Solitaire P-SE Headphone (Special Edition)

The Solitaire P-SE Headphones
The Solitaire P-SE is based on the Solitaire P, which itself represented a new and groundbreaking development, incorporating a highly refined application of the magnetostatic principle. Like all T+A headphones, the Solitaire P-SE is uncompromising in its design, conceived with a single objective: music reproduction in perfection.

From the TPM 2500 transducer system to the headband connections, every component and sub-assembly is manufactured to the tightest possible tolerances using precision tools. The headphones’ construction employs various plastics with differing characteristics, selected according to function and specific application: the cups exhibit very high internal damping, while the yokes and headband attachments are mechanically strong and exceptionally robust. The surfaces are finished in premium lacquers originally developed for aviation applications. The sophisticated design of the TPM 2500, in conjunction with the magnet arrangement, sound duct, and diaphragm, linearizes the sound field and radiation characteristics. Music is reproduced in its purest form: the Solitaire P-SE presents the music exactly as it is. Natural, completely faithful reproduction remains the first commandment of all T+A devices.

Construction and Material
Many planar-magnetic headphones share the challenges of low efficiency, very low impedance, and considerable weight. From the outset, the Solitaire P-SE was designed to avoid these drawbacks. A crucial factor in achieving this objective was the adoption of a new approach to problem-solving. Significant effort was invested in the design process, accompanied by an uncompromising commitment to the finest available materials.

The headphones incorporate several close-tolerance sub-assemblies that fit together precisely and can only be manufactured using precision tools. These components are produced to tolerances measured in hundredths of a millimeter, ensuring consistently perfect fit and finish.

The ear cushions and headband are handmade by a specialist manufacturer in Germany. They consist of allergen-free synthetic leather and velour, carefully selected to complement the performance characteristics of the Solitaire P-SE. The foundation for exceptional wearing comfort was established during the development process, ensuring pleasant contact with the skin even during extended listening sessions.

Headphone Cable
In the pursuit of optimum sound quality, the connecting cables represent a crucial link in the signal chain. The cables feature a symmetrical construction with very low inductance and capacitance and are engineered with optimum impedance characteristics. They consist of ultra-pure oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors with a carefully defined silver layer.

The four signal conductors are embedded in cotton threads and permanently wrapped in a silver-plated woven shield. This construction isolates electromagnetic influences and damps mechanical resonances. The connectors are of the highest quality. The headphones themselves are fitted with special 3.5 mm barrel connectors which, like the corresponding sockets, are finely gold-plated and provide exceptionally low transfer resistance.

The entire cable assembly, including connectors and splitters, is encased and sheathed in a single manufacturing process, resulting in an exceptionally robust and durable cable that remains highly flexible. The cable insulators consist of premium Hytrel® and TPE elastomers that are free of PVC and latex and manufactured without toxic softening agents.

Two cable sets are supplied with the headphones as standard: one with a 6.3 mm connector and a second with a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn connector, offering optimum transfer resistance for the highest possible sound quality. As an option, a cable terminated with a four-pin XLR connector can be supplied in place of the 4.4 mm Pentaconn cable set.

Transducer
The Solitaire P-SE is driven by the in-house TPM 2500 transducer. The TPM 2500 is derived from the flagship TPM 3100 transducer; both were developed and are handcrafted in Herford.

The high-performance neodymium magnets of the TPM 2500 feature an accurately calculated segment shape and are precisely matched in length to the oval outline of the diaphragm. This ensures that the generated magnetic field lines remain homogeneous and that no air turbulence occurs; airflow remains laminar at all times.

The precise design of the retaining rings and magnet mount maintains the diaphragm’s position accurately within the linear region of the magnetic field, enabling it to generate high sound pressure levels without distortion and with an enormous dynamic range, virtually free of inertia. This design also eliminates the need for opposing magnet systems, helping to keep overall weight low.

The diaphragm is able to vibrate freely toward the ear cushions, as there is no acoustic hindrance between the transducer diaphragm and the ear. The diaphragm of the TPM 2500 consists of a special ultra-thin—and therefore ultra-lightweight—film material coated with a precisely routed and calculated conductor array with an impedance of approximately 45 ohms.

The open construction of the Solitaire P-SE avoids the resonance problems associated with closed systems and allows the diaphragm to vibrate unimpeded, preserving the music signal in its full, unadulterated form.

• Transducer principle:   Planar-magnetostatic
• Impedance:   45 Ohms
• Frequency responce:   8 Hz - 45 kHz
• Distortion:   < 0,015 % @ 100 dB
• Maximum sound pressure level:   > 130 dB
• Transducer size:   elliptic 110 x 80 mm
• Type of construction:   Open, over ear
• Connectivity:   Wired transmission (3m), un-balanced 6.35 mm, balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn or XLR-4-Pin
• Material:   Thermo plastic, steel, allergen-free synthetic leather and velour
• Weight:   440 g excl. cable

Technical modifications reserved