Hafler has provided details on its newest stereo amplifier, the P3100, due out in July. This amplifier uses Hafler's trans*nova lateral MOSFET topology, and it offers 150 watts per channel into eight ohms and 200 watts per channel into four ohms. The P3100 can also be bridged to produce 400 watts. Connection options include balanced XLR, quarter-inch TRS, and gold-plated unbalanced RCA, and the amp features extensive heat sinks on both sides. Pricing has not yet been announced.
From Hafler
Hafler (a division of Radial Engineering Ltd.) is pleased to announce the P3100 2-channel amplifier. Designed for both studio recording and audiophile listening, the P3100 follows David Hafler's philosophy of offering the very highest quality at an affordable price point.
According to Hafler Senior Engineer Dan Fraser: "The P3100 is a 'next generation' amplifier designed for the most demanding audio engineer and audiophile. It employs Hafler's legendary trans*nova lateral MOSFET topology that at once reduces the length of the signal path while providing exceptional stability. This results in remarkable sonic detail while assuring greater protection for the loudspeakers."
The P3100 is both elegant and robust. It produces 150 watts per channel into 8 Ohms, 200 watts per channel into 4 Ohms and may be bridged mono to produce 400 watts. With extensive heat sinks on both sides, the P3100 does not require noisy fan cooling. Lateral MOSFETs were designed specifically for linear audio amplifier applications with their high speed and superior sonic characteristics, compared to the vertical MOSFETs and bipolar output transistors used by most other amplifier makers.
Fraser continues: "The natural sound, realistic reproduction and musicality have made trans*nova amplifiers preferred in many critical installations. Since Hafler pioneered the use of MOSFETs, they have proven extremely fault tolerant even in abusive situations. This sturdiness enables the amplifier to drive reactive speaker loads without the performance and sound penalties imposed by elaborate protection schemes."
Front panel features include individual trim controls along with an elaborate LED display for precise monitoring with signal presence and overload. The power switch is equipped with a 'soft start' circuit that prevents sending potentially destructive turn-on and turn-off transients to the speakers. A thermal sensing network monitors the heatsink temperature and shuts down the amplifier to protect from excessive operating heat. The need for internal fuses has been replaced with a sensing circuit that monitors the output and shuts down operation when it detects a short in the output load. The rear panel sports a choice of balanced XLR and ¼" TRS inputs for professional use along with gold-plated unbalanced RCAs for the audiophile. The speaker connections are No Touch binding posts, compatible with modern safety standards.
This latest generation of trans*nova amplification introduces a toroidal power transformer to the circuit, replacing the older E lam type. Toroidal transformers have a lower output impedance and produce far less noise than conventional transformers, resulting in a tighter bottom end. As well toroids are inherently self-shielding which improves the amount of potential low frequency and rectifier noise introduced into the audio.
The Hafler P3100 represents a wonderful combination of the art of amplifier design for the most critical listener, and the robust construction demanded by the professional. Available in July 2016.
Additional Resources
• Hafler HA75 Headphone Amplifier Reviewed at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Visit the Hafler website for more product information.
