The "BBs" process PCM in 34 bit/ 768 kilohertz, to which any PCM files are upsampled by clever calculation of intermediate values. This is handled by a previous DSP, from the simple 16-bit/44.1 kHz CD standard to any high-bit formats such as 24/192, which is also often encountered "in the wild".

Ultra-precise femto-clocks in the immediate vicinity of the Burr-Brown DACs ensure decidedly precise and therefore low-jitter processes. They as well are used in double arrangement, each being specialized on specific sampling rates in order to avoid floating-point errors. While one just handles rates of 44.1 kilohertz and its multiples (88.2, 176.4 kHz, etc.), the other takes over the job accordingly at frequencies from 48 kilohertz (96, 192 kHz, etc.). Here, too, the following applies: what an effort!

If, on the other hand, the T+A is fed with DSD streams, whether from the new HV drive or via LAN cable from network or USB, the original format remains unaffected and runs through an array of 32 discrete switches per channel, which are located as inverted plus/minus pairs in 16 small chips and convert the signals into voltage levels. The SDV3100HV takes DSD up to a bandwidth of almost 50 megahertz, the so-called DSD1024. Nobody else does such a complex upsampling (PCM) in combination with purist D/A conversion (DSD). This also shows that the price of 24,900 Euro for the SDV3100HV is not only based on the excessive use of material.

This statement does also apply to the 29 kilogram CD/SACD drive PDT3100HV for 14,900 euros, which equally sets standards. Already just the quiet, gently sloping buzz when the drawer milled from solid aluminum is extended and retracted conveys an impression of the precision on offer here. Just as the informative calligraphic text display.

As briefly mentioned at the beginning, if you operate the drive in conjunction with the SDV3100HV, you can use the special connection "IPA Link", instead of the normal digital outputs of the SDV3100HV, which are of course also available, and transfer SACD data this way. This makes the PDT3100HV nearly a must-have addition to T+As SDV media-professional, for all those who still want to use their extensive disc collection and listen to it in the very best quality.

In order not to be dependent on possibly unreliable suppliers who might stop the production at some point – many HiFi fans know the situation all to well – the Germans build their own drive guided on a linear bearing. This even includes signal processing software. Only the optics are bought in. This should defuse any spare parts issues and prevent future frustration.
 

We compared the PDT3100HV primarily to the integrated drive in T+A's "smaller" MP3100HV media player, which was identical in construction but mechanically much less solidly packaged and also suitable for CDs and SACDs. We had connected both devices to the SDV3100HV using first-class digital cables. In fact, the soloist PDT was able to positively set itself apart because it sounded even more relaxed, calm and orderly. We had equipped both drives with the new STEREO hearing test CD IX, let them run time-synchronously and switched with the new remote control F3100 between digital inputs – T+As popular FD100 remote does unfortunately not work with the SDV, but there is a new app.

The distance was not huge, but still clearly audible and is mainly due to the "massively" increased mechanics. So the orchestra that Eduard Strauss performed in his "Bahn frei Polka" appeared even more spacious and, in its three-dimensionality, more clearly outlined and more precisely staggered. The MP was somewhat left behind when we heard the PDT via IPA Link instead of the symmetrical AES/EBU input. The "Isocronous Precision Audiolink" consists of a total of eight lines, which transmit four signals in symmetrical circuitry, i.e. in phase and inverted, with extremely low loss. Now the sound images gained an additional lightness and naturalness that the MP could no longer resist. Not to mention the SACD capability, which is lost in the normal way.

Consequently, the new Super-Drive from Herford takes over the reference throne of the CD drives and thus also qualifies for other D/A converters of the high-end league as a first-choice partner, whereby the selection is of course limited to the classic CD. Happy hi-fi contemporaries, who can purchase the combination of PDT and SDV3100HV, can additionally also enjoy their perfectly transmitted SACDs.
 

But what is in it for the discerning listener in general and in absolute terms? Well, in any case, the sound quality of the MP3100HV is even higher than that of the superb MP3100HV, not only in terms of the possibilities for processing PCM or DSD HiRes files. The PDT/SDV duo from Herford also redefines their "HV" standard for source devices in terms of sound.

The CD playback regarding its effortlessness and finesse reaches a class that we couldn't reach with other conventional DACs – even if they were of the ultimate high quality, attached to the PDT3100HV – let alone complete players.

The T+A duo, for example, took our breath away with Rafael Fraga's "Terra Presa", which presented this title that is at once delicately nuanced in color and exemplarily rich in detail, yet completely homogeneous, as exactly the masterpiece of fragile beauty and balanced proportions that it is.

And, of course, this also applied to the SACD performance. The delicately speckled "Secret O' Life" by James Taylor, which we inserted as a puristic single layer SACD disc of the highest quality, touched us with its genuine intimacy. T+A gave free rein to emotions without tainting them with any effects. The music captivated through immediacy, was simply "there" in all its facets and thus worked through itself.

If the SDV was supplied with CD data from the PDT or high bit files from the network & Co in the common way using a coaxial or symmetrical digital line, a just as extremely detailed and finely resolved sound image was produced, which distinguishes the player. All instruments and voices are clearly outlined and accurately depicted, without even a rudimentary lack of sparkling musicality.

The SDV3100HV is therefore also part of the crème de la crème even with common data transmission standards and can stand up to any challenger, who is usually much less well equipped. In combination with T+A's drive and IPA Link, it marks the top in terms of performance with CD's and especially SACD's.

The fact that the T+A, which by the way is also available as SD3100HV for 23,400 Euro as a pure source device without preamplifier branch and volume control, offers two analogue inputs makes it all the more interesting as the central unit of any system. Especially as the output is at a high level here too, which we had no doubt about after the outstanding sound of other sources via the T+A.

Of course, the SDV had to be measured against other top preamplifiers. These were real challenges, but ultimately no problem for T+A. Here, too, we experienced head-to-head races, during which the SDV3100HV often offered a more orderly, organized sound – once again in combination with its fragrant, lively grace as well as its nimble, finely nuanced presence, which is hard to ever get enough of.