The PSD 3100 HV also operates as a top-class pre-amplifier, since it features a Class-A pre-amplifier of discrete construction employing HV technology, a relay-controlled volume control with Balance and Loudness function, switchable tone controls and “State of the Art” double mono output stages. Its high-quality XLR and asymmetrical RCA outputs deliver the signal to power amplifiers and active loudspeakers, while headphones can be connected using a symmetrical 4.4mm Pentaconn headphone output. This derives its signal from a special high-performance headphone amplifier which delivers a very stable voltage and constant current as well as sounding excellent, enabling it to control any dynamic headphones effortlessly, with ample reserves.

The Digital Connecting Board of the PSD 3100 HV handles the full bandwidth of all modern digital sources: professional AES/EBU, BNC plus optical and co-axial SP/DIF inputs are present, as are two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. All of them enable the user to connect any type of external source, such as set-top boxes, disc mechanisms and memory devices. The IPA-LINK socket is intended for connection to our PDT 3100 HV reference SACD disc mechanism, whose data it handles in full resolution; in contrast to the SP/DIF inputs it therefore also copes with SACD files. The USB B (Device Mode) input based on the Thesycon chip provides a means of processing ultra-high resolution formats from the PC up to DSD 512 and PCM 768 by means of subsequent converter modules.

We are firm believers in utterly faithful sound reproduction, for this is the only method of conveying the intention of the performer, without adding or subtracting anything. This means that the converters have a crucial role to play, since they are required to restore the original analogue music from the digital data whilst remaining as close to the original as possible. That is why we honour the fundamental sonic differences between the current digital audio formats of PCM and DSD, by using dedicated converters for each format, instead of opting for one converter to handle both formats. We term that technological feat Path Separation Technology:. PCM formats are converted using our double differential quadruple converter at up to 32 bit / 768 kSps, while DSD formats employ the unique T+A True 1-bit DSD D/A converter at up to DSD 512 (24.6 MHz).

The goal of the PSD 3100 HV is to deliver a breath-taking level of resolution, dynamism, linearity and freedom from distortion, even when dealing with critical passages and minute musical details. Therefore, the PCM quadruple converter features a double symmetrical circuit with eight 32-bit BurrBrown converters, which correct non-linearities at an above-average standard, and reduce the already minimal residual noise by a further 6 dB. Despite being a high-performance audiophile instrument, the quadruple converter is also able to be tuned to the listener’s taste: Various oversampling algorithms, give the user the opportunity to fine-tune the system’s sound characteristics individually in terms of timing and frequency range. Four filter types are available; the Bezier filters developed by us in-house have optimum timing, and no trace of oscillation in the analogue signal.
Our T+A True 1-Bit DSD converter is also absolutely unique because it broke with convention: standard converters process DSD signals by converting them into PCM and reproducing them in PCM mode. In our opinion this process causes the innate quality of DSD recordings to be lost. We therefore developed the True 1-Bit DSD converter: this circuit handles the DSD data in native form rather than converting them, and completely retains the audible advantages of a bitstream.