T+A PA 3100 HV

The T+A PA 3100 HV stands out for its proprietary high-voltage technology, fully dual-mono construction, and considerable power reserves. With 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 500 watts into 4 ohms, it is aimed at demanding audiophiles seeking both musical finesse and dynamic authority.

A Revolutionary Technical Approach

The technical philosophy of the PA 3100 HV is based on bold engineering choices that set it apart from the competition. At the heart of its design lies T+A’s proprietary high-voltage technology, using power rails exceeding 300 volts—about three times higher than the average conventional amplifier. This approach delivers exceptional linearity and extended dynamics, qualities usually associated with tube amplifiers but with the power and precision of transistors.

The amplification stage relies exclusively on individually selected J-FET transistors, assembled in a fully discrete differential cascade topology. No operational amplifiers are used, and global negative feedback is virtually nonexistent, thus preserving the natural character of the musical signal. This sophisticated technical approach allows the handling of signals up to 60 volts peak-to-peak without distortion.

Power and Energy Reserves

The PA 3100 HV’s power architecture reflects the deliberate oversizing characteristic of German engineering. The 1000 VA toroidal transformer, fully shielded to prevent stray radiation, supplies a filtering stage with 120,000 microfarads of capacitance. These substantial reserves ensure stable power delivery even during the most demanding passages, with the front-panel VU meters barely moving during normal listening.

The dual-mono design ensures perfect separation between channels from input to output terminals. Each channel has its own amplification components housed in isolated compartments, minimizing crosstalk and intermodulation distortion. The first 20 watts operate in pure class A, guaranteeing optimal linearity in the most commonly used power range.

High-End Construction and Finish

The pure aluminum chassis can be up to 4 centimeters thick, contributing to the device’s total weight of 38 kilograms. This massive construction is not just for looks: it provides structural rigidity that eliminates unwanted vibrations and ensures optimal electromagnetic shielding. T+A’s attention to detail extends to using only non-magnetic screws to avoid any interaction with magnetic fields.

The analog front-panel VU meters—a visible difference from the PA 3000 HV model from which it is derived—display the power delivered per channel logarithmically into 4 ohms. These measuring instruments are not just aesthetic elements but provide precise real-time feedback on the amplifier’s operation.

Connectivity and Advanced Features

The PA 3100 HV offers comprehensive connectivity with seven RCA inputs and four balanced XLR inputs, accommodating all types of sources. Volume control uses a precision resistor network switched by hermetically sealed gold-contact relays, eliminating wear and ensuring perfect channel symmetry. This technical solution guarantees zero distortion in volume control, even after years of use.

Input number 4 can be configured in home theater bypass mode, allowing integration into a multichannel system. A network port enables control via home automation systems, while a 5-20V trigger input allows automatic power-on by the source.

Modularity and Scalability

T+A’s modular philosophy is reflected in the PA 3100 HV’s expansion possibilities. The optional external PS 3000 HV power supply adds 1800 additional watts for even more authoritative control of demanding speakers. This external power supply, identical in size and weight to the amplifier, can radically transform performance with complex loads.

High-end MM/MC phono modules can be added, as well as an analog signal processor for acoustic corrections. This modular approach allows the amplifier to be tailored to the specific needs of each setup without compromising sound quality.

Technical Specifications

Circuit Design and Topology

• Hand-selected cascode differential stages with junction field-effect transistors (J-FET)
• 100% discrete circuit without operational amplifiers, no global feedback
• High-voltage operation: exceptional dynamics up to 60 Vpp
• Switching via hermetically sealed relays with gold-plated contacts, no oxidation or aging
• Volume control by precision resistor network and relays: zero distortion, perfect channel symmetry
• Compatible with the external PS 3000 HV power supply (additional 1800 W power)

Preamplifier

• Frequency response: 0.5 Hz – 300 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 105 / 110 dB
• Total harmonic distortion / intermodulation distortion: < 0.001%
• Channel separation: > 90 dB
• Line inputs
  • 7 RCA inputs: 250 mV – 3 V / 20 kΩ
  • 4 XLR inputs: 500 mV – 6 V / 20 kΩ
• Outputs
  • Headphone: 50 Ω
  • RCA preamplifier output: 1 V / maximum 9.5 V / 50 Ω
  • XLR preamplifier output: 1.45 V / maximum 19.6 V / 50 Ω
  • Recording output: 250 mV / 100 Ω

Power Stages

• Output power: 300 W RMS per channel at 8 Ω, 500 W RMS per channel at 4 Ω
• Current reserve: 120,000 µF
• Power bandwidth: 1 Hz – 150 kHz
• Frequency response: 0.5 Hz – 180 kHz
• Slew rate: 60 V/µs
• Damping factor: > 65
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 115 dB
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.03%

Features and Connectivity

• Logarithmic VU meters indicating power in watts per channel at 4 Ω
• 5–20 V trigger input for remote power-on
• Input no. 4 configurable in home theater bypass mode
• Network port for smart home integration
• F 3001 aluminum remote control included

Available Options

• PS 3000 HV external power supply
• High-end MM / MC phono modules
• Analog signal processor module
• Individual high-voltage power accessories and cabling

General Information

• Black heat sinks
• Weight: 38 kg
• Dimensions: 17 × 46 × 46 cm