PA 2500 R Integrated amplifier

PA 2500 R
Integrated Amplifier

The Integrated Amplifier

Twice as tall, higher output power and even more connection facilities – the PA 2500 R exceeds the specification of the PA 2000 R in many areas, but its character in terms of sound quality is in no way inferior to its smaller sibling. This by no means goes without saying, because very powerful amplifiers often forfeit the finer points of dynamics and detail tracery. Our PA 2500 R integrated amplifier circumvents this danger: its basic circuit is the same as that of the PA 2000 R, and even the circuit board layouts are identical. However, its heat-sinks are twice the size, and the case accommodates two of our new high-performance mains power supply units, with the result that it can deliver more than 280 Watts of continuous power per channel into 4 Ohms loudspeakers. The amplifier is therefore effortlessly capable of controlling speakers which are extremely critical in terms of phase and impedance. The PA 2500 is even more powerful than the smaller machine, but retains exactly the same dynamism and cultured sound.

Power supply

The quality of any output stage is determined to a very great extent by the mains power supply as well as the circuit topology. Mains power supply units must be as stable and resilient as possible, to ensure that the voltage they generate does not collapse even when very high peaks are encountered. In conventional equipment this requires very large transformers, but the limited space available in the low-profile R-series machines spurred on our engineers to develop an ingenious alternative solution: a regulated high-frequency sine-wave mains power supply with generous reservoir capacity, capable of delivering up to 1200 Watts without problem. The mains power supply can deliver very large quantities of current extremely quickly, even when the gradient of the peak signals is steep. Our experience in building amplifiers over a period of thirty years has taught us the importance of the quality of audiophile modules for the final outcome in terms of sound quality, and that is why we choose our components with great care and then select them according to strict criteria, to ensure optimum characteristics for each specific application.

Connections

We use low-loss mica capacitors with silver electrodes, zero-induction resistors, precision low-noise audio resistors, and nickel-free gold- or rhodium plated terminals specially manufactured for T+A. Many of these components were developed for military applications, and therefore fulfil exacting requirements in terms of quality and durability. Another in-house development for the latest R-series is a completely new and very fast data bus for data exchange between the devices, which makes it possible to control a whole system with a single remote control handset. Alternatively, if the system includes an MP 2000 R, the equipment can be controlled using the T+A App for iOS or Android. Both amplifiers are equipped with a sophisticated protective circuit which is situated outside the signal path, and therefore cannot possibly have any adverse effect on sound quality. The protective circuit constantly compares the input signal before the output stage with the output signal, and instantaneously switches off the output relays if it detects the slightest deviation (clipping, distortion, etc.). The protective circuit is also triggered if overheating occurs, or if a short-circuit is present at the outputs. All the electronic circuitry for controlling the machines is recessed into the solid aluminum front profile, where the shielding effect is outstanding. The front panel features a bright, dimmable screen (VFD) and control knobs with variable lighting.

Specifications

Pre-amplifier stage

Frequency response + 0 / − 3 dB

0,5 Hz – 300 kHz

Signal / noise ratio, unweighted / A-weighted

105 / 109 dB

Total harmonic distortion/Intermodulation

< 0,001 % / < 0,001 %

Channel separation

> 90 dB

Loudness

Switchable, variable to suit loudspeaker efficiency

Tone controls
Bass
Treble

Switchable, channel-separate
−6 … +8 dB
−6 … +8 dB

Nominal input sensitivity

High level (RCA)

4 × 250 mV … 4 Veff/20 kOhms

Balanced (XLR)

3 × 500 mV … 8 Veff/5 kOhms

Phono-MM (optional*)
*Phono module replaces one high-level input

1 – 5 mV,
16 Capacitances

Phono-MC (optional*)
*Phono module replaces one high-level input

60 – 1000 µV,
16 Impedances

Outputs

Headphone

50 Ohms

PRE out RCA

Nom 1 Veff, Max 9,5 Veff, 75 Ohms

PRE out XLR

Nom 1,45 Veff, Max 19,6 Veff, 75 Ohms

Output stage

Nominal output per channel

into 8 Ohms 140 Watts
into 4 Ohms 280 Watts
into 2 Ohms 560 Watts

Frequency response + 0/– 3 dB

1 Hz – 150 kHz

Slew rate

60 V/µs

Damping factor

> 65

Total harmonic distortion

< 0,02 %

Reservoir capacity

120000 µF

Mains / Accessories / Dimensions

Control interface

R2-Link

Remote control

SRC 1

Mains connection

100 – 120 V or 200 – 240 V, 50 – 60 Hz
Max. 2000 Watt

Standby

< 0,5 W

Additional features

Trigger input +5V … 20V via adapter plug for remote power-on
Input 3 (symmetrical) or 5 (asymmetrical) can be configured as Surround Pass Through

