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T+A

T+A Series 200

T+A
Introduction

The Series 200 represents a modern interpretation of T+A's legendary MiDi systems. Starting with the iconic M-system in the 1990’s, and most recently continued by the Series 8, all of these systems have combined and continue to combine superb audiophile performance with an ultra-compact design of timeless elegance. The MP 200, A 200, DAC 200 and HA 200 embody their experience in each individual area, and make it accessible to compact systems in particular.

Design Principles

The Series 200 was developed with the goal of closing the supposed gulf between high-grade specialised individual devices – ‘separates’ – and a combined system for relaxed listening. And that’s why the Series 200 consists of four units. The DAC 200 and HA 200 reference converter and pre-amplifier convert digital data into analogue signals, and constitute the heart of their system configurations: the DAC 200’s outstanding pre-amplifier and output stages make it the ideal core of a classic HiFi system with loudspeakers, whereas the HA 200 takes on a similar role in an audiophile headphone system. Thanks to its Modular High-End Architecture (MHA) the MP 200 operates as a universal unit capable of delivering all modern music sources, from DAB radio to streaming. The A 200 output stage, generating 250 Watts power per channel into 4 Ohms, provides incredible performance with superb linearity and outstanding measured values. Thanks to the advanced technologies employed, the A 200 is able to exploit its full performance regardless of load, i.e. independently of the loudspeakers to which it is connected.
Although all the Series 200 devices offer outstanding levels of performance individually, the aim of their development was to make them even better when used together in a system. The integral T+A Link System has been fine-tuned to meet the specific requirements of the Series 200, with the result that every device is as universal as possible, as well as keeping interference signals completely separate from the analogue signal path: this ensures that the music remains just as clear and precise as it was when the artiste performed it.

External Design

Like every T+A device, the Series 200 units were designed on the basis of T+A's unified philosophy of “timeless reduction”. This principle endows all the equipment they produce is with a shared visual DNA, without obscuring their individual qualities. For more than twenty years now this philosophy – with a few exceptions – has been the beginning and end of each design process: a clearly delineated double chamfer on the front panel,  reminiscent of the iconic M-systems of the 1990’s, giving the devices a unique charisma. Precisely positioned lines and style accents give the illusion that the Series 200 devices are smaller than they actually are. Cooling fins and VU meters are an unmistakable indication of the units’ potential performance – even when the equipment is switched off.

Control System

The App control system provides full control of every aspect of the MP 200, including access to streaming services and radio stations, as well as adjusting the smallest details of each device connected to the system. The MP 200 and the T+A MusicNavigator App – developed here in Herford – deliver a convenient and complete method of control using any iOS or Android device.
The front panels of the Series 200 devices were designed to be ergonomically efficient, with an intelligent combination of direct-access buttons and a jog dial (rotary push-dial).

Ultimate Stream Live - T+A Series 200

T+A MP200 Multi-Source Player

Introduction

The Series 200 represents a modern interpretation of T+A's legendary MiDi systems. Starting with the iconic M-system in the 1990’s, and most recently continued by the Series 8, all of these systems have combined and continue to combine superb audiophile performance with an ultra-compact design of timeless elegance. The MP 200, A 200, DAC 200 and HA 200 embody their experience in each individual area, and make it accessible to compact systems in particular.

PRICE £4,400
AVAILABLE IN BLACK & SILVER

  • The T+A Solitaire® P Headphones
T+A MP200
Radio & CD

In addition to Internet radio access, which is an integral part of the MP 200’s streaming client, the device provides three additional forms of radio access: FM, FM-HD and DAB+. The unit’s high sensitivity to incoming signals is in part responsible for its superlative sound quality, but the digital intermediate frequency, demodulation and stereo decoder output stages employed also play an important role. It is only the intelligent combination of all these qualities which makes the most classical of all signal sources sound so outstanding, whether using cable or an aerial.
Although digital streaming content has now gained a dominant position in the audio world, we continue to work constantly on further developing our CD mechanisms: this is the only way we can maintain a position where T+A can give customers the unrestricted freedom to select their preferred music sources. The size of the MP 200’s integral slot mechanism was developed specifically to suit the space available in the MP 200, where it fits seamlessly into the case. With its short access times and excellent error correction system – the result of further development – it plays back disc content with virtually zero delay once the CD is inserted, and operates completely without reproduction errors.

