SDX 3100 HV Streaming DAC

For decades, the pursuit of perfection has been a fragmented quest. T+A decided this was inefficient. By refusing to accept technical limits, the engineers in Herford combined easy-to-use streaming, the world's first Digital/Analog converter with native DSD 1024 processing, and a reference-grade preamplifier section.

T+A believes the journey of a signal, from the digital network to your ear, should be direct and monolithic. The third-generation Audiophile Streaming Architecture (ASA G3) is not a collection of features; it is T+A's unified answer to a multitude of choices. Whether the source is TIDAL, Qobuz, or a mobile device via Connect services or Bluetooth, the path is already perfected. This unified approach finds its ultimate expression in the native network playback of DSD files through the T+A True-1Bit converter—a direct, lossless bitstream of reference quality. Every connection has been perfected so that only one decision remains: what to listen to first. At the heart of the SDX 3100 HV is a converter architecture forged from a refusal to compromise. This means processing PCM at 32-bit / 768 kHz and DSD natively up to 1024 without conversion.

To achieve these performance levels, the proven converter section of the SDV 3100 HV has been refined even further. Data rates once deemed impossible are now handled with effortless ease. As a Unified Reference Instrument, the SDX 3100 HV is designed to be the heart of your system. Its consequently improved reference-grade preamplifier section ensures it assumes this role with absolute authority, whatever the final system configuration may be. Control is immediate and direct, whether through the instrument's buttons and precision-milled rotary controls, the included solid metal F 3100 remote, or the T+A MusicNavigator G3 app. Each is designed not for endless tinkering, but as a simple conduit to the music itself—a tool to command, not to distract.

The SDX 3100 HV is a milestone, not simply because it comes from a legacy of firsts, but because of what it represents. It is proof of what becomes possible when the status quo of complexity is no longer accepted and integration becomes the guiding principle. It is more than a component; it is the destination. It is where the search for the ultimate source ends.

DASS
Over forty years of experience have demonstrated that exceptional sound is not created solely within circuitry; the enclosure plays a decisive role in eliminating detrimental variables. This is why T+A's dedication to perfection begins with the enclosure itself. It is designed as a fortress against interference. The walls of every HV enclosure are crafted from solid, non-magnetic aluminum. This material choice is critical; unlike ferrous metals, it remains electromagnetically inert, refusing to interact with the dynamic fields generated by the internal circuitry. By eliminating the risk of magnetic hysteresis and eddy currents—subtle distortions that can veil sonic detail—the enclosure itself never becomes a source of sonic coloration. The result is profound electromagnetic shielding, a fundamental prerequisite for eliminating external variables and achieving pure, uncolored sound.

Inside, precision-milled aluminum plates, between 10 and 15 millimeters thick, create naturally shielded compartments. This intelligent arrangement forms the foundation for the complete decoupling of individual functional sections, eliminating the internal conflicts caused by electromagnetic interference. Whether formed through elaborate extrusion profiles or milled from solid blocks, every detail has been conceived with unwavering, purpose-driven precision. Anti-magnetic materials eliminate even the finest distortions, while specialized lacquers and hard anodization ensure a flawless finish. The system's impressive weight is therefore not merely a reflection of its quality; it is a deliberate act of mechanical isolation from ambient influences.

Headphone Amplifier
For many, the most profound listening is a solitary act. It is a direct, intimate connection that deserves its own expression. For this reason, the SDX 3100 HV's headphone amplifier is engineered to provide the same level of intimacy to headphones as it does to power amplifiers.

The amplifier is built entirely on T+A HV technology and operates in pure Class A mode. This is not a feature to be listed, but a philosophical commitment. It is the only way to guarantee the effortless, distortion-free, and utterly transparent performance required to achieve complete harmony with the music. The question of whether a pair of headphones is the perfect partner for the amplifier is another variable that has been eliminated. The discretely designed output stage is engineered for high current delivery, ensuring absolute authority over even low-impedance models. Its ability to unlock the full potential of high-impedance headphones removes compatibility as a concern. Details such as a dedicated voltage regulation system, exceptional thermal stability, and optimized noise performance are not extras—they are the tangible result of perfecting every stage of the signal path.

De-Jitter Masterclock
The journey to unadulterated musical fidelity demands more than exceptional conversion; it requires the complete elimination of even the most minute sources of interference. Jitter—microscopic timing deviations in the digital clock—is a ghost in the machine, an invisible phenomenon that degrades the listening experience when using digital sources. The response is not a simple filter; it is a statement of intent. The T+A De-Jitter Masterclock, developed in Herford, is a deliberate and uncompromising audiophile solution to this final, insidious variable. It is a multi-stage purification process designed to cleanse incoming digital signals of even the most severe jitter artifacts, so that the integrity of the source is never in question.

