AXPONA 2025

In partnership with Playback Distribution, TEAC debuted its new AP-507 stereo power amplifier ($2799) early in the day, luring this reviewer with strong coffee and stronger specs.

The AP-507 is a half-width stereo power amp in TEAC’s Reference 500 series, delivering 170Wpc into 4 ohms or 350W (bridged-tied load, BTL mode) into 8 ohms. It employs an NCOREx (latest-generation Ncore) module from Hypex, tuned by TEAC and supported by a large toroidal transformer and low-noise Schottky diodes. Capacitance per channel is rated at 18,800µF.

The system included the world-premiere Vienna Acoustics Mozart SE Signature speakers ($7495–$8495/pair), along with TEAC’s TN-5BB turntable ($1799), PE-505 phono preamp ($2299), UD-701N USB DAC/streamer ($4299), and CG-10M-X master clock ($1999).

Cabling and support gear came from Esprit and Quadraspire, including a Volta power strip ($999), a range of Celesta- and Eterna-series cables ($549–$3399), and a Quadraspire SVTL rack ($650 per tier).

One of the more affordable systems at the show, the TEAC rig stood out for its balance of price and performance. It easily woke me from my early-morning slumber—no carbs or bullhorns required.

Reproducing the Hoff Ensemble’s Polarity via the TEAC ’table, the system pumped out impressively deep lows grounded in an expansive soundstage. Sweetly layered and bathed in concert-hall ambience, the instruments assumed a lushness I associate with far more expensive Japanese components.

The perky pop-electronica of Sohn was also beautifully portrayed on the TEAC setup: finely detailed but never forward or bright, quiet yet dynamic. A sleek, modestly priced system with serious refinement.