Atoll MD-100 CD Player, $900
(3 1/4h, 12 5/8w, 8 1/8d, Black or Silver)
Made In France! 3 Year Warranty
Atoll’s entry level CD player, MD-100, comes in a smaller case than the rest of their CD players. They call it their “MINI” size. They have a handful of products on this chassis size to, surprise, (!) save space.
When we got most of the Atoll models in, I didn’t pay much attention to the mini line up because I inferred they must be less serious hi-fi. Shame on me!
The Atoll mini platform is simply to save space, which is even more of an issue in Europe than it is here. Ultimately I listened to the American importer and gave a listen to MD-100. I am delighted to report, that we now have a solid, French built, sub $1000 CD player that sounds stronger and smoother than all the alternatives we’ve heard from China and Vietnam.
MD-100 has three power supplies with multiple transformers. It has power supply capacitance larger than most 50×2 amplifiers. The aluminum chassis and substantial power supplies deliver a warmer, more impactful bass sound than anything else I’ve heard near $1000. The fact that it comes in a smaller chassis size, is irrelevant to me. I hope you’re not prejudiced against it – as I was at the outset.
MD-100 clearly has a more relaxed sound with stronger bass than the NADs, and Denons in this range that we have experience with. If you like acoustic music in particular, you’ll love the resin of the cello and character of human voices more so with MD-100 vs the Asian players. You’ll be impressed with the responsive action of the transport, and it’s great that you can see the readout from you chair. The numbers aren’t microscopic.
MD-100 has RCA analog outs. It also has OPT and Coax outs. Most customers will use it as a straight CD player, but you could use it as a transport if you already have a fine DAC in your system. MD-100 incorporates a Burr Brown DAC.
I’m not particularly opinionated on DAC chip choice. Whether the brand is Burr Brown, AKM, Sabre, Wolfsen or something else- they’re all outstanding. What makes a CD player sound better than its competitors is the sum of the parts used- which largely comes down to multiple strong power supplies.
I’m thrilled to have a fine CD player, sub $1k, built in France, with a 3 year warranty!