T+A
T+A Solitaire P-SE Planar-Magnetostatic Headphones
Solitaire P-SE Headphones
The Solitaire P-SE is based on the Solitaire P, which in itself was a new and ground-breaking development, incorporating a highly refined application of the magnetostatic principle. Like all our headphones the Solitaire P-SE is of uncompromising design, since it was conceived with a single aim in mind: music reproduction in perfection.
From the TPM 2500 converter system to the headband connections every single component and sub-assembly is manufactured to the tightest possible tolerances using precision tools. The headphones’ construction employs various plastics with differing characteristics, selected according to function and specific application: the cups exhibit very high internal damping, the yokes and headband attachments are mechanically strong and extremely robust. The surfaces are finished in special top-quality lacquers developed for aviation applications. The sophisticated design of the TPM 2500, in conjunction with the magnet arrangement, the sound duct and the diaphragm, linearises the sound field and the radiation characteristics. Music is reproduced in its purest form: the Solitaire P-SE shows the music for what it is. Natural, totally faithful reproduction is the first commandment of all T+A devices.
Construction and Material
Many planar-magnetic headphones share the problems of low efficiency, very low impedance and considerable weight, and we were determined from the outset to avoid these drawbacks in our design. A crucial factor in this purpose was the adoption of a new approach to problem solving. We invested considerable effort in the design, and insisted on the use of the finest available materials. The headphones incorporate several close-tolerance sub-assemblies which fit together snugly; they can only be manufactured using precision tools to ensure that they meet our requirements for tolerances in the hundredths of a millimetre. The net result is consistently perfect fits. The ear cushions and head band are hand-made, and manufactured for us by a specialist company here in Germany. They consist of allergen-free synthetic leather and velours, and are specially selected to suit the specification of the Solitaire P-SE. Right at the development stage we laid the foundation for a very enjoyable wearing experience; contact with the skin is pleasant even when the headphones are worn for long periods.
Headphone Cable
In the pursuit of optimum sound the quality of the connecting cables is a crucial link in the chain. Ours are of symmetrical construction, with very low inductivity and capacitance, and designed with the optimum impedance. They consist of ultra-pure copper (OFC) conductors with a carefully defined silver layer. The four signal conductors are embedded in cotton threads, and permanently wrapped in a silver-plated woven shield. This construction isolates electro-magnetic influences, and damps mechanical resonances. The connectors are of the highest quality. The headphones themselves are fitted with special 3.5mm barrel connectors, which – like the sockets at the headphone end – are finely gold-plated, and exhibit zero transfer resistance. The entire cable harness, including connectors and splitters, is encased and sheathed in a single manufacturing process, resulting in an extremely robust, durable cable which remains very flexible The cable insulators consist of high-quality Hytrel® and TPE; these elastomers are free of PVC and latex, and are manufactured without the addition of toxic softening agents. Two cable sets are supplied with the headphones as standard: one with a 6.3 mm barrel connector, and the second with a symmetrical 4.4 mm Pentaconn connector which offers optimum transfer resistance for the best possible sound quality. As an option, a lead terminating in a four-pin XLR connector can be supplied instead of the 4.4mm Pentaconn cable set.
Transducer
The Solitaire P-SE is driven by our in-house transducer TPM 2500. The TPM 2500 is a derivative of our flagship transducer TPM 3100, both are developed and handmade in Herford. The high-performance neodymium magnets of the TPM 2500 are made with an accurately calculated segment shape as well as being precisely matched in length to suit the oval outline of the diaphragm; this ensures that the magnetic field lines generated have a homogeneous course, and that no air turbulence occurs; the airflow remains laminar at all times. The precise design of the retaining rings and the magnet mount maintains the diaphragm’s position accurately in the linear part of the magnetic field, ensuring that it is able to generate high sound pressures without distortion and with an enormous dynamic range, virtually devoid of inertia. This design also eliminates the need for opposed magnet systems, helping to keep the headphones’ weight low. The diaphragm is able to vibrate freely in the direction of the ear cushions, since there is no acoustic hindrance between the transducer diaphragm and the ear. The diaphragm of the TPM 2500 itself consists of a special ultra-thin – and therefore ultra-lightweight – film material, coated with an accurately routed and calculated conductor array whose impedance is around 45 Ohm.
The open construction of the Solitaire P-SE avoids the resonance problems of closed systems, and allows the diaphragm to vibrate unimpeded; the music signal is maintained in its full, unadulterated form.
Specifications
Solitaire P-SE Headphones
Transducer principle
Planar-magnetostatic
Impedance
45 Ohms
Frequency responce
8 Hz - 45 kHz
Distortion
< 0,015 % @ 100 dB
Maximum sound pressure level
> 130 dB
Transducer size
elliptic 110 x 80 mm
Type of construction
Open, over ear
Connectivity
Wired transmission, un-balanced 6.35 mm, balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn or
XLR-4-Pin
Material
Thermo plastic, steel, allergen-free synthetic leather and velour
Weight
440 g excl. cable
Reviews
Hificlube.net 10/2022
T+A Solitaire P- SE - alone in a room crowded with music(ians)
The Solitaire P- SE headphones do not live up to their name. Listen to music with them and you will never feel solitary again.
Hi-Fi Plus Awards 11/2021
Headphone of The Year Award
There’s enough space available on the soundstage for each instrument to be described in full.
