This Atoll DR200 CD drive is a brilliant addition to the French manufacturer's range of integrated amplifiers and DACs.
Atoll DR200 EVO: chassis and components
With the cover removed, we can see that the manufacturer has totally optimized this device to offer the highest-quality playback possible. All mechanical elements have been optimized to significantly reduce jitter.
Atoll has chosen TEAC's new pure-audio mechanics. This has been modified and treated with special damping materials. It is compatible with CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MP3, WMA and AAC formats.
The chassis, too, has been optimized and treated against mechanical vibration. The mechanics are powered by a high-capacity regulated power supply. Digital signals are processed by a low-noise linear power supply.
Digital signal reformatting is entrusted to an LVDS circuit. It isolates digital signals via a 1:1 ratio transformer.
Atoll DR200 EVO: front panel
The magnificent thick front panel in natural or black brushed aluminum.
In the middle of the Atoll DR200 Signature is the loading drawer, with only 3 buttons on either side, covering the basic functions of a CD player.
Below the drawer is the low-power blue OLED display. The whole is very sober and makes a real impression of quality.
Atoll DR200 EVO: rear panel
At the rear, the DR200 EVO is equipped with a coaxial output on an RCA connector, an optical output in Toslink format and an AES/EBU output on XLR 110 Ohms.
There's also a master power switch, an IEC Male 10A socket and a trigger Out socket.
Atoll DR200 EVO : accessories
A remote control is supplied as standard, enabling remote control of all Atoll products (integrated amplifiers, preamps, tuner, DAC).
What's more, it has all the basic functions, including programming, shuffle, repeat and more.
Atoll DR200 EVO: test and listening
This CD drive offers remarkable performance and musicality, whatever the associated DAC. The dynamics and transparency so dear to the French manufacturer are once again evident.
It offers a clear improvement on all parameters compared to using a standard CD player connected to a converter.
The AES/EBU output makes a clear difference, even if the coaxial link is excellent. I wouldn't recommend the optical output, which gives a less robust, fuzzier reproduction.
Connected to an Atoll DAC 200 Signature or, better still, an Atoll DAC 300 Signature in AES, the results are surprising in more ways than one. On many tracks, it was difficult to tell the difference with a dematerialized file, even in 96Khz... or when there are differences, these lean towards the DR200 EVO.
With this Atoll DR200 EVO CD drive, the compact disc still has a bright future ahead of it! A superb product... to be recommended!
FranckMechanicals: latest-generation Teac Pur Audio
Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-R W and MP3, WMA AAC
Output level: 2.5 VRMS
CD signal-to-noise ratio: 123 dB
CD distortion rate: <0.0004%.
Power supplies: 10 x regulated power supplies
Transformers: 30 + 1.6 vA
Capacity: 23,000 uF
Display: low-power OLED
Disc type supported: CD, CD-R, CD-RW
Formats: MP3-WMA-AAC
Coaxial output: on high-quality PTFE-insulated connector
Optical output: Toslink
AES/EBU output: XLR 110 ohms
Dimensions: 440 x 280 x 95 mm
Weight: 7 kg
Customer reviews
Les pieds
J'ai omis de préciser que ce transport était installé sur 3 pieds HRS Nimbus d'une hauteur de 2,5 centimètres. C'est comme si l'appareil était vissé dans du marbre, il ne bouge pas et reste insensible aux vibrations. Vous trouverez d'autres pieds sur ce site.
Confirmation
Avant hier, j'ai écouté un cd de Chet Baker. On ressent bien la fragilité de la voix du chanteur et la rutilance de la trompette. Ce transport est décidément une merveille. Et pour le prix, il est exceptionnel.
Complément d'infos
A l'époque, j'ai omis de préciser que le convertisseur était un Musical Fidelity M6 Dac et le câble AES/EBU un Celesta de la marque française Esprit (Ma platine.com ferait bien de s'intéresser à cette très qualitative marque).
Super rapport q/p
Ma femme me l'a offert à Noël (malheureusement pas acheté chez ma platine où je suis client par ailleurs). Il remplace un ps audio en panne et dont je n'étais pas satisfait. Tout est mieux.L'aigu est très lumineux, le grave sec est profond,l'espace revit.Installez-le sur des pieds de qualité et, si possible, utilisez la liaison aes/ebu.