Digital Inputs

The MP 200’s digital connecting board features two digital S/P DIF inputs and one optical input, which enable any external source to be connected – including set-top boxes, disc drives and memory devices. A supplementary S/P DIF output is also available. Signal transfer and processing are carried out at HD-quality.

Control System

The App control system provides full control of every aspect of the MP 200, including access to streaming services and radio stations, as well as adjusting the smallest details of each device connected to the system. The MP 200 and the T+A MusicNavigator App – developed here in Herford – deliver a convenient and complete method of control using any iOS or Android device.
The front panels of the Series 200 devices were designed to be ergonomically efficient, with an intelligent combination of direct-access buttons and a jog dial (rotary push-dial).

Streaming Client & Bluetooth

T+A's streaming client was developed in-house, and forms one of the links between the MP 200 and the outside world. This network circuit, designed with audiophile criteria in mind, processes incoming WLAN, LAN and USB Master-Mode signals, thereby providing access to high-quality streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer. For local applications the streaming client is able to stream audio data up to a quality of 192/24 (HD). 
In contrast to standard computer-based solutions, which are typical in the audio industry, our streaming client is an in-house development from the ground up, and for this reason is completely free of quality losses, as often occurs due to high-frequency interference. 
In addition to exceptionally high reproduction quality, the outstanding feature of the streaming client is its convenience of operation: all streaming services and Internet radio stations are managed by the free Airable service, which carries out the system administration in the background. 
Thanks to the aptX HD™ technology employed in the MP 200, mobile data transmission no longer represents a barrier to high sound quality: in spite of the limited bandwidth of Bluetooth, the system can even cope with uncompressed Flac files.

T+A MP200 with CD
Specifications
        Sources
  • CD-transport
  • FM-, FM HD-, DAB+ Tuner
  • Bluetooth streaming
  • Digital Connecting Board
  • High Res Streaming Client with music services Tidal, Deezer, qobuz
    Roon Ready
    Inputs
  • SP/DIF (2x RCA, 1xTOS-Link), LAN, WLAN, 2x USB Channel Separation: 110 dBInputs
    Outputs
  • DIG OUT Digital output, SYS OUT + USB SYS System Link connections

T+A DAC200 D/A Converter

Design & Technology

The DAC 200 is the latest member of an extended family of High-End converters and pre-amplifiers. Every aspect of its design symbolises our uncompromising commitment to science and music. The ability to reproduce DSD 1024 files and its complete galvanic separation are just two highlights which underline the potential of the DAC 200 in impressive style. The DAC 200 is designed to convert a large number of digital formats into natural-sounding analogue signals, and to pass them on via the integral headphone or analogue outputs.

 

PRICE £5,400 OPTIONAL HDMI BOARD £380)
AVAILABLE IN BLACK & SILVER  

 

 

  • The T+A Solitaire® P Headphones
T+A DAC 200 Silver Rear
De-Jitter Masterclock

T+A's belief in totally pure music required an enormous effort on our part to eliminate the most minuscule of interfering influences. The T+A De-Jitter Masterclock was developed with the goal of freeing all T+A DACs from such interference signals, and in particular those which result from the use of computers. This type of interference – known as jitter – is caused by minimal timing errors, which still manage to exert a harmful influence on the sound experience unless they are removed before the conversion into analogue signals.
The De-Jitter Masterclock was developed here in Herford, and constitutes a consistent audiophile response to jitter: in a multi-stage process the incoming signals are examined, and even the largest of jitter artefacts are removed. In the first stage the incoming signal delivers a raw clock pulse which is analysed very closely by micro-processors: the signal is then switched to the Masterclock – but only if its frequency and stability fulfil strict minimum criteria. If those criteria are not met, the signals are cleaned again through a further PLL stage in a specially constructed second jitterbug; this process reduces the residual jitter by a factor of 4.
Signals which fulfil the purity requirements are de-coupled completely from the input jitter by switching to the Masterclock. They are then further processed by two high-precision quartz oscillators. Each oscillator is reserved for a single clock family; the Masterclock covers both the odd 44.1 kHz clock to 354.8 kHz as well as the even 48 kHz clock to 762 kHz.

