IN BLACK
Versatile Network Player with Premium-quality
Dual-monaural USB DAC
High-quality Audio Circuits render the fine texture of music
High-performance VERITA AK4490 DACs support 11.2MHz DSD
and 32-bit/384kHz PCM
The key to a great-sounding digital audio system is the DAC.
The NT-503 employs a pair of VERITA AK4490 DACs, designed by Asahi Kasei
Microdevices Corporation.
The VELVET SOUND architecture on the AK4490 is capable of produce fine-detailed
expression of sound even outside the human audible range to make Hi-Res Audio
playback sound its best. Its newly developed Low Distortion Technology boats
112dB of S/(N+D), the highest level in the industry for a 120dB-class
DAC.
In addition to 11.2MHz DSD Native playback, the NT-503 also supports a wide
variety of Hi-Res Audio sources, including 32-bit/384kHz PCM. Smooth details
and outstanding sense of sound placement are reproduced the limits of Hi-Res
Audio.
The AK4490 is a product in the Audio4pro™ family brand developed by Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation for professional audio equipment and high-end digital audio applications.
DSD and 8x PCM Up-conversion Improves Your Entire Digital
Library
The NT-503 includes TEAC’s latest FPGA (programmable IC) with our exclusive 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 12.2MHz (4x DSD). Thanks to this unique system, the NT-503 up-converts 16-bit/44.1kHz data from a conventional CD into 11.2MHz DSD – over 256 times the data. Audio data higher than 20kHz is produced by an analogical interpolation algorithm to restore natural sound as close as the original one. You will experience the dense sense of air that the DSD format inherently has, even when listening to CD or MP3 from your huge music collection.
High-precision 44.1kHz and 48kHz On-board Internal
Clocks, and 10MHz External Clock Input
The NT-503 hosts a pair of sample clocks, one each for multiples of 44.1kHz and 48kHz. In addition, a 10MHz clock input allows the DAC to be connected to Rubidium or GPS clocks for calibration or constant use.
PCM/DSD Filters Provide a Multifaceted Personality 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 |
|
FIR SHARP |
An FIR filter with a steep roll-off sharply cuts signals outside the audio band.* |
FIR SLOW |
An FIR filter with a slow roll-off gently cuts signals outside the audio band.* |
SDLY SHARP |
A short delay filter with a steep roll-off sharply cuts signals outside the audio band.* |
SDLY SLOW |
A short delay filter with a slow roll-off gently cuts signals outside the audio band.* |
|
|
DSD |
|
CUTOFF |
50kHz |
* These filters are all applicable to all PCM data except for 352.8kHz and
384kHz.
All-new Dual-monaural Circuit Design for Outstanding
Performance
Behind the best-in-class performance of the NT-503 is an all-new, lavish dual-monaural circuit design. From the power supply through the DAC units and analog output stage, the circuitry is a mirrored pair of perfectly matched components. A pair of high-efficiency Toroidal-core power transformers and high-performance VERITA AK4490 DAC chips, for example, are installed on each channel as a single monaural circuit, preventing one audio signal from interfering the other.
"TEAC-HCLD" Quad Enhanced-Current Output Buffer
Circuits
Based on TEAC’s decades of experience in high-end audio design, the analog amplifier section employs a pair of discrete enhanced-current buffer amplifiers. The “TEAC-HCLD” (High Current Line Driver) circuits on each channel enhances transient character by processing a differential drive in balanced output mode and parallel drive in unbalanced output mode. As results, the NT-503 delivers the wide dynamic range 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 Isolator to completely isolate each power supply path and the ground. All digital noise from digital sources, particularly a PC plugged into the USB input, is prevented from entering the analog section through a power supply path or the ground. An isolation circuit offers significant benefit particularly when playing back Hi-Res Audio sources that have higher sampling frequency.
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 ensures a stable current supply to each channel without being influenced by changes in current consumption from the other channel's signal. The dual power supply deign normally reserved for large, high-end components is applied here for peak performance.
Volume Display on OLED for Excellent Visibility
The organic electroluminescent display (OELD) with a 4-level dimmer provides high contrast and excellent visibility. A large-sized font allows you to check the volume level even from across the room.
Versatile
Connectivity with a Wide variety of Input formats and devices
Hi-Res Audio Playback from PC via USB Cable
With a single USB Cable, Hi-Res Audio data including 11.2MHz
DSD and 32-bit/384kHz PCM can be played back without complex settings. TEAC
offers a free music app, "TEAC HR Audio Player,” for Windows and Macintosh
systems. It allows listeners to create, save, and recall their own playlists,
or simply just drag-and-drop music files to the playlist window.
