Atoll MS120 Streamer/DAC, $1600

(3.7h, 12.6w, 8.27d)

Atoll’s new MS120 Streamer/DAC is my favorite streaming device. It’s a Swiss army knife as well. Finally we have a GREAT Streamer/DAC that is enough better than a Bluesound that I’m happy to recommend it.

I’ve enjoyed Bluesound Nodes as streamers. They work well with few hiccups. They work especially well when you run digital out into high end DACs. Yet they are made in China and don’t sound as good as Atoll’s MS120.

There’s no need for an outboard DAC with MS120. It’s a complete audiophile solution.

You can use MS120 as a stand alone streamer with its on board DAC. I think it’s best used running analog out to connect to an integrated amp or preamp. You can run digital out to a separate DAC if you like.

In a minimalist system you can run MS120 as a preamp as well, because it has an output voltage of 2.8Vrms- which will drive any power amp or powered speakers. Hence you could run MS120 right into powered speakers or your favorite power amp. With analog and digital inputs as well, MS120 could be a very helpful option for someone who primarily streams but has other sources too.

For the rest of this commentary, I’m going to discuss MS120 as a Streamer/DAC, and ignore the preamp functions.

I do want to point out that I’ve been happy with the various Bluesound Nodes as streamers over the years. They use the Stream Unlimited streaming module, as does MS120. Hence, the streaming platform of the MS120 and the Bluesound Nodes is very reliable. That’s not a given with the other guys! There are plenty of alternative streaming modules used in a plethora of electronics that cough and sputter.

The Node sounds respectable as a stand alone unit, running analog out. MS120 sounds significantly better, running analog out.

MS120 leaves the Node far behind with its three linear power supplies. Node does its best work when you run digital out into a high quality outboard DAC. But if you do this, you’ll pay MORE than buying the MS120 alone.

Consequently, I’m recommending you get a French built Atoll MS120, with 3 year warranty AND great DAC on board. I prefer this route to buying a Chinese built Node and running it into a random DAC. All aspects of the Atoll are better, as you’ll see.

MS120 Details

First of all, MS120 sounds more up front, fuller and more dynamic than any other Streamer/DAC we’ve tried. It also rids the music of any proclivity for sibilance to sneak into the sound. Most streamers contribute a tad more SSSSS to the sound, which is irritating. Once you are aware of that artifact, you can’t un-hear it.

MS120 is made by Atoll in its own house in France with 3 year warranty. Atoll has designed its own operating app and it’s easily my favorite.

MS120 has a SWEET 5” readout screen for album artwork or channel information. While it doesn’t change the sound, it sure is fun.

MS120 is all about the build. Take a look inside below, compared to its top competitors, the Bluesound Node & Icon. The Atoll has two large transformers- that dwarf the Bluesounds in size. MS120 runs three linear power supplies while the Chinese use switch mode supplies. MS120 has almost 6000uF in the power supply, which is conspicuously high for a Streamer/DAC.

MS120 uses Burr Brown DACs. The DACs are run without negative feedback to keep the sound musical. Everyone else runs high processing DACs with negative feedback, which sound more sterile. Running the latest high processing chips might seem “better” on paper, but they’re not. They affect the sound as a contrast control does on a TV. Cranking up too much contrast makes the TV picture unnatural.

MS120 runs discrete output stages after the DAC. You’ll see symmetrical output stages in MS120 while the other guys primarily run analog out straight from the decoding chip. Atoll uses Vishay caps- which is exceptional at this price point.

MS120 plays PCM 24/192 and DSD 128. Yup, ya get legit DSD out of MS120. You can run with variable or fixed volume control. If you do use the variable out function, the volume control does run in the analog domain.

MS120 has Bluetooth and Roon if ya need ‘em.

MS120 has discrete components in its headphone amp. Headphones aren’t an after thought with Atoll.

We’d like to invite you to visit to hear MS120 for yourself. We’re confident you’ll like the sound and operation as much as we do. AND… you won’t be supporting yet another mass produced, Chinese brand when you buy Atoll.