Atoll MS120 Streamer/DAC, $1600

We have been looking for a CUT ABOVE streamer with built in DAC for years. We’ve finally found something SPECIAL that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s made by Atoll in France with a 3 year warranty, as opposed to something made in China, that has a one year with fingers crossed warranty.

Before discussing the new MS120, I want to say we’ve been pleased with the various Bluesound units we’ve sold over the years for their price points. They have the streaming operational aspect down cold. That’s a great start. Yet anytime you build in China with small switching power supplies, you know there’s room for improvement.

We’re especially happy with the Nodes when run into fine DACs like the Mytek Liberty 2, Brystons or Macs. But the Atoll MS120 has excellent Burr Brown DACs built in and is ready to rock with refined performance all on its own. MS120 is actually quite a bit less expensive than buying a Node with any of these other high performing DACs.

I haven’t been convinced that streamer/DACs made in China or S Korea, using similar parts to Bluesound, are worth ANY more money. You really need to move into linear power supplies and DACs without feedback to derive top level performance. That brings us to Atoll of France.

And by the way, who runs DACS without feedback besides Atoll? That’s right, nobody. Atoll’s implementation of its DAC componentry, whether in MS120 or any of its CD players, takes music to a higher echelon to give you warmer sound quality. Let’s take a look.

MS120 starts with three substantial linear power supplies. Have a look at the pair of large transformers (one 6VA, one 4VA). These are MONSTERS compared to what you’ll see in Asian built streamers at close to this price point. The Node is a respectable performer, but as you can see from the intestines, it’s not even close to MS120 in build quality. MS120 is supported by stiff caps, 5354uF. Atoll’s multi power supply design dwarfs the other guys and contributes largely to its rich sound. Atoll uses Vishay caps, a choice you won’t see from the other side of the globe.

Atoll runs Burr Brown DACs without employing negative feedback. The DAC section has its own dedicated linear power supply. The Asians use high processing Sabre chips with a clean, but more sterile sonic signature. Like cranking up contrast on a TV picture, more isn’t necessarily better. Atoll achieves a smoother sound with its BB DAC implementation. MS120 has a notably rounder, less edgy sound quality than the Asian built streamers.

Now, having said all this nice stuff about MS120 producing excellent streaming sound, I still prefer the sound of a CD through a GREAT CD player like an Atoll. My recommendation is to get a fabulous Atoll CD player and play CDs for the music you truly love the most. We all have albums we can listen to a million times. Use CDs for that. It’s fine to stream everything else.

The SOUND of the MS120 beats Bluesound and the other guys in several definable categories. First of all the sound is more forward and dynamic. Lighter weight streamers have that distinct aura of FM radio sound. But most notably, MS120 doesn’t exhibit the sibilant (SSSS) sound that flimsier units have. Once you hear the sibilance in a streamer, you can’t un-hear it. It’s similar to playing a record with a tad of dust on the stylus. It’s noticeable and annoying.

Please have a look at the photos of the bottom of our Dave’s Faves listing for MS120. Please note the large and hearty parts choices Atoll makes vs the top competitors- the Bluesounds.

Most Covered Songs In History

Prefaced by how many times covered:

397: With A Little Help From My Friends, Lennon/McCartney (LM going forward)

419: In My Life, LM

430: Here Comes The Sun, George Harrison

447: Jingle Bell Rock, Jim Boothe, Joe Beal

461: Come Together, LM

562: Here, There & Everywhere, LM

565: Imagine, John Lennon

567: Something, George Harrison

568: Hey Jude, LM

577: Let It Be, LM