In the first stage, a raw clock signal is extracted and meticulously examined by microprocessors. Strict criteria for frequency and stability determine whether the signal is worthy of the Masterclock.

If the signal fails to meet these uncompromising standards, it is not rejected. It is perfected. The signal is routed through a specially designed second Jitterbug, where an additional PLL stage refines it, reducing residual jitter by a factor of four. This obsession with precision is made manifest: the signal is not merely accepted—it is compelled toward perfection. Once it has passed this test, the signal is completely decoupled from all input jitter and further processed by two precisely calibrated quartz oscillators. This is the final, uncompromising step. Each oscillator is dedicated to a specific clock family—one for 44.1 kHz multiples and the other for 48 kHz multiples—creating a clocking foundation free from digital artifacts and wholly devoted to the music.

This is more than a technical feature. It is the serene confidence that the optimal choice has already been made, even at the microscopic level. It is the end of doubt.

Path Separation Technology
T+A's approach to digital conversion is not merely different; it is a rejection of the typical compromises. Whilst converting a DSD signal to PCM before processing is an often-employed practice, T+A regards it as an unnecessary detriment to the signal's integrity. This conviction is the very soul of T+A Path Separation Technology, incorporating the bespoke T+A True 1-Bit DSD and Quadruple PCM Converter. It is not a feature; it is a philosophy made manifest in technology. By processing DSD files natively, without conversion, the 1-bit stream remains precisely what it was intended to be: unaltered, direct, and pure.

This same spirit defines the treatment of PCM signals through the T+A Quadruple Converter. Its fully symmetrical architecture uses four 32-bit BurrBrown converters (eight channels in total) in a unique configuration that does not simply process the signal, but perfects it. By compensating for even the most microscopic non-linearities and further reducing the already imperceptible noise floor by another 6 dB, the architecture achieves absolute linearity and dynamic purity. This is not a specification to be boasted about. It is the tangible result of an engineering philosophy in which perfecting even the minutest variables is standard practice.

T+A recognizes that the ultimate connoisseur seeks not to endlessly tweak, but to achieve a final, perfect harmony with the recording itself. For this reason, the Bezier filter polynomials are not intended as a gateway to mere experimentation. Rather, they are a final, subtle instrument of refinement. These six precisely calculated stages, including two uncompromising NOS modes, allow the character of the converter to be perfectly matched to the unique atmosphere of a recording. This is not about catering to a whim; it is about providing a definitive tool to honor the source. It is the final—and only—choice left to make, transforming precise playback into an emotionally resonant experience: the lasting sense of completion that comes when the search finally ends.

ASA G3
The third-generation Audiophile Streaming Architecture (ASA G3) is the high-fidelity bridge between the HV Series and today's connected world. It was conceived with a clear purpose: to provide the freedom to choose any source while ensuring the signal path for every selection has already been perfected. The choice of what to listen to should never be compromised. That is why, at the heart of the ASA G3, advanced network boards process every incoming signal with uncompromising integrity. Whether the preferred source is high-resolution services such as Deezer, Qobuz, and TIDAL, local network files up to 192/24 (HD), or a mobile device using Connect services, the result is the same: the highest possible quality, every time. Even the convenience of wireless Bluetooth listening is elevated, with aptX HD codecs supporting uncompressed FLAC files to preserve sonic purity.

This philosophy culminates in a milestone for the engineers in Herford: the ability to natively stream DSD files directly from a network. Preserving the integrity of this exceptional format guided every stage of development—not only in the design of the converter sections, but also in the software architecture behind the ASA G3. The signal travels a direct, unbroken path to the T+A True 1-Bit Converter, where it is processed in its original bitstream—free from conversion, free from loss.

The ASA G3 embodies T+A's commitment to uncompromising performance and effortless usability. It seamlessly merges access to a universe of sources with the uniquely refined signal processing that defines T+A. It is not just streaming; it is the assurance that whatever is chosen will be rendered with the profound fidelity the music deserves.

Headphone Amplifier
For many, the most profound listening is a solitary act. It is a direct, intimate connection that deserves its own expression. For this reason, the SDX 3100 HV's headphone amplifier is engineered to provide the same level of intimacy to headphones as it does to power amplifiers.

The amplifier is built entirely on T+A HV technology and operates in pure Class A mode. This is not a feature to be listed, but a philosophical commitment. It is the only way to guarantee the effortless, distortion-free, and utterly transparent performance required to achieve complete harmony with the music. The question of whether a pair of headphones is the perfect partner for the amplifier is another variable that has been eliminated. The discretely designed output stage is engineered for high current delivery, ensuring absolute authority over even low-impedance models. Its ability to unlock the full potential of high-impedance headphones removes compatibility as a concern. Details such as a dedicated voltage regulation system, exceptional thermal stability, and optimized noise performance are not extras—they are the tangible result of perfecting every stage of the signal path.

