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Overview

T+A SDX 3100 HV Reference Streaming DAC Preamplifier

Flagship HV Series streaming preamplifier featuring native DSD1024 conversion, 32-bit/768kHz PCM processing, third-generation streaming architecture, discrete analog preamplification, and Class A headphone amplification.

The T+A SDX 3100 HV is a reference-grade network music streamer, digital-to-analog converter, and analog preamplifier engineered for uncompromising high-end audio reproduction. Combining T+A's most advanced digital conversion technologies with a fully discrete HV Series preamplifier, the SDX 3100 HV creates a complete control center for a reference two-channel system.

Developed and manufactured in Herford, Germany, the SDX 3100 HV incorporates T+A's True 1-Bit DSD converter supporting native DSD1024, a separate Double-Differential Quadruple PCM DAC, Audiophile Streaming Architecture G3, and relay-controlled analog volume adjustment.

Its extensive connectivity includes USB DAC inputs, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical digital inputs, HDMI with ARC, balanced and unbalanced analog inputs, and balanced XLR outputs.

Native DSD1024 with True 1-Bit Conversion

The SDX 3100 HV features T+A's proprietary True 1-Bit DSD DAC, engineered to convert DSD signals in their native bitstream format.

Rather than converting DSD into PCM before digital-to-analog conversion, T+A maintains a dedicated DSD signal path. This preserves the format's native architecture throughout conversion.

The SDX 3100 HV supports DSD1024, representing sampling rates up to approximately 49.2MHz, through compatible USB playback.

Its independent PCM and DSD conversion paths allow each format to be processed using technology optimized for its characteristics.

32-Bit/768kHz Quadruple PCM DAC

PCM conversion is handled by T+A's Double-Differential Quadruple Converter, incorporating four 32-bit sigma-delta DACs per channel.

The architecture supports PCM conversion rates of 705.6kHz and 768kHz, providing substantial processing capability for high-resolution digital audio.

Four selectable oversampling algorithms allow the listener to choose the desired digital filter characteristics:

  • FIR Short

  • FIR Long

  • Bézier/IIR

  • Bézier

A third-order phase-linear Bessel analog filter provides selectable cutoff frequencies of 60kHz and 120kHz.

Audiophile Streaming Architecture G3

T+A's third-generation Audiophile Streaming Architecture (ASA G3) provides high-resolution network playback and integration with contemporary music services.

The platform supports Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, network music libraries, and USB storage.

Supported streaming services and technologies include:

  • TIDAL Connect

  • Qobuz Connect

  • Spotify Connect

  • Amazon Music HD

  • Deezer

  • HIGHRESAUDIO

  • Apple AirPlay 2

  • Audirvana compatibility

  • Internet radio and podcasts through airable

The streaming client supports PCM files up to 24-bit/384kHz and native DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256 playback.

Control is available through the T+A MusicNavigator G3 app for iOS and Android.

Discrete HV Series Analog Preamplifier

The SDX 3100 HV incorporates a reference-grade analog preamplifier built around T+A's High Voltage (HV) circuit technology.

Its double-mono, fully discrete design provides exceptional bandwidth, low distortion, and precise signal control.

A relay-based volume control system adjusts output level without relying on conventional digital volume attenuation.

The analog preamplifier provides a frequency response extending from 0.5Hz to 300kHz, with distortion and intermodulation specified below 0.001%.

Balanced XLR outputs enable direct connection to compatible stereo or monoblock power amplifiers.

Class A Headphone Amplifier

The SDX 3100 HV includes a dedicated headphone amplifier based on discrete HV technology.

Operating in Class A, its output stage provides up to 200mA of current delivery.

Two headphone connections are provided:

  • 6.3mm headphone output

  • 4.4mm Pentaconn headphone output

Both outputs feature a specified 6-ohm output impedance, allowing the SDX 3100 HV to serve as a premium headphone listening source without requiring an external headphone amplifier.

Extensive Digital Connectivity

The SDX 3100 HV accommodates a wide range of digital sources through its comprehensive input architecture.

Digital connections include:

  • 1 × AES/EBU input

  • 2 × Coaxial RCA inputs

  • 2 × BNC digital inputs

  • 2 × Optical Toslink inputs

  • 2 × Asynchronous USB DAC inputs

  • 2 × HDMI inputs

  • 1 × HDMI output with ARC

  • 2 × USB ports for external storage

  • 1 × Coaxial S/PDIF digital output

The USB DAC inputs support PCM up to 768kHz and native DSD1024 with compatible computer hardware and software.

HDMI ARC enables integration with compatible televisions, bringing television audio into the reference stereo system.

Balanced Analog Inputs and Outputs

Unlike a conventional standalone DAC, the SDX 3100 HV functions as a complete analog and digital preamplifier.

It provides both RCA and balanced XLR analog inputs for external components, allowing compatible analog sources to be incorporated into the system.

Its balanced XLR output stage delivers a nominal 1.45V RMS, with a maximum output of 19.6V RMS.

This architecture allows the SDX 3100 HV to drive high-performance power amplifiers directly while retaining analog volume control.

High-Resolution IPA Connection

The SDX 3100 HV incorporates T+A's proprietary IPA digital interface, designed for high-resolution integration with compatible HV Series digital transports.

