T+A Solitaire P Headphone, Wired, Planar‑Magnetostatic Open‑Back (XLR4)
Hear truth, not hype: reference‑grade transparency with real‑world comfort and craftsmanship
The Solitaire P is built for the listener who’s done chasing flavor-of-the-month signatures and just wants the recording—whole, unforced, and beautifully intact. T+A’s in‑house planar‑magnetostatic driver unlocks a vast, effortless stage with micro‑detail that feels lived‑in rather than lit‑up, while its milled‑aluminum architecture and hand‑finished pads make long sessions feel as considered as they sound. This XLR4 variant ships ready for fully balanced playback, so your chain can disappear and the music can stand up on its own.
Why Audiophiles Choose This Product
- • Sound quality: Natural, neutral‑to‑slightly‑warm tuning with outstanding micro‑dynamics, precise bass control, lifelike timbre, and a wide, stable soundstage. Reviewers consistently praise its “balanced and neutral tonal profile” with extension from airy highs to deep bass that arrives only when the music calls for it.
- • Engineering: The TPM 3100 planar‑magnetostatic transducer uses 19 high‑performance neodymium magnets and an ultra‑thin, vapor‑deposited conductor on a lightweight film, with a laminar airflow design that minimizes turbulence and distortion. The result: very low THD (<0.015% @ 100 dB) and high dynamic range.
- • Practicality and build: Earcups and yokes are CNC‑machined from solid aluminum; pads and headband are hand‑made in Germany from allergen‑free synthetic leather and Alcantara for long‑wear comfort. Military‑grade two‑pole connectors at the earcups ensure secure, serviceable cabling.
- • Compatibility: With 80 Ω impedance and 101 dB/1V sensitivity, the Solitaire P is comparatively easy to drive for a flagship planar and scales beautifully with desktop amplification—single‑ended or fully balanced.
- • What sets it apart: Elliptical 110×80 mm driver geometry, a meticulously controlled magnetic field for true laminar airflow, and T+A’s low‑inductance, low‑capacitance cable architecture deliver reference clarity without edge or fatigue—an uncommon combination in the category.
What’s Included
- • Main product: T+A Solitaire P open‑back planar‑magnetostatic headphones (TPM 3100 driver; hand‑built in Herford, Germany).
- • Primary accessory: 3 m detachable balanced cable terminated XLR‑4 (this XLR4 version), plus a 3 m unbalanced 6.35 mm (¼ in) cable. T+A also offers a 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced version as an alternative package.
- • Secondary items: Premium presentation/storage box; earcup connectors are professional, military‑grade two‑pole types; optional “Ultra‑Wide” tuning pads are available separately.
- • Documentation: User manual and support for T+A’s Fresh‑Up service (pad and dust‑protection refresh).
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Wired | Detachable cables; balanced XLR‑4 and unbalanced 6.35 mm included with this variant. |
| Transducer principle | Planar‑magnetostatic | In‑house TPM 3100 driver; hand‑built in Germany. |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz – 54 kHz | Captures infrasonic weight and airy overtones without spotlighting. |
| Impedance | 80 Ω | Friendly load for many desktop amps; balances current draw and control. |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB (1 kHz, 1 V rms) | Higher sensitivity than many planars aids system compatibility. |
| THD | < 0.015% @ 100 dB | Very low distortion under real listening levels. |
| Max SPL | > 130 dB | Substantial headroom for dynamic recordings. |
| Driver size | 110 × 80 mm (elliptical) | Large radiating area supports effortless dynamics. |
| Construction | Open‑back, circumaural | Natural staging and quick decay. |
| Cable system | 3 m XLR‑4 balanced and 3 m 6.35 mm unbalanced | Low‑inductance/low‑capacitance OFC with defined silver layer; military‑grade earcup connectors. |
| Earcup connectors | ODU professional two‑pole | Secure, serviceable push‑pull interface. |
| Weight | 530 g (excl. cable) | Even distribution and plush pads support long sessions. |
Professional Recognition
- • Reviews:
- Stereophile (Feb 2021): “First‑try headphone products played with the best of the world’s best.”
- The Absolute Sound (Feb 2021): Praises the over‑engineered aluminum build and robust cable connection; “probably the toughest headphones I’ve ever seen.”
- Audiophile Style (July 2023): “Balanced and neutral tonal profile… airy highs to deep, subterranean bass.”
- Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity (June 2024): Lauds the Solitaire P/HA 200 pairing for addictive, next‑level presentation.
- • Heritage: T+A has decades of planar‑film transducer experience; the Solitaire P and its TPM 3100 driver are developed and built in Herford, Germany.
- • Innovation: Elliptical diaphragm, precisely segmented magnets maintaining laminar airflow, and military‑grade earcup connectors; low‑inductance/low‑capacitance cable design with Hytrel/TPE insulation.
- • Community feedback: Head‑Fi listeners frequently highlight the Solitaire P’s effortless separation, natural balance, and strong scaling with balanced amplification and pad options.
The Bottom Line
For buyers who want a flagship that prizes truth over theatrics, the Solitaire P is a confident, meticulously engineered choice. Its reference‑grade transparency, civilized tonal balance, and heirloom‑level build inspire trust—and long listening sessions. Choose this XLR4 edition to tap its full balanced potential on day one; the sound does the rest.
Notes for headphone shoppers
- Connectivity: Wired only. This XLR4 package includes balanced XLR‑4 and unbalanced 6.35 mm cables (3 m). A 4.4 mm Pentaconn version is available as an alternative package.
- Amplification: While comparatively easy to drive for a flagship planar (80 Ω, 101 dB/1V), the Solitaire P rewards high‑quality desktop amplification—especially balanced.
- Sound signature: Neutral to slightly warm, highly resolving, non‑fatiguing treble, fast and accurate bass. Cross‑check with the cited reviews if you prefer brighter or more overtly energetic tunings.
- Comfort: Substantial but well‑distributed mass (530 g); plush pads and moderate clamping are designed for extended listening. Optional “Ultra‑Wide” pads provide an alternate presentation.
Research sources: Official specifications and package variants from T+A; connector details from T+A’s shop; technical and listening impressions from Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, Audiophile Style, and Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity; community observations from Head‑Fi.































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