Popular Post celestial_sound Posted January 14, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted January 14, 2023 In a recent time I discovered that TEAC has expended their reference line with the UD-701N DAC/Network payer upgrade from the previous UD 505. So I decided to make a bit of investigation on this new unit. According to official site the specs are truly amazing. Custom developed delta sigma discrete DAC (not using off the shelf chip), 4 torodial transformers, fully balanced dual mono etc. Feature wise - anything you would ever need, including: Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect (via update), custom streaming app (the same as found in Lumin streamers). I thought to myself OK, lets do some more research and see how it compares with the matching product from their subsidiary company - Esoteric N-05XD. I was literally shocked when i compared the internals from both units (images below). They share the same custom developed delta sigma DAC module, the preamp section and headphone section. This should be a real bargain, Esoteric machinery packed in not so luxury box for a 1/3 price. I mean, how many DACs are out there using custom developed DAC chips that cost < 3.5k. I can think only of one Chord Qutest but it would still be missing the 4 torods, network streamer, analog preamp and headphones amp. So my dilemma here is, why no one talks about this unit yet? Stereophile never reviewed TEAC product in the last 20 years. Why no online reviews from the known magazines. Why no raving reviews from the youtubers. Do I miss something, because imo this unit is very competitive at this price range (the device itself weights 12kgs). What is your thoughts on this. Anyone had a chance to listen to this unit? Jakenz, Aspirant Audiophile and MikeJazz 3 Link to comment
Norton Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 2 hours ago, celestial_sound said: So my dilemma here is, why no one talks about this unit yet? Stereophile never reviewed TEAC product in the last 20 years. Why no online reviews from the known magazines. Good question. This unit seems to have been largely ignored even though it ticks just about every box for a contemporary streaming DAC/preamp/HP amp. Offers identical functionality and at least some of the same componentry ( inc in-house DAC) as sister brand Esoteric’s N05XD which itself has had limited but rave reviews. I tried, but my local TEAC dealer didn’t offer any prospect of getting a demo item in stock. There is though a thread here at AS with feedback from at least one owner. Having said that, at first glance the previous NT505 seemed like it could be a bargain version of the old Esoteric N05, but I’ve never seen user reviews suggesting that level of performance, so maybe there’s a bit more to it than specs and some shared components? AFAIK Esoteric is built in Japan, TEAC in China. Link to comment
celestial_sound Posted January 14, 2023 Author Share Posted January 14, 2023 Exactly, that was the point of my question. Why no reviews, is it bad marketing strategy by TEAC or I'm missing something. I understand TEAC is made in china but so is Denfarpis, HoloAudio, Lumin, Topping, SMSL, Gustard among others which are reviewed every day by any site you can think of Link to comment
GoldenOne Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 2 hours ago, celestial_sound said: Exactly, that was the point of my question. Why no reviews, is it bad marketing strategy by TEAC or I'm missing something. I understand TEAC is made in china but so is Denfarpis, HoloAudio, Lumin, Topping, SMSL, Gustard among others which are reviewed every day by any site you can think of Seems mostly a marketing thing perhaps. Used to be that marketing for audio products was all done in magazines etc. Nowadays it's in huge part word of mouth and reviewers. I'm not aware of them giving review units to anyone so if there's no one reviewing it there's not many people who will be aware of it unless they happen to see it elsewhere. And with little reviews and little community feedback, people will be hesitant to blind buy (such as this post for example asking for info on it). Marketing is everything, and amazing products can sell poorly if not marketed well, and terrible products can sell amazingly if the marketing push is strong enough https://youtube.com/goldensound Roon -> HQPlayer -> SMS200 Ultra/SPS500 -> Holo Audio May (Wildism Edition) -> Holo Audio Serene (Wildism Edition) -> Benchmark AHB2 -> Hifiman Susvara Link to comment