When partnered with the T+A PDT 3100 HV reference CD/SACD transport, this connection provides a dedicated digital signal path optimized for high-resolution disc playback.

This makes the SDX 3100 HV an ideal centerpiece for systems combining network streaming, external digital sources, and premium optical disc playback.

Precision German Engineering

The SDX 3100 HV is constructed around T+A's substantial HV Series aluminum chassis.

Separate power supply connections for the digital and analog sections help reduce interference between sensitive conversion circuitry and the preamplifier.

The chassis measures 18.1 inches wide, 6.7 inches tall, and 18.1 inches deep, with a substantial weight of approximately 57.3 pounds.

Available finishes include:

  • Silver Lacquer 47

  • Titanium Lacquer 64

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Brand T+A
Model SDX 3100 HV
Series HV Series
Product Type Reference streaming DAC and analog preamplifier
Streaming Architecture Audiophile Streaming Architecture G3
PCM DAC Double-Differential Quadruple Converter
PCM Converter Configuration 4 × 32-bit sigma-delta DACs per channel
Maximum PCM Resolution 32-bit/768kHz via compatible USB
DSD DAC T+A True 1-Bit native DSD converter
Maximum DSD Resolution DSD1024 via compatible USB
Network PCM Playback Up to 24-bit/384kHz
Network DSD Playback DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
PCM Oversampling FIR Short, FIR Long, Bézier/IIR, Bézier
Analog DAC Filter Third-order phase-linear Bessel
Selectable Filter Cutoff 60kHz / 120kHz
DAC Total Harmonic Distortion Less than 0.001%
DAC Weighted SNR 117dB
DAC Channel Separation 110dB
Preamplifier Architecture Double-mono, discrete HV technology
Volume Control Relay-controlled analog
Preamplifier Frequency Response 0.5Hz–300kHz
Preamplifier THD / IMD Less than 0.001%
Preamplifier Signal-to-Noise Ratio 108 / 117dB
Analog Inputs RCA and balanced XLR
RCA Input Sensitivity 250mV–9V RMS / 10kΩ
XLR Input Sensitivity 500mV–18V RMS / 20kΩ
Balanced Analog Output XLR
XLR Output Level 1.45V nominal / 19.6V maximum
XLR Output Impedance 50Ω
Headphone Amplifier Discrete Class A
Headphone Connections 6.3mm and 4.4mm Pentaconn
Headphone Output Impedance 6Ω
Headphone Output Current Up to 200mA
AES/EBU Input 1 × up to 24-bit/192kHz
Coaxial RCA Inputs 2
BNC Digital Inputs 2
Optical Toslink Inputs 2
USB DAC Inputs 2 × asynchronous
HDMI Inputs 2
HDMI ARC 1 × HDMI output with ARC
USB Storage Ports 2
Digital Output 1 × Coaxial S/PDIF
Proprietary Digital Interface IPA
Network Connection Gigabit Ethernet
Wireless Networking Dual-band Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.4, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
Internet Radio airable
Broadcast Tuner FM, FM-HD, DAB, DAB+
Streaming Control T+A MusicNavigator G3
Power Consumption Digital section: 40W maximum; analog section: 55W maximum
Standby Consumption Less than 0.5W
Height 6.7" / 170mm
Width 18.1" / 460mm
Depth 18.1" / 460mm
Weight 57.3 lbs / 26kg
Included Remote F3100
Finishes Silver Lacquer 47, Titanium Lacquer 64
Country of Manufacture Germany

T+A SDX 3100 HV at The Grid HiFi

The T+A SDX 3100 HV Reference Streaming DAC Preamplifier combines state-of-the-art digital conversion, high-resolution network streaming, discrete analog preamplification, and premium headphone amplification in one extraordinary reference component.

The Grid HiFi specializes in T+A HV Series systems, reference power amplification, premium loudspeakers, and complete high-end audio system design.

Considering the SDX 3100 HV? Let's build a reference system around it.

Contact The Grid HiFi at (713) 218-8120 for availability, finish selection, private showroom consultation, and complete system configuration.

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FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Do you price match?

Yes. We match any authorised dealer, including big-box retailers. If you find the same product at a lower price, contact us and we'll match it.

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Yes — free shipping on every order, with 2-day delivery available on most products. Easy returns and exchanges are included.

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We're at 6362 Alder Drive, Houston, Texas. The showroom lets you hear and compare reference-level systems in person before making any decisions. If you're considering a larger purchase or installation, it's well worth the visit.

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Yes. The full product range is available through the online store with free nationwide shipping. For more complex system builds, speaking with one of our advisers first tends to lead to a better result.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Special financing is available through the BrandSource Credit Card for qualifying purchases, allowing you to spread payments over time with no annual fee. Promotional rebate savings are also available periodically. See the financing page for full details.

Do you install systems as well as sell equipment?

Yes — installation is central to what we do. We design and install whole-home audio and video, home theaters, media rooms, outdoor audio, lighting and motorised shades, and full smart home automation.

Do you provide support after installation?

Yes. We provide ongoing service and support to ensure systems continue performing as intended — not just on installation day, but over the long term.