PCM files with a sample-rate below 192kHz can be upsampled to 192kHz, thereby allowing any data jitter to be folded into the signal itself. The USB input takes this still further with a notional ceiling of 32 bit, 384kHz files (‘notional’ because no such files are currently commercially available). The TEAC UD-501 supports PCM file playback through all its digital inputs as standard through fibre-optic TOSlink, this is limited to 24bit, 96kHz files, while coaxial S/PDIF can support up to 24 bit, 192kHz files. This levels the score somewhat between XLR and RCA on long cable runs. The op-amps are connected in parallel with the RCA line-out terminals, acting as a buffer to ensure the signal arrives at the amplifier or preamplifier in good order. This includes one BurrBrown PCM1795 converter chip and a pair of made-for-hi-fi MUSES8920 operational amplifiers for each channel. Moving inside to the converter itself, the circuit is effectively a dual mono design, with everything from the two power transformers through to the separate output sections sharing only a common chassis. Fortunately, this is all clearly marked and covered in the comprehensive supplied manual, so this shouldn’t pose any functional concerns in everyday use. This relegates the two fibre-optic TOSlink inputs next to the IEC power inlet and a toggle switch to defeat the DAC’s power saving mode, while the two coaxial S/PDIF and USB digital inputs sit between the RCA and XLR sockets of the line out blocks. One part of the split digital input block itself splits the left and right analogue line level outputs. Its rear panel features a similarly odd choice of layout pattern. The logical panel order would be placing the headphone ‘group’ together, possibly on the right side of the front panel just after the display. There is one odd ergonomic observation– the ¼” headphone jack is sited next to the power switch, while the volume control (which only works for headphones) is on the other side of the front panel. Overall, the metal-bodied DAC feels solid sitting on its four low feet. Its two dials are not strongly resistive to the touch and both the menu button and the power on toggle should be more recognisably ‘thrown’ when engaged, but there is no play on any of the control surfaces. Either way, the two-line display is an orange on black panel. The unit itself is available in an all-silver finish, or a contrasting matt black body with silver knobs, switches and side panels. This DAC is part of TEAC’s revamped Reference 500 series, a midi-sized but fully discrete range of components with silver ‘pro audio’ style side panels featuring integrated handles. There is no remote, but it does feature a range of filter options activated from a front panel menu button. It has fixed single-ended phono and balanced XLR outputs, and a volume control for the built-in headphone amplifier. The TEAC UD-501 is currently the cheapest DAC to support DSD replay across USB.

Dsd audio player teac ud 501