TEAC UD-701N - Undiscovered gem or farce

[celestial_sound]

In a recent time I discovered that TEAC has expended their reference line with the UD-701N DAC/Network payer upgrade from the previous UD 505. So I decided to make a bit of investigation on this new unit. 

According to official site the specs are truly amazing. Custom developed delta sigma discrete DAC (not using off the shelf chip), 4 torodial transformers, fully balanced dual mono etc. Feature wise - anything you would ever need, including: Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect (via update), custom streaming app (the same as found in Lumin streamers).

I thought to myself OK, lets do some more research and see how it compares with the matching product from their subsidiary company - Esoteric N-05XD.

 

I was literally shocked when i compared the internals from both units (images below). 

 

 

They share the same custom developed delta sigma DAC module, the preamp section and headphone section. 

This should be a real bargain, Esoteric machinery packed in not so luxury box for a 1/3 price. I mean, how many DACs are out there using custom developed DAC chips that cost < 3.5k. I can think only of one Chord Qutest but it would still be missing the 4 torods, network streamer, analog preamp and headphones amp. 

 

So my dilemma here is, why no one talks about this unit yet? Stereophile never reviewed TEAC product in the last 20 years. Why no online reviews from the known magazines.

Why no raving reviews from the youtubers. Do I miss something, because imo this unit is very competitive at this price range (the device itself weights 12kgs). 

 

What is your thoughts on this. Anyone had a chance to listen to this unit?

 

[Norton]

2 hours ago, celestial_sound said:

So my dilemma here is, why no one talks about this unit yet? Stereophile never reviewed TEAC product in the last 20 years. Why no online reviews from the known magazines.

Good question.  This unit seems to have been largely ignored even though it ticks just about every box for a contemporary streaming DAC/preamp/HP amp. Offers identical functionality and at least  some of the same componentry ( inc in-house DAC) as sister brand Esoteric’s N05XD which itself has had limited but rave reviews. I tried, but my local TEAC dealer didn’t offer any prospect of getting a demo item in stock.  There is though a thread here at AS with feedback from at least one owner.

 

Having said that, at first glance the previous NT505 seemed like it could be a bargain  version of the old Esoteric N05, but I’ve never seen user reviews suggesting that level of performance, so maybe there’s a bit more to it than specs and some shared components?  AFAIK Esoteric is built in Japan, TEAC in China.

[celestial_sound]

Exactly, that was the point of my question. Why no reviews, is it bad marketing strategy by TEAC or I'm missing something. I understand TEAC is made in china but so is Denfarpis, HoloAudio, Lumin, Topping, SMSL, Gustard among others which are reviewed every day by any site you can think of

[GoldenOne]

2 hours ago, celestial_sound said:

Exactly, that was the point of my question. Why no reviews, is it bad marketing strategy by TEAC or I'm missing something. I understand TEAC is made in china but so is Denfarpis, HoloAudio, Lumin, Topping, SMSL, Gustard among others which are reviewed every day by any site you can think of

Seems mostly a marketing thing perhaps.
Used to be that marketing for audio products was all done in magazines etc.

Nowadays it's in huge part word of mouth and reviewers. I'm not aware of them giving review units to anyone so if there's no one reviewing it there's not many people who will be aware of it unless they happen to see it elsewhere.
And with little reviews and little community feedback, people will be hesitant to blind buy (such as this post for example asking for info on it).

Marketing is everything, and amazing products can sell poorly if not marketed well, and terrible products can sell amazingly if the marketing push is strong enough

[celestial_sound]

26 minutes ago, GoldenOne said:

And with little reviews and little community feedback, people will be hesitant to blind buy (such as this post for example asking for info on it).

You described my exact situation. I'm in search for a good DAC/Streamer combo for a while and this TEAC thing came from a dealer which is not in my country. As you predicted, I'm hesitant at this moment to buy it blind since there is no single review measuring this product. It may have design flow. Who knows ...  

[DuckToller]

It might be strategic decision to stay stealthy?

I understand that a multifunctional device aimed on third party software / firmwares like i.E ROON or Apple is different piece of work than a standard DAC. I remember the MOON guys being very proud of their efforts integrating seamlessly streaming services, ROON and APPLE IOS compatibility into their MIND application. It sounded as any new IOS update could be prone to destrroy the customer's experience with their Mind driven units.

The big guns in the game  (Apple/Google/ROON) may not bee too concerned about dependencies of other players
 

In fact, from a reviewer's angle I may understand TEAC's reluctance to provide review samples/loaners, as their software achitecture my be unwillingly some unfinished business which may translate as well into unhappy customers if not done  properly?

 

I had a look at the TEAC.jp website and found this list in the product notice section:

NOTICES ABOUT PRODUCTS

11-18-2022

New firmware release for the UD-701N, supporting RAAT mode exclusively designed for Roon Ready to improve sound quality.

09-21-2022

[UPDATE] Issues with TEAC HR Streamer due to iOS16

08-19-2022

Notice about the operation verification of macOS Monterey

03-24-2022

Information about Windows 11

03-03-2022

UD-701N new NETWORK Firmware Ver14.4d update is now available.

03-02-2022

UD-701N new SYSTEM Firmware V1.19 update is now available.

12-24-2021

Best Buy Components 2021: TEAC winning products

11-24-2021

UD-701N NETWORK Firmware Ver14.1k is now available.

