T+A Solitaire P-SE Planar Magnetic Headphones

The Solitaire P-SE sits below the flagship Solitaire P in T+A’s headphone range, bringing the core engineering principles of T+A’s planar-magnetostatic technology to a more accessible price point. Where the Solitaire P uses the TPM 3100 transducer and achieves a 5 Hz – 54 kHz frequency response at 80 Ohms, the P-SE employs the purpose-built TPM 2500 — a derivative of the TPM 3100 — delivering 8 Hz – 45 kHz at 45 Ohms. Both models are developed and handmade at T+A’s facility in Herford, Germany.

Transducer Technology

The TPM 2500 transducer uses high-performance neodymium magnets with precisely calculated segment shapes, matched in length to the oval diaphragm outline. This geometry ensures homogeneous magnetic field lines and maintains laminar airflow at all times, eliminating turbulence. The retaining rings and magnet mount hold the diaphragm accurately in the linear part of the magnetic field, enabling high sound pressures with distortion below 0.015% at 100 dB and a maximum sound pressure level exceeding 130 dB. The single-row magnet design eliminates the need for opposed magnet systems, contributing to the P-SE’s 440 g weight.

The diaphragm itself consists of an ultra-thin, ultra-lightweight film material coated with a precisely routed conductor array. The open-back construction avoids the resonance problems associated with closed systems, allowing the diaphragm to vibrate freely without acoustic hindrance between the transducer and the ear.

Construction and Comfort

T+A selected different plastics for different structural roles: the ear cups use materials with high internal damping, while the yokes and headband attachments prioritise mechanical strength. External surfaces are finished in aviation-grade lacquers. The ear cushions and headband are hand-made by a specialist company in Germany from allergen-free synthetic leather and velour, selected specifically for the Solitaire P-SE’s acoustic and comfort requirements.

Cable Design

Two cable sets are supplied as standard: one terminated with a 6.3 mm unbalanced barrel connector and a second with a symmetrical 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced connector. An optional four-pin XLR cable is available separately. The cables use symmetrical construction with ultra-pure OFC copper conductors and a defined silver layer. Four signal conductors are embedded in cotton threads and wrapped in a silver-plated woven shield for electromagnetic isolation and mechanical damping. All connectors are gold-plated with zero transfer resistance. The cable insulation uses Hytrel® and TPE elastomers, free of PVC and latex.