T+A elektroakustik HV Series Components

@david_ten 

I heard the  T+A MP3100HV Music Player and the 3100HV integrated playing at the LA Audio show. They were playing on Wilson speakers and sounded excellent. I was surprised that the room presenter, Sunny Electronics, had the confidence to use the integrated over the T+A amp + pre-amp combo. Maybe the speaker was easy to drive. I forgot if the system had the extra power supply, I would guess that it did.

At the show, I spoke to the T+A rep about the  T+A MP3100HV Music Player and he said that the FM tuner on it was not as good as on my $2000 Magnum Dynalab MD 102 (I listen to the excellent KCRW in S .Cal). He also said that the unit would become a ROON end point sometime in the future. The ROON guys were also demoing at the room.It was a good demo of the type of system I would build myself.

If direct Ethernet is supported then I could eliminate my Sonare streamer. My next DAC will have to have this feature.

@yyzsantabarbara Thanks for sharing your impressions from the LA show and the additional information. I have also heard that something is coming but do not have anything definitive (at this time). I’m with you on the ability to go Ethernet direct.

My T+A PA 3100 HV has nearly eight weeks of run time on it.

I had a time setback due to an IC needing burn-in (received a brand new cable instead of my fully broken-in one). A new duplex also required longer break-in than expected.  Thus the delay in posting.

I recently updated / upgraded(?) my server. It allows me to bypass the network switch and eliminate one LAN cable by bridging ethernet within the unit, resulting in a direct connection to my player. This has resulted in immediate and clear gains in system performance. I'm not clear on what 'portions/aspects' can be attributed to the subtraction or to the addition, but the 'combination' impact from both is major.

I'll be adding a LAN filter and playing with combinations of direct LAN cables vs. combos with filter.

I'm also adding short custom DC cables for power from the Linear Power Supply.

Both of these additions should be in system and fully resolved by the end of July.

Now that I am familiar with the major components AND all are fully broken-in AND I have a firm sense and feel for my system's performance, I'll start writing the review next week. If it comes together in a way that I can publish it in installments, I'll provide the links here, noting the updates.

Any impressions you'd care to share?  Thinking of replacing my Pass XA30.8/ REF 3 combo with either the T+A 3000, or 3100. Have very easy to drive speakers and wonder about your impressions of these components..Thanks

The T+A is a better sound than Pass Labs IMO. I’ve heard David’s and to me it is no comparison. 

About a a month ago I got a PA 1530 R in on trade and I’ve been impressed with it. I’ve found it to not be a great fit for all speakers but when it does match, it does superbly. One interesting observation was the pairing with a set of Polk LSiM 707. One can still hear the limitations of the cheap crossover components in the speakers, but other than that, it’s a match that could completely reshape thoughts about Polk Audio.