AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The HiRez Music Circle => Topic started by: Atlplasma on 29 Jan 2013, 04:25 pm
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I've been considering a DAC upgrade for some time and really wanted to get one with DSD capability. The Mytek, Sonore exD, and Chord QuteHD were all on my list, but the price on the TEAC UD-501 was much more within my budget. I have one on order and will share listening impressions once it arrives.
Anyone else who has gone in this direction is welcome to post their observations as well.
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I look forward to your impressions.
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Here's someone who bought one and has the Meitner MA-1 (my big rig DAC):
(taken from poster named Audio on xtremeplace forum)
Straight out of the box, I hook it up with the main system
It sound good…..and totally acceptable. Clean, correct tone, detailed, dark….mind you, this is only ordinary PCM. I went through the filter, yes, the 4 filters gave different sound but it’s not like different in tone, it seems like all 4 filters are dynamic in nature and it was very difficult to choose the “preferred” filter in so short a time. Filter #2 and seems to be the default and sounded the loudest.
When selected to play DSD, it sound like a million bucks….you can tell that DSD is superior to PCM, straightaway. It is just more dynamic, more focused soundstage, even darker, a better sense of the ambience in the studio (Yes, I was listening to the Blue Coast sample). Yes, you can hear the random light boot thud.
But sorry, no good news here when you compare the TEAC to the Meitner, there is still justification for the Meitner to be priced at US$7K. Again, no need to strain the hear the difference….once the Meiter is online you can hear the micro details, the separation between the voices, the solidity of each voice and instrument, a hairline more dynamic and the most important reason why you buy Meitner or EMM labs, the emotion.
And when I place the CD (ABBA, the Visitors, remastered Complete Studio Recordings version) into the EMM Labs CDSA, playback on the Meitner, yet another layer of refinement….the separation of voices is more focused, now even more emotion, no need to strain, you can hear the difference very easily.
I ended the night by moving the TEAC to my bedroom to join my headphone rig and played a few selections.
That was when I discovered the 384K sampling mode. OK, when I played a track at 44.1K, it sounded raw with roughness and but once I up sampled it to 384K, all the roughness is gone. I am not sure this is good or not as the output from the TEAC dropped drastically that I can no longer get ear-deafening output from my HD-800 even at max Bryston Vol. Not only the roughness had been iron away, the sound has become less dynamic as well, that’s a bad thing. Maybe need to experiment with this a bit.
The headphone output of the TEAC is OK too but with a HD-800, you max out the vol control easily. When compared to the Bryston BHA-1, again, it’s no fight, just more detailed sound from the Bryston.
Am I happy with the TEAC? Absolutely because:-
(1) Cheapest DSC DAC I could find.
(2) Portable.
(3) Very nice design, I like the look
(4) XLR outputs, this is important.
(5) 384KHz sampling, all my DACs at home could only do 192K.
(6) Digital display
(7) Very decent sounding for the price.
[8] XLR hot 2 pin or hot 3 pin switchable.
By the way, as if it's matters, this DAC is made in China. :)
(Audio)
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I will be getting one and comparing it to my Mytek and Meitner DACs too, but probably a month from now.
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Ted, which one do you like better between the MyteK and Meitner? I have the Mytek, about 300 hours on it, and a NAD M51. So far every time I compare the two, the Mytek is better. More open and spacious. The NAD sounds nice, but a little veiled in compared to the Mytek.
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I've posted elsewhere but the Mytek is very very good for its price and beyond. However, at 4X the price the Meitner is quite a bit better, and should be. Michal (Mytek) and I have often chatted about what Mytek could do if designing a $7K DAC.
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I pulled the trigger on this last night and should have a UD-501 sometime next week. As far as PCM, I'll be able to to compare it to a Schiit Gungnir and a Bolder modified (analog) Squeezebox Touch. And, of course, I will be able to hear what DSD sounds like for the first time. Assuming the rumors become true regarding DSD capability, I also plan on auditioning the Oppo BDP-105.
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I received the Teac today and have it up and running. It sounds a lot like my Bifrost but with the added benefit of DSD. So far there is nothing to dislike, but I'll report more when I have time to really sit down and listen.
