Atoll DAC100 Signature DAC

The Atoll DAC100 Signature is the evolution of the 100 SE DAC and is the entry-level product of the French manufacturer’s range. However, it proposes a very complete electrical connector and a processing of audio signals in HD.

ATOLL DAC100 SIGNATURE: FRONT PANEL AND BACK PANEL

The housing is smaller than the defined standard but remains similar to Atoll’s design.

We find a beautiful front panel made of black or natural brushed aluminium, with curved edges. It is equipped with a source selector and the 7 corresponding LEDs.

At the back, the 100 Signature DAC offers 3 RCA-format SPDIF inputs, 3 optical Toslink and 1 USB.

Atoll added to these 2 coaxial and digital outputs. The analogical outputs are asymmetrical and in RCA.

ATOLL DAC100 SIGNATURE: TECHNOLOGY

When the cover is removed, there is an original Burr-Brown D/A conversion chip: the PCM 1796. It is able to deal with information in 24 bits/192 kHz! Note that the SPDIF and optical inputs can support the PCM up to 192 kHz and the USB-B can convert the PCM up to 192 kHz, and the DSD 64 and 128.

The power supply uses 2 independent transformers, one of which is reserved for analog. They are completed with 7 regulated power supplies.

The output stages with zero-feedback use discrete components. All of the audio connecting capacitors of this Atoll DAC 100 Signature are in MKP technology.

ATOLL DAC100 SIGNATURE: TEST AND LISTENING

Of course, this “small” DAC cannot rival with the superb DAC300, but we find the manufacturer’s DNA.

The transparency and realism are surprising. The sound stage is precise and very clear, and the dynamic is excellent.

The bass is not the deepest one, but it is very realistic and enters perfectly in the restitution to be fully homogeneous and balanced.

The Atoll DAC100 Signature is an excellent surprise! It allows a very tight budget to significantly upgrade small network players or improve a CD player restitution.

In addition, the listening of HD files on a computer via USB is very clear. It does not have to blush at the best mid-range CD player!