 
Path Separation Technology

T+A believe in reproducing music in its purest form. And that is why they make every effort right at the development stage to eliminate even the most insignificant of interference factors, regardless of how minimal they are. Joint processing of PCM and DSD files in a single converter is just such a source of interference: supposedly insignificant, but in fact having a crucial influence on the sound. It was their insistence on eliminating this particular influence that caused us to develop the unique T+A Path Separation Technology: both PCM and DSD have their own converter, specifically tailored to their requirements. These converters exclude adverse sound influences as well as exploiting the potential of each format to the full. For PCM signals T+A use their quadruple converter, whereas DSD files are processed using the T+A True 1-bit converter, which is unique in the world.

Converters & Filters

T+A's True 1-bit converter is unique, as it forms a break with a paradigm: conventional converters process DSD signals by converting them into PCM, and reproducing them using the PCM mode. But this conversion contradicts our principles, and caused us to develop the True 1-bit converter, which processes DSD files in their native form, without detrimental conversion processes, and reproduces them in totally pure form as genuine 1 Bit Stream.

T+A's PCM Quadruple Converter features a double symmetrical circuit design comprising the eight 32-bit Burr-Brown converters, thereby providing above-average compensation for non-linearities in the sound, and reduces the already minimal background noise by a further 6 dB. This sophistication results in amazing dynamism and linearity combined with an equally amazing freedom from distortion. Although we believe in unadulterated music reproduction, the Bezier filters – another in-house development – in the quadruple converter can be exploited by the listener to fine-tune the sound characteristics to his individual taste. The application of polynomials results in perfect timing behaviour for each of the six available filters, two of which are NOS stages.

Galvanic Separation DASS

The analogue sound quality is crucially determined by consistent separation between the digital and analogue sections. This separation, which we term the “Digital Analogue Separation System”, utilises ultra-fast digital isolators from Silicon Labs to provide galvanic separation between the analogue and digital sections. Since it is vital to maintain this separation through the entire signal chain, the mains sections for the analogue and digital signal paths are also completely separated galvanically.

Inputs, & Pre-amp & Outputs

No restrictions of any kind – this maxim was T+A's guide in determining the DAC 200’s connections: its inputs are as universal as they are high in quality: the USB-B inputs are based on the new high-resolution Thesycon chip, which processes signals up to DSD 1024. AES/EBU and BNC are also present, as is SP/DIF in optical and coaxial forms. The T+A SYS Link completes the high-speed signal connection within the Series 200 via the SYS IN input. One analog input is installed as standard, but two stereo HDMI inputs are available as an option.

As a specialised pre-amplifier, the DAC 200 features a discreet Class A pre-amplifier section as well as double mono “State of the Art” outputstage, whilst also providing several outputs designed to cope with any requirement. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs transfer the analogue signals to the output stages, while headphones are connected via a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn headphone output, which draws its signal from a special high-performance headphone amplifier. In contrast to conventional chip solutions, this is of fully discreet construction, and is specially designed for the requirements of headphones. An HDMI output with Audio Return Channel (ARC) for HDMI signal pass-through is available on the optional HDMI board.

HA200 Headphone Amplifier inside
Specifications
D/A Converter
  • PCM: Double-Differential-Quadruple Converter up to 32 Bit/768 kHz
    DSD: T+A True 1-Bit Converter, native Bitstream up to DSD 1024 (49,2 MHz)
Digital Inputs
  • USB Audio Input, AES-EBU, BNC, Coax, TOS-Link, HDMI (optional)
    USB Receiver conforming to UAC2 and UAC3 standards
Digital Inputs
  • Separate PCM und DSD signal paths and processing additional
    "Non Oversampling“ DAC mode (NOS-DAC)
Pre-amplifier
  • Discreetly designed circuit in HV technology Class A, volume control by encapsulated gold contact relays
Pre-amplifier
  • Discreetly designed circuit in HV technology Class A, volume control by encapsulated gold contact relays 
  • Frequency response + 0 / − 3 dB:
    0,1 Hz – 200 kHz
Headphone Amplifier
  • Discreetly designed High Performance output stage, up to 200 mA Class A
Special Features
  • Analogue input, complete galvanic separation between digital and analogue section

T+A A200 Amplifier

Design & Technology

In designing the A 200 output stage it was T+A's goal to combine maximum amplifier power with audiophile sound characteristics. On the one hand this means 250 Watts of continuous power per channel, and on the other hand this substantial power does not result in a reduction in terms of subtle detail, resolution and fine dynamics. Its heatsinks are both a technical necessity and a design statement: they show off every Watt of power in impressive style as well as ensuring efficient heat dispersion – even under maximum load. The A 200 output stage was developed with the aim of functioning either as a potent complement to an existing system, or as the high-performance end of a perfectly matched chain of specialised audiophile devices in combination with the Series 200. 

