T+A SDX 3100 HV Reference Streaming Pre DAC

With ASA G3 network playback, separate PCM and DSD conversion paths, a discrete double-mono preamplifier, and a class-A headphone amplifier.

The SDX 3100 HV combines T+A’s reference streaming platform, separate PCM and DSD converters, and a fully analog preamplifier in one component. Designed as the successor to the SDV 3100 HV, it can serve as the source and control center of a system built around power amplifiers or active loudspeakers.

Its third-generation Audiophile Streaming Architecture supports music services, Connect protocols, Internet radio, local network storage, USB drives, Bluetooth, and high-resolution network playback. Network streaming supports PCM up to 384 kHz/24 bit and DSD256, while the two USB DAC inputs accept PCM up to 768 kHz and native DSD1024.

Separate Conversion Paths for PCM and DSD

T+A’s Path Separation Technology gives PCM and DSD their own digital processing, converter, and analog output stages rather than converting both formats through a common architecture.

PCM is handled by a double-differential quadruple converter with four 32-bit sigma-delta DACs per channel. T+A arranges the eight converter channels in a symmetrical configuration intended to average converter nonlinearity and lower the noise floor. Six selectable PCM playback modes include long and short FIR filters, Bézier-based processing, and two non-oversampling modes.

DSD is sent as a native 1-bit stream to T+A’s True 1-Bit converter without first being converted to PCM. Two DSD conversion modes are available, and the analog reconstruction filter can be switched between 60 kHz and 120 kHz bandwidths.

De-Jitter Masterclock

The De-Jitter Masterclock examines the clock recovered from an incoming digital signal before conversion. Signals that meet T+A’s frequency and stability criteria can be used directly, while less stable signals pass through an additional PLL stage before being reclocked.

Separate quartz oscillators are used for the 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sampling-rate families. This multi-stage system reduces the influence of timing errors from connected digital sources before the signal reaches the DAC.

Reference Analog Preamplifier

The preamplifier uses a fully symmetrical, double-mono circuit built from discrete components. Its analog stages are galvanically isolated from the digital section, while separate power supplies and mains connections are provided for the analog and digital circuitry.

Volume is controlled by a relay-switched attenuator with channel-matching tolerance of less than 0.05 dB at -60 dB. Two pairs of balanced XLR outputs allow the SDX 3100 HV to drive power amplifiers, active loudspeakers, or other line-level equipment.

Three analog line inputs are provided: two balanced XLR inputs and one unbalanced RCA input. An optional plug-in PH HVMM or PH HVMC phono module can also be installed. Both versions provide adjustable sensitivity, while the MM module offers selectable input capacitance and the MC module provides selectable cartridge loading.

Entirely Analog Sound Adjustment

The sound-processing section operates entirely in the analog domain, avoiding an additional analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion. It includes adjustable loudness, bass and treble controls with selectable operating frequencies, and a three-band parametric equalizer.

Individual functions can be bypassed and removed from the signal path by gold-contact relays when they are not required. Bass and treble can also be adjusted separately for the left and right channels.

Discrete Class-A Headphone Amplifier

The internal headphone amplifier uses a discrete output stage based on T+A’s HV circuit technology and operates in class-A with current delivery up to 200 mA. Separate 6.3 mm and balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn connections are provided for conventional and balanced headphone cables.

ASA G3 Streaming and Control

The ASA G3 platform provides wired Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, along with access to TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Deezer, Amazon Music HD, HIGHRESAUDIO, Apple AirPlay 2, Audirvana, and airable Internet radio and podcasts. Roon support is listed by T+A as undergoing certification.

Bluetooth 5.4 supports aptX HD, AAC, SBC, and MP3. The SDX 3100 HV can be controlled from its front panel, the supplied aluminum F 3100 remote, or the T+A MusicNavigator G3 app for iOS and Android.

Solid Aluminum HV Construction

The chassis is made from non-magnetic aluminum, with internal aluminum plates measuring between 10 and 15 mm thick separating the major functional sections. The compartmentalized construction provides mechanical stability and helps shield sensitive analog circuits from power-supply, processor, and digital interference.