Audio Poland 11/2021
Planar Revelations
In this test there are only ... and as many as two models from one company. such
we don't make comparisons often, but this time they spoke for it
special arguments and to some extent chance.
i-fidelity.net 11/2021
pamper your ears
T+A is still relatively new to the headphone business. But the experience from decades of building high-quality audio components and loudspeakers is fully reflected in the combination of T+A HA 200 headphone amplifier and T+A Solitaire P-SE headphones. Both are manufactured with perfect craftsmanship and are visually appealing. The depiction of coarse and fine dynamics, harmonious structures, gripping physicality and an astonishing wealth of detail is outstanding. Certainly there is hardly anything you can spoil your ears with better. It's really a shame that I can't prescribe this duo on prescription.
HiFi Critic 6/2021
High End Headphones
This is not a headphone you’ll buy for the looks and even a twenty minute listen might not completely sell you on the level of ability here. The more time you spend with the P-SE, though, the more that understated but hugely effective design begins to win you over as the sheer effortlessness of the performance makes itself felt. For sixty percent
of the price of the Solitaire P, this is considerably more than two thirds of the performance and that makes it something of a bargain, even at the asking price. T+A’s headphone range is up and running –I’m very interested to see where it goes next.
Hi-Fi Plus 4/2021
Solitaire P-SE Open-back headphones
These are the headphonistas; the personal audio sound hounds for whom only the best is good enough. And for them, the T+A Solitaire P-SE is a strong contended in 'best of breed' for open-back planar magnetic headphones. In pure sound terms, few come close.
Audio Test 5/2021
The Music Creators
There are headphones and there are musicians. The latter includes the Solitaire P-SE from T+A. They create their own musical space that sounds more beautiful than the best possible acoustically tuned room with the highest quality music system. And from this point of view, the price is absolutely reasonable.
Hifi Choice 6/2021
T+A has somehow shaved as much as 40 percent off the price of the flagship P while retaining more than 60 percent of its capability. It’s still unquestionably an expensive headphone, but the sheer levels of
performance on offer and the quality of the build and design means it ranks as one of the very finest headphones anywhere near the price.
Stereo 4/2021
The Persecutor - Practice renunciation without suffering
The attention to detail also has a positive effect on the sound, because when you deal with the Solitaire P-SE, one cog fits into the other, there is nowhere stuck, nowhere does the feeling arise that something could not be right here. The entire performance is characterized by an effortlessness and liveliness that is rousing. The "follower" also leaves nothing to be desired in terms of tonality, staying very close to the top model Solitaire P.
Hi-Fi Plus 3/2021
Solitaire P-SE open-back headphones
And for them, the T+A Solitaire P-SE is a strong contended in "best of breed" for open back planar magnetic headphones. In pure sound terms, few come closer.
Low Beats 2/2021
Solitaire P-SE - Outstanding made cheaper
Is there still room for improvement? Perhaps. But I don't care. Here is my new favorite. What makes me really happy: the little brother reaches the level of its luxury relative. This variety of impulses, this power, this subtlety - that's a really big buying tip. Anyone with high-end senses should start a savings account.
Forbes 1/2021
T+A’s Solitaire P-SE Headphones Offer The Magic Sound Of Planar-Magnetic Drivers At A Lower Price
Verdict: With something like the T+A Solitaire P-SE headphones, you get exactly what you pay for. Ideally, you’d want to use them with T+A’s stunning HA 200 headphone amplifier, possibly one of the most beautiful pieces of audio kit I’ve seen in a while. This is the Rolls-Royce of headphone amplifiers and will set you back more than $7,000. However, it’s the perfect partner for the Solitaire P or Solitaire P-SE headphones. These headphones are made for people who do most of their listening through headphones in a dedicated music room. I think there’s little to beat the Solitaire P range and the lower price of the P-SE doesn’t appear to impact unduly on the sound. If you do decide to buy a pair for yourself, just prepare to feel the upgrade itch that will come from listening to these superb headphones through your existing audio setup. You’ll soon be looking to upgrade, just to see if you can squeeze any extra performance from these exquisite headphones.
Musicalhead 1/2021
With the new SOLITAIRE P-SE, the German manufacturer T+A has, in my opinion, undoubtedly achieved another milestone on the way to musical nirvana. The orthodynamic ear speaker is once again among the best in world-class headphones and not only plays music with exemplary transparency, but also acts absolutely discoloration-free in front of a pitch-black background.
Stereoplay 2/2021
The new king
The Solitaire P-SE felt the artwork - what a tremor, the finest ballads, the hard rock, plus a lot of air and energy. This is a great mix of high-end honesty and lustful music making. The superlative has to be: These are the best headphones I've ever had on my ears. Although: I was also allowed to nibble on the large Solitaire P. But the SE seems more coherent to me. In appearance, splendor and of course also in the price. A masterpiece.
Transducer principle
Planar-magnetostatic
Impedance
45 Ohms
Frequency responce
8 Hz - 45 kHz
Distortion
< 0,015 % @ 100 dB
Maximum sound pressure level
> 130 dB
Transducer size
elliptic 110 x 80 mm
Type of construction
Open, over ear
Connectivity
Wired transmission, un-balanced 6.35 mm, balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn or
XLR-4-Pin
Material
Thermo plastic, steel, allergen-free synthetic leather and velour
Weight
440 g excl. cable