We only believe in power when we can use it in practice with efficiency and precision. In our search to achieve the optimum blend of sound quality, power and efficiency, we have developed a completely new circuit topology which combines T+A’s unique HV and High-Frequency sine-wave mains power supply technology with that of the PURIFI Eigentakt™ output stages. By this means we have succeeded in converting raw power into unsurpassed audiophile performance. All circuits and circuit boards are designed and executed by our own development team, and the PURIFI modules implemented within them. The damping factor of the A 200 can be reduced if a warmer or softer sound image is desired in combination with particular loudspeakers.

PRICE £3,490
AVAILABLE IN BLACK & SILVER  

 

 

  • The T+A Solitaire® P Headphones
The T+A Solitaire® P Headphones
Output Stage

The A 200 Class D output stages incorporate PURIFI Eigentakt™ technology. This platform, developed by the Danish technology company, is currently the world’s leading fundamental design for Class D output stages, as it eradicates the disadvantages of the previous generation of digital amplifiers. Until now digital amplifier designs were limited by their high dependence on the impedance of the loudspeakers connected to the system, by distortion in the output signal, by phase noise and increased distortion at high power levels. In contrast, the outstanding feature of this new circuit design is its outstanding measured data, making it the obvious choice for audiophile applications

  • Extremely low distortion factor and intermodulation distortion at all power levels
  • Extraordinarily low noise
  • High damping factor
  • Clean clipping
  • Low losses, high efficiency
  • Totally linear frequency response up to 60 kHz
  • Completely loudspeaker-load independent characteristics
 
Mains Section

In spite of their advantage in terms of efficiency, conventional switching mains sections have an inherent drawback: they generate interference in the form of induced interference, which has a consistently adverse effect on sound quality. Our response to this is to employ our T+A High-Frequency sine-wave mains sections: their pure sine-wave output and higher frequency – more than twice as high as conventional mains sections – effectively eradicate this interference. The final trace of induced interference is eliminated by the intelligent recharging of the T+A reservoir capacitors fitted to the units. Over many years of development T+A engineers succeeded in developing capacitors which recharge 100,000 times per second – 2,000 times faster than conventional capacitors. This is necessary in order to ensure that they respond to extremely brief signal spikes, and are always able to deliver the correct quantity of electrical energy. T+A's sine-wave mains sections are “hard” units, i.e. they do not collapse even under the most severe load; they provide the output stages with absolutely constant voltage.

Intelligent Safe Control

T+A's Intelligent Safe Control (ISC) is comparable with the ABS of a sports car: the micro-controller uses numerous sensors to provide constant monitoring of the temperature, load or clipping states, and intervenes in an intelligent manner in order to return the parameters to their permissible range.

Circuit Topology

T+A's HV circuit technology is unique in the world, and is employed in the voltage amplifier stage. The high operating voltage resulting from the overall circuit design ensures extremely linear reproduction of the audio signals, and provides totally natural imaging and dynamics from every recording – without compromise, and without limitation. The technology also eliminates harsh feedback, to which audio sound is very sensitive.

Specifications
Output Stage
Nominal Power per Channel
  • 250 Watts @ 4 Ohms
  • 125 Watts @ 8 Ohms
Frequency response + 0 / − 3 dB
  • 1 Hz – 60 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio
  • 113db
THD  /  Intermodulation
  • < 0,002 % / < 0,002 %
Channel separation
  • > 103 dB
Damping factor
  • > 800 / DF LO > 70
Input sensitivity nominal
  • High level (RCA) 800 mVeff / 5,8 kOhms
    Balanced (XLR) 1,6 Veff / 20 kOhms
 

T+A HA200 Headphone Amplifier

Design & Technology

The HA 200 headphone amplifier is a completely new development, designed for dynamic and magnetostatic headphones. It is based on analogue T+A HV technology. Its high-performance output stages are of Class-A design and operate with a high idle current, enabling them to drive even the most demanding headphones without difficulty. Impedance matching allows the HA 200 to be fine-tuned to suit any headphones you wish to use. In addition to high-quality analogue inputs we have equipped the HA 200 with a large number of professional digital inputs.


