TEAC has expanded its 500 product line with a network player, the NT-507T, which is suitable for playing hi-res files. The new NT-507T does not have an onboard digital-to-analog converter. Music is output via a USB-A port that must be paired with a compatible digital-to-analog converter. The NT-507T is Roon Ready and supports OpenHome.
Teac NT-507T: Cabinet design that prioritizes sound quality
The robust yet compact chassis is a hallmark of TEAC. According to the manufacturer, the chassis follows the industrial design philosophy of “form follows function.” The compact, letter-sized chassis is made of an elaborate aluminum construction that combines rigidity with refined elegance. Despite its modest size, its reassuring weight reflects the meticulous attention paid to the internal circuitry and sound performance.
The minimalist NT-507T is designed for control via a tablet or smartphone and deliberately eschews an LCD screen, which could compromise the purity of the sound. Even the status LEDs on the front can be manually disabled, underscoring TEAC’s commitment to a pure and distraction-free listening experience.
The NT-507T’s amplifier-like heat dissipation grille on the top panel symbolizes the powerful performance of the G4 engine and linear power supply. The rigid, 2.8-millimeter-thick aluminum top panel exudes a premium feel and features a semi-floating design. Instead of being secured with screws, it fits under its own weight into slots in the left and right aluminum panels. Minimizing the number of screw points securing the internal circuit board reduces mechanical stress and, according to the engineers, contributes to an open, spacious soundstage.
TEAC’s original Stress-Less Foot, a precision-machined metal foot with slight mechanical play at the mounting point, further enhances resonance control, resulting in a rich, natural tonal balance that defines the final tone of the NT-507T.
Teac NT-507T: Linear power supply with four independent power supplies/DC regulators with low feedback
The high-fidelity sound of the Teac NT-507T is supported by its high-quality, high-output linear power supply system. This system consists of a toroidal transformer, selected for its sound quality, large, custom-designed capacitors, and multiple discrete DC regulator circuits.
The toroidal transformer has four separate windings: one for the network motor, one for the USB output circuit, one for the Wi-Fi circuit, and one for the status LEDs. Isolating the power circuits eliminates mutual interference, improving sound quality. Each power section uses a discrete configuration with a low-feedback DC regulator. Reducing feedback results in a fresh, open, and dynamic sound.
TEAC Network Engine G4: streaming according to Teac
The NT-507T is equipped with the Teac Network Engine G4, a 4th-generation network streaming engine. The NT-507T offers noise-free optical network connectivity and features a powerful CPU and ample RAM to smoothly handle high-resolution formats like DSD 22.5 MHz. Supported by Teac’s high-performance, patented linear power supply, the G4 engine delivers reference-quality sound that defines the next generation of network playback.
The G4 engine integrates an intelligent network switch and supports two types of wired LAN connections (Ethernet RJ45 and SFP ports), as well as Wi-Fi 6 wireless connectivity. Connection via optical SFP modules and fiber optic cable ensures complete isolation from network noise, guaranteeing a clear signal path. The SFP port can also be used with a Direct Attach Cable (DAC) for metal connections if desired. Wi-Fi 6 offers stable, fast wireless operation and can be manually disabled when using wired connections. After all, it’s either wired or wireless, not both at the same time.
The NT-507T supports various music formats, including DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, and MQA. It can play back up to DSD 22.5 MHz and PCM 768 kHz/32-bit. It also supports the 32-bit float format, which is popular in music production.
Teac NT-507T: OpenHome and Roon Ready
The NT-507T can be controlled with the TEAC HR Streamer app or standard OpenHome control apps. It supports playlists on the device itself, and of course, tracks will seamlessly transition between each other if needed (we call this “gapless playback,” which can be a factor when listening to a live concert where tracks seamlessly transition between each other). The NT-507T is also Roon Ready, allowing for seamless integration with Roon’s multi-room sync, metadata management, and playback interface. There’s also a special “Roon Only” mode (button on the back), which shuts down all non-essential processes for pure, optimized performance.
Teac NT-507T: Audiophile-grade USB output
The NT-507T features an audiophile-grade USB output (Type A) that supports DSD 22.5 MHz and PCM 32-bit/768 kHz digital formats. Powered by a dedicated power supply circuit connected to an independent transformer winding, it delivers a clean and stable digital signal.
The NT-507T also features a “USB Volume Control” function that allows users to adjust the volume of the connected USB DAC/preamplifier via the app. Volume is controlled through the receiver, maintaining the NT-507T’s full output. This feature balances quality and usability without compromising the bit resolution of the digital source.
Teac NT-507: Playing music from a NAS or USB storage device
The NT-507T extends network audio enjoyment from online streaming services to playback of high-resolution files from NAS devices and USB storage. Two USB ports, one Type-A and one Type-C, allow direct connection of flash drives, HDDs, or SSDs, allowing the NT-507T to function as a simple NAS-style music server.
