Review of TEAC NT-505

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.

I was lucky enough to purchase a NT-505 for $500 off Craigslist with the intent of doing a quick flip to help save for a future purchase. Instead, I’ve decided to keep the Teac and sell my current all-in-one NAD. This NT-505 is such a sleeper of a DAC/renderer while playing into my sound preferences - somewhat reminding me of my old MHDT Paridisea, but with greater bass and soundstage height, and not as “rounded.” Great thread and spot-on, OP. 

@toro3 You got a great deal at $500 especially if the ethernet connection works because that is the achilles heel / point of failure of many TN-505’s including mine. If that happens you have to use an external streamer. I use a Bluesound. Check the version number in your menu and verify you have the latest firmware version 1.53. If not you can go to the TEAC international web site to download and install it.

The NT-505 has the AKM VERITA  AK4497 dac chip. I love the AKM sound. Very natural. The newer NT-505-X has an ESS chip.