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I am considering this DAC but wonder if it will accept the EDO usb out of my SB Touch at 24/192? On the slimdevices forum there is a list of dacs that work with the EDO (Enhanced Digital Output) mod. that enables the Touch to output 24/192 files via usb. The lower end TEAC UD-H01 dac is listed but not the newer, DSD capable UD-501. Does anyone know the answer to this question?
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I am considering this DAC but wonder if it will accept the EDO usb out of my SB Touch at 24/196? On the slimdevices forum there is a list of dacs that work with the EDO (Enhanced Digital Output) mod. that enables the Touch to output 24/196 files via usb. The lower end TEAC UD-H01 dac is listed but not the newer, DSD capable UD-501. Does anyone know the answer to this question?
If you get no feedback, consider buying the Teac from Sears. If it doesn't work out, the return will be pretty painless.
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I am considering this DAC but wonder if it will accept the EDO usb out of my SB Touch at 24/196? On the slimdevices forum there is a list of dacs that work with the EDO (Enhanced Digital Output) mod. that enables the Touch to output 24/196 files via usb. The lower end TEAC UD-H01 dac is listed but not the newer, DSD capable UD-501. Does anyone know the answer to this question?
I don't think the UD-501 will work with EDO via USB. At least I haven't been able to make it work. Because the UD-501 requires a driver to play with a PC via USB, I don't think it uses a standard USB interface, so won't play with the Touch.
Via coax, the UD-501 works great with Touch/EDO.
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Schiit Gungnir
i'm saving for the Dawg Ballocks
:icon_twisted:
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Thanks for the responses. How about those reviews from Atlplasma and bprice2? Anyone using this with Touch other than bprice2?
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Thanks for the responses. How about those reviews from Atlplasma and bprice2? Anyone using this with Touch other than bprice2?
Ok, I think I've listened long enough with the TEAC in my system to comment on it. It's been in the system now for about 200 hours and I've had a chance to experiment with different configurations and different sample rates, including DSD. I've listened with a Squeezebox Touch with analog mods (clearly not used here) and aftermarket linear power supply by the Bolder Cable Co. The Touch utilizes EQ via Inguz, is up sampled to 192 via sox, and has the EDO add-on installed. It is connected to the TEAC with coax.
After the TEAC, signal goes to a Red Wine Audio Signature 15 and to Omega Super 5 Bipole speakers. From the RWA line outs, signal goes to passive high pass filter (or is it low pass :scratch:), to a Burson Buffer, to a Reckhorn bass EQ, to 2 Class D Audio amps run mono, and finally, to two Hawthorn Audio Augie bass drivers mounted in open baffle.
How does it sound? Clear, open, solid bass, smooth and rich highs, sound stage galore...you name it the TEAC sounds wonderful in my system. The best thing is that it handles my 44.1 material excellently. This was a concern initially, but now laid to rest. HiRez sounds even better...airier. I don't have much DSD at the moment, but played through the TEAC software Pink Floyd's Dark Side is other worldly. It's got a "there" feel about it. If I close my eyes, I can forget I'm sitting on my couch. The various background voices throughout the album are Chrystal clear, many of which I've never heard over the last thousand times I've listened to this album.
I've also listened to the TEAC thru USB with JR Media Center up front. I think if I learn to better tinker with JRMC, I can get it sounding as good or better than the Touch. I would say DSD probably sounds about the same with JRMC, but the method is a little different from the TEAC software. With TEAC software I had to use ASIO and RAM playback. With JRMC I had to use WASAPI-Event Style and DoP bitstreaming.
I also have a Schiit Gungnir DAC. I have not performed extensive matchups, but at this point I like the TEAC better. The TEAC seems to have cleaner bass and be overall more precise without sounding clinical...if that makes any sense.
That's all I got right now. I hope I was able to convey at least something of use.
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Great feedback!! That is very helpful. So EDO is ok with the TEAC?
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Thanks for taking the time to post your impressions bprice2, very informative. I especially appreciate you mentioning the playback of redbook 44.1 material. While it is great for dacs to be able to play hi rez, the reality is my library (and I am sure most people's) is still mainly redbook. I would not want a dac that couldn't handle redbook well, even if it could play DSD and 24/192. Btw, I already ordered the TEAC so I will be finding out how it works with the Touch and my Oppo. player soon enough. :thumb:
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Ok, I think I've listened long enough with the TEAC in my system to comment on it. It's been in the system now for about 200 hours and I've had a chance to experiment with different configurations and different sample rates, including DSD. I've listened with a Squeezebox Touch with analog mods (clearly not used here) and aftermarket linear power supply by the Bolder Cable Co. The Touch utilizes EQ via Inguz, is up sampled to 192 via sox, and has the EDO add-on installed. It is connected to the TEAC with coax.
