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T+A A 3000 HV
The Power Amplifier
The A 3000 HV is the ideal power amplifier and complement to the P 3000 HV pre-amplifier. It is designed as a stereo power amplifier, but can also be configured to work in mono mode, in which guise it is capable of delivering twice the current and in which it doubles the pure Class-A mode. Thanks to HV technology, this powerhouse offers superb sound characteristics as well as incredible power and performance: a standard which is unsurpassed even by much more expensive amplifiers. The principle of splitting a High-End system into separate pre-amplifier and power amplifier gave our development team the opportunity to implement the finest possible circuit designs and technologies without having to take into account space considerations and case restrictions. This applies both to the electronic components and the mechanical design of the case, since - if the aim is to attain the best possible sound - a preamplifier’s requirements are fundamentally different from those of an power amplifier: preamplifiers process relatively small signals, and the crucial aspect of their design is the avoidance of induced and other interference; power amplifier, on the other hand, have to cope with relatively large signals, and the stability of the power supply, its current delivery capacity and performance independent of load are much more important.
Case Compartment
The entire electronic power circuit with output stages and mains power supply is housed in its own shielded compartment in the underside of the machine. The dividing wall between top and bottom sections is 10 mm thick and - of course - is also made of aluminium. Voltage amplification and current amplification circuitry is housed on separate circuit boards in separate case sections, in order to prevent mutual interaction. The sophistication of the design does not stop there, as we have even provided galvanic separation between the two. Thanks to this uncompromising design philosophy there is absolutely no feedback of the loudspeaker currents into the voltage amplifier stages, and complete freedom from loudspeaker loading effects.
Amplifier Section
The voltage amplifier is an extremely linear, broad-band, cross-coupled differential cascode amplifier, followed by a single-ended Class A large signal stage which provides superb sound quality.
The fully symmetrical current amplifier stage (output stage) is fitted with MOSFET drivers and the latest “thermal tracking” bi-polar output transistors; this combination delivers a very harmonious audiophile sound image combined with tremendous current delivery capacity. The output stage transistors feature integral temperature monitor diodes which we use to maintain the power transistors at an absolutely constant operating point, regardless of temperature, allowing us to control the circuit’s distortion behaviour perfectly, regardless of the momentary load. By maintaining full symmetry in the arrangement of all conductors in the output stages, speaker cables and mains power supply we have succeeded in providing complete compensation for all signal currents. The net result is a complete lack of magnetic stray fields, and no electromagnetic feedback into the input stages.
Speaker Terminals
The enormous power of the power amplifier calls for particularly high-quality, stable loudspeaker terminals; they are machined from solid pure brass and rhodium-plated on every surface. Rhodium is the perfect contact material: as conductive as silver, as durable as platinum, as corrosion-resistant as gold (and unfortunately as expensive as all three put together).
For the most exacting requirements a further option exists for improving the quality of the voltage and current supply: this is the PS 3000 HV supplementary mains unit.
Dealers selling T+A near you
T+A A 3000 HV Power Amplifier
The T+A A 3000 HV pairs monumental, reference-class power with a refined, natural presentation. Its first 40 watts in Class A and abundant headroom deliver visceral, chest-pounding bass alongside delicate low-level detail, making clarity, dynamics and headroom the amp's standout qualities. Imaging is expansive and authoritative, with voices and instruments projecting beyond the speakers to create a spacious soundstage. Construction is equally serious: machined rhodium-plated WBT speaker terminals, a 38 kg chassis, green visual meters and a 120,000 µF reservoir underpin the performance. Ideal for demanding speakers and high-end systems, the A 3000 HV rewards careful setup but requires generous ventilation and a 20A IEC inlet. As noted by Paul Wilson in Future Audiophile, it delivers reference-level engagement that justifies its premium.
Pros
- Exceptional dynamics and headroom—ample power (up to 500 W/channel at 4 Ω and higher intermittent peaks) yields controlled, visceral bass and effortless transients.
- Natural, highly transparent sound that resolves detail without harshness and creates an expansive, three-dimensional soundstage.
- Top-tier build and connectors—machined rhodium-plated WBT speaker terminals, heavy chassis and a large 120,000 µF reservoir reflect meticulous construction.
- Flexible speaker connectivity and robust protection circuitry offer setup versatility and safeguard operation under demanding conditions.
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Cons
- Runs hot due to Class A operation for the initial 40 W and substantial internal dissipation—requires generous clearance for ventilation.
- Uses a 20A IEC mains inlet in some regions, which may necessitate a dedicated power cord or electrical work for compatibility with consumer cables.
- High energy consumption inherent to Class A operation—less efficient than Class AB or Class D designs for environmentally conscious buyers.
Sound Quality
91/100
Dynamics
92/100
The amp is a high-power Class AB design with the first 40 W in Class A and ratings of 300 W/8 Ω and 500 W/4 Ω, and reviewers explicitly praise its abundant headroom and control. Future Audiophile notes "ample supply of power (500 watts per channel at 4 Ohms/700 wpc intermittent)" and that dynamic passages "sounded spectacular," with visceral, chest‑pounding bass and an ability to render quiet passages dead quiet. Given the power class and the reviewer's reports of effortless control into lower impedances, a top-tier Dynamics score in the excellent range is appropriate.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
The review highlights expansive imaging and scale: "Voices and instruments soared... extended well outside the width and height of the soundstage." Channel separation and stable imaging under demanding passages are reported, giving the amp a high score for spatial presentation and depth.
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Build Quality
92/100
Construction and component quality are excellent: heavy chassis (38 kg), large 120,000 µF reservoir, machined rhodium‑plated brass speaker terminals, and substantial protection circuitry. The reviewer also notes recommended clearance for cooling, indicating significant thermal design; stereo (not monoblock) architecture but with serious power‑supply and mechanical execution—warranting a top-tier build score.
Value for Money
89/100
At the listed price (~24,075), the A 3000 HV sits firmly in the high‑end bracket. Considering its rated outputs (300 W/8 Ω stereo, 500 W/4 Ω stereo; up to 650–800 W in mono/peak modes), top‑flight build and the reviewer’s praise for performance, the unit justifies much of its premium versus typical high‑end 300 W+ power amps. Caveats include Class A operation energy draw and a modest resale comment (B/B-); overall reviewers imply the performance and finish largely justify the asking price, so this sits in the 'justified premium' tier.
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