
  • Active ground
  • Unbalanced
Standard 6.3mm ×2

  • Balanced
  • Active ground
  • Unbalanced
3.5mm stereo mini ×1

  • Unbalanced
Feet Stressless Pin-point foot Pin-point foot Pin-point foot Conventional insulated foot
Remote control Yes Yes Yes

Additional information

Weight 4.1 kg
Dimensions 29 × 8.45 × 24.8 cm
Brand

TEAC

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