TEAC UD-701 vs NT-505 vs ?

@ptatztxt 

No suggestions here, but wondering if you use a local NAS and if that has issues playing as well with the HR Steeam or other controllers?

(I ask as I have only used my 701 via NAS and haven't yet run into any issues.)

I certianly hope you can resolve your connection issues...

The streamer in my NT-505 rarely connects to the network anymore also. It's relegated to my bedroom system anyway but I'm getting a streamer (like ifi Zen Stream) that works as an NAA for HQPlayer. The DAC still sounds outstanding and feeding it DSD makes it that much better.

Well I have an update. I moved the unit to a different wifi ecosystem and it magically works! So, it would appear that there's something wrong with that internet service or, maybe plugging other things into the wifi extender somehow interfered.  Who knows?  

I will keep on investigating, but otherwise really back to enjoying the 701.

I'm really sorry to hear some of you having a problems with the UD 701N network module. I have mine for about a month and I've never experienced any problem related to the network or anything else. I'm using it on a daily basis mostly Tidal connect streaming from my android phone, sometimes Roon RAAT (still deciding weather I should by lifetime subscription) and Internet Radio. 

I've come up to threads regardless of the device that some users experience problems when using tidal connect from Windows application (the device didn't appear as endpoint). Is this maybe your case?

I'm really impressed by the TEAC UD 701N DAC module. It sounds so organic in both multi bit PCM and 1 bit DSD. It have terrific resolution and clarity. Definitely game changer 

Decided to home demo the TEAC CG-10M Master Clock Generator with my UD-701N this week.  No cost risk - figured I’d give this a shot even though the 701 is stellar on its own.

The improvement is very clear and discernable with everything I’m checking out (presence, spaciousness, transient response, and bass articulation).  I was anticipating it would not change much and I was way off.  It’s a keeper for me…very nice upgrade for a relatively modest cost.

I didn’t try the CG-10M with the NT-505X when home demo’ing, but my dealer (Esoteric Audio, Richmond, VA - great service) keeps them stacked in the demo room and attests to its improvement in that config, as well.

Using a 50-ohm 1-ft cable, but will need ~0.5m for my setup (do not want to stack).  Also will try different power cords down the line.

Anyway, if one has the opportunity to demo this master clock generator with their TEACs (or other units), it’s could be a worthwhile endeavor (certainly was for me).

Also, finally getting around to tyring out Qobuz with the UD-701N, which is nice, and getting more in tune with  the Lumin/Esoteric/TEAC HR app, which is actually not too bad.

I’m a Teac dealer, so take this as you will.  
 

Was surprised as well upon adding the clock — the improvement is obvious, not subtle.  And that’s from a very good DAC already.   It’s a really cost effective upgrade.   

@vinylcat @rblnr good to know! :) 

I was also impressed by the UD-701N when I received it. I eventually decided to add the Master Clock. Just as @vinylcat and ​​​​@celestial__sound state it was a good upgrade. Also surprised me as I was expecting a very subtle change not a noticeable improvement. 

Review and measurement

Came across this today.

@milpai 

Tks for the link...interesting review.

I will say that as far as "limited soundstage depth", the UD-701N was certainly better than the Yggdrasil in my system, but I'm not certain what he was specifically comparing it to in his context.

Every system is different. Measurements are not everything. This is a very good DAC, from what little user experiences I have read.

I just ordered a TEAC UD 701, based entirely on (sparse) online reviews, forum posts and one friend's recommendation. It arrives in a month. I currently use last year's Node and an RME ADI 2 DAC. Is a integrated streaming DAC from TEAC better SQ than what I have? It seems that RME and TEAC are by few or no one.

I'm asking forum members who have tried one or both DACs, RME & TEAC, what your impressions are. Personally I'm looking to upgrade my pre amp (RME's digital pre amp) and the DAC itself. Only SQ matters. I ike my RME, and I haven't heard another DAC yet that improves my system (Stax HP, Carbon, RME, Node).

I'm also really intrigued by upsampling, which the TEAC send to do pretty dang high with DSD. I've tried it a little, not much. But does upsampling even have an effect on what I hear?

@chestercopperpot ,

I am a bit baffled. You are asking this question after ordering the DAC. Normally people register to ask questions and seek advice, before ordering. If anything you can now tell us about how you feel about this DAC compared to the RME that you own 😃

I want to get a new DAC because the Oppo that I have is not really a DAC, but a disc player with a DAC. The Teac is in the top 5-6 list and hence the interest in this thread, for me. Do let us know what you feel.

Well, I'm not known for conventional behaviour;)

I'm asking these questions because I can still return the TEAC DAC, and I'm trying to 'meet' anyone with more experience than me, so that I am prepared when it arrives. I've never heard the 505, never heard an Esoteric DAC, and those seem like pretty important points of comparison. 

Certainly I'll share my comparison of the RME with TEAC; so far I have heard Mola Mola and T&A 200 DAC, neither were noticeably better. 

@milpai ​​​​​​ can I ask what are the other DACs on your 5-6 list?

I have the Okto DAC 8, T+A DAC200, Chord Hugo TT2, Teac UD-701 among the top.

My UD-701 arrived much earlier than expected:)

I’m still comparing. It’s difficult to do blind DAC tests in my setup. But I’m very happy with the TEAC so far. The biggest benefit early on is its dexterity with DSD. I finally heard true DSD today rather than PCM converted, and...what do you know, it’s amazing!

I doubt I’ll stop using the RME, it’s so capable in so many ways, plus the new desktop remote has me excited. But I’m almost certainly keeping the TEAC, specifically for DSD.

@chestercopperpot ,

Thanks for sharing your experience. And good to know that you like the Teac, especially with DSD. Can you describe how the DSD on the Teac was better or different than on the T+A DAC 200? What attributes about DSD you liked on the Teac as compared to the T+A? 

I did an in-store demo of the T&A200 for 3 hours, only streaming Qobuz, and I did not find the PCM or upsampled sound to be noticeably better than the RME. I have not played DSD through anything other than the RME and the TEAC. 

My Teac NT-505 has run trouble-free for four years. It does its job 'just fine', although it doesn't outperform my analog playback chain. Like others, I've found that it sounds very good with (native) DSD files. With DSD the volume is bypassed which is a plus for the sound. I can hear the improvement also in the small (but DSD capable) Topping 30ii. In other respects the Topping is no match for the Teac, of course. I am not sure, how much of the Teac improvement is due to the streamer part, and to the DAC part, but it is clearly some of both. Have never tried it with an external clock. Too many boxes already.