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TEAC UD-505-X USB DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamp

TEAC UD-505-X USB DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamp

Regular price $1,849.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $1,849.99 USD
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For the headphone lover, the desk jockey and/or the passionate audiophile who needs a stage that doesn't mess around.

The TEAC UD-505-X is a lot of things, and we can safely say it does them all very well.

The UD-505-X 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, sized to fit in any space.

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.

TEAC Reference500 Series 2000x1000 1

505 dynamic range icons

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 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 for lossless audio.

UD-505-x bluetooth icons

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 on-board clocks for 44.1kHz and 48kHz, and an external clock input

Instead of referencing 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 onboard 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-10MA, for yet further upgraded audio playback with excellent sound quality.

UD-505-X clock icons
505 x upconvert

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 you are familiar with.

"Bulk Pet" USB transfer technology for enhanced audio quality

When transferring large volumes of digital data for Hi-Res audio through USB cables, 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 USB transmission technology – dubbed "Bulk Pet" – 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).


Seven types of PCM digital filter

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

Two oversized, 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, the 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.

UD-505X circuitry diagram

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

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.

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 a 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 types of headphones.
UD-505-X balanced circuit illustration


Pentaconn, a single-plug connector for a balanced headphone drive

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

Pentaconn logo and illustration

An active-ground drive offers a new headphone drive mode

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. Place it on a desk, side table, or in any other small space.

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).

UD-505-X back of unit

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.

SPECS

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 codecs
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 level
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 level
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)
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