Preamplifier
The SDX 3100 HV is conceived to navigate the inevitable evolution of the high-end system. As the pursuit of sonic perfection increasingly favors integration, this instrument ensures that the path to simplicity is never paved with compromise.

At its heart lies a Double Mono "State of the Art" circuit architecture. This is not a mere specification; it is the foundation for achieving absolute channel separation and uncompromising signal purity. Built entirely with discrete components on proprietary T+A HV technology, it represents the complete elimination of crosstalk and interference. Constructed in full symmetry and galvanically isolated from the digital domain, every analog output stage delivers maximum linearity and dynamic headroom with unwavering precision.

For volume regulation, the SDX 3100 HV employs the high-precision, relay-controlled module proven throughout the T+A HV series. With a tolerance of less than 0.05 dB at –60 dB, the system ensures exact level matching even at the lowest listening levels.

Every detail of the SDX 3100 HV's preamplifier section reflects a singular goal: to deliver control and clarity at a level where technology becomes invisible and the burden of choice simply disappears.

Analog Perfection in the Digital Age
Although the SDX 3100 HV is designed as the state-of-the-art successor to the SDV 3100 HV streaming DAC, an uncompromisingly analog heart beats within it. Three defining features underscore this philosophy, demonstrating that reference-level performance requires no digital shortcuts.

To integrate seamlessly into virtually any high-end system, the SDX 3100 HV features an expanded complement of balanced analog inputs and outputs. This enhanced connectivity enables an even more precise, tailor-made integration with existing components. Whether partnering with modern digital sources or classic analog equipment, the SDX 3100 HV becomes the uncompromising control center of the entire system, offering exceptional flexibility and comprehensive connectivity.

In addition to its analog inputs, the SDX 3100 HV can be transformed into an audiophile hub for turntables through the installation of an optional phono module. The highly sophisticated HV Series phono module is now available in a newly developed plug-in version that is exceptionally easy to install and configure, with all adjustments conveniently accessible from the rear panel. The only decision left is whether to choose the MC or MM version.

By integrating the phono module directly into the resonance-optimized chassis and utilizing the SDX 3100 HV's power supply, the extremely sensitive phono signal benefits from the outstanding technical foundation of the HV platform. The result is a warm, detailed, and deeply engaging analog experience at an uncompromising reference level.

Pure Analog Tone Control: Precision Without Compromise
Digital tone controls (DSP) often intervene directly in the data stream, potentially compromising the fine dynamics and spatial accuracy of a recording. T+A instead takes a consistently audiophile approach: the tone control system integrated into the SDX 3100 HV operates entirely within the analog domain.

Beyond allowing independent adjustment of bass and treble for each channel, the system also provides the unique ability to select individual turnover frequencies. This enables the sound to be precisely tailored to room acoustics, loudspeaker characteristics, or the specific qualities of a recording—completely lossless, free of phase errors, and preserving the full musical integrity of the original signal.

Technical Specifications

Pre-Amplifier

• Frequency response +0 /-3dB:  0.5 Hz - 300 kHz
• Signal-to-Noise-Ratio:  108 / 117 dB
• THD | IMD | Crosstalk:  < 0.001 % | < 0.001 % | 110 dB
• Nominal input sensitivity
  • High level (RCA) | Balanced (XLR):  250 mV RMS ... 9 V RMS / 10 kOhm | 500 mV RMS ...18 V RMS / 20 kOhm
• Analogue output XLR:  nom 1,45 V RMS, max 19,6 V RMS / 50 Ohm

Headphone output

• 6.3 mm jack, 4.4 mm Pentaconn (6 ohms), Output impedance 6 ohms, discrete power amplifiers, Class A operation with up to 200 mA