celestial_sound Posted January 14, 2023 Author Share Posted January 14, 2023 26 minutes ago, GoldenOne said: And with little reviews and little community feedback, people will be hesitant to blind buy (such as this post for example asking for info on it). You described my exact situation. I'm in search for a good DAC/Streamer combo for a while and this TEAC thing came from a dealer which is not in my country. As you predicted, I'm hesitant at this moment to buy it blind since there is no single review measuring this product. It may have design flow. Who knows ... Link to comment
DuckToller Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 It might be strategic decision to stay stealthy? I understand that a multifunctional device aimed on third party software / firmwares like i.E ROON or Apple is different piece of work than a standard DAC. I remember the MOON guys being very proud of their efforts integrating seamlessly streaming services, ROON and APPLE IOS compatibility into their MIND application. It sounded as any new IOS update could be prone to destrroy the customer's experience with their Mind driven units. The big guns in the game (Apple/Google/ROON) may not bee too concerned about dependencies of other players In fact, from a reviewer's angle I may understand TEAC's reluctance to provide review samples/loaners, as their software achitecture my be unwillingly some unfinished business which may translate as well into unhappy customers if not done properly? I had a look at the TEAC.jp website and found this list in the product notice section: NOTICES ABOUT PRODUCTS 11-18-2022 New firmware release for the UD-701N, supporting RAAT mode exclusively designed for Roon Ready to improve sound quality. 09-21-2022 [UPDATE] Issues with TEAC HR Streamer due to iOS16 08-19-2022 Notice about the operation verification of macOS Monterey 03-24-2022 Information about Windows 11 03-03-2022 UD-701N new NETWORK Firmware Ver14.4d update is now available. 03-02-2022 UD-701N new SYSTEM Firmware V1.19 update is now available. 12-24-2021 Best Buy Components 2021: TEAC winning products 11-24-2021 UD-701N NETWORK Firmware Ver14.1k is now available. 11-16-2021 The Audio Excellence 2022 Award wining products 11-16-2021 VGP 2022 Awards : TEAC winning products 06-10-2021 VGP 2021 SUMMER Awards : TEAC winning products 04-07-2021 Announcement: UD-701N Postponement of sales 03-12-2021 New full-size separated components in the Reference series, the AP-701 and UD-701N will be released Link to comment
robi20064 Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 Sorry, but how is Google getting into this picture? Is it about Android or YT or Google Music or what exactly? Link to comment
celestial_sound Posted January 15, 2023 Author Share Posted January 15, 2023 This guys from Esoteric(TEAC) have their own remastering studio. Isn't it cool :) https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/esoteric-mastering Link to comment
botrytis Posted January 15, 2023 Share Posted January 15, 2023 48 minutes ago, celestial_sound said: This guys from Esoteric(TEAC) have their own remastering studio. Isn't it cool :) https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/esoteric-mastering They released SACD's. DuckToller 1 Current: Daphile on an AMD A10-9500 with 16 GB RAM DAC - TEAC UD-501 DAC Pre-amp - Rotel RC-1590 Amplification - Benchmark AHB2 amplifier Speakers - Revel M126Be with 2 REL 7/ti subwoofers Cables - Tara Labs RSC Reference and Blue Jean Cable Balanced Interconnects Link to comment
DuckToller Posted January 15, 2023 Share Posted January 15, 2023 5 hours ago, robi20064 said: Sorry, but how is Google getting into this picture? Is it about Android or YT or Google Music or what exactly? Apple and Google are application (airplay / chromecast) & platform firmware (IOS&MacOS/Android&ChromeOS) provider for the control points (tablets/phones/pc) in the streaming game. Plus, Google is the major shareholder of the Stream Unlimited system integrator which provides streaming modules for many upmarket devices. botrytis 1 Link to comment
