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T+A PA 1100 E
The Integrated Amplifier with DAC
The PA 1100 E was developed for customers who are looking for an amplifier with various digital inputs, but who no longer need a CD drive. It was designed as a stand-alone unit and is not suitable for operation in combination with the MP 1000 E multi-source player. However, the PA 1100 E is equipped with the high-quality D/A converter of the MP 1000 E and has also been fitted with an HDMI input. When a TV is connected, the volume can be conveniently controlled via the TV remote control. All the sub-assemblies of the PA 1100 E are identical to those of the integrated amplifier PA 1000 E, and for this reason it shares exactly the same acoustic performance and characteristics. The sole difference lies in the inputs: one of the PA 1000 E’s symmetrical inputs has been replaced by a digital input board. This board operates completely autonomously from the rest of the machine, and separate voltages are fed to its digital and analogue sections. The board is fitted with its own micro-processor which assumes full control of the digital inputs, filters and converter. For this reason it has no influence of any kind on the analogue signal processing and sound qualities of the PA 1100 E. The high-quality Bluetooth® module provides music transfer from mobile devices at superb aptX™ quality.
Inputs
The digital input board enables many digital sources to be connected directly at very high quality, using either coax or optical inputs. The USB-B input even makes it possible to play very high-resolution files from a PC or via Ethernet / USB bridges such as Roon or NAA, using data rates of up to 384 kSps for PCM and up to DSD 256.
The high-quality Bluetooth module provides music transfer from mobile devices at superb aptX™ quality, and the BT player can be controlled using the AVRCP protocol.
A further option is the additional installation of an HDMI circuit board featuring two input and one output socket with Audio Return channel for the television set. Sound output is exclusively in stereo.
The digital data are converted into analogue signals to very high standards of quality and resolution by the modern 32-bit converter. A further refinement for PCM data are two different oversampling algorithms: one of them a standard FIR filter, the other the Bezier oversampling developed by T+A, offering outstanding timing and transient handling.
Operation
The PA 1100 E can either be controlled directly on the machine itself, or using the FM 11 remote control handset supplied with the machine in conjunction with the E 2000 IR receiver. The latter can be set up anywhere close to the PA 1100 E, and connected to the RC-In socket on the back panel.
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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
95/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
85/100
Smooth, warm and richly dimensional, the T+A PA 1100 E brings lifelike vocals, weighty scale and a seamless treble to demanding music. HiFi News highlights its emotionally involving, forgiving voice, while the high-resolution DAC, adaptable filters and extensive analogue/digital connections make this a powerful all-in-one amplifier with impeccable build quality.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Smooth, warm, rich presentation with lifelike vocals and a forgiving treatment of harsh recordings.
Convincing dynamics and scale, with impactful drums, expressive piano transients and a robust three-dimensional soundstage.
Exceptionally flexible source integration, including high-resolution USB DAC capability, analogue inputs, Bluetooth and optional phono or HDMI expansion.
Immaculate, substantial construction with understated styling and long-term durability.
&
Cons
Bass is extended and weighty but can sound softer and less articulated than the best leaner, more analytical rivals.
The standard FIR filter can introduce a slight glare on some vocals; the Bezier setting requires experimentation to optimize results.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers describe a confident, warmly musical presentation that combines lifelike voices and convincing instrumental scale with strong control and a notably three-dimensional presentation. Its forgiving character makes difficult recordings more enjoyable, although bass definition is not always as tight as its extension and weight suggest.
Transparency Resolution
91/100
HiFi News heard a seamless, non-harsh top end and found that the Bezier filter brought greater clarity, detail and more believable cymbals and organ. The reviewer also likened the presentation to hearing a master tape, particularly when using high-resolution material.
Tonal Balance Musicality
94/100
The prevailing character is smooth, warm and rich, with rounded, lifelike vocals and an unusually forgiving treatment of harsh recordings. Reviewers repeatedly praise its emotional involvement, natural vocal texture and easy-flowing musical presentation.
Dynamics
93/100
Drums were reported to have fine impact and realistic scale, while piano leading edges came through beautifully. Both reviews also point to convincing orchestral swings, ample loudspeaker control and a presentation that remains free-flowing rather than constrained.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
HiFi News describes a robust, three-dimensional sound capable of conveying a recording's drama and emotional intent. The scale and authority of a concert grand were also strongly communicated, though the reviews provide less detail on pinpoint image focus or stage layering.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
95/100
HiFi News calls the construction immaculate and says the amplifier feels built to last a lifetime. AVComfort likewise highlights the thick metalwork, substantial front panel and deeply machined side panels as evidence of very robust execution.
Features Connectivity
95/100
This is an unusually versatile integrated amplifier, with five RCA inputs, balanced XLR, pre-out and record outputs, a headphone socket, remote control and adjustable tone/balance functions. Its high-resolution DAC section supports USB, optical and coaxial sources, while aptX Bluetooth and optional HDMI and configurable MM or MC phono modules broaden system options further.
Value for Money
85/100
The supplied reviews are enthusiastic about sound, flexibility and construction, but neither compares the PA 1100 E directly with similarly priced rivals or assesses its asking price. Pricing information was not supplied.
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Authorized dealers for T+A PA 1100 E
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- AUDIO 2000 — in-store — Wuppertal, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany (website)
- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Concierge — online and in-store — England, United Kingdom (website)
- AUDIO EXCLUSIVE — in-store — Wels, Oberösterreich, Austria (website)
- Audio Gallery — online and in-store — Las Rozas de Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
and 95 more verified dealers