T+A
T+A PA 2500 R Integrated Amplifier
PA 2500 R
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
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.
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!
How to build an integrated amplifier
"You know the open, precise sound of T+A amplifiers. But the T+A PA 2500 R celebrates this type of reproduction in an even more convincing way. Despite the switched-mode power supply, the large integrated amplifier is one of the most convincing integrated amplifiers under 10,000 euros."
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
enough performance
With the PA 2500 R, the Herford-based audio engineers not only offer hi-fi components that can compete with the strongest competition from all over the world and are excellent value for money. – “Made in Germany” like out of the textbook!
Fidelity 26 07-08/2016
Finally calm
Tonmeister qualities with a touch of brilliance and violence. Thanks to technical brilliance and extensive luxury equipment, an all-round amplifier as it is in the hi-fi book. I would also use a PA 2500 R as an amplifier in the mastering studio without any restrictions!
Do the components of the R series from T+A have what it takes to be the ideal system? Absolutely! Hot on the heels of their big siblings in terms of sound, the PA 2500 R, MP 2000 R and G 2000 R are easily on par with most expensive high-end components, but spare the owner their usual sensitivities. They just walk. Finally silence for music.
stereo 8/2015
Extremely powerful, superbly equipped top-class integrated amplifier with a decidedly musical, physical appearance.
The sound of the Herford team is no surprise, because it is of extremely elegant accuracy. While the turntable, as an exquisite source, delivers the musical appetizers and demonstrates its high class of getting the finest details from the depths of the grooves, the potent PA 2500 R integrated amplifier serves as a kind of instantaneous water heater. He prepares the music and enriches it profitably with tremendous power and authority.
Sound level: 93%
Price / performance: Excellent
stereoplay 7/2015
In itself, this T+A appearance is the understatement of the year. Under the inconspicuous aluminum dress is a hammer amplifier that doesn't need to fear any competition. Power and sound in abundance, combined with the highest level of comfort.
After a while you then relaxed and internalized how this integrated amplifier actually works: namely as a wide open door deep into the music.
Sound: absolute top class
Overall rating: very good Value for money
: outstanding
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
