The Integrated Amplifier
The PA 3100 HV is a further development of the PA 3000 HV, and most of its sub-assemblies are identical. The immediately obvious difference is the pair of VU meters in the front panel, which display the power generated per channel in logarithmic form in Watts into 4 Ohms. A revision of the pre-amplifier section (D.C. coupling) has brought an additional improvement in sound quality.
A further development is the redesigned analogue mains section and voltage power supply, which is similar to that of the A 3000 HV. This makes it possible to connect the supplementary PS 3000 HV mains section in order to gain a further increase in stability and performance of the power supply system as a whole. The additional unit provides an extra 1800 Watt of supply power, enabling the system to control even the most difficult loudspeakers without effort, so that they can unfold the best possible sound quality.
The all-metal F3001 infra-red remote control handset is supplied as standard.
Technology
In the HV series the signal switching and adjusting functions are carried out by encapsulated gas-tight gold-contact relays, which are totally immune to contact problems due to corrosion, dust, etc., and do not suffer from ageing effects even after many years of operation. The pre-amplifier even employs bi-stable relays, which require no permanent coil current, and this in turn eliminates any adverse inductive effect on the audio signals.
The front panel is no less than 40 mm thick to provide outstanding shielding, and is machined from solid. All the electronic control circuitry is housed in a deeply inset compartment in this panel, which also bears on its front face the bright, dimmable glass VFD screen with its zero-wear sensor buttons.
The rotary source select and volume control knobs take the form of precision incremental encoders running in needle roller bearings, which give a uniquely satisfying sensation when operated.