11-16-2021

The Audio Excellence 2022 Award wining products

11-16-2021

VGP 2022 Awards : TEAC winning products

06-10-2021

VGP 2021 SUMMER Awards : TEAC winning products

04-07-2021

Announcement: UD-701N Postponement of sales

03-12-2021

New full-size separated components in the Reference series, the AP-701 and UD-701N will be released

[robi20064]

Sorry, but how is Google getting into this picture? Is it about Android or YT or Google Music or what exactly?

[celestial_sound]

This guys from Esoteric(TEAC) have their own remastering studio. Isn't it cool :) 

https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/esoteric-mastering

[botrytis]

48 minutes ago, celestial_sound said:

This guys from Esoteric(TEAC) have their own remastering studio. Isn't it cool :) 

https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/esoteric-mastering

 They released SACD's.

[DuckToller]

5 hours ago, robi20064 said:

Sorry, but how is Google getting into this picture? Is it about Android or YT or Google Music or what exactly?

Apple and Google are application (airplay / chromecast) & platform firmware (IOS&MacOS/Android&ChromeOS) provider for the control points (tablets/phones/pc) in the streaming game.

Plus, Google is the major shareholder of the Stream Unlimited system integrator which provides streaming modules for many upmarket devices.

 

[botrytis]

Is Esoteric having a recording branch any different than Linn, or B&W having the same?

[Miska]

27 minutes ago, botrytis said:

Is Esoteric having a recording branch any different than Linn, or B&W having the same?

 

And PS Audio has Octave Records.

 

[FIndingit]

Even Steinway & Sons makes hifi nowadays in addition to having their own record label.

[DuckToller]

5 minutes ago, FIndingit said:

Even Steinway & Sons makes hifi nowadays in addition to having their own record label.

I thought they sold their name in a partnership with Peter Lyngdorf?

[botrytis]

2 hours ago, DuckToller said:

I thought they sold their name in a partnership with Peter Lyngdorf?

 

I think you have it. 

[JMD54]

The streaming function of the UD-701 is based on the Lumin platform and software just like the NT-505 I've owned for four years.  Same is true of the Esoteric units.  Teac is Esoteric's parent company.  Have only seen reviews of the Teac units in EU and Far East online publications not in US where their distributorship has been a mess for years.  Current US distributor is some subsidiary of Klipsch and is at least the third in the last five years.  DAC is based on a version of the same in-house unit used in Esoteric units.  Teac is more interested in Esoteric sales in the US as more profit per unit and established dealer base. 

[rblnr]

I’m a dealer so take this as you will, but I got a demo unit to test on the possibility of picking up the Teac line.   
 

The first thing you notice is the build quality, which for the money is off the charts.  But build quality isn’t sound quality — I hooked it in our reference system and A/Bd it vs a couple of DACs, cheaper and more expensive.   Longer story short, it’s a terrific DAC at its price point and above.  Add in the flawless operation of the streaming (via Roon or its own app), ability to work as a 100% analog preamp for vinyl and many other features, and I think it’s a killer value and an excellent component on an absolute level.   And in a surprise to me anyway, adding the external clock clearly improved audio performance.   Based on this experience, we picked up the line.  I’ll be A/Bing it vs its Esoteric counterpart soon.  
 

I think they’ve gotten their distribution act together here in the States.  From the house designed DAC to the build quality/internals at the price point; the UD 701N reflects what a larger company with the engineering prowess and buying power can do for the money if they put their mind to it.   

[Lokesh]

Hi all, whilst I have no experience with UD-701, I have used TEAC NT-505 as a Streamer/DAC for over 3 years with Hegel  H360 integrated amp.
 

NT-505 worked  very well with the Lumin app, and was always solid - had no operational issues streaming music from Tidal and Spotify. Overall I was very happy with the sound quality, worth the money and more. 

[botrytis]

I am still using a TEAC UD-501 DAC. It has served me well and still sounds great.

[rblnr]

I think companies that have lasted for 40+ years in a tough industry have generally done so by having a solid engineering base among other things.  
 

 

 

[botrytis]

56 minutes ago, rblnr said:

I think companies that have lasted for 40+ years in a tough industry have generally done so by having a solid engineering base among other things.  
 

 

 

 Well, it is similar to Pioneer in the 70-80's - they had their super-popular models (receivers, etc.), and then they didn't know how to deal with the products, like the M-22/M-25 amps. These were engineers making very advanced products but marketing didn't follow.

 

Similar issue with TEAC.

[firedog]

Looks like a great unit. With streaming and preamp features, and with the 1-bit processor it certainly presses all the audiophile buttons. 

Sounds like a cost effective way to put together a really good system with a simple setup. 

[celestial_sound]

22 hours ago, rblnr said:

 I’ll be A/Bing it vs its Esoteric counterpart soon.  

Looking forward for that comparison :) 

[DuckToller]

I reached out to TEAC Global with a message on their Instagram account. I specifically linked this thread and asked about review opportunities for this device in Europe. However, after a week or so, still no response.

Still kind of hidden gem, this UD-701N !

[mocenigo]

On 1/21/2023 at 6:07 PM, botrytis said:

I am still using a TEAC UD-501 DAC. It has served me well and still sounds great.

 

It’s a great DAC. It now serves in our living room.