11.2024 - Audio Emporium

Audio Emporium Newsletter 11-1-24

Atoll Streaming Integrated Amplifiers

Atoll makes two dynamite streaming integrated amps. First and foremost, these are fabulous sounding integrated amps! They just happen the have Atoll’s outstanding streaming app built it. The streaming app has proven to work quite well in our time with it. Of more importance is the magnificent integrated amp within which it is housed.

These SDA (streamer on board) models have dual, powerful transformers that Atoll has built to spec for them in Spain. The filter caps are also of Atoll design, built specifically for them in Japan- not China. Both models use Mundorf caps that are housed in mumetal boxes to prevent RFI from being generated.

Both models also feature the same Atoll hand matched MOSFET output transistors- used in all Atoll integrateds and power amps. Taking the time to match transistors delivers a smoother sound than just plugging in any and all transistors yanked out of boxes. Atoll feels this cost is well worth the more mellow sound you’ll garner from this SIGNIFICANT effort.

Both models feature Burr Brown DACs that are run without negative feedback. Many competitors brag about latest greatest chip sets with more processing power. But this processing has to be controlled and Atoll prefers the sound of BB running with no feedback. So please appreciate that plugging in the latest chip… does NOT give you the best sound. More processing doesn’t lead to a less electronic aural experience.

Atoll products are made in France, not purchased from a vendor in China. The warranty is three years. Atoll amps are AB in design, running about 15% class A. They have a warmish, muscular sound that differentiates them from all of the D amps out there. Virtually every other streaming integrated is a D, or low powered AB.

Atoll sounds stronger, heavier and more dynamic. It’s a real piece of hi-fi gear, not just a slapped together one box convenience package.

When you study what’s available in streaming integrateds, it’s mostly D designs from China. The Euro guys, like Naim’s Uniti Atom, only provides 40×2 for $3800 and the streaming platform is notoriously buggy. What good is a streamer that sputters or drops signal?!

SDA200 $4300 (120×2)

While rated at 120×2, SDA200 sounds much gutsier than you’d expect from that rating. That’s because… it features two 340VA toroidal power transformers. Filter caps are 66,000 uF. This… is a thunderous power supply that leaves the Asian and Euro streaming integrateds looking like pikers. It uses four matched MOSFET output transistors per channel. Read the comments we offer at Daves Faves on IN200. They hold true for SDA200.

SDA300 $5500 (150×2)

SDA300 is a beast that delivers a much bigger kick than you’d infer from its 150×2 rating. It features a pair of 440VA toroidal power transformers. Filter caps are 66,000 uF. It runs six matched MOSFET output transistors per channel. Read the comments we offer at Dave’s Faves on IN300. They hold true for SDA300. SDA300 is like SDA200 plus 25% more PUSH to your speakers. I can’t think of a speaker that SDA300 wouldn’t be comfortable with.

We’ve sold many IN300 integrated amps from Atoll. They’re out there driving speakers from Pans to huge towers. Every IN300 buyer has told us they luv it. SDA300 is the same product, with the Atoll streamer on board.

If you’d like the streamer on board, by all means go for SDA300. If you want to save a few bucks and don’t care if the streamer is in another box, you can buy IN300 and an outboard streamer like a Bluesound. Run digital out of the Bluesound into the Atoll and you’re in business. Either solution works great!