When high-end audio becomes simpler – without compromise
Investing in an exceptional audio system is often the dream of a lifetime. Yet, once the tube amplifier is set up and...
There are objects that transcend their primary function
Some components impress with specifications alone. Others charm you at first glance. The T+A Symphonia does both – but more importantly, it makes you want to listen to music, for hours on end, without distraction.
In a hi-fi world often dominated by stacks of boxes, cables and operational compromises, T+A proposes a clear vision: one single component that does everything, and does it exceptionally well. Streaming, amplification, DAC, phono stage, radio, headphone output… The Symphonia is not a shortcut – it is a synthesis.
There’s no mistaking the Symphonia for any other integrated amplifier. Its dense yet perfectly organised front panel, monochrome OLED display and hand-built analogue VU meters immediately evoke a tradition of serious German engineering – objects designed to last.
Yet there’s nothing retrograde here. The compact chassis, clean lines and aluminium finish (silver or black) place the Symphonia firmly in the present. It feels as much like a precision instrument as a design object. The Symphonia doesn’t try to seduce – it asserts.
With its modest footprint and manageable weight, it integrates effortlessly into both modern living spaces and dedicated listening rooms.
Behind the understated exterior lies a thoroughly modern architecture. Power amplification is handled by Purifi Eigentakt Class D modules, customised by T+A and supervised by an intelligent control system to maintain stability, low distortion and current control. On paper and in practice, it’s serious engineering.
The digital side is equally ambitious:
dual-DAC architecture
PCM support up to 768kHz
DSD up to DSD512
selectable T+A digital filters
strict digital/analogue separation
Add HDMI ARC, USB DAC, network streaming, Bluetooth aptX HD, MM/MC phono input, FM/DAB radio and more, and the Symphonia becomes a hub capable of adapting to virtually any system or listening habit.
At the heart of my system, the Symphonia drives a pair of Spendor D7.2 loudspeakers via Sublime O2a cables. My primary source is Qobuz, with vinyl playback via a Transrotor Max turntable fitted with a Merlo MC cartridge.
From the first notes, one quality stands out: coherence. The Symphonia never seeks to impress artificially. Instead, it prioritises balance, clarity and natural dynamics.
The Spendors, known for their musical honesty and tonal refinement, find an ideal partner here. Bass is tight and controlled, never overblown. The midrange – the emotional core of music – is articulate and lifelike. Treble is open and extended, without glare, even at higher listening levels.
High-resolution streaming via Qobuz sounds precise yet relaxed. Large orchestral works breathe, small acoustic ensembles gain intimacy, and modern productions retain impact without harshness.
The integrated phono stage deserves special mention. Paired with the Transrotor Max / Merlo MC, it delivers a sound that is textured, fluid and surprisingly authoritative. The warmth and body of vinyl are preserved, but with excellent control and rhythmic stability – a genuine success for an all-in-one design.
Through headphones, the Symphonia truly shines. Used with the T+A Solitaire, the presentation becomes immersive and deeply involving. The soundstage opens up, micro-detail emerges naturally, and musical flow remains intact. It’s a partnership that feels intentional and complete.
The MusicNavigator G3 app is straightforward, stable and intuitive. While not overloaded with features, it provides reliable control and integrates seamlessly with Roon, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay and Audirvāna. Users are free to choose their preferred ecosystem.
The SRC2 remote control is another welcome inclusion – comprehensive, tactile and thoughtfully designed. In an era dominated by touchscreens, having a well-executed physical remote remains a pleasure.
The T+A Symphonia is not a show-off component. It doesn’t rely on exaggerated warmth or spectacular effects. Instead, it does something far more valuable: it encourages long, focused listening.
With speakers like the Spendor D7.2, high-quality vinyl playback, reference headphones and Qobuz streaming, the Symphonia becomes the heart of an elegant, modern and deeply musical system.
Yes, there are amplifiers that are more powerful, more exotic or physically imposing. But very few manage to combine simplicity, versatility, aesthetics and sound quality with such confidence.
The Symphonia is not a compromise.
It is a decision.
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A Max of possibilities at transrotor
Integrated amplifier PA 2500 R
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Transrotor Max the entry level that doesn't look like one
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