T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver – Elegant One Box System of the T+A R Series
It is referred to as a so-called One Box System, so the word All-in-One does not seem to be used when talking about the new T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver, even though this is exactly what it is, in a particularly exclusive, versatile form.
- It combines the design and performance of the T+A R Series with the flexibility of an all-in-one solution, is how T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG describes the new T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver.
It is a worthy addition to the T+A R Series, as the German company T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG describes the new T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver as a so-called One Box System. In fact, it is a classic all-in-one system, although the company obviously did not consider this description to be really appropriate. You could also call it a solution that falls into the Just add Speakers category, because that also hits the nail on the head.
The fact is, it is a solution that ultimately offers everything you would expect from a modern hi-fi chain in a single product that also boasts impeccable quality and a new operating concept for intuitive control.
T+A R Series – A true classic
It is clear that the T+A R Series is a true classic, as it has been part of the portfolio of the German high-end hi-fi manufacturer T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG. Solutions from this product line are expected to meet correspondingly high standards, and this should of course also apply to the new T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver, which T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG presented for the first time at the High End 2023 in Munich, but which will now actually be available these days, much later than originally forecast.
T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver – A One Box System
As already described, the manufacturer itself describes this new solution as a One Box System, which is intended to be universally usable. It is intended to combine the design and performance of the T+A R Series with an almost limitless selection of playback options, ranging from CD playback and streaming to external analogue and digital sources. The manufacturer also emphasises the quality of the converters and the integrated amplifier.
Tradition of timeless reduction
In terms of design, the new T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver follows the proven tradition of timeless reduction, as the manufacturer itself describes the design philosophy of the T+A R Series.
In fact, the new T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver has a very tidy, clearly structured front panel with a display showing all the relevant information and, in particular, two small VU metres which immediately catch the eye.
This solution measures 46 cm in width, 40,5 cm in depth and 16,5 cm in height and weighs 14 kg with its solid aluminium housing. The housing is available in silver or black anodised.
T+A Audiophile Streaming Architecture of the third generation
The centrepiece of the new T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver is of course first and foremost streaming, whereby it is the first system to rely on the latest third-generation T+A Audiophile Streaming Architecture, also known as T+A ASA G3.
The main focus is on UPnP, which is known to be the only real industry standard in the streaming sector. In this respect, the T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver is designed as a dlna-certified UPnP and UPnP AV streaming client. However, Apple AirPlay 2 can also be regarded as the de facto standard, as can TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect, which this solution also supports. In addition, this solution is labelled as Plāys with Audirvāna and is Roon Ready.
Services such as Deezer, Qobuz, HRA Streaming from HIGHRESAUDIO, Amazon Music or Airable Radio for Internet radio and podcasts are also available via the corresponding app – T+A MusicNavigator G3 App for Apple iOS and Google Android.
Incidentally, integration into the network is possible either via an RJ45 Ethernet interface or the integrated WiFI module in accordance with IEEE 802.11ax.
Streaming is also possible via Bluetooth, relying on the SBC, AAC and aptX as well as aptX HD codecs to enable signal transmission up to hi-res audio with at least 24 bit and 48 kHz.
Audio data can also be played back directly from USB storage media, as there is a USB port on the new T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver, as well as a USB port for direct connection to a PC or Mac.
Three S/PDIF interfaces are available for digital signals from external sources, one coaxial and two optical. The new T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver also offers two HDMI inputs and an HDMI output, the latter of course supporting an ARC, i.e. an Audio Return Channel to transfer audio signals directly from the TV to the T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver. HDMI CEC guarantees centralised control via the TV remote control alone.
T+A Path Separation Technology – Two separate converters for PCM and DSD
A special feature of the T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver is that it utilises two converters at the same time, i.e. a PCM and DSD converter, as is now standard in the T+A R Series.
For PCM, a double-differential quadruple converter with four 32-bit sigma-delta D/A converters per channel is used, which supports signals with up to 32 bits and 768 kHz. For DSD, T+A uses its own 1-bit DSD D/A converter, which allows a native bitstream up to DSD512.
A T+A signal processor provides synchronous upsampling with four selectable oversampling algorithms, namely FIR short, FIR long, Bezier/ IIR or Bezier.
The signal conversion is completed by a 3rd order phase-linear Bessel filter, switchable with a cut-off frequency of 60 or 120 kHz, as the manufacturer itself states.
CD or radio?
Of course, there is also an integrated CD drive, which is reserved solely for the playback of audio CDs and is designed as a slot-in drive, as well as an integrated tuner for radio, whereby this is an FM and DAB+ tuner.
Finally, it should be mentioned that analogue inputs for external sources are also available here, in the form of two pairs of RCA as unbalanced inputs, as well as a pair of XLR for balanced sources. The manufacturer also offers an optional phono module.
Powerful amplifier in Class A/B
The new T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver comes with a powerful amplifier designed in Class A/B, as it delivers two 250 watt outputs for speaker systems with an impedance of 4 ohms and two 140 watt outputs for speakers with an impedance of 8 ohms.
Two pairs of screw terminals are provided at the rear for connecting the speaker systems, and there is also a headphone connection directly at the front in the form of a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn.
New operating concept
The T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver is the first in which T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG has opted for a completely new operating concept, which will be used in all new devices in the future.
With the new four source categories and therefore four buttons, double assignments are a thing of the past, as T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG emphasises. Each source can be accessed quickly and easily via a combination of buttons and menu operation and the menu structures have been revised and made flatter. The settings menu can also always be accessed via a single button.
Prices and availability
As already described, the T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver was first presented at the High End 2023 and was actually supposed to be launched on the market last autumn. However, this was delayed a little, so that delivery is now actually taking place these days. The price is quoted at € 14.500,-.
Getting to the point
Even if the German company T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG refers to the new T+A R 2500 R Multi Source Receiver as a one-box system, this is a classic all-in-one system of the highest quality. This solution can also be clearly categorised as Just Add Speakers, because in fact nothing more is needed here to create an extremely fine, powerful and flexible hi-fi chain of the latest design.
| PRODUKT | T+A R 2500 R MULTI SOURCE RECEIVER |
|---|---|
| Preis | € 14.500,- |
| BRAND | T+A ELEKTROAKUSTIK GMBH & CO. KG |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG |
| Distribution Austria | Handelsvertretung Ing. Gert Weber |
| Distribution Germany | T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
