TEAC UD-701 vs NT-505 vs ?


I stream Quboz and Tidal via a Bluesound Vault 2. Vault transmits to Parasound JC2 to modded A21 to Vandersteen Quatro CTs. (See my profile for complete description of system.) Happy, really very happy, with Vault 2 but it is likely best point at which to upgrade my system.

Considering TEAC NT-505 ($2K) and new TEAC DAC/streamer UD-701 ($4K), which has some very attractive features: in-house-built discrete Delta-Sigma DAC with FPGA circuity, dual-mono signal path, four separate power supplies... Have seen enthusiastic reviews for NT-505 from owners here. Only one review by Moon Audio out about UD-701, and they are not an uninterested party. Curious if any out there have heard UD-701?

Open to other suggestions, including used with roughly $6K price ceiling. See TMR has used Aurender A-10s for sale. Used PS Audio Direct Wave DAC with bridge is another consideration, although I have seen owners comment negatively about the bridge.

Not wed to DAC/streamer combo but that has appeal to me because it eliminates a box, connecter, and power cord, all of which add to cost and connector makes signal path less direct.

Also not wed to SS but a tube DAC appears to me to introduce an additional source of distortion into my otherwise SS system, so it will then be affected by both SS and tube distortion.

Thoughts?

Bosssound

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Well I have an update. I moved the unit to a different wifi ecosystem and it magically works! So, it would appear that there's something wrong with that internet service or, maybe plugging other things into the wifi extender somehow interfered.  Who knows?  

I will keep on investigating, but otherwise really back to enjoying the 701.

I'm really sorry to hear some of you having a problems with the UD 701N network module. I have mine for about a month and I've never experienced any problem related to the network or anything else. I'm using it on a daily basis mostly Tidal connect streaming from my android phone, sometimes Roon RAAT (still deciding weather I should by lifetime subscription) and Internet Radio. 

I've come up to threads regardless of the device that some users experience problems when using tidal connect from Windows application (the device didn't appear as endpoint). Is this maybe your case?

I'm really impressed by the TEAC UD 701N DAC module. It sounds so organic in both multi bit PCM and 1 bit DSD. It have terrific resolution and clarity. Definitely game changer 

Decided to home demo the TEAC CG-10M Master Clock Generator with my UD-701N this week.  No cost risk - figured I’d give this a shot even though the 701 is stellar on its own.

The improvement is very clear and discernable with everything I’m checking out (presence, spaciousness, transient response, and bass articulation).  I was anticipating it would not change much and I was way off.  It’s a keeper for me…very nice upgrade for a relatively modest cost.

I didn’t try the CG-10M with the NT-505X when home demo’ing, but my dealer (Esoteric Audio, Richmond, VA - great service) keeps them stacked in the demo room and attests to its improvement in that config, as well.

Using a 50-ohm 1-ft cable, but will need ~0.5m for my setup (do not want to stack).  Also will try different power cords down the line.

Anyway, if one has the opportunity to demo this master clock generator with their TEACs (or other units), it’s could be a worthwhile endeavor (certainly was for me).

Also, finally getting around to tyring out Qobuz with the UD-701N, which is nice, and getting more in tune with  the Lumin/Esoteric/TEAC HR app, which is actually not too bad.

I’m a Teac dealer, so take this as you will.  
 

Was surprised as well upon adding the clock — the improvement is obvious, not subtle.  And that’s from a very good DAC already.   It’s a really cost effective upgrade.