Overview

The TEAC AP-507 is a premium compact stereo power amplifier from TEAC’s Reference 500 Series, featuring advanced Hypex NCOREx Class D technology. Scheduled for spring 2025 release at 2,199 USD, the AP-507 delivers 170W per channel into 4Ω with exceptional measured performance including 0.0015% THD and 113 dB S/N ratio. The amplifier incorporates premium Muses 8820E operational amplifiers, dual-mono power supply design, and supports stereo, bi-amp, and BTL mono operation modes in a compact 290×84.5×271mm enclosure.

Scientific Validity

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The AP-507 achieves very low distortion and noise figures per the manufacturer’s specifications (THD 0.0015% @ 8Ω/1kHz/12.5W; S/N 113 dB), comfortably below common transparency thresholds [1]. Frequency response is rated 10Hz–50kHz (+0/–5 dB), with 170W/ch into 4Ω providing ample headroom [1]. As of publication there are no independent third-party bench measurements available; this score reflects reliance on manufacturer data.

Technology Level

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The AP-507 employs cutting-edge Hypex NCOREx technology, representing a 2× improvement in noise and THD versus the prior NCORE generation [2]. This is an OEM module integration rather than proprietary TEAC architecture. Premium Muses 8820E op-amps and a dual-mono power supply show careful implementation, but core differentiation stems from component selection rather than in-house innovation.

Cost-Performance

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As a like-for-like benchmark, the VTV Amplifier NCx500 Stereo (Hypex NCOREx NCx500 based) delivers equivalent state-of-the-art measured performance for 939 USD (factory buffer option) versus the AP-507’s 2,199 USD, implying roughly a 2.3× price premium for the TEAC [3][4]. That places value below market leaders, though still competitive among branded compact chassis designs.

Reliability & Support

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Robust aluminum construction, fanless operation, and Class D topology aid reliability. In the U.S., standard coverage is 1 year, but Reference 500/700 models are extended to 3 years upon registration [5][6]. Broader long-term field data are not yet available for this new model.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Adopting NCOREx aligns with a measurement-forward philosophy and yields objectively transparent performance. Pricing, however, emphasizes premium positioning over pure price-to-measurement optimization given the availability of NCx500-based equivalents at lower cost.

Advice

Choose the AP-507 if you value TEAC’s industrial design, compact form factor, and ecosystem cohesion—and accept a ~2.3× premium versus NCx500-based alternatives. If maximizing objective performance per dollar is the priority, the NCx500 stereo offerings present stronger value.

References

[1] TEAC. AP-507 Specifications. https://teac.jp/int/product/ap-507/spec
[2] Hypex Electronics. NCOREx Family. https://www.hypex.nl/products/amplifier-families/ncorex-family/
[3] VTV Amplifier. NCx500 Hypex NCore Stereo. https://vtvamplifier.com/product/vtv-amplifier-ncx500-hypex-ncore-stereo-with-input-buffer-options/
[4] Audio Science Review. Hypex NCx500 Class D Amplifier Review. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/hypex-ncx500-class-d-amplifier-review.41007/
[5] TEAC. Warranty for US customers. https://teac.jp/int/contents/warranty_for_usa
[6] TEAC USA. Product Registration (Reference 500/700 extends to 3 years). https://teacusa.com/pages/register-your-product

(2025.9.5)