Optional Accessories

PHE-P/PA R MM or MC phono content_default | Power Three HD (Carbon) | Power Bar | Audio Quad (Carbon) | Speaker Hex (Carbon)

Dimensions (H x W x D)

16,5 × 46 × 40,5 cm

Weight

14,5 kg

Finishes

Silver anodised aluminium (43), black anodised aluminium (42), brushed

Technical modifications reserved

Support

Catalogue

Catalogue R-Series

English

German

User manual

User manual PA 2500 R

User manual phono amplifier

English

German

Firmware / Driver

Versions info

Version

Reviews

Sound Stage 2/2022

T+A MP 2500 R and PA 2500 R
The T+A gear never lost its composure on anything I played through it. Whether at concert volume or quiet evening listening levels the character and presentation remained absolutely consistent, stable and musically expressive.

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The Absolute Sound 3/2020 Editor´s Choice

The highboy integrated amp in T+A’s vaunted R series, the 140Wpc PA 2500 R is a dual-mono, fully balanced, high-voltage design with a Class AB output stage biased into Class A for the first 20–25 watts. Clean and authoritative, and easy to operate, the PA 2500 R conveys the sense of a well-oiled machine. Its sonic signature is one of balance and control, with musical images rooted in space and vocals models of stability. Its most identifiable traits are wideband spectral response and dynamic extroversion.
The PA 2500 R delivers big, high-intensity wattage that never seems to waver in responsiveness and extension regardless of load. Includes an excellent phonostage. Wunderbar!

So baut man Vollverstärker

"Man kennt den offen-präzisen Klang von T+A Verstärkern. Doch der T+A PA 2500 R zelebriert diese Art der Wiedergabe auf eine nochmals überzeugendere Art. Der große Vollverstärker ist trotz Schaltnetzteil einer der überzeugendsten Vollverstärker unterhalb 10.000 Euro."

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The absolute sound 9/2017

However, the PA 2500 R and MP 2000 R exceeded my expectations by a wide margin. Even though they can be purchased individually, I consider them an iseparable partnership, compleating each other´s thoughts like identical twins would. In other words, wunderbar!

mactechnews.de 2/2017

Leistung satt

Die Herforder Audio-Ingenieure haben nicht nur mit dem PA 2500 R HiFi-Komponenten im Angebot, die es mit der stärksten Konkurrenz aus aller Welt aufnehmen kann und dabei im Preis/Leistungsverhältnis ganz ausgezeichnet dastehen. – „Made in Germany“ wie aus dem Lehrbuch!

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Fidelity 26 07-08/2016

Endlich Ruhe

Tonmeisterliche Qualitäten mit einer Spur Glanz und Gewalt. Dank technischer Brillanz und umfangreicher Luxusausstattung ein Allroundverstärker, wie er im HiFi-Buche steht. Einen PA 2500 R würde ich ohne jede Einschränkung auch als Verstärker im Mastering-Studio einsetzen!

Haben die Komponenten der R-Serie von T+A das Zeug zur idealen Anlage? Unbedingt! Ihren großen Geschwistern klanglich dicht auf den Fersen, spielen PA 2500 R, MP 2000 R und G 2000 R mit den meisten teuren High End-Komponenten locker auf Augenhöhe, ersparen dem Besitzer aber deren übliche Befindlichkeiten. Sie laufen einfach. Endlich Ruhe für Musik.

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stereo 8/2015

Überaus kraftvoller, zudem superb ausgestatteter Vollverstärker der Spitzenklasse mit ausgesprochen musikalischem, körperhaftem Auftritt.

Das Klangbild des Herforder Gespanns ist denn auch keine Überraschung, denn es ist von ausgesprochen eleganter Akkuratesse. Während der Plattenspieler als exquisite Quelle die musikalischen Häppchen reicht und dabei seine hohe Klasse unter Beweis stellt, feinste Details aus den Tiefen der Rillen zu holen, dient der potente Vollverstärker PA 2500 R als eine Art Durchlauferhitzer. Er bereitet die Musik auf und reichert sie gewinnbringend mit ungehäurer Kraft und Autorität an.

Klangniveau: 93%
Preis / Leistung: Exzellent

stereoplay 7/2015

An sich ist dieser T+A-Auftritt die Untertreibung des Jahres. Unter dem unscheinbaren Alukleid steckt ein Hammer-Verstärker, der keine Konkurenz zu scheuen braucht. Leistung und Klang im Überfluss, verbunden mit höchstem Komfort.

Nach einiger Zeit hat man dann entspannt verinnerlicht, wie dieser Vollverstärker eigentlich arbeitet: nämlich als weit offenes Tor tief in die Musik hinein.

Klang: absolute Spitzenklasse
Gesamturteil: sehr gut
Preis/Leistung: überragend

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