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DACs — TEAC NT-505-X
Description, images, technical data and specifications
TEAC NT-505-X
Image source — © TEAC
The NT-505-X is a digital-to-analogue converter from TEAC, built around the well-regarded ESS Technology ES9038Q2M conversion chip with substantial output level. The NT-505-X brings TEAC's considered engineering to standalone digital conversion.
Key specs that matter
The ESS Technology ES9038Q2M conversion chip handles digital-to-analogue conversion, a well-regarded chip within the ESS Sabre family. DSD compatibility reaches 24.5MHz, with PCM support up to 384kHz/32-bit. Frequency response spans a wide 10Hz to 80,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Output level reaches a substantial 12V balanced or 6V single-ended - exceptional figures providing considerable headroom. Output impedance is 188 ohms balanced or 150 ohms single-ended. Signal-to-noise ratio is 110dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.002% at 22kHz. At 290 x 84.5 x 248.7mm and 4.1kg, the NT-505-X maintains a manageable digital source chassis.
Sound and use context
Expect clean, detailed conversion reflecting the solid 110dB signal-to-noise figure, combined with the substantial 12V balanced output providing genuine headroom well beyond most conventional DACs.
Pairing
The substantial 12V balanced output gives genuine signal strength for driving a downstream amplifier directly, and TEAC's own HA-507 preamplifier shares the brand's coherent engineering philosophy.
Alternatives
TEAC's own VRDS-701 offers a disc-based digital source alternative within the same broader digital source catalogue.
Key specs that matter
The ESS Technology ES9038Q2M conversion chip handles digital-to-analogue conversion, a well-regarded chip within the ESS Sabre family. DSD compatibility reaches 24.5MHz, with PCM support up to 384kHz/32-bit. Frequency response spans a wide 10Hz to 80,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Output level reaches a substantial 12V balanced or 6V single-ended - exceptional figures providing considerable headroom. Output impedance is 188 ohms balanced or 150 ohms single-ended. Signal-to-noise ratio is 110dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.002% at 22kHz. At 290 x 84.5 x 248.7mm and 4.1kg, the NT-505-X maintains a manageable digital source chassis.
Sound and use context
Expect clean, detailed conversion reflecting the solid 110dB signal-to-noise figure, combined with the substantial 12V balanced output providing genuine headroom well beyond most conventional DACs.
Pairing
The substantial 12V balanced output gives genuine signal strength for driving a downstream amplifier directly, and TEAC's own HA-507 preamplifier shares the brand's coherent engineering philosophy.
Alternatives
TEAC's own VRDS-701 offers a disc-based digital source alternative within the same broader digital source catalogue.
Specifications
Model name
NT-505-X
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ESS Technology ES9038 Q2M
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM, 24.5MHz DSD
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
10
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
80 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
12
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
6
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
188
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
150
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
110
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
0.002
Dimensions (mm)
290 × 84.5 × 248.7
Weight (kg)
4.1
Official link
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