In- and Outputs

• Analogue inputs:
  • asymmetric co-axial (RCA) 250 mV RMS ... 9 V RMS / 10 kOhm
  • symmetric (XLR) 500 mV RMS ...18 V RMS / 20 kOhm
• Analogue outputs:  symmetric (XLR) nom 1.45 V RMS, max 19.6 V RMS / 50 Ohm
• Digital outputs:  1x co-ax, IEC 60958 (LPCM)
• Digital inputs: 
  • 1x AES-EBU 192 kSps /24 bit
  • 6x S/P-DIF: 2x standard coax, 2 high quality BNC and 2 optical TOS-Link (32…192 kSps / 16-24 bit).
  • 2x HDMI, 1x ARC (HDMI OUT)
  • 2x USB: Device-Mode up to 768 kSps (PCM) and DSD1024*, unterstützt asynchrone Datenübertragung / supports asynchronous data transfer.
  • * DSD512 and DSD1024 only with a Windows PC with appropriate driver installed or with a Linux PC with Kernel 4.4 or higher.
  • Network Connection
    • LAN: Fast Ethernet 10/100/1000 Base-T, WLAN: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2x2 MIMO 2.412 – 2.472 GHz (2.4 GHz ISM Band, 13 channels) channel 1 / channel 13
    • North America FCC, Japan MIC, Europe ETSI bandwidth 5.180-5.825 GHz (5 GHz UNII-1/2/3 Band, 24 Kanäle/ channels) North America (IC and FCC): 5.180-5.600 GHz, 5.650-5.825 GHz, Europe, Japan (ETSI und MIC): 5.180-5.700 GHz
    • max gain in 2.4 GHz band: 3.2 dBi
    • max gain in 5 GHz band: 4.25 dBi up to 17 dBm (at antenna connection)
    • 2 x USB 2.0 Mastermode

DAC

• PCM:  Double-Differential-Quadruple-Converter with 4 D/A converters per channel, 32-Bit Sigma Delta, 705.6 / 768 kSps
• DSD:  T+A True-1Bit DSD D/A-Converter native bitstream, up to DSD 1024
• Upsampling (PCM):  Programmable Digital Signal Processor with 4 selectable oversampling algorithms: FIR short, FIR long, Bezier/IIR, Bezier
• Analogue filter:  Phase-linear Bessel filter 3rd order, switchable 60 kHz or 120 kHz
• Frequency response: 
  • PCM 44.1 kSps: 2 Hz - 20 kHz
  • PCM 48 kSps: 2 Hz - 22 kHz / DSD 64: 2 Hz - 44 kHz
  • PCM 96 kSps: 2 Hz - 40 kHz / DSD 128: 2 Hz - 60 kHz
  • PCM 192 kSps: 2 Hz - 80 kHz / DSD 256: 2 Hz - 80 kHz
  • PCM 384 kSps: 2 Hz - 100 kHz / DSD 512: 2 Hz - 100 kHz
  • PCM 768 kSps: 2 Hz - 120 kHz / DSD 1024: 2 Hz - 120 kHz
• THD: < 0.001 %
• Weighted SNR: 117 dB
• Channel separation:  110 dB

Streaming Client

• Formats / Standards:  MP3, AAC, OGG Vorbis, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, DFF, DSF
• Data rates:  PCM 32...384 kHz,16/24 Bit; MP3 up to 320 kBit, constant and variable data rate DSD64; DSD128; DSD256
• Streaming services:  Tidal connect, Deezer, Qobuz connect, Spotify connect, HIGHRESAUDIO, Amazon Music HD, Apple AirPlay2, Plays with Audirvana, Roon (in certification), airable Radio and Podcasts
• Features:  Auto Network config., Internet Radio Station database (automatic updates), T+A Music Navigator App G3 for iOS und Android

Tuner

• Internet Radio:  Airable Internet Radio Service ( > 11000 Stations worldwide)
• FM, FM-HD* (*USA only) 87.5 - 108 MHz; sensitivity 1 µV; S/N > 65 dBA
• DAB, DAB+:  168 -260 MHz (Band III); Sensitivity 2.0 µV, S/N > 96 dBA
• Features:  RDS/RDBS, Stationname (PS), Programme type (PTY), Radiotext (RT)

Bluetooth

• Bluetooth Standard / Codec:  Bluetooth standard BT 5.4
• Profiles:  A2DP (Audio), AVRCP 1.4 (Control) / aptX® HD, SBC, AAC, MP3
• Frequency band:  2,4 GHz: 2042Mhz ... 2480Mhz, Max. output power <10 dBm (EIRP)
• Control Protocol:  AVRCP

Mains Input / Accessories / Dimensions

• Mains Input:  2x 220 - 240 V~ , 50-60 Hz, 2x 110 - 120 V~, 50-60 Hz
• Power Consumption:  maximal digital 40W, analog 60W
• Standby < 0.5 W
• Comfort Standby < 2W
• Dimensions (H x W x D) / Weight:  17 x 46 x 46 cm (6.69 × 18.11 × 18.11 inches) / 26 kg (57.3 lb)
• Accessories:  Remote control F3100, 2x W-LAN aerial, 2x power cord, XLR cord, RCA cord, USB C cable, FM aerial, HLink cable, User manual
• Optional: MM or MC module
• Color options:  Silver Laquer 47 or Titanium Laquer 64