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Teac NT-503 Dual-Monaural USB DAC and Network Player (Black)

B&H # TENT503B MFR # NT-503-B 







Teac NT-503 overview

The black TEAC NT-503 Dual-Monaural USB DAC and Network Player is well equipped to deliver high-quality audio from wired and wireless music sources. With built-in Bluetooth connectivity, the NT-503 can wirelessly stream music from compatible smartphones and tablets. Its on-board Ethernet port will allow you to access a variety of Internet audio sources and DLNA streaming content. The NT-503 uses the VERITA AK4490 DAC for optimized audio playback and supports a number of high-resolution audio formats including DSD and PCM.

In addition to the aforementioned wireless connectivity, the NT-503 offers analog RCA and XLR outputs for interfacing with components such as receivers and integrated amplifiers. It also offers a front-panel USB-A port that supports audio playback from portable devices or USB flash media, while its rear USB-B port will playback audio from a connected computer. The network player features a discrete headphone amplifier for enhanced private listening. For control flexibility, the free TEAC HR Remote app for iOS and its complementary TEAC AVR Remote app for Android will allow you to control the NT-503 from compatible smart devices.

Audio Circuitry

VERITA AK4490 DACs Support 11.2 MHz DSD and 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM
The NT-503 employs a pair of VERITA AK4490 DACs, designed by Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation. The VELVET SOUND architecture on the AK4490 is designed to produce fine-detailed expression of sound even outside the human audible range for enhanced audio playback. Its Low Distortion Technology boats 112 dB of S/(N+D).

In addition to its 11.2 MHz DSD native playback, the NT-503 also supports a variety of hi-res audio sources including 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM. Smooth details and an augmented sense of sound placement are reproduced at the limits of hi-res audio.

DSD and 8x PCM Up-Conversion
The NT-503 includes TEAC's FPGA (programmable IC) and Fluency up-conversion algorithm. In addition to the 2x, 4x, and 8x PCM up-conversion processing, DSD up-conversion is also supported as high as 12.2 MHz (4x DSD). Thanks to this system, the NT-503 up-converts 16-bit / 44.1 kHz data from a conventional CD into 11.2 MHz DSD - over 256 times the data. Audio data higher than 20 kHz is produced by an analogical interpolation algorithm to restore your audio to what it originally sounded like.

44.1 and 48 kHz On-Board Internal Clocks & 10 MHz External Clock Input
The NT-503 hosts a pair of sample clocks, one each for multiples of 44.1 and 48 kHz. In addition, a 10 MHz clock input allows the DAC to be connected to Rubidium or GPS clocks for calibration or constant use.

PCM/DSD Filters Provide Multifaceted Sound from a Single Unit
In addition to four types of PCM digital filters and an OFF mode, the unit has two types of DSD digital filters. Choose the best filter for the input file format and type of music. You can enjoy the subtle sound nuances of different filters without needing to connect different USB DACs.

PCM (Applicable to all PCM data except for 352.8 and 384 kHz.) DSD

Dual-Monaural Circuit Design for Augmented Performance
Behind the performance of the NT-503 is a dual-monaural circuit design. From the power supply through the DAC units and analog output stage, the circuitry is a mirrored pair of matched components. A pair of Toroidal-core power transformers and VERITA AK4490 DAC chips, for example, are installed on each channel as a single monaural circuit, preventing one audio signal from interfering with the other.

"TEAC-HCLD" Quad Enhanced-Current Output Buffer Circuits
The "TEAC-HCLD" (High Current Line Driver) circuits on each channel enhance transient character by processing a differential drive in balanced output mode and parallel drive in unbalanced output mode, enabling the NT-503 to deliver the dynamic range of the original hi-res audio data without losing dynamism of music.

Isolated Grounds for Digital and Analog Sections
Between the digital and analog sections, the NT-503 employs a digital isolater designed to completely isolate each power supply path and the ground. All digital noise from digital sources, particularly a computer plugged into the USB input, is prevented from entering the analog section through a power supply path or the ground. An isolation circuit is designed to offer significant benefits, particularly when playing back hi-res audio sources that have higher sampling frequencies.

