Atoll IN400 SE Integrated Amplifier [B-Stock]

Atoll, the Normandy-based manufacturer of top-of-the-range electronics, is offering a remarkable excursion into the high-end with its 400 series, represented by 5 products including this superb IN 400 SE integrated amplifier.

ATOLL IN400 SE: FRONT PANEL

The Atoll IN400 SE integrated amplifier stands out from the rest of the manufacturer's products with its very distinctive look. Like everything else, you either love it or hate it! But we can say that, physically, this amp is much more beautiful and sexy than the photos that can be seen here and there.

Atoll has chosen to carve the front panel from 10mm thick anodised aluminium (Silver or Black)! The chassis is 2mm thick steel. The side heatsinks are machined from solid aluminium blocks to absorb mechanical vibrations and ensure perfect heat dissipation from the power transistors. Including the weight of the board and the power transformer, the IN400 SE weighs in at 20kg on the scales!

In the centre of the front panel is a window housing a low-power blue OLED display. On either side is a large, solid aluminium potentiometer: the one on the right controls volume (by turning) and balance (by pressing), while the one on the left controls source selection (by turning) and M/A (by pressing). It should be noted that there is backlighting around these two buttons, which can be set to red, blue or violet.

In addition to the buttons, there is a 6.35mm headphone jack on the front panel.

The remote control is complete and includes all the functions as well as some of the manufacturer's other products (CD players, DACs, etc.).

ATOLL IN400 SE: REAR PANEL

On the back, the Atoll IN400 SE offers a total of 5 analogue inputs, one of which can accommodate an optional Atoll MM/MC P100 phono card. There is also a balanced XLR input.

This bipolar balanced stage is made entirely from discrete components with very low tolerance. These inputs are complemented by 2 pre-outputs, a By-Pass and a Tape Out.

The IN400 SE integrated amplifier is also equipped with an excellent 24/96kHz PCM DAC accessible via USB-B. Note that the USB DAC is a USB XMOS: XHRA-2HPA with a program specifically developed for Atoll.

Using the USB input requires downloading a specific driver for Windows computers, but it is not necessary for Mac computers.

HP terminal blocks are high quality WBT models.

ATOLL IN400 SE: FEATURES

The internal architecture is impressive! The chassis is as full as an egg! This Atoll amp is totally dual-mono. Even the star grounds are differentiated for each channel.

The IN400 SE is powered at its centre by a huge toroidal transformer of over 1000 VA! Filtering is carried out by 12 chemical capacitors dedicated to audio, with a total capacity of over 93400 µF! The analogue stages are fitted with shielded MKP Mundorf capacitors.

It's also worth noting that the internal wiring of the speaker outputs is made with top-of-the-range silver and Teflon speaker cable.

Each component has been selected by listening and the schematic optimised in order to fine-tune the polarisation currents and the feedback rate.

ATOLL IN400 SE: INSTALLATION

Handling this integrated amplifier is a ‘physical’ experience... More than 18 kg in such a small volume is quite impressive! And that's saying a lot for the build quality.

Its compact dimensions make it easy to install, so there's no need for custom-made furniture. All it needs is a solid cabinet.

Its power handling means it can be used with Hi-Fi speakers, even if they are reluctant, and worth 2 or 3 times its price!

ATOLL IN400 SE: TESTING AND LISTENING

After 48 hours of power-up and at least forty hours of running-in, the Atoll IN300 integrated amplifier produced a very different sound.

Of course, we find the transparency and dynamics that have made the brand so successful, but there's also a feeling of substance and presence that's unprecedented for this manufacturer. And we're not talking, of course, about the "roundness" or stoutness of certain vintage or typical electronics. We're talking about an obvious, reassuring neutrality, combined with a certain quiet strength and mastery of all registers.

It also offers a beautiful soundstage that remains precise and stable. We like the fact that it deliberately shows no exuberance, whatever the sound level at which it is called upon.

We also like the fact that this integrated amp shows a great deal of nuance and subtlety, whereas the Atoll IN300 is more "raw". Its comfortable power and high current allow it to control just about any loudspeaker on the market, no matter how recalcitrant.

Definition and precision are, of course, the order of the day. No register is drowned in noise or distortion. Even on complex passages, the IN400 SE demonstrates remarkable legibility.

The possibility of adding an Atoll P100 phono card seems to us a little derisory on such a product. The IN400 SE will need to be paired with a quality phono preamp and a turntable of the same level to exploit its qualities to the full!

The Atoll IN400 SE integrated amplifier is designed for true High-Fidelity lovers and music lovers looking for a product that doesn't cheat and offers remarkable musicality and reproduction! Its near-perfect balance makes it a reference in this price range. A real favorite!