After the TEAC, signal goes to a Red Wine Audio Signature 15 and to Omega Super 5 Bipole speakers. From the RWA line outs, signal goes to passive high pass filter (or is it low pass :scratch:), to a Burson Buffer, to a Reckhorn bass EQ, to 2 Class D Audio amps run mono, and finally, to two Hawthorn Audio Augie bass drivers mounted in open baffle.
How does it sound? Clear, open, solid bass, smooth and rich highs, sound stage galore...you name it the TEAC sounds wonderful in my system. The best thing is that it handles my 44.1 material excellently. This was a concern initially, but now laid to rest. HiRez sounds even better...airier. I don't have much DSD at the moment, but played through the TEAC software Pink Floyd's Dark Side is other worldly. It's got a "there" feel about it. If I close my eyes, I can forget I'm sitting on my couch. The various background voices throughout the album are Chrystal clear, many of which I've never heard over the last thousand times I've listened to this album.
I've also listened to the TEAC thru USB with JR Media Center up front. I think if I learn to better tinker with JRMC, I can get it sounding as good or better than the Touch. I would say DSD probably sounds about the same with JRMC, but the method is a little different from the TEAC software. With TEAC software I had to use ASIO and RAM playback. With JRMC I had to use WASAPI-Event Style and DoP bitstreaming.
I also have a Schiit Gungnir DAC. I have not performed extensive matchups, but at this point I like the TEAC better. The TEAC seems to have cleaner bass and be overall more precise without sounding clinical...if that makes any sense.
That's all I got right now. I hope I was able to convey at least something of use.
I agree with bprice2. There really is nothing to dislike about the Teac. (Don't let the brand name put you off is my advice.) My setup is optimized 2009 Mac Mini server to Dodd Buffer with M&K electronic crossover, to Hypex Ncores to Teac with (just now) IFI usbpower) to Salk Songtowers and M&K V1250 sub.
The IFI is new and the dealer suggested 40 hours for burn in, so I can't really comment yet on whether it improves things.
One thing I've noticed since buying this DAC is that DSD is EXPENSIVE.
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I'm considering getting the Teac for my office system (Macbook Air -> Vox JamBox for the moment -> Adcom 2535 -> ProAc Super Tablettes).
Any more feedback would be greatly appreciated.
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Nice review at Audiostream (http://www.audiostream.com/content/teac-ud-501-dual-monarual-pcmdsd-usb-digital-analog-converter#comment-500102).
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Great feedback!! That is very helpful. So EDO is ok with the TEAC?
With coax out, yes. I still haven't figured out if USB will work. It should, but.... :scratch:
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Atlplasma, how is the ifi working out?
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The distributor said to give it 40 hours for break in--but I'm not a very consistent counter. :lol:
Let me give it a couple more days, and I take it out of the system and report back.
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Does anyone in here have time with the HiFace mods JKDAC32 as well as the UD-501? These are the 2 dacs I'm currently considering for my first computer audio head and like most of use have no experience with DSD. The JKDAC32 has had absolutely rave reviews and John Kenny has his own dac coming soon. Is DSD and the feature set of the TEAC enough to set it above?
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Look what arrived last week. :D
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=76770)
Got it set up fairly quick and started playing redbook through my SB Touch.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=76771)
Eventually hooked up my win7/64 laptop and was able to play some downloaded DSD files with foobar no problem :icon_surprised:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=76772)
So far it sounds very good on redbook (with and without upsampling) and DSD is otherworldly good. :thumb: I think I need some more content I am familiar with before I can really tell how DSD differs from redbook and hi rez PCM. I guess I should work on getting my SACD's ripped. :duh:
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Hi,
Anyone using this DAC get the message "USB UNCONNECTED"? I am getting this from time to time and cant figure out the issue. I have to turn off the MacMini and the dac, take out the USB cable, replace the cable, and then turn all back on. Sometimes have to repeat to get it to work again. Like the dac but this is becoming a nuisance. Thanks.
