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DeluxeBreakfast
17
May 12, 2017
I currently have SMSL Q5 Pro, how does the sound quality of the TEAC compare? Is it worth it to upgrade based on sound quality alone?
sam_bey
0
May 14, 2017
DeluxeBreakfastwondering the same. not much difference is my guess other than a better RC.
K.T.N
1264
May 15, 2017
DeluxeBreakfastI have both, and they sound quite different.
I actually like the SMSL Q5 Pro more. I find the Q5 Pro to sound more organic and musically enjoyable.
The TEAC AI-101DA sounds more powerful, but stiffer and not as emotionally communicative. The music just doesn't breathe or ebb and flow as much on the TEAC.
Mind you, this is with an outside source fed into the AUX input on both. So I cannot say how the DACs compare.
Build quality of the TEAC is impressive. It feels very high quality. The Q5 Pro, on the other hand, has acceptable build quality, but it is nothing to write home about.
On sound quality of the amp section, I prefer the Q5 Pro, and don't use my TEAC AI-101DA in my little secondary system currently. That may or may not be different with the DAC section in play.
This is all through a pair of CEntrance Master Class speakers.
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