Teac UD 501 Dac vs UD 503

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andycsb

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Teac UD 501 Dac vs UD 503
« on: 23 Oct 2016, 07:29 pm »
Anyone compared the 501 and 503? Seeking feedback on sonic differences. Which is warmer, fuller and more analogue sounding? Significant or subtle? If it's subtle and since the 501 is known to be warm and analogue already, I might just go for it as it can be had quite cheaply used. What do you think? Any alternatives? Thanks.
« Last Edit: 23 Oct 2016, 08:44 pm by andycsb »

Phil A

Re: Teac UD 501 Dac vs UD 503
« Reply #1 on: 23 Oct 2016, 08:46 pm »
Never heard the 503, have the 501.  Had it sold at one point but after talking to the person, ended up selling my Marantz DV9600 instead as it was a better fit for his needs.  I burnt some SACDs for a dealer who told me he preferred the 501. However there are reviews like (and I know John Gatski) - http://everythingaudionetwork.blogspot.com/2016/01/audiophile-dac-review-teac-ud-503-da.html  "When connected to the audiophile rig, I was immediately impressed by the UD-503’s qualitative sonic improvement over the UD-501. In direct comparison, the UD-503’s sound  was much smoother with an accurate airiness in the instrument spacing. Bass was tight and balanced, the imaging first rate. The UD-501 is a quality D/A, but the ‘503‘s smooth factor makes it much easier to listen to."  So I'm sure there are varying opinions.  I might be able to be talked into selling mine (it is used in a secondary system) as I constantly read up on newer things and toying with getting something a bit more expensive.

davidavdavid

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Re: Teac UD 501 Dac vs UD 503
« Reply #2 on: 24 Oct 2016, 04:32 pm »
Have listened to both the 501 and the 503. And must say for the money the former is pretty hard to beat. To fully understand the differences and complexities of the latter,  refer to: http://www.absolutesound.com.sg/news-updates/why-did-teac-use-the-ak4490-dac-in-the-ud-503/

I would say for the money, the 501 does the trick, but then I came across this manufacturer/refurbished unit for $695 from HifiHeaven -> http://hifiheaven.net/shop/TEAC-UD-503-Dual-monaural-USB-DAC-Black-Refurb?language=en&currency=USD&gclid=Cj0KEQjw4rbABRD_gfPA2-uQqroBEiQA58MNdBYXLxabc88ylrGMC5-wHzQry6OIq8Z9sQzQW5n2NpYaAtWF8P8HAQ


OzarkTom

Re: Teac UD 501 Dac vs UD 503
« Reply #3 on: 25 Oct 2016, 03:37 am »
400 bucks for a used 501. He has a black and silver one.

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/ele/5789362276.html

andycsb

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Re: Teac UD 501 Dac vs UD 503
« Reply #4 on: 25 Oct 2016, 06:46 pm »
Thanks Guys. Appreciate your time.