T+A SDV 3100 HV digital converter/preamplifier

REVIEW
Editor
Feb 15, 2022

The T+A SDV 3100 HV is a refined and elegant player with an honesty and speed that challenges the hyped-up sounds of many systems. That’s almost a double-edged sword; to those who are searching for an accurate, detailed and dynamic sound that isn’t edgy, forward or forced… T+A makes a very compelling argument for itself. However, there are many who say such things, but are actually looking for something a little more arch and spectacular, and the T+A is too smart for that, and never sounds fatiguing in the way such ‘fireworks’ products inevitably end up sounding over time.

We often put on a good show in audio, but this T+A SDV 3100 HV is the real deal. The balance of energy and sophistication of sound will appeal to many and it’s engineered to see out the next millennium. You need to audition T+A products carefully, because they will be yours for a very long time, thanks to being an extremely well-made and well-thought-out package. I’m afraid I have to roll that word out one more time; the SDV 3100 HV is an impeccable performer.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Digital inputs: 1 AES/EBU, 2 coax, 2 BNC, 2 TosLink, 2 USB DAC in, USB Device Mode, LAN, WLAN, Bluetooth, 2 HDMI, 1 IPA-Link transport interface
Digital outputs: S/PDIF on RCA, HDMI
Analogue inputs: 1 balanced XLR, 1 unbalanced RCA
Analogue outputs: 1 balanced XLR, 1 unbalanced RCA
Control: H Link (for integrated control of other T+A products with H Link)
Formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, Vorbis, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC
Data rates: PCM to 384kHz/24-bit, DSD up to DSD1024
Streaming: Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer
Conversion: Double-differential quadruple DAC, 768kHz (PCM); T+A True-1Bit native DSD converter with upsampling to DSD1024 PCM upsampling: Programable DSP with four selectable filters, 705kHz or 768kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: 117dB
Channel separation: 110dB
Dimensions: 17cm × 46cm × 46cm
Weight: 26kg
Price: £23,400