TEAC Audio UD-507

Overview

The TEAC UD-507 is a Reference series USB DAC, analog preamplifier and high current headphone amplifier built to serve as the digital heart of a serious system. Engineered by TEAC, a Japanese maker founded in 1953, it combines a high grade DAC stage supporting PCM, DSD and MQA with a fully balanced circuit topology carried from input to output. The dual monaural construction keeps the left and right channels electrically independent for accurate imaging and low crosstalk, while the TEAC-HCLD high current output buffer delivers current on demand for both line level outputs and demanding headphones.

As a headphone amplifier the UD-507 is unusually versatile, offering conventional single ended and true balanced connection so listeners can match a wide range of high impedance and low sensitivity headphones. As a preamplifier it can feed a power amplifier directly through balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, making it a clean two box or three box path to full range loudspeakers. A 10 MHz external clock input allows synchronization with the TEAC CG-10M-X master clock for reduced jitter when paired with a matching transport.

The UD-507 is aimed at the listener who wants one refined component to convert, control and amplify. It suits desktop reference headphone setups, computer and USB audio libraries, and compact high fidelity systems where a preamp and DAC in one chassis simplifies the signal path without sacrificing the balanced, dual monaural engineering of the 500 and 700 series.

Key Features

• Fully balanced circuit topology from input through the analog output stage
• Dual monaural construction with independent left and right channel circuits
• TEAC-HCLD high current output buffer for line and headphone drive
• High grade DAC stage supporting PCM, DSD and MQA decoding
• True balanced and single ended headphone outputs for flexible matching
• Preamplifier outputs on balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA to drive a power amp
• 10 MHz external clock input for use with the CG-10M-X master clock
• Multiple digital inputs including USB, optical and coaxial
• Reference series build with switchable digital filters and volume control

How the UD-507 Compares

TEAC UD-507 vs TEAC UD-701N

The UD-701N sits higher in the Reference range and adds full network streaming with Roon Ready, TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify and DLNA alongside its DAC and preamp roles. Choose it when you want an integrated streamer, DAC and preamplifier in one chassis. The UD-507 focuses on USB and digital source conversion with reference headphone and preamp performance for a more source component driven setup. See the TEAC UD-701N.

TEAC UD-507 vs TEAC NT-505-X

The NT-505-X is a 500 series DAC, network player and preamp that brings Roon Ready and streaming service support in a more compact footprint. It is ideal for a network first system that needs onboard streaming. The UD-507 emphasizes its fully balanced headphone stage and dual monaural analog output for listeners who prioritize headphone and preamp performance over built in streaming. See the TEAC NT-505-X.

TEAC UD-507 vs EverSolo DAC Z10

The EverSolo DAC Z10 is a flagship DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier with a touchscreen driven interface and modern app control. It appeals to users who want an all in one display centric front end. The UD-507 takes a more traditional Reference series approach with dual monaural balanced circuitry and the TEAC-HCLD buffer for a classic separates character. See the EverSolo DAC Z10.

Recommended Amplifier and Speakers

The UD-507 can drive a power amplifier directly, so pair it with a TEAC power amp or the AX-505, add loudspeakers, and consider a matching transport as a source.

• TEAC AP-701 Power Amplifier A dual monaural Reference power amplifier that mirrors the UD-507 engineering, taking the balanced XLR preamp output for a matched high current path to full range speakers.
• TEAC AP-505 Power Amplifier A compact 500 series power amplifier that matches the UD-507 in size and style, ideal for a tidy desktop or shelf system driven from the balanced or RCA preamp outputs.
• Spendor A1.2 Bookshelf A refined two way standmount that rewards the clean, detailed signal from the UD-507 and a TEAC power amp in a near field or small room setup.
• Mission 700 Loudspeakers A characterful standmount that pairs the resolving TEAC front end with an engaging, musical presentation for compact rooms.
• TEAC VRDS-701T CD Transport Feed the UD-507 DAC from the VRDS mechanism for disc playback, and share the CG-10M-X clock across sources through the 10 MHz input for lower jitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TEAC UD-507?
It is a Reference series USB DAC, analog preamplifier and high current headphone amplifier in one chassis, built with fully balanced dual monaural circuitry.

What digital formats does it support?
The UD-507 supports high resolution PCM, DSD and MQA decoding through its DAC stage.

Can it drive a power amplifier directly?
Yes. It has preamplifier outputs on balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA, so it can feed a power amplifier such as the TEAC AP-701 or AP-505 directly.

Does the UD-507 have balanced headphone output?
Yes. It offers true balanced headphone connection in addition to a single ended output for flexible headphone matching.

What is the TEAC-HCLD output buffer?
It is TEAC's high current line driver buffer that supplies current on demand to both the line outputs and headphone stage for stable drive.

What does dual monaural construction mean?
The left and right channels use independent circuits for lower crosstalk and more precise stereo imaging.

Does it have a network streamer built in?
No. The UD-507 is a USB DAC, preamp and headphone amp. For onboard streaming with Roon Ready, TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify and DLNA, consider the UD-701N or NT-505-X.

What digital inputs does it have?
It provides USB Type B, optical and coaxial digital inputs for connecting computers and other digital sources.

Can I use an external clock with it?
Yes. It has a 10 MHz external clock input for synchronization with the TEAC CG-10M-X master clock.

Is the UD-507 fully balanced?
Yes. It uses fully balanced circuit topology from input through the analog output stage with true balanced XLR connections.

What headphones does it suit?
Its balanced and single ended outputs plus the high current buffer make it well suited to a wide range of high impedance and low sensitivity headphones.

Which TEAC transport pairs with it?
The VRDS-701T and PD-507T CD transports feed its DAC through digital inputs, and the NT-507T network transport is another source option.

What speakers work well with a UD-507 system?
Paired with a TEAC power amp, refined standmounts like the Spendor A1.2 or Mission 700 make an excellent compact system.

How does it compare to the UD-701N?
The UD-701N is higher in the range and adds full network streaming, while the UD-507 focuses on USB and digital conversion with reference headphone and preamp performance.

How does it compare to the NT-505-X?
The NT-505-X adds onboard streaming in a compact 500 series chassis, while the UD-507 emphasizes its balanced headphone stage and dual monaural analog output.

What are its dimensions and weight?
It measures approximately 290 x 84.5 x 244 mm and weighs about 8.2 kg.

Does it include a remote control?
Yes. A remote control is included along with a power cable and documentation.

What warranty does the UD-507 carry?
It carries a one year parts and labor warranty from TEAC for the original owner, which extends to three years free when you register it with TEAC USA.

Is the UD-507 good for a desktop system?
Yes. Its compact 500 series footprint, USB input and versatile headphone outputs make it well suited to a reference desktop or near field setup.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized TEAC dealer in Maryland, so you receive genuine product, full manufacturer warranty support and expert guidance on building a matched system around the UD-507.