Features

• ASA G3 network streaming platform
• Network playback up to PCM 384 kHz/24 bit and DSD256
• USB DAC playback up to PCM 768 kHz and native DSD1024
• Separate digital, converter, and analog signal paths for PCM and DSD
• Double-differential PCM converter with four 32-bit DACs per channel
• T+A True 1-Bit native DSD converter
• Four oversampling filters and two NOS modes for PCM
• Two selectable DSD conversion modes
• Switchable 60 kHz or 120 kHz analog filter bandwidth
• Multi-stage De-Jitter Masterclock
• Discrete, fully symmetrical double-mono preamplifier
• Relay-controlled volume adjustment
• Two balanced XLR analog inputs and one RCA analog input
• Two pairs of balanced XLR preamplifier outputs
• Optional PH HVMM or PH HVMC phono module
• Entirely analog tone controls, loudness, and three-band parametric equalizer
• Discrete class-A headphone amplifier
• 6.3 mm and balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn headphone outputs
• Two USB DAC inputs and two USB host connections
• Two HDMI inputs and HDMI ARC output
• Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX HD, AAC, SBC, and MP3
• 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi
• FM and HD Radio reception
• Solid non-magnetic aluminum chassis
• Separate analog and digital power supplies
• F 3100 remote control included

What’s Included

• F 3100 infrared remote control
• 2 Wi-Fi antennas
• 2 power cords
• XLR cable
• RCA cable
• USB-C cable
• FM antenna
• HLink cable
• User manual

Specifications

Preamplifier

Frequency Response (+0/-3 dB): 0.5 Hz–300 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 108 dB / 117 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.001%

Intermodulation Distortion: <0.001%

Channel Separation: 110 dB

Volume-Control Channel Matching (At -60 dB): <0.05 dB

RCA Input Sensitivity and Impedance: 250 mV RMS–9 V RMS / 10 kΩ

XLR Input Sensitivity and Impedance: 500 mV RMS–18 V RMS / 20 kΩ

XLR Output Level: 1.45 V RMS nominal; 19.6 V RMS maximum

XLR Output Impedance: 50 ohms

D/A Converter

PCM Converter: Double-differential quadruple converter with four 32-bit sigma-delta DACs per channel

Maximum PCM Conversion Rate: 705.6/768 kSps

DSD Converter: T+A True 1-Bit native-bitstream converter

Maximum DSD Conversion Rate: DSD1024

PCM Playback Modes: Long FIR, short FIR, Bézier/IIR, Bézier, NOS 1, NOS 2

DSD Playback Modes: DSD 1, DSD 2

Analog Filter: Third-order phase-linear Bessel filter; switchable 60 kHz or 120 kHz

DAC Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.001%

DAC Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): 117 dB

DAC Channel Separation: 110 dB

Streaming

Supported Formats: MP3, AAC, OGG Vorbis, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, DFF, DSF

Network PCM Playback: 32–384 kHz, 16/24 bit

Network DSD Playback: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256

MP3 Data Rate: Up to 320 kbps, constant or variable bit rate

Streaming Services and Protocols: TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Deezer, Amazon Music HD, HIGHRESAUDIO, Apple AirPlay 2, Plays with Audirvana, airable Radio and Podcasts; Roon certification pending

Control App: T+A MusicNavigator G3 for iOS and Android

Internet Radio: airable Internet Radio

Terrestrial Radio (US): FM and FM-HD

Bluetooth

Bluetooth Version: 5.4

Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP 1.4

Codecs: aptX HD, SBC, AAC, MP3

Analog Connections

Balanced Analog Inputs: 2 stereo XLR

Unbalanced Analog Inputs: 1 stereo RCA

Balanced Analog Outputs: 2 stereo XLR pairs, variable level

Optional Phono Input: PH HVMM moving-magnet module or PH HVMC moving-coil module

Digital Connections

AES/EBU Inputs: 1; up to 192 kSps/24 bit

RCA Coaxial Inputs: 2; 32–192 kSps, 16–24 bit

BNC Coaxial Inputs: 2; 32–192 kSps, 16–24 bit

Optical Inputs: 2 Toslink; 32–192 kSps, 16–24 bit

USB DAC Inputs: 2; asynchronous PCM up to 768 kSps and DSD1024

HDMI Inputs: 2

HDMI Output: 1 with ARC

Digital Output: 1 coaxial RCA, IEC 60958 LPCM

USB Host Connections: 2 USB 2.0

T+A System Connections: IPA Link and 2 HLink

Network

Ethernet: 10/100/1000 Base-T

Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2 × 2 MIMO, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

Headphone Amplifier

Headphone Outputs: 6.3 mm and balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn

Output Impedance: 6 ohms

Output Stage: Discrete class-A

Maximum Output Current: 200 mA

General

Power Consumption: 60 W maximum analog; 40 W maximum digital

Standby Power Consumption: <0.5 W

Comfort Standby Power Consumption: <2 W

Mains Input: 2 × 110–120 V, 50–60 Hz

Finishes: Silver Lacquer 47, Titanium Lacquer 64

Dimensions (H × W × D): 6.7" × 18.1" × 18.1" (170 × 460 × 460 mm)

Weight: 57.3 lb. (26 kg)