Dual Toroidal-Core Power Transformers for Each Channel
The NT-503 accommodates a high-capacity Toroidal-core power transformer on both left and right channels to supply clean and stable current independently on the dual-monaural design concept. Each power unit is designed to ensure a stable current to each channel without being influenced by changes in current consumption from the other channel's signal.

Volume Display on OELD for Excellent Visibility
The organic electroluminescent display (OELD) with a 4-level dimmer is designed to provide high contrast and visibility. A large-sized font allows you to check the volume level even from across the room.

Versatile Connectivity

Hi-Res Audio Playback Via USB
With a single USB Cable, hi-res audio data including 11.2 MHz DSD and 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM can be played back without complex settings. TEAC offers a free music app, "TEAC HR Audio Player," for Windows and Mac systems. It allows listeners to create, save, and recall their own playlists, or simply drag-and-drop music files to the playlist window.

High-Res Audio Streaming Via Network
The NT-503 supports Bluetooth wireless connection using advanced codec technologies like aptX, AAC, and SBC for an enhanced audio performance. Enjoy high-quality music streaming from your smartphone or tablet.

Front USB Port for Hi-Res Audio Playback
The NT-503's USB port on front panel supports 5.6 MHz DSD and 192 kHz PCM stored on USB flash memory, as well as conventional MP3 and WMA files. The free "TEAC HR Remote" app for iOS and the "TEAC AVR Remote" app for Android turn your smartphone or tablet into a touch-screen remote controller to browse and select music files on the USB flash memory. Gapless playback is also supported when playing back the same sampling frequency files between WAV, FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, WMA, OGG Vorbis, and MP3.

Music Streaming from Your iOS/Android Devices
The free apps "TEAC HR Remote" for iOS and "TEAC AVR Remote" for Android allows the NT-503 to subscribe to online music services like Spotify, Deezer, and Slacker. In addition, access the Internet radio portal that provides over 100,000 radio stations and 4 million podcasts all over the world for free. Since the NT-503 directly receives those streaming signals from the Internet, not via your smartphone or tablet, your ringtone will not interrupt the music. *Not all On-line music services are available in every country, and not every function is supported on the TEAC AVR Remote.

Pre-Amplifier Circuits Support Full-Balanced Output

Pre-Amplifier Circuit Produces the Fine Details of DSD
The NT-503 delivers both balanced and unbalanced audio signals, either at at "Fixed (±0 dB)", "Fixed (+6 dB)", or "Variable", to connect to a power amplifier. In addition to these settings, the "Off" setting disables audio signals to the rear connectors, concentrating its performance on the headphone output.

Pre-Amp Circuits Based on "TEAC-QVCS" Volume Control
In the pre-amp section, the NT-503 employs the "TEAC-QVCS" (Quad Volume Control System), a fully-balanced circuit design from the output of the D/A Converters and Volume Amplifier section. Control signals from the volume knob control four independent variable-gain amplifiers simultaneously - both positive and negative for the left and right channels. With this circuit design, audio signal paths are simplified and independent left and right channels and phase are preserved for clear sound quality with enhanced channel separation via the balanced output.

This "TEAC-QVCS" also provides 256 steps or 0.5 dB steps of volume control, precisely throughout the effective range from -95 to +24 dB. Both the line output and headphone volume can be controlled to the exact level you wish with a remote control, something that's difficult to achieve with a motorized volume control. This feature becomes even more useful when connecting various types of headphones with different impedances.

Shared "TEAC-HCLD" Circuits for Augmented Headphone Listening
The NT-503 employs a headphone amplifier that delivers 500 + 500 mW of output power. The "TEAC-HCLD" circuits, based around four output transistors in parallel-drive mode, are designed to drive conventional single-ended headphones powerfully and precisely. In addition, a class-AB amplifier with extended class-A operation range allows the NT-503 to process most of the amplification process in class-A mode, and maximizes potential of a wide range of headphones, including 600 ohm high-impedance models.



Teac NT-503 specs

Teac NT-503 reviews

NT-503 Dual-Monaural USB DAC and Network Player (Black) is rated 4.0 out of 5 by 1.
Rated 4 out of 5 by Ron K from good product Works well sound quality is good. was easy to set up.

Teac NT-503 Q&A

Teac NT-503 accessories