Boist
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I was having trouble getting connected too. I plugged in to a different USB port on my computer and haven't had the problem since.
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Thanks Bprice. I'll give that a whirl tonight.
Boist
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Bprice,
Your suggestion worked for me and I haven't had trouble since. Crossing my fingers. Thanks again.
Boisty
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Bprice,
Your suggestion worked for me and I haven't had trouble since. Crossing my fingers. Thanks again.
Boisty
Good to hear. I'm glad it worked for you...so far.
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Got it set up fairly quick and started playing redbook through my SB Touch.
Airborn,
How did you connect the SB to the Teac. RCA SPDIF, optical, or USB?
Brad
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Airborn,
How did you connect the SB to the Teac. RCA SPDIF, optical, or USB?
Brad
I connected the SB Touch to the Teac through RCA SPDIF. It plays both red book cd and hi rez up to 24/192 this way out of the Touch running the Enhanced Digital Output mod. As noted previously by bprice2, the Teac doesn't appear to work with the EDO mod. for the Touch through USB. Some incompatability with the EDO mod. and Teac usb drivers I think, rather than the hardware itself. As also noted by bprice2, the UD-501 USB is supposed to be USB 2.0 compliant, so the EDO mod. should work, but for some reason it doesn't. :scratch:
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I am considering the UD-501 as well.
Wondering if anyone has any further comments on the perfromance of this DAC?
Would be particularly interested in comparisons to the Mytek and the Matrix X-Sabre.
Thanks.
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Airborn,
I missed bprice2's post. Thanks for the response. I wonder if a USB hub would help? From what I read the USB section is powered by the USB source.
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Airborn,
I missed bprice2's post. Thanks for the response. I wonder if a USB hub would help? From what I read the USB section is powered by the USB source.
I think bprice2's post was actually in the Teac thread on Computer Audiophile not here, so that's probably why you missed it. Sorry for the confusion. Here's a link: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/teac-ud-501-dual-mono-dac-dsd-streaming-14289/ (http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/teac-ud-501-dual-mono-dac-dsd-streaming-14289/)
I don't think a usb hub will solve the issue, but I don't know. I think Atlplasma is using an iFi with the Teac, which should do the trick if power is an issue. Not sure he has a Squeezebox though. Still it would be interesting to hear impressions of the iFi with the Teac. At $200 it's a small price to pay if it cleans up the sound significantly. If it makes the USB out of the Touch work with the Teac it's a no-brainer.
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Sorry for the delay in reporting on the iFi USB. My schedule has been brutal, which is actually a good thing when you're a self-employed schlub.
I listened to some Elton (96/24) and Jenna Mammina (DSD) with and without the iFi. I wish I could be more precise but doing this test on my headless Mini turned out to be a bit of a pain.
With the Teac, I think the effect is subtle. Although I feel the music opens up a bit with the iFi in the chain. For what it's worth, the iFi is staying and I will be getting the dual-head USB cable to see if that takes things up a notch.
BTW. I've become addicted to DSD. I plan to start another thread on this topic, but DSD is so much better than CD or even the usual "hi rez" stuff. It's also causing me to explore a different, more intimate type of music.
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Hehehehehe
Welcome to the DSD club ATLPlasma.
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Recieved my Teac today, I have been considering getting a USB DAC for about a year or so now, I have considered the Dac Magic Plus and the Asus Essence One mainly because they both have headphone outputs and both seem packed with features. I also looked at that top of the line piece of schiit dac with USB but alas.. no headphone output. And to me it seems kind of... well.. basic. looks wise.. Although to be honest I am not real keen on the Looks of the Cambridge audio, or the build of the Asus. The new Muses edition of the Asus really intrigued me but I just cannot see paying 1000 dollars for some special op amps. I almost purchased each of them more than once but never could quite do it. The DAC I have been using.. or had before I put my stereo gear into storage was a old MSB dual digital processor IIX that was originally meant for home theater but I got it for free and with a couple quick repairs it was back up and running and served me very well as over the years I have moved from listening to cd's to listening off of my computer where everything is at my fingertips.