botrytis Posted January 15, 2023 Share Posted January 15, 2023 Is Esoteric having a recording branch any different than Linn, or B&W having the same? Current: Daphile on an AMD A10-9500 with 16 GB RAM DAC - TEAC UD-501 DAC Pre-amp - Rotel RC-1590 Amplification - Benchmark AHB2 amplifier Speakers - Revel M126Be with 2 REL 7/ti subwoofers Cables - Tara Labs RSC Reference and Blue Jean Cable Balanced Interconnects Link to comment
Miska Posted January 15, 2023 Share Posted January 15, 2023 27 minutes ago, botrytis said: Is Esoteric having a recording branch any different than Linn, or B&W having the same? And PS Audio has Octave Records. botrytis 1 Signalyst - Developer of HQPlayer Pulse & Fidelity - Software Defined Amplifiers Link to comment
FIndingit Posted January 15, 2023 Share Posted January 15, 2023 Even Steinway & Sons makes hifi nowadays in addition to having their own record label. Say NO to ROON Link to comment
DuckToller Posted January 15, 2023 Share Posted January 15, 2023 5 minutes ago, FIndingit said: Even Steinway & Sons makes hifi nowadays in addition to having their own record label. I thought they sold their name in a partnership with Peter Lyngdorf? botrytis 1 Link to comment
botrytis Posted January 15, 2023 Share Posted January 15, 2023 2 hours ago, DuckToller said: I thought they sold their name in a partnership with Peter Lyngdorf? I think you have it. DuckToller 1 Current: Daphile on an AMD A10-9500 with 16 GB RAM DAC - TEAC UD-501 DAC Pre-amp - Rotel RC-1590 Amplification - Benchmark AHB2 amplifier Speakers - Revel M126Be with 2 REL 7/ti subwoofers Cables - Tara Labs RSC Reference and Blue Jean Cable Balanced Interconnects Link to comment
Popular Post JMD54 Posted January 17, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted January 17, 2023 The streaming function of the UD-701 is based on the Lumin platform and software just like the NT-505 I've owned for four years. Same is true of the Esoteric units. Teac is Esoteric's parent company. Have only seen reviews of the Teac units in EU and Far East online publications not in US where their distributorship has been a mess for years. Current US distributor is some subsidiary of Klipsch and is at least the third in the last five years. DAC is based on a version of the same in-house unit used in Esoteric units. Teac is more interested in Esoteric sales in the US as more profit per unit and established dealer base. robi20064 and DuckToller 2 Link to comment
Popular Post rblnr Posted January 21, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted January 21, 2023 I’m a dealer so take this as you will, but I got a demo unit to test on the possibility of picking up the Teac line. The first thing you notice is the build quality, which for the money is off the charts. But build quality isn’t sound quality — I hooked it in our reference system and A/Bd it vs a couple of DACs, cheaper and more expensive. Longer story short, it’s a terrific DAC at its price point and above. Add in the flawless operation of the streaming (via Roon or its own app), ability to work as a 100% analog preamp for vinyl and many other features, and I think it’s a killer value and an excellent component on an absolute level. And in a surprise to me anyway, adding the external clock clearly improved audio performance. Based on this experience, we picked up the line. I’ll be A/Bing it vs its Esoteric counterpart soon. I think they’ve gotten their distribution act together here in the States. From the house designed DAC to the build quality/internals at the price point; the UD 701N reflects what a larger company with the engineering prowess and buying power can do for the money if they put their mind to it. MikeJazz, Norton and Currawong 3 Industry participation disclosure: dealer for Paradigm, Anthem, Audiovector, Scaena, Hegel, NAD, Bluesound, Parasound, Teac, Roon Labs, Artnovion acoustic treatment, Storm Audio (best AV prepro on Earth!), JVC, Clarus Cable and Power, more.. www.outreachav.com 2 channel system: EERA Majestuoso II DAC, Teac UD-701N DAC/Streamer, Teac CG-M10 Clock, Technics 1200GLE TT, Dynavector XX2mkII cartridge, Hegel phono stage, Hegel P30A preamp, Hegel H30A amp, Scaena 3.2 loudspeakers, Clarus Crimson cabling/Duet power conditioner, PS Audio P20 power regenerator, Roon Nucleus+ server. Surround: above plus Storm Audio ISP MK2 prepro, Paradigm Persona subs (2), Paradigm XR13 sub, NAD M28 amp (2) Link to comment
