T+A Solitaire P

The Solitaire P marks T+A’s remarkable entry into the world of audiophile headphones. This first foray by the German brand, backed by four decades of expertise in high-end electronics, delivers a planar headphone that immediately rivals the industry’s established benchmarks. Its sophisticated design and distinctive sound signature make it a top choice for discerning audiophiles.

T+A Expertise Applied to Transducers

T+A brings its renowned know-how in amplification and audio sources to the Solitaire P. This cross-disciplinary approach results in particular attention to distortion, with a remarkably low rate of less than 0.015% at 100 dB. The brand leverages its mastery of magnetic fields and signal processing to design a planar transducer with unprecedented precision.

T+A’s philosophy favors neutrality and transparency, values directly reflected in the tuning of the Solitaire P. This conceptual coherence ensures natural synergy with the brand’s electronics, notably the dedicated HA 200 amplifier.

Advanced Magnetostatic Planar Technology

At the heart of the Solitaire P is a special vapor-deposited membrane, paired with high-performance neodymium magnets. The magnets are positioned along precisely calculated magnetic field lines, combined with specific mounting rings and magnetic carriers. This architecture delivers exceptionally pure sound reproduction, with fast and natural transients.

The elliptical 110 × 80 mm drivers offer a large active surface while maintaining an ergonomic form factor. This geometry optimizes sound dispersion and contributes to the headphone’s remarkably wide and precise soundstage.

Easy to Drive and Versatile

Unlike high-end planars that are traditionally difficult to power, the Solitaire P features a moderate impedance of 80 ohms and a generous sensitivity of 101 dB. This relative accessibility allows for proper operation even from low-powered sources, while revealing its full potential on high-end systems.

This versatility greatly expands the circle of potential users, unlike the notoriously demanding Susvara or Abyss 1266TC. The Solitaire P thus adapts to both desktop setups and dedicated high-fidelity systems.

Premium Construction and Materials

The assembly uses premium materials: aluminum and steel structure for rigidity, hypoallergenic synthetic leather and Alcantara for comfort. This selection reflects T+A’s quality-driven approach, prioritizing long-term durability and ergonomics.

The contained weight of 530 grams, excluding the cable, ensures long listening sessions without fatigue. The open-back circumaural design optimizes both acoustic ventilation and wearing comfort. The finish showcases German manufacturing expertise, with tight tolerances and attention to detail.

Competitive Positioning

Against established references like the HiFiMan Susvara or Abyss 1266TC, the Solitaire P stands out for its superior ease of use and sonic coherence. Direct comparisons place its technical performance at an equivalent level, with a clear advantage in terms of accessibility.

The build-quality-to-performance ratio positions the T+A in a distinctive niche, between hard-to-drive planars and more affordable but technically limited models. This unique position justifies its premium price point.

Applications and Usage Recommendations

The Solitaire P particularly excels at reproducing complex acoustic music, where its transparency and soundstage reveal their full potential. Jazz, classical, and folk recordings benefit from the headphone’s spatial precision and harmonic richness.

For electronic sources and rock, its dynamic qualities and bass control deliver impact and energy without compromising definition. Its versatile drive capability allows for occasional portable use with high-end sources.

Technical specifications

Audio specifications

• Transducer principle: planar magnetic, open
• Ear coupling: circumaural
• Nominal impedance: 80 Ω
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 54 kHz
• Sound pressure level (1 kHz, 1 V rms): 101 dB
• Maximum sound pressure level: > 130 dB
• Characteristic signal-to-noise ratio: 101 dB at 1 kHz, 1 V
• Total harmonic distortion (1 kHz, 100 dB): < 0.015%
• Maximum continuous input power: 750 mW
• Maximum static magnetic field: 35 mT

Design and construction

• Construction type: open, circumaural
• Transducer: elliptical, 110 × 80 mm
• Materials: aluminium, steel, hypoallergenic synthetic leather, alcantara
• Clamping force: approx. 3.2 N
• Weight: 530 g (545 g without connection cable)

Operating conditions

• Operating temperature: +10 to +40 °C
• Storage temperature: 0 to 45 °C

Connectivity and cables

• Wired transmission, length 3 m
• Unbalanced cable with 6.35 mm stereo jack plug (included with all variants)
• Balanced cable, depending on product variant (optional):
  • 4.4 mm stereo Pentaconn plug
  • 4-pin XLR plug