T+A R 2500 R Multi-Source Receiver - CD Player / Network Streaming / FM / DAB+

The R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver

In the R 2500 R, the design and performance of our R series come together with the universal usability of a 'One Box System.' Its sources enable an almost limitless selection of playback options, with its integrated DSD and PCM converters transforming digital signals into analogue signals of unique quality, which are then output to external speakers by the built-in amplifiers in T+A's typical sound quality. The new R 2500 R is among the first T+A devices to have access to the third generation of our streaming architecture: It not only allows access to streaming services and USB sources but, for the first time, a T+A device can be controlled directly from the mobile streaming apps Spotify and TIDAL via Connect Services.

Measuring 16.5 x 46 x 40.5 cm, the R 2500 R follows our design philosophy of timeless reduction: Few but thoughtfully placed buttons interrupt the elegant front, whose characteristic phases create an almost seamless transition into the side panels, while the entire body of the R 2500 R radiates in the light gloss of hand-brushed aluminium.

Converter

The T+A True-1-Bit converter used in the R 2500 R is unique because it overcomes a long-standing principle: Ordinary converters convert DSD signals into PCM signals to process them afterward. The exclusive use of this conversion contradicts our belief and laid the foundation for the development of the True-1-Bit converter. It processes DSD files natively without harmful conversions and reproduces them absolutely unadulterated in the true 1-bit stream: Allowing for both convenient playback and high-quality reproduction with the revolutionary T+A Path Separation Technology.

On the PCM side, the T+A Quadruple converter operates, whose doubly symmetrical circuit with eight 32-bit Burr-Brown converters compensates for sonic non-linearities exceptionally well: the already minimal noise decreases by an additional 6 dB. This effort results in astonishing linearity and dynamics with equally impressive distortion-free clarity.

Although we believe in pure music reproduction, it is important to us that customers can tailor T+A devices to their individual usage needs and listening tastes. That's why we developed 6 individual algorithms for our PCM quadruple converter that offer different oversampling characteristics. The polynomials used set different priorities for the conversion in the time domain or frequency response behaviour for each individual filter. The T+A True-1-Bit converter features two different converter modes for DSD playback.

Streaming

Our Audiophile Streaming Architecture (ASA) of the third generation is the audiophile connection of the R 2500 R to the connected world. The focus of its development was on maximizing sonic potentials and source diversity. Therefore, its network boards process incoming WLAN, LAN, and USB master mode signals, allowing the R 2500 R to access not only streaming services like Deezer, Qobuz, and TIDAL but also local network files up to 384/32 (HD) as well as incoming streams from mobile devices via Connect or AirPlay services in audiophile quality. In addition to convenient Connect services, the R 2500 R also offers the option to play uncompressed FLAC files via aptX HD Bluetooth technology. For the first time in T+A's history, the ASA G3 is capable of playing DSD files natively from the network. For the highest quality playback, this stream is passed on to the T+A True-1Bit converter, which processes DSD files in their native bitstream without any loss of quality.

Amplifier & High-Frequency Sinusoidal Power Supply

Our drive is the best possible sound quality: Only when every component of the device is optimized with this goal in mind does a piece of music unfold its maximum impact. In the power amplifier, the power supply, in addition to the circuit topology, is the decisive factor for sound quality. Only if it is stable and robust can even the largest musical impulses be processed cleanly without the supply voltage collapsing. To meet these requirements we have developed our T+A High-Frequency Sinusoidal Power Supply. It combines the sonic advantages of transformer power supplies with the stability of switching power supplies: High-frequency interference common in switching power supplies is avoided by the sinusoidal cycle, and the last residual interference is eliminated by the intelligent reloading of the integrated filter capacitors: Their reloading capacity is 100,000 reloads per second, 2000 times that of typical power supplies.

In this way the T+A High-Frequency Sinusoidal Power Supply can provide large amounts of inertialess current, even with suddenly occurring, strong musical impulses and therefore is the perfect high energy supply for the preamplifiers and power amplifiers of the R 2500 R which are constructed in accordance with the double-mono principle. This means that we completely isolate the left and right channels from each other – even in mechanical terms – and use two identical separate amplifier circuit boards – with input section, volume control, high-voltage amplifier and current amplifier, so that the sound quality of both channels is identical. As with our HV-series machines, the circuit topology of the input stage is based on a cascode differential amplifier with hand-selected audio J-FET transistors and stages of completely discrete construction, without operational amplifiers (op-amps). This overall circuit design, combined with the high quality of the components employed, virtually eliminates the need for overall negative feedback. The result is that the amplifier boasts excellent linearity combined with an extremely wide dynamic range of more than 150 kHz. Signals up to 60 Vss can be processed without any hint of distortion. The volume control takes the form of discrete precision resistors and bi-stable gold-contact relays, resulting in absolutely exact channel matching combined with the shortest possible signal paths; this in turn virtually eliminates noise and distortion. The following voltage amplifier stage and current amplifier are completely isolated from each other galvanically. This uncompromising design completely avoids the danger of feedback effects from the loudspeaker currents into the voltage amplifier stages, and also precludes adverse effects from the loudspeaker load. The amplifiers are fitted with separate tone controls for each channel, and the function can be completely bypassed by means of gold-contact relays. A loudness circuit is present which can be adjusted to match the efficiency of the loudspeakers.

T+A DASS

All analogue signal paths are susceptible to digital interference. In a receiver, consistent and elaborate separation of both parts is therefore all the more important for sound quality. This way, the analogue music signal remains as pure and free from interference as it was recorded. That's why we developed our digital-analogue separation System. In this system, ultra-fast Silicon Labs isolators establish galvanic separation between the digital and analogue device sections. To maintain separation throughout the entire signal path, we even separate the power supplies for the analogue and digital parts.

Connections

We believe that a receiver should be the control centre of your musical living space. Therefore, we have equipped the R 2500 R not only with versatile streaming and amplifier solutions but also with all the connections it needs for truly universal use. Three digital, analogue, and HDMI inputs each, as well as an optional phono module, allow for an almost unlimited number of sources to benefit from the sonic strength of the R 2500 R, while the preamplifier output creates the perfect connection between the receiver and existing systems.