Lokesh Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 Hi all, whilst I have no experience with UD-701, I have used TEAC NT-505 as a Streamer/DAC for over 3 years with Hegel H360 integrated amp. NT-505 worked very well with the Lumin app, and was always solid - had no operational issues streaming music from Tidal and Spotify. Overall I was very happy with the sound quality, worth the money and more. Link to comment
botrytis Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 I am still using a TEAC UD-501 DAC. It has served me well and still sounds great. Current: Daphile on an AMD A10-9500 with 16 GB RAM DAC - TEAC UD-501 DAC Pre-amp - Rotel RC-1590 Amplification - Benchmark AHB2 amplifier Speakers - Revel M126Be with 2 REL 7/ti subwoofers Cables - Tara Labs RSC Reference and Blue Jean Cable Balanced Interconnects Link to comment
rblnr Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 I think companies that have lasted for 40+ years in a tough industry have generally done so by having a solid engineering base among other things. Industry participation disclosure: dealer for Paradigm, Anthem, Audiovector, Scaena, Hegel, NAD, Bluesound, Parasound, Teac, Roon Labs, Artnovion acoustic treatment, Storm Audio (best AV prepro on Earth!), JVC, Clarus Cable and Power, more.. www.outreachav.com 2 channel system: EERA Majestuoso II DAC, Teac UD-701N DAC/Streamer, Teac CG-M10 Clock, Technics 1200GLE TT, Dynavector XX2mkII cartridge, Hegel phono stage, Hegel P30A preamp, Hegel H30A amp, Scaena 3.2 loudspeakers, Clarus Crimson cabling/Duet power conditioner, PS Audio P20 power regenerator, Roon Nucleus+ server. Surround: above plus Storm Audio ISP MK2 prepro, Paradigm Persona subs (2), Paradigm XR13 sub, NAD M28 amp (2) Link to comment
botrytis Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 56 minutes ago, rblnr said: I think companies that have lasted for 40+ years in a tough industry have generally done so by having a solid engineering base among other things. Well, it is similar to Pioneer in the 70-80's - they had their super-popular models (receivers, etc.), and then they didn't know how to deal with the products, like the M-22/M-25 amps. These were engineers making very advanced products but marketing didn't follow. Similar issue with TEAC. Current: Daphile on an AMD A10-9500 with 16 GB RAM DAC - TEAC UD-501 DAC Pre-amp - Rotel RC-1590 Amplification - Benchmark AHB2 amplifier Speakers - Revel M126Be with 2 REL 7/ti subwoofers Cables - Tara Labs RSC Reference and Blue Jean Cable Balanced Interconnects Link to comment
firedog Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 Looks like a great unit. With streaming and preamp features, and with the 1-bit processor it certainly presses all the audiophile buttons. Sounds like a cost effective way to put together a really good system with a simple setup. botrytis 1 Main listening (small home office): Main setup: Surge protectors +>Isol-8 Mini sub Axis Power Strip/Protection>QuietPC Low Noise Server>Roon (Audiolense DRC)>Stack Audio Link II>Kii Control>Kii Three BXT (on their own electric circuit) >GIK Room Treatments. Secondary Path: Server with Audiolense RC>RPi4 or analog>Cayin iDAC6 MKII (tube mode) (XLR)>Kii Three BXT Bedroom: SBTouch to Edifer M1380 system. Living Room/Kitchen: Ropieee (RPi3b+ with touchscreen) + Schiit Modi3E to a pair of Morel Hogtalare. All absolute statements about audio are false Link to comment
celestial_sound Posted January 22, 2023 Author Share Posted January 22, 2023 22 hours ago, rblnr said: I’ll be A/Bing it vs its Esoteric counterpart soon. Looking forward for that comparison :) rblnr 1 Link to comment
DuckToller Posted January 22, 2023 Share Posted January 22, 2023 I reached out to TEAC Global with a message on their Instagram account. I specifically linked this thread and asked about review opportunities for this device in Europe. However, after a week or so, still no response. Still kind of hidden gem, this UD-701N ! Link to comment
mocenigo Posted January 29, 2023 Share Posted January 29, 2023 On 1/21/2023 at 6:07 PM, botrytis said: I am still using a TEAC UD-501 DAC. It has served me well and still sounds great. It’s a great DAC. It now serves in our living room. botrytis 1 Link to comment
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