Well fast forward a bit and one night looking at.... actually I don't remember what the hell I was looking at online but it ended up costing me a tidy sum of money........i came across this Teac UD-501 which was very interesting. Built like a tank, Dual mono design (which I am secretly in love with) and to top it off it will decode things that neither the CA or Asus will. I was sold. Contacted Ron Buffington at liquid hifi because I came across his name in other online threads and it was shipped out the next day (highly recommend you get in touch with him :wink:)
Now let me begin the initial impressions section with by saying for the past 10 months I have been listening to music through some Sennheiser HD280's driven by the on board sound from my motherboard. Not great. Heck, barely mediocre. The DAC shows up today in all its glory. Man this thing is pretty hefty for a little DAC. Very nice. I do not have any gear that is super esoteric but, still pretty decent. But the build quality on this is right up there at the top of anything else I have come across to date. I purchased the DAC in black, and personally I love the looks of it. The allen head screws, little rack handles.. etc If I could change one thing I would have it made here is the USA. Regarding the brand name.. well.. TEAC. I don't think most audiophiles would mention high end and Teac in the same sentence. I always wanted to have one of their reference mini systems but never did. Infact, the first system I ever bought consisted of some KLH speakers and a Teac receiver and 5 disc cd player, But THIS Teac is not THAT Teac. I do think Teac knows how to make some very nice gear and this is no exception. While still relatively new, I predict that once more people get to have Experience with this DAC it will become quite popular.
Ok, Ok, enough babbling. I have used Winamp forever but downloaded Fubar2000 to play high res files. So far I have not gotten it to switch over to DSD mode but alas I only have one DSD file (I think) and I have to do some tinkering with the drivers. But so far initial sound is.. obviously a huge step up from the onboard sound card. The headphone output drives these HD280 wonderfully. Tomorrow I should receive the Schiit LYR and HD650 I also ordered to use with this DAC and I can give a more definitive review of the headphone section and overall sound.. But SO far. I'm lovin it! One thing I have noticed it that it seems very quiet.. or a black background as people sometime say.... And remarkably smooth sounding... I don't do review catch words. It sounds good plain and simple. I'm not the type to spend 400 bucks on a USB cable infused with mermaid tears and sasquatch hair dielectric. Cant wait to try some real DSD stuff!!
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My Teac UD-501 arrived today...my early impressions are quite good. I'm playing it through a Mac Mini (will try it with a CAPS server later on) via JRiver for Mac (I also tried Audirvana Plus which worked equally well). No setup issues, played DSD straight away. I have my JRiver set to output 384kHz PCM. Transition between DSD and PCM is smooth with no "pop" at all.
My initial impression: I find the sound to be very musical and with good PRAT...I like it!
Best,
John
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Would like to say "ditto" :thumb:
Mine came in this week and I finally got it set up last night.
Fairly easy setup, even with Server 2008 R2
My initial impressions are the same. Great pace/timing and smooth, detailed sound.
DSD very nice, as is hirez PCM and Redbook sounds really good too.
Using the SLOW setting with PCM and FIR2 with DSD.
The headphone amp will be a bonus, should my son ever return my good headphones.
Built like a tank, too!
I like my Belkin Gold USB cable ($10) but will be looking for something better in the $100-150 range.
I like the contrast/juxtoposition of playing the Teac through my 50+ year old amp :roll:
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Does anyone in here have time with the HiFace mods JKDAC32 as well as the UD-501? These are the 2 dacs I'm currently considering for my first computer audio head and like most of use have no experience with DSD. The JKDAC32 has had absolutely rave reviews and John Kenny has his own dac coming soon. Is DSD and the feature set of the TEAC enough to set it above?
I had the JK Dac and would give it the edge over the Teac with Redbook. Blacker backrounds, slightly better tonality.
I haven't heard John's latest DAC, but it should be an improvement over the one I had.
DSD through the Teac takes the cake for me though. The sense of ease, the rightness, etc.
If you're going to play DSD, either downloaded or ripped, I would say get the Teac.
If not, the John Kenny is a winner, and he's a great guy to deal with as a bonus.
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Bumping for further input.
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My take is that it's decent. Smooth sounding vs my Bifrost.
However, when I heard it there was 2 other DACs... a M2Tech Hiface and a Auralic Vega.
The HiFace was as good as the Bifrost and Teac IMO... and they are all grouped closely together... The Vega was in another league entirely, as it should be.
So, my take is to asses your goals... Are you eventually going to upgrade to something higher end like the Vega? If so, save your money, get something like the HiFace and keep saving for a higher end unit. If not, then maybe the Teac would be a good choice.