Atoll Electronique Unveils the CD400 Evolution
It's always exciting to see innovation in the world of high-end audio, and the new Atoll Electronique CD400 Evolution has certainly caught our attention. The French manufacturer has unveiled this top-loading CD player, a culmination of years of research and development aimed at enhancing the listening experience.
At first glance, the CD400 Evolution's design exudes elegance with its 10mm thick front panel, crafted from matte, bead-blasted, and anodized aluminum, adorned with precision engraving. The 2mm steel chassis ensures robust construction, and the proprietary top-loading mechanism, developed by Atoll themselves, combines simplicity, reliability, and precision in data reading. The spring-suspended mechanism with a solid aluminum plate is particularly noteworthy, promising stability and longevity.
Under the hood, the technical advancements are impressive. The audio signal path has been meticulously optimized, and the power supply has been refined to create an even greater sense of realism in music reproduction. The player boasts a fully dual-mono design, with two independent symmetrical stages per channel and a PCM1792A DAC chip dedicated to each channel. The analog stage employs bipolar transistors in a perfectly symmetrical Class A configuration, operating without negative feedback, which should contribute to a natural and immersive sound.
The power supply is substantial, featuring two toroidal transformers of 10 VA each for the audio path, a 30 VA linear power supply, and a 1.6 VA linear supply for the digital section. Additionally, ten independent and regulated power supplies ensure that each component receives clean and stable power.
Technical Specifications:
- Rise Time: 1.3 µs
- Output Impedance: 5.6 Ω
- Output Level: 2.1 Vrms
- Dynamic Range: 132 dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 132 dB
- Distortion at 1 kHz: 0.002%
- Dimensions: 440 x 95 x 340 mm
- Weight: 12 kg
Inputs:
- DAC Inputs:
- 1 x Coaxial RCA
- 1 x Optical Toslink
- 1 x USB-B
Outputs:
- Analog Outputs:
- 1 x Stereo Pair XLR
- 1 x Stereo Pair RCA
- Digital Outputs:
- 1 x AES/EBU XLR
- 1 x Optical Toslink
- 1 x Coaxial RCA
The high-contrast OLED display adds a modern touch, with the option to turn off after five seconds of inactivity to minimize distractions. A universal remote control provides convenient operation.
Atoll's dedication to high-fidelity audio is evident in the CD400 Evolution. The combination of precise engineering and thoughtful design promises an engaging listening experience, allowing us to appreciate every nuance and emotion in our favorite recordings.
The Atoll Electronique CD400 Evolution is expected to be available in Europe by the end of January 2025. It will be offered in both black and silver versions, with a recommended retail price of €5,600.
