Atoll PR200 Stereo Preamp, $1500
Made in France!
I can make a great case for the Atoll PR200 solid state preamp as being the least expensive, high quality preamp on the market. Let’s analyze.
First of all, PR200 sounds clean and quiet. Its build quality is nothing short of exquisite. Have a look inside PR200 and you’ll see a work of art and muscle- that translates to outstanding audio performance. PR200 doesn’t run a myriad of tiny PCBs that need to be linked with dental floss.
PR200 uses Atoll’s 340VA transformer. That is one HORSE of a transformer in any preamp, much less one for $1500. Filter capacitance is just under 32,000uF. THAT would be strong for a 100×2 class AB POWER amp. It uses a precise tracking ALPS volume control, which has a solid, heavy feel to it. It uses through hole components vs surface mount components, to accommodate heat and easy repairs. It uses discrete components vs chips. It’s a dual mono design.
Options abound. PR200 comes as a line stage preamp at $1500. If you want to add an MM phono board, it’s $130. Or MM/MC, $190. Or DAC (OPT/Coax) $300, Or DAC/Bluetooth/USB-B, $500. You can create YOUR VERSION of this marvelous preamp starting at $1500.
You would be wise to ask, is it sensible to get Atoll’s phono or DAC boards compared to getting outboard components? It absolutely IS smart to get PR200 with Atoll’s optional boards!
Its power supply is so massive, and its build quality is uniquely magnificent for its price, that PR200 provides the perfect heart & soul with which to add these optional boards. If you start looking at how the other guys make like priced preamps, you’ll see mostly empty boxes along with a tiny transformer, skinny caps and a pile of chips.
If you buy phono and the DAC outboard, you can’t get Atoll quality for anywhere near the same price because you have to buy the infrastructure from square one.
PR200 has 5 inputs. It has two variable outs and one fixed out. It has HT bypass. PR200 is a tremendously flexible hub for your system. You can connect a power amp and powered sub. Due to running a pair of buffered pre outs, it won’t hum and drive you nuts. It’s a far better solution than running Y cords- as the other guys make you do.
PR200 will sound better than the best preamps of the 70s or 80s. Parts quality has improved dramatically and Atoll is more than generous in allotting its hardware. If you have a preamp from yesteryear, please consider an Atoll upgrade. You’ll be happily surprised at how much a fine preamp will improve your musical experience!