* A driver is required on Windows.
High-res Audio Streaming via Network
The NT-503 is a versatile network player that offers network
audio capability with DLNA 1.5. Hi-Res Audio formats such as 5.6MHz DSD and
24-bit/192kHz WAV/FLAC can be played back from a PC or NAS (Network Attached
Server.) Playback can be controlled with a free app for iOS or Android, “TEAC
HR Remote”.
Gapless playback is also supported when playing back files of the same sampling
frequency, even if the file format varies between WAV, FLAC, AAC, Apple
Lossless, WMA, OGG Vorbis, and MP3.
High-quality Wireless Streaming via Bluetooth
The NT-503 supports Bluetooth® wireless connection using
advanced codec technologies like aptX®, AAC, and SBC for the best audio
performance possible. Enjoy high-quality music streaming from your smartphone
or tablet.
* The NT-503 does not support wireless audio transmission to Bluetooth®
Wireless Headphones.
Front USB port for Hi-Res Audio Playback
The NT-503's USB port on front panel supports 5.6MHz DSD and 192kHz PCM stored on a USB Flash Memory, as well as conventional MP3 and WMA files. The free app "TEAC HR Remote" for iOS/Android turns your smartphone and 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 on-line
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 signal from 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 supporting full-balanced output
Carefully Designed Pre-amplifier Circuit Produces the
Fine Details of DSD
The NT-503's high-quality analog output circuit, based around its dual-monaural design and the “TEAC-HCLD” circuit, creates the ideal pre-amplifier unit. The NT-503 delivers both balanced and unbalanced audio signals, either "Fixed (±0dB)", "Fixed (+6dB)" , or "Variable" to connect to a power amplifier. In addition to these settings, the "Off" setting disables audio signals to the rear connectors, consentrating its performance on the headphone output.
Pre-amp Circuits Based on “TEAC-QVCS” High-precision
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 precisely 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 independant left and right channels and phase is preserved for clear sound quality with outstanding channel separation. (This does not apply to unbalanced analog input.)
This “TEAC-QVCS” also provides 256 steps or 0.5dB steps of volume control, precisely throughout the effective range from -95dB to +24dB. 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.
Headphone Amplifier Shares the “TEAC-HCLD” Circuits for
High-quality Headphone Listening
Like the UD-503, the NT-503 also employs a high-performance headphone amplifier that delivers 500mW+500mW of output power. The “TEAC-HCLD” circuits, based around four output transistors in parallel-drive mode, drive conventional single-ended headphones powerfully and precisely. In addition, a uniquely-designed class-AB amplifier with extended class-A operation range allows the NT-503 to process most part of amplification process in class-A mode, and maximizes potential of wide range of headphones, including 600 ohms high-impedance ones.
Features -a-glance
* Not all On-line music services are available in every country, and not every function is supported on the TEAC AVR Remote.
USB Section |
|
USB (Rear) |
|
Connector |
USB B-type x 1 (USB2.0) |
Supported Formats |
DSD (dsf, dsdiff), PCM |
Recommended Software |
TEAC HR Audio Player (Windows, Macintosh) |
USB (Front) |
|
Connector |
USB A-type x 1 (USB2.0) |
Supported Media |
USB Flash Memory |
Supported Formats |
DSD (dsf), WAV, FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, WMA Lossless, WMA Standard, OGG Vorbis, MP3 |
Network Section |
|
Connector |
RJ-45 (100Base-T) |
DLNA Remote Play |
DLNA 1.5 complied |
Supported Formats |
