Teac-NT507T (Network Transport, roon ready , roon mode)

Audio Gear Talk
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Been using Teac NT507T for 6 months. Started with Tidal Connect over Ethernet. Moved to Tidal Connect over SFP (multimode transceiver). Moved to Tidal Connect over SFP (single mode transceiver). Choose the single mode transceiver with the spec for the shortest possible distance. That will minimise the transceiver voltage and with it the transceiver noise too.

Each move brought differences although between ethernet and SFP I would call it a matter of taste rather than either being “better”. I prefer SFP because different ethernet cables and network switch combos resulted in different flavours. Some flavours were not enjoyable. SFP took away those variables.

What was definitely better was using the SFP via an LPS powered network switch with SFP ports rather than via a media converter (smps powered RJ45 to SFP port converter). Do not use a media converter please.

Having option to switch off the LEDs on NT507T is a nice touch for purists. I tried blind testing. I can’t reliably tell the difference. But I prefer the LEDs off most times.

Stuck with Tidal Connect because the Teac HR Streamer App is not particularly refined but not difficult to use. Anyone who has had a Lumin streamer and is used to the Lumin app will sorta get used to the HR Streamer App. Both apps are built on Openhome. But if that is the case, just continue to use your Lumin app and select the Teac NT507T as the “Lumin” streamer. Key point to note, if you do this, please continue to use the Teac HR Streamer from time to time to check for firmware updates. One thing that is important to note. It sounds BETTER on the app rather than via Tidal Connect. But sometimes we just prefer some conveniences over quality. That’s where Roon comes in later in this post.

Build quality is faultless but the unit is quite light and heavy power cables should have a support on the back to prevent tilting.

I have tested the NT507T against the Eversolo T8 and T10 which have been recently released. The Teac is superior sonically but visually the Eversolo has screens which seem to appeal to many. The Eversolo is also more hefty which can emotionally affect your perception of what you hear. I prefer the sound of the Teac. To me it is superior.

Now using Room ROCK on a NUC 15 Pro for the setup.

ROON Only Mode on the NT507T is addictive and I no longer use Tidal Connect for this set up because of it.

ROON to the NT507T via PCM is that sweet spot which I think everyone will enjoy.

Trying out PCM to DSD on Roon now.

DAC is the MSB Premier via Pro ISL module (usb input then optical connection to the DAC)

Situation : Roon does not allow me to select higher DSD output than DSD128. Since the NT507T is Roon certified there are no options for whether this is getting done via DoP or not.

As the NT507T supports DSD512 on spec, what is the bottleneck here and any thoughts on how to overcome this bottleneck.

Based on anecdotal evidence from my reading, I had a hunch that there might be an issue of the lack of an MSB specific driver on the Linux OS of the Teac NT507T to send the full DSD512 to the MSB Dac. If the Teac is doing DoP for the DSD then maybe it will top out at DSD256. But thusfar, only the drop down menu in roon is capped at DSD128 only. Since the Teac using a Linux operating system, I would suspect that DoP would not be needed and hence even a cap of DSD256 should not exist.

Btw on this set up Roon output on DSD128 and 5th CLANS is great. Tried 7th CLANS but some sounds appeared unnatural and synthetic. Switched back to 5th CLANS.

Anyone who is hesitating to get this NT507T, get it and thank me later.

2 Likes
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@Bo_Ye

From your posts, native dsd works fine for you up to dsd512 on the nt507t.

Have you tried Tidal Connect on Roon with output as DSD into the nt507t? Did it have a cap?

Which DACs did you use with SRC to DSD512 on roon via the nt507t?

Thank you!

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Teac-NT507T → Denafrips Venus 15th DAC

Yes, I’ve streamed Tidal tracks on Roon upsampled to DSD512 with no problem. Native DSD tracks play fine with no conversion to PCM here.

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I am going to test the NT507T on other DACs. I suspect DACs that use off the shelf USB implementations will likely have drivers natively configured on the trimmed down bloat free Linux OS running the NT507T which will allow DSD256 and DSD512.

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Are you feeling like the bulk pet transfer mode makes a difference? I’m still really on the fence between holo red and the NT507T .. :joy_cat:

But the holo red is half the price of the NT507T

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I would not consider this a comparison of equals. To keep this short:

Holo Red uses an internal and compact switch mode power supply.

Holo Red is a Raspberry Pi based device. It comes with RedOS but you can also play with other Pi based OS. It will suit a hobbyist/ enthusiast who enjoys tweaking and doesn’t mind when features break due to settings being overlooked or updates messing with dependencies that are unique within the hardware. If you play with other OS make sure you always keep the original RedOS SD card safe so that you can use it for firmware updates etc as well as possibly go back to it for stability reasons.

If one were inclined to be such a hobbyist/ enthusiast, one should also strongly consider assembly of a custom Pi device with a suitable hat. Might be a most cost effective exercise too.

The Teac NT507T has a toroidal core transformer rated at 28W with separate windings. It has the ability to turn off almost any function not essential to the method of usage chosen. And this is done mechanically rather than via a software switch. Outstanding.

The Teac NT507T architecture and firmware is essentially Lumin / Pixel Magic. In case you might not be aware, Lumin / Pixel Magic is more than 20 years old and is essentially one of the pioneers if not the pioneer of digital audio streaming.

So in terms of hardware engineering and firmware design, it doesn’t get more bulletproof than this. Yes, not always sexy, but it won’t break. You won’t have every box ticked, but mostly the boxes it ticks, it should and would do very well.

Price wise it’s a personal choice but I have seen Lumin products last more than 7 years, running well and staying relevant with firmware updates. If the Teac is half as good as the Lumin in this regard, I would call it a win since it is my first Teac product.

Hope you decide on what makes you most happy given the priorities you have set out.

I know nothing about Bulk PET.

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Teac’s Bulk Pet is not in this device. It’s reserved for their DAC’s.