Atoll CD80 Signature CD player [End of life]

The Atoll CD80 Signature CD player is the second CD player in the French manufacturer's ‘Signature’ range.

Atoll CD80 Signature: case

The CD80 Signature comes in a new metal case with a superb front panel (silver or black) in 4mm brushed aluminium! The front panel is, of course, in keeping with Atoll's new product design.

Below the drawer is a low-power OLED display showing all the playback and range information. On either side are 3 control buttons for the main functions (play, stop, pause, forward/reverse, etc.).

The rear panel features an unbalanced stereo analogue output, an S/PDIF coaxial digital output and a Toslink optical output.

Atoll CD80 Signature: specifications

This CD player is equipped with a Teac Pur Audio CD mechanism optimised to reduce jitter as far as possible. It is mounted on a central anti-resonant chassis to avoid any vibrations that could harm playback.

The CD80 Signature player accepts CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs in MP3, WMA and AAC formats. It is also compatible with CD Text if the disc has this feature.

Atoll has opted for 5 regulated power supplies to limit any interference between analogue and digital. A transformer is dedicated specifically to the audio stages.

The analogue output stages are balanced and discrete-component, fully polarised in Class A.

The digital part uses the excellent Burr-Brown PCM1793 conversion chip. It offers 24-bit resolution at 192 kHz.

This CD player from the Signature range can be fitted with an optional Atoll CD Signature card featuring 3 digital inputs: a coaxial input (24Bits/192kHz), an optical input (24Bits/192kHz) and a USB-B input. This allows the player's internal digital/analogue converter to be used for external sources.

Atoll CD80 Signature: test and listening

The Atoll CD80 Signature CD player offers a very balanced and relatively neutral sound reproduction. The dynamics and transparency are remarkable throughout the spectrum.

We find the spontaneity and generosity of the Atoll CD50 Signature CD player with much more nuance and subtlety. The same is true of the midrange, which offers greater harmonic richness and better presence.

Transparency remains excellent throughout the spectrum.

The bass is extended and very expressive. It's just as convincing on an organ or grand piano as it is on an electric bass or double bass.

With its neutrality and musicality, this CD player is highly versatile and will delight jazz, rock and classical music fans alike.

This Atoll CD80 Signature CD player is superbly constructed and offers a dynamic and attractive sound reproduction that meets the demands of many music lovers and audiophiles. The option of the Atoll CD Signature card is also an added bonus.

The Atoll CD80 Signature offers remarkable value for money! Highly recommended.