Review: T+A 200 Series System Build

Ahead of our upcoming event with T+A at Home Media HQ on 11th and 12th November, Chris has given a test run to the equipment that will feature ‘on the day’, giving you an advance insight into the system on show. In case you missed it, click here for Chris’ overview of the T+A 3100 HV Series – but read on for a sneak peek of the T+A 200 Series…

In similar fashion to our T+A 3100 HV Series system build, the 200 series system starts at the MP 200, which is a multi-source player that includes CD, Bluetooth, radio and streaming, along with a couple of digital inputs allowing for addition of an HDD or any other digital source with a coax output.

Another standout feature of the MP 200 is the SYS LINK. When paired with the matching T+A DAC 200, SYS LINK allows the MP 200 to become the brain of your system, meaning you can send control commands along with audio signals through the “optimum path”. Pair SYS LINK with the T+A Music Navigator App on your phone or tablet for a completely remote-less experience.

The multi-functional MP 200 is precise with its presentation whilst still maintaining the emotion of the music; creating a harmonious sound that really captures the essence of your favourite albums and artists.

The second part of the T+A 200 Series is the DAC 200, a fantastic DAC/Pre that pretty much covers every base that you might need it to. Coax, Optical and USB are just a few of the digital inputs that the T+A DAC 200 features, whilst also including 1 RCA Analogue input for your convenience. Outputs include 1 pair of XLRs and 1 pair of RCAs. T+A also offer an optional HDMI board to further increase capability. With all this connectivity, it’s easy to forget about the multi-purpose VU meters on the front of the chassis!

T+A’s DAC 200 is fast, capable and detailed. Foot tapping is something I found myself doing a lot when listening to the 200 Series DAC, I really enjoyed the engagement and space it provided in the soundstage.

The last offering from the T+A 200 Series is the A 200, a powerful yet agile Class D stereo power amplifier. Producing 250 watts of continuous power per channel, the A 200 is not to be taken lightly and can handle lower sensitivity speakers with relative ease. A 200 features two pairs of speaker outputs, along with RCA and XLR inputs.

Effortless I think is the word for how the A 200 handles the ATC SCM 40s. As many of our customers know, we adore the ATC SCM 40s and they are a regular choice for our in-store events, but they can take some real driving to get the best out of them and boy does the A 200 deliver. In keeping with the family sound, the A 200 is engaging and spacious whilst also being precise and accurate. The only thing to note is the fact that, because it’s Class D, the A 200 can come across as clinical and possibly cold if partnered with the cables – but when paired with the right cables you should have none of those issues.

Speaking of cables, I am using the Tellurium Q Ultra Black II Speaker Cable and RCA Interconnects to help add a little more texture to the sound and negate the potential problems above.

If you couldn’t already tell the ATC SCM 40s are the speakers of choice, once again, for this event. The natural, open nature of the SCM 40s makes them a pleasure to listen to, and a really easy choice for partnership with the T+A 200 Series.

As mentioned in my previous blog, adding a REL Subwoofer can and does enhance any system, so none of our customers will be surprised to hear that I am also running a REL S/510 for the extra width, depth and height that a sub provides, and it underpins the ATC SCM 40s so well.

We can’t wait to welcome you all in November to see the 200 Series system, alongside our T+A 3100 HV Series system, for yourself and hear just how great they sound.

Find more event details here and give us a ring on 01622 676703 as soon as you’re ready to book.