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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
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Message started by maddog07 on 09/28/18 at 16:57:09

Title: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by maddog07 on 09/28/18 at 16:57:09

Why has the modded NT-503 disappeared from the Decware products page?

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by Steve Deckert on 09/29/18 at 03:26:17

It disappeared because TEAC discontinued the NT-503. We are not going to replace it because we have the ZBIT. The Zen Balanced Input Transformer is the same components we put inside the NT-503 that we modded. Having the transformers externally mounted in a stand alone chassis and connecting it to the balanced XLR outputs is electrically identical to what we offered.

The advantages of having the ZBIT connected to the XLR of a TEAC or TASCAM DAC is that you can locate the DAC far away from the amplifier or preamp if you use one. The ZBIT is placed directly next to the amp or preamp so that you can use your best pair of interconnects between the two. Another advantage is that the ZBIT has an analogue variable-output control that our modified NT-503 lacked.

Another advantage is that when the DAC quits working someday, or the technology becomes outdated, you can replace it without loosing your investment in the transformers that make it sound good.

Steve

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by stone_of_tone on 09/29/18 at 13:22:36

Bingo in all just said/Steve....I need to get a ZBIT on the shelf. I like being able to run a long XLR and of course use a great IC close to ZMA. I don't foresee my ZDSD crashing anytime soon. However, I should plan ahead and use one now from my ZDSD. Go from the inboard tranny's I have, to outboard analogue variable-output control too.

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by Tommy Freefall on 10/01/18 at 18:23:29

That is why I bought a stand-alone ZBIT. CD Players, CD Transports, DACs will all come and go, but my great grandchildren can utilize my ZBIT long after I'm food for the worms.

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by Lonely Raven on 10/04/18 at 16:48:11

Ugh, I bought the transformers to build myself a ZBIT for my little Zen amp, and I've had them in a box for a year now...I just keep getting distracted with this whole work and paying the bills thing. :P

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by Dominick on 10/08/18 at 15:05:17

If for some reason you still want to reference that page… Here it is.

http://web.archive.org/web/20180303004056/https://www.decware.com:80/newsite/ZDAC.html

Unfortunately the snapshot did not carry over the pictures, but at least you can get all of the information.

Unfortunately it’s no longer for sale which is a bummer. I got a chance to use the Lonely Raven’s it at Decfest, and it’s a nice piece of equipment.

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by Lonely Raven on 10/16/18 at 21:13:12

I was just looking up the TEAC NT-505, and I'm not seeing it as available in the US! Bummer!

I'm glad I got the 503 When I did, it's pretty nice!

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by Dominick on 10/16/18 at 22:42:28

I just read that Teac has allowed Onkyo to be their main distributor in the US.

http://www.teac-usa.com/onkyo-usa-obtains-exclusive-distribution-rights-for-teac-products-in-united-states-and-latin-america/

It apparently will have a street price just under $2000.

What intrigues me the most was the addition of MQA, Roon and Tidal support. But I guess the question is it really worth almost double the price?

Here is a good read on the Steve Hoffman forum....

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/teac-nt503-networking-dac.766655/

Here is the data sheet on the new 505 NT...

https://www.teac-audio.eu/downloads/3/3/5/2/9/TEAC_NT-505_product_information_EN.pdf

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by Dominick on 10/17/18 at 18:53:22

Quote:

I was just looking up the TEAC NT-505, and I'm not seeing it as available in the US! Bummer!

Not sure how reliable this is… But this place in Virginia has it listed. I just put a call in and he’s going to check the status and get back to me. He says it’s possible that they listed on the website so that way people can get on an advanced order list

https://soundapproach.com/teac-nt-505-usb-dac-network-player.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv_aym4SO3gIV0VmGCh0_WgZyEAQYAiABEgLRPvD_BwE

Ironically enough the Onkyo headquarters is just 10 minutes away from me. I may need to stop by and find out more about this.

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by Lonely Raven on 10/22/18 at 19:50:43

Good luck! I hope you can find an open box if Onkyo happens to have some there!

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by Dominick on 10/22/18 at 21:18:57

Thanks Eric. I am gonna head over there in the next several days. Don’t feel like breaking the bank on a DAC right now with looking to add a Decware amp or preamp to my system.

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by HockessinKid on 10/22/18 at 21:39:32

Dominick,

I suggest keeping an eye out for online or local retailers looking to move out any NT-503's in stock, now that the newer NT-505 is being sold in the U.S. As an FYI, there has been a couple of Mass Drop offerings of the NT-503 in the past at very good prices. I am not sure if there will be another one, but this could be a possible option. Good luck.

HK

Title: Re: TEAC NT-503 - what happened??
Post by Dominick on 10/23/18 at 06:38:38

Thanks Roger. I called the Onkyo headquarters which is like 10 minutes away from me, and they re-directed me to Prestiege Audio in Pompton Plains.

http://prestigeaudiovideo.com

Their website is not that great. It’s been a while since I’ve been there but they apparently carry the Teac product line. Gonna hit them up and see if I can get lucky.