DSD (dsf), PCM, WAV, FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, WMA Lossless, WMA Standard, OGG Vorbis, MP3 |
Home Media |
|
Supported Formats |
DSD (dsf), WAV, FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, WMA Lossless, WMA Standard, OGG Vorbis, MP3 |
Bluetooth® Section |
|
Version, Class |
V3.0, Class2 |
Supported Profile |
A2DP, AVRCP |
Supported Codec |
aptX®, AAC, SBC |
A2DP Content Protection |
SCMS-T |
Number of Pairing Devices |
Max. 8 devices |
Internet Music Services |
|
Supported Services |
A free iOS/Android App "TEAC HR Remote" is required to access these services. |
US/Canada |
TuneIn, Deezer, Spotify, Slacker |
UK/Europe |
TuneIn, Deezer, Spotify |
Digital Audio Inputs |
|
Coaxial Digital (Rear) |
|
Connector |
RCA Pin jack x 1 |
Input Level |
0.5 Vp-p |
Input Impedance |
75 ohms |
Supported Formats |
DSD (dsf, dsdiff), PCM |
Optical Digital (Rear) |
|
Connector |
TOS-link x 1 |
Input Level |
-24.0 to -14.5 dBm peak |
Supported Formats |
DSD (dsf, dsdiff), PCM |
Coaxial/Optical Digital (Front) |
|
Connector |
1/8" (3.5mm) Coaxial Digital/Optical Mini jack x 1 (compatible) |
Input Level |
|
Coaxial Digital |
0.5 Vp-p |
Optical Digital |
-24.0 to -14.5 dBm peak |
Input Impedance |
75 ohms (Coaxial Digital) |
Supported Formats |
DSD (dsf, dsdiff), PCM |
Analog Audio Outputs |
|
Balanced Output |
|
Connector |
XLR 3-32 jack x 1 pair (Gold-plated) |
Output Impedance |
188 ohms |
Maximum Output Level |
2.0 Vrms (1kHz, Full-scale, 10k ohms loaded, 0 dB Fixed
Level) |
Unbalanced Output |
|
Connector |
RCA Pin jack x 1 pair (Gold-plated) |
Output Impedance |
150 ohms |
Maximum Output Level |
2.0 Vrms (1kHz, Full-scale, 10k ohms loaded, 0 dB Fixed
Level) |
Headphone Output |
|
Connector |
1/4" (6.3mm) Stereo jack x 1 (Gold-plated) |
Maximum Output Level |
500 mW + 500 mW (32 ohms loaded) |
Supported Headphone Impedance |
16 to 600 ohms |
Clock Input |
|
Connector |
BNC jack x 1 (Gold-plated) |
Input Frequency |
10 MHz |
Input Impedance |
50 ohms |
Input Level |
|
Rectangle Wave |
TTL Level or equivalent |
Sine Wave |
0.5 to 1.0 Vrms |
Audio Performance |
|
Frequency Response |
5Hz to 80kHz (+1dB/-3dB) |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
110 dB (A-weighted, 1kHz) |
Total Harmonic Distortion |
0.0015% (1kHz, LPF: 20Hz to 20kHz) |
Audio Settings |
|
Up-conversion |
x8, x4 , x2, Off (Switchable) |
Digital Filters |
|
DSD Cut-off Filters |
50kHz, 150kHz (Switchable) |
PCM Digital Filters |
FIR Sharp, FIR Slow, Short-delay Sharp, Short-delay Slow (Switchable) |
Line Output |
RCA, XLR2 (HOT 2), XLR (HOT 3) (Switchable) |
Line Output Level |
0dB Fixed, +6dB Fixed, Variable, Off (Switchable) |
Supported OS |
|
Windows |
Windows 7 |
Macintosh |
OS X Lion (10.7) |
Operation Power |
|
US/Canada |
AC 120V, 60Hz |
UK/Europe |
AC 220 - 240V, 50/60Hz |
Power Consumption |
18 Watts (0.4 Watts Standby mode, 3 Watts Network Standby mode) |
Overall Dimensions |
11.4" (W) x 3.2" (H) x 9.8" (D) |
Weight |
8.6 lbs. / 3.9 kg |
Accessories |
RCA-Mini plug Cable, Remote Control (RC-1320), AAA
Batteries x 2, |
Up-convert Chart |
||||||
|
Output Signal to D/A Converter |
|||||
Up-conversion Setting |
Off |
2Fs |
4Fs |
8Fs |
DSD |
|
Input Signal |
384kHz |
384kHz |
384kHz |
384kHz |
384kHz |
12.2MHz |
352.8kHz |
352.8kHz |
352.8kHz |
352.8kHz |
352.8kHz |
11.2MHz |
|
192kHz |
192kHz |
192kHz |
192kHz |
384kHz |
12.2MHz |
|
176.4kHz |
176.4kHz |
176.4kHz |
176.4kHz |
352.8kHz |
11.2MHz |
|
96kHz |
96kHz |
96kHz |
192kHz |
384kHz |
12.2MHz |
|
88.2kHz |
88.2kHz |
88.2kHz |
176.4kHz |
352.8kHz |
11.2MHz |
|
48Hz |
48kHz |
96kHz |
192kHz |
384kHz |
12.2MHz |
|
44.1kHz |
44.1kHz |
88.2kHz |
176.4kHz |
352.8kHz |
11.2MHz |
|
32kHz |
32kHz |
64kHz |
128kHz |
256kHz |
8MHz |
* 352.8kHz and 384kHz Input Signal are supported on USB Input. |
|
Supported Formats