T+A: Series 200 – Specialised Team Players

Theory Und Application or T+A is as Teutonic a name as exists. When first brought into the UK, it was gently suggested that a different order or even name was used, as like the Sharan people carrier, named by Germans at Volkswagen having no idea it was instantly going to be called the SHAZ, we figured that T&A was going to invoke childishness from Americans. But hey, that has nothing to do with HiFi and says more about the times back then. In the years since, we have learned that T+A are a force to be reckoned with and have just brought out a deliciously new set of kit with 21st century bang-on connectivity in every digital direction, as well as sporting features to warm the heart of traditionalists and even their partners who might appreciate pretty things….. METERS! WE have had stuff from them before about their Cala speakers. This is just in from the pr folks:

Germany’s leading High-End specialist, T+A elektroakustik, presents a new, compact High-End series of equipment. The Series 200 picks up the external design features of the HA 200 reference-standard headphone pre-amplifier, and the whole series consists of the MP 200 multi-source player, the DAC 200 D/A converter / pre-amplifier, and the A 200 output stage. “Our first headphone pre-amplifier – the HA 200 – is an exclusive and uncompromising device whose D/A converter has inherited the genes of our reference DAC, the SDV 3100 HV, so its great success in the marketplace wasn´t a surprise for us. This triumph confirmed our view that the time was right to develop a new series of highly specialised devices based on the HA 200,” as Oliver John – T+A International Sales Director – explains on the occasion of the introduction of the new Series 200.

In reality, the new Series 200 reaches far back into the past, as its external design leans heavily on the legendary M-system dating from the year 1993. However, the Herford designers replaced the characteristic chrome of the 1990’s with timeless aluminium in a matte black or silver finish.

The front panel of the DAC 200 echoes specific details of the HA 200, thereby integrating it into the series. Lothar Wiemann, Director of Development, considered it a logical step to build a range around the HA 200. “From the outset the devices of the Series 200 were intended to be specialist products, allowing a mix-and-match eco- system to develop.”

The new MP 200 assumes the role of the classic multi-source player, while the DAC 200 was conceived as a dedicated digital / analogue converter and pre-amplifier. The A 200 output stage forms the final link in the chain. The advantage of this group of units lies in their strength as individual High-End reference devices, and as a team when used in combination. “We have designed all the units in such a way that they fulfil superbly their task as separate devices, but become even better when combined within a system,” as Lothar Wiemann explains. In this way the Series 200 devices function both as individual complements to existing systems and together as a combined system.
In technical terms the Herford company is exploiting its Modular High-End Architecture (MHA), which is an in-house development. In the case of the DAC 200 this includes the capability to convert DSD 1024 and PCM 768 files as well as including amplifier sections utilising Class A and HV technology. The result is that the DAC 200 is the perfect choice for customers using active loudspeakers as well as audiophile converter enthusiasts. The MP 200 provides access to services such as Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz and Roon (currently undergoing certification) as well as convenient system control using the T+A MusicNavigator app. For loudspeaker customers the system is completed with the A 200 and its output of 250 Watt per channel, whereas headphone users can either connect the HA 200 reference headphone Amplifier, or use the DAC 200’s 4.4mm Pentaconn output.

All the Series 200 devices can be ordered immediately, and will be delivered to authorised specialist dealers starting in October 2021.

Brief Portait
T+A is a family business currently managed by the first and second generation. Our name has been our guiding principle since our inception in 1978. By bringing “Theory and Application” together, we create, optimise and produce Hi-Fi components of the finest quality at our company base in Herford. We consider using science and rigorous development of new audio technologies and designs as the cornerstone of making great products. In everything we do, we aim to create fully mature High-End products which make the emotional content of the music even more palpable to our customers. From audio systems via loudspeakers to headphones and accessories: the outstanding characteristics of T+A products are their extremely long product cycles, a technological design that is made to last and extensive upgrade facilities. All the important components are designed and developed by the company itself, based in Eastern Westphalia. Since 1978 T+A has been creating designs which combine cutting edge technology with modern materials and a timeless appearance. We have no truck with short-term hype, always preferring to create machines which remain elegant and powerful even after decades.