The Integrated Amplifier
The PA 3100 HV is a further development of the PA 3000 HV, and most of its sub-assemblies are identical. The immediately obvious difference is the pair of VU meters in the front panel, which display the power generated per channel in logarithmic form in Watts into 4 Ohms. A revision of the pre-amplifier section (D.C. coupling) has brought an additional improvement in sound quality.
A further development is the redesigned analogue mains section and voltage power supply, which is similar to that of the A 3000 HV. This makes it possible to connect the supplementary PS 3000 HV mains section in order to gain a further increase in stability and performance of the power supply system as a whole. The additional unit provides an extra 1800 Watt of supply power, enabling the system to control even the most difficult loudspeakers without effort, so that they can unfold the best possible sound quality.
The all-metal F3001 infra-red remote control handset is supplied as standard.
Technology
As with the P 3000 HV, the circuit topology is based on a differential cascode amplifier with individually selected audio J-FET transistors, and stages of completely discrete construction without op-amps (operational amplifiers). Virtually no overall negative feedback is required due to this circuit arrangement and the quality of the components employed. The high operating voltage of HV technology is the key to excellent linearity combined with extremely wide dynamic range: signals up to 60 Vss can be processed without distortion.
In the HV series the signal switching and adjusting functions are carried out by encapsulated gas-tight gold-contact relays, which are totally immune to contact problems due to corrosion, dust, etc., and do not suffer from ageing effects even after many years of operation. The pre-amplifier even employs bi-stable relays, which require no permanent coil current, and this in turn eliminates any adverse inductive effect on the audio signals.
The front panel is no less than 40 mm thick to provide outstanding shielding, and is machined from solid. All the electronic control circuitry is housed in a deeply inset compartment in this panel, which also bears on its front face the bright, dimmable glass VFD screen with its zero-wear sensor buttons.
The rotary source select and volume control knobs take the form of precision incremental encoders running in needle roller bearings, which give a uniquely satisfying sensation when operated.
Specifications
Pre-amplifier stage
Outputs
Output stage
Mains / Accessories / Dimensions
Input 4 can be configured in surround mode
(Surround pass-through)
connectivity for additional PS 3000 HV
LAN connector for home-automation systems
Heat sink: black 42
Support
Reviews
i-fidelity.net 6/2017
Der PA 3100 HV spielt absolut souverän, völlig ausgewogen und mit enormem Feingeist. Dennoch kann man seine Ergänzung durch das PS 3000 HV ruhigen Gewissens nachdrücklich empfehlen, denn mit Netzteil spielt der PA 3100 HV noch eine Liga höher. Wer das Duo hört, wird merken, die zwei gehören zusammen.
Stereo Magazine 10
In stereo‘s top echelons it’s not all pre/power amps – there are
some integrated amps up there, too. T + A’s brand new PA 3100 HV aiming at top honors – and it has a secret weapon in the form of a powerful auxiliary power supply.
Those who can afford it should not hesitate. Currently, we do not know a better amplifier – even without the additional power supply.
Hifi News 5/2017
The PA 3100 HV, despite its size, is the antithesis of a big bruiser amplifier. More BMW than Porsche, it delivers a refined confident listening experience with excellent weight, poise and speaker-driving ability. The improvements brougth by adding the power supply PS 3000 HV are noticable enough – the sound becomes even more surefooted – but justifying the extra outlay will be a matter of personal preference.
Fidelity 4/2017
Sichere Bank
Wer die eigene Stereoanlage aufwerten will, spielt immer wieder alle Variablen dieser komplexen Gleichung durch. Steht dort ein T+A PA 3100 HV gibt es eine Unbekannte weniger.
Auch mit anderen Lautsprechern und wechselnder Musik wiederholt sich das stets gleiche Bild: Der PA 3100 HV agiert immer durchsichtig, phänomenal detailliert und doch fließend und ohne Schärfe. Keiner der angeschlossenen Lautsprecher konnte ihm auch nur eine minimale Änderung dieser Gangart beibringen, der T+A macht jeder Anlage klar, wer der Chef im Ring ist.
stereoplay 4/2017
Zart mit eiserner Faust
Ohne langes Wenn und Aber einer der vielleicht zwei,drei besten Vollverstärker überhaupt. Klanglich absolut souverän, aber auch zart und eindringlich. Diese an sich unmögliche Kombination aus PA 3100 HV und PS 3000 HV hat ihren Preis – und ist ihn auch wert.
Audio 3/2017
Supermacht
Einer der besten Transistor-Verstärker, leise und laut schier unschlagbar, auch ohne Zusatz-Stromversorgung. Unter diesem Niveau will man keinen Transistor-Verstärker mehr dulden. Ein starkes Stück.
stereo 2/2017
Alleinherrscher
Einen besseren Vollverstärker kennen wir derzeit nicht. Selbst ohne Zusatznetzteil. Wer ihn sich leisten kann, sollte nicht zögern. Die hervorragende Aufnahme vom Tribute an Ella Fitzgerald aus dem Jahr 1997 hatte nach all den Jahren doch noch neue Aspekte zu bieten. Dem PA 3100 HV sei Dank.
