Review of TEAC NT-505

Hi all.

For nt-505, a new update has been released with a bug fix for "standby", dated 05/26/2023.

https://teac.jp/int/product/nt-505/download

SYSTEM Firmware V1.53

External clock synchronization is now possible for COAXIAL/OPTICAL digital audio input.

Now you can sync with the same external clock as the PD-505T for playback.

Fixed an issue where the STANDBY/ON button on the remote control could not turn on the power.

On the last point with "standby", I (not only) had problems. What and how this time, it will be necessary to see. While I think, to update or not. In the past reincarnation, I did not reveal any advantages.

In this one, plus for working with the "clock", but I do not use the clock. )

Have anyone compared the NT-505 to a newer low price DAC like the Topping E30ii?

They are in two different DAC price and build quality levels. Apples and oranges. While I haven’t compared my NT-505 with the E30ii I can say that the NT-505 punches way above its weight class. I think I paid about $1,500 for mine new and I see they are selling used above $1,000 and the E30ii is selling below $200 used, if that means anything.

The NT-505 with the dual AK4497 chips was discontinued and replaced by the NT-505-X with dual ESS Technology ES9038 Q2M chips.

Yes, different levels, I know. The Eversolo dmp-a6 is more comparable to nt-505. A Norwegian audio forum has a detailed report on the Eversolo compared to the Topping e30ii. He found that the Eversolo sounded noticeably better, with a larger musical three dimensional space, less flat than the Topping. 

I have also been researching streamer/DACs for a second system but have become very suspicious of the "flavor of the month" DACs that keep popping up. They all seem to follow a pattern. Made in Asia. Well known audio reviewers all start reviewing them at the same time on their YouTube channels. Lengthy and professionally written forum posts and online reviews all with glowing reviews. All over the top descriptions of why the DACs are the best in class. Never mind that they just said the same thing about another DAC last month. Not one has a negative criticism about anything. Then the next month they all seem to move on to the next DAC like a coordinated pack. So unless you really know and trust the source, take all reviews with a huge lump of salt.