P 3100 HV Preamplifier By T+A HiFi

The P 3100 HV Preamplifier

The preamplifier is a crucial component in any high-end audio system, responsible for switching, amplifying, and delivering low-level signals without compromising their integrity. T+A has invested significant effort into developing preamplifiers that meet these rigorous demands. The P 3100 HV features a fully discrete, symmetrical construction with only the finest components, housed in a robust, uncompromising case. While it shares the design concept with the P 3000 HV, the P 3100 HV has been significantly upgraded, particularly in the preamplifier section, which is now more refined.

The P 3100 HV incorporates a new, complex circuit layout that compensates for transistor temperature variations, ensuring precise voltage control and eliminating coupling capacitors from the signal path. This pure DC coupling results in a more stable, higher-quality sound. Additionally, the digital power supply has been enhanced with increased power and shielding, and the oversized 115 VA toroidal transformer further boosts performance, leading to a noticeable improvement in sound quality.

High Voltage Technology

The P 3100 HV preamplifier operates at much higher voltages than typical models—up to 100V in the preamplifier and 360V in the power amplifier. This high voltage design, similar to valve amplifiers, allows the modulation of the stages to remain low, ensuring near-zero non-linearity and an exceptionally wide dynamic range. T+A’s unique high voltage technology, applied across the entire HV series, contributes to significant sonic improvements, whether in source devices like the MP 3100 HV or the preamplifier and power amplifier.

Precision Construction

The P 3100 HV’s rear connector section showcases its symmetrical double-mono construction, where the channels are kept entirely separate. The preamplifier circuit boards are identical in construction and positioned under the top cover, eliminating electromagnetic interference. These boards are each housed in isolated compartments, made of thick-walled aluminum plates, ensuring complete separation from the power supply and mains unit. The circuit topology is based on a differential cascode amplifier with hand-selected J-FET transistors, all of which are discreetly constructed without op-amps. This design results in excellent linearity and minimal negative feedback, allowing signals up to 80 Vss to be processed without distortion—an achievement unique to transistor preamplifiers.

“The P 3100 HV exudes class, and not just because it’s big, solidly built – it weighs as much as some power amps at 28kg – and immaculately finished. The controls have wonderful precision, from that hefty volume control to the reworked front panel touch-buttons, which have been retuned for greater sensitivity, and the whole thing is a delight to use. Even the metal-clad remote control is a cut above the norm. “

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Preamplifier stage

• Frequency response + 0 / – 3 dB : 0,5 Hz – 300 kHz
• Signal / noise ratio : 108 / 112 dB
• Total harmonic distortion : < 0,001%
• Intermodulation : < 0,001 %
• Channel separation : > 108 dB
• Unbalanced inputs (RCA) : 7 x 250 mVeff … 9 Veff / 20 kOhms
• Balanced inputs (XLR) : 4 x 500 mVeff … 18 Veff / 5 kOhms

Outputs

• Headphones : 50 Ohms high current
• 1 x Recorder : 250 mVeff / 100 Ohms
• PRE out RCA : Nom 1 Veff, Max 9,5 Veff / 50 Ohms
• PRE out XLR : Nom 1,45 Veff, Max 19,6 Veff / 50 Ohms
• Reservoir capacity : 75000 μF

Mains / Accessories / Dimensions

• Mains : 2 x 110 – 120 V/60 Hz or 220 – 240 V/50 Hz, 10 + 60 Watts rated current consumption
• Standby : < 0,5 W
• Features : Trigger input +5 … 20 V for external switching-on input 4 can be configured in surround mode analogue signal processing module slot for optional phono content_default MM / MC
• Remote control : F 3001
• Accessories : 2 x power cord, remote control receiver E 2000
• Dimensions (H x W x D) : 17 x 46 x 46 cm
• Weight : 28 kg / 61.7 lbs
• Finishes :
  • case: case: silver laquer 47 or titanium laquer 64
    heat sink black 42
  • Technical modifications reserved

P 3100 HV User manual

HV Catalog