The case design and materials harmonise perfectly with the unique electronics. The amplifier’s appearance references the legendary M-system, in line with T+A’s design philosophy of timeless reduction. The cooling fins are inspired by the HV series. The pin-sharp screen displays all relevant information in compact form. The volume display is inspired by the thrust control

PRICE £6,600
AVAILABLE IN BLACK & SILVER

  • The T+A Solitaire® P Headphones
The T+A Solitaire® P Headphones
Converters & VU meters

The two VU meters are accurate indicators which display the variation in various parameters, as in studio applications and measurement engineering. A vast range of levels can be displayed, including input and output level, temperature and stream quality. The brightness and even the colour of the VU meters is user-variable. 

Like all current T+A DACs the new HA 200 also features a carefully optimised and completely separate decoder architecture for DSD and PCM, ensuring that all digital formats are decoded to the highest standards. All the digital signal processing of PCM data is carried out by T+A’s superlative double differential quadruple converter, with a conversion rate of up to 768 kHz. The unique analogue T+A True 1-Bit DSD converter is employed for DSD data; rather than converting the DSD data, it processes them in native Bitstream form. This means that DSD data up to DSD 1024, as they arrive from the USB input of the digital connecting board, can be reproduced in the very highest quality.

Flexibility & Operation

Although the primary purpose of the HA 200 is to be an amplifier with an extraordinarily high performance, this unusual flexibility on the input side is very helpful to various types of user. Since the amplifier employs our very finest DSD and PCM converters, the sound quality of the digital inputs is just as good as that of the analogue ones. The wide range of connection facilities requires a very sophisticated control system and display for the amplifier as a whole. In fact, the HA 200 is intuitive and simple to operate, thanks to an ingenious combination of operating buttons and menu control system.

HA200 Headphone Amplifier inside
Specifications
Analogue Specifications
  • Frequency Response: +0 / −3dB, D0, 1Hz – 200kHz
  • Signal / Noise Ratio: 110 / 114dB
  • THD  /  Intermodulation: < 0.001% / < 0.001%
  • Channel Separation: > 108dB
  • Class A Separation: up to 700mA
  • Volume Control: Relay controlled in 1dB steps, -90dB to 0dB
  • Loudness: Switchable, adjustable on the speaker efficiency
  • Sound Control: Switchable, channel separated, Bass & Treble -6dB to +8dB
  • Headphone Outputs: 6.3mm plug, 4.4mm Pentaconn, 4-pin XLR
  • Impedances: 8, 12, 18, 25, 40, 80 Ohms
DAC Specifications
  • PCM: Double-Differential-Quadruple-Converter with four 32-Bit Sigma-Delta D/A converter per channel, 705,6 / 768 kSps conversion rate
  • DSD: T+A-True-1Bit DSD D/A converter, up to DSD 1024 (49,2 MHz), native bitstream
  • Upsampling: T+A signal-processor – synchronous upsampling with four selectable oversampling algorithms. FIR short, FIR long, Bezier/IIR, Bezier, NOS (non-oversampling)
  • Analogue Filter: Phase-linear Bessel filter 3rd order, switchable with 60 or 120 kHz cut of frequency
Inputs
  • Analogue: High level (RCA) / balanced (XLR): 250 mVeff – 4,5 Veff / 10 kOhms | 500 mVeff – 9 Veff / 20 kOhms
  • Channel Separation: 110 dB
  • Digital: 1 x AES-EBU 32 – 192 kHz / 16-24 Bit. S/P-DIF: 2 x Standard Coax, 2 x optical TOS-Link 32 – 192 kHz / 16-24 Bit. 1 x BNC 32 – 192 kHz / 16-24 Bit. 2 x USB DAC: Device-Mode up to 768 kSps (PCM) and DSD1024*, supports asynchronous data transfer. (*DSD 512 and DSD 1024 with Windows PC and appropriate driver installed only.) 2 x HDMI IN, 1 x HDMI OUT with ARC (as an option)
Ultimate Stream Live - HA200 & Solitaire Headphones

Get in Touch

We'd love to hear from you

If you are interested in investing in a new system or looking for ideas on how you can improve your existing system, add a streaming solution or build a digital library, we’d love to hear from you.

To audition any of our products call us on 07423 603035 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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