T+A PSD 3100 HV Streaming DAC/Preamp

hfnoutstanding Complete with a brand new streaming module, T+A’s newest network-attached DAC/preamp is the proper companion for its PA 3100 HV built-in and A 3000 HV energy amplifiers

Tipping the scales at a hefty 26kg, measuring a portly 46cm deep and 17cm tall, and promoting for £14,900, T+A’s PSD 3100 HV seems each inch the flagship DAC/streamer/preamp. Except that it’s not – that accolade is reserved for the German model’s SDV 3100 HV [HFN Oct ’19], which has been deemed its ‘reference’ mannequin since its arrival in 2019 and stays accessible for £26,040.

The latter mannequin contains a extra subtle energy provide – although all ‘HV’ separates make use of a excessive rail voltage – preamp and DAC part and can deal with as much as DSD1024 instead of the PSD 3100 HV’s DSD512 restrict. However, in its favour, this extra inexpensive mannequin advantages from a wholly new digital streaming board.

Described by T+A as its ‘Gen 3 platform’ and making its first look right here, this leverages a strong Stream1955 module from StreamUnlimited, promising improved ease of use and extra complete file dealing with in comparison with the Network Audio Adapter know-how of the SDV 3100 HV. Importantly, T+A says it should quickly start rolling out its Gen 3 improve to older ‘Gen 2’ fashions in its R and HV sequence.

Simply Gorgeous

The customary all-aluminium building, in silver white end, of T+A’s top-of-the-range HV fashions is in proof once more right here, and it seems beautiful. Engineering high quality can also be very good, as model devotees will count on, proper right down to the heavyweight system distant management. Beyond the sheer dimension of its supply/quantity and menu rotaries, the PSD 3100 HV maintains a classy, minimalist air and it is solely as soon as powered up {that a} row of soft-touch ‘buttons’, underneath the show, illuminate.

This is a cool function however whereas the on-screen textual content menus that seem are informative and straightforward to learn, album artwork isn’t displayed. Navigation of its settings by way of the right-hand rotary can also be fast and nice, although the corporate’s new G3 MusicNavigator app, for each iOS and Android, is way extra handy with regards to many duties, together with channel steadiness, supply disabling/renaming, section invert, and so forth.

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Separate PSUs for housekeeping [right side] and important audio [left side] feed the 4 TI PCM1795 DACs [centre], T+A’s ‘True 1-Bit DSD converter’ matrix [below] and absolutely balanced preamp. The LAN/digital PCB is beneath

While the fascia of the PSD 3100 HV is uncluttered, the rear panel is impressively busy, albeit lacking a balanced XLR line enter to enhance its balanced XLR preamp outputs. Single-ended (RCA) inputs and outputs are included, however solely the more expensive SDV 3100 HV mannequin has XLR ins and outs. This curiosity however, the PSD 3100 HV presents nice digital flexibility alongside its wired Ethernet connection and two Wi-Fi antennas.

Digital inputs embody BNC, coaxial, two optical and AES/EBU, with a coaxial digital output, and even a two-input, one-output (with ARC) HDMI function for including this networked hub to a TV set-up. There’s additionally a USB-B enter, USB-A for exterior drives, and T+A’s proprietary ‘IPA’ (Isochronous Precision Audiolink) hook-up for its PDT 3100 HV SACD/CD transport [HFN Oct ’19].

Window Gazing

As with different T+A fashions, the PSD 3100 HV has two separate DAC levels – PCM inputs are routed to 4 TI PCM1795 DACs, in a double-differential configuration and conferring the advantages of 705.6/768kHz operation, whereas DSD streams are dealt with by T+A’s customized 1-bit converter. For the latter, there is a alternative of two filters, whereas PCM playback might be fine-tuned by way of 4 digital filters and two NOS (non-oversampling) modes. New filter picks are utilized instantly, not after the menu is closed, simplifying A/B comparisons.

A round window within the prime of the PSD 3100 HV’s 10mm-thick aluminium chassis offers a touch of the beautiful manufacturing engineering inside. Dual-mono in configuration, it separates analogue and digital energy provides (there are two IEC sockets to be discovered on its rear), and, by way of prime and backside compartments, isolates the analogue mainboard, preamp and enter levels from its streaming module and digital inputs.

The sheer breadth of this mannequin’s specification (there’s an FM/DAB tuner right here too) means spending time with its detailed handbook is worth it. That mentioned, seasoned audiophiles can have little bother getting it up and operating and can quickly be having fun with the PSD 3100 HV’s quantity management. A real stepped attenuator, it presents exact adjustment, every flip of the dial or tweak by way of the G3 app accompanied by a definitive ‘click on/click on’ of relays.

Lush Life

I will not beat across the bush – the PSD 3100 HV’s efficiency is as lush and enormous as its casework. It delivers music with distinctive ranges of finesse, crafts an expansive soundstage with a way of depth, and revels in each unearthing actual bass weight and tiny high-frequency element. Perhaps better of all, there’s an natural, clean nature to its sound that some won’t count on, particularly from a tool with such a ‘digital’ bent.