Atohm RS700 GT Edition

The RS700 GT Edition is a power amplifier from Atohm, built around a dual-mono architecture combining an analogue board and a digital board incorporating a DSP. This design allows the amplifier to process the signal ahead of the power stages, with limiting functions, soft clipping and phase and amplitude correction.

The unit operates according to four distinct modes. The general mode allows the driving of any type of speaker thanks to U-GUARD processing, which limits the power stages just before saturation for progressive clipping. The three other modes, GT1, GT2 and GT3, are specifically calibrated for speakers in Atohm's GT Series range, with the activation of X-GUARD, T-GUARD and X-TEND processing that optimises the coupling between amplification and speakers. Each mode also allows digital high-pass filtering, useful for relieving speakers in the bass by entrusting the lower part of the spectrum to one or two subwoofers connected via the XLR outputs.

In terms of performance, the RS700 GT Edition delivers 2 x 350 watts into 8 ohms and 2 x 700 watts into 4 ohms, for a nominal load impedance of between 4 and 16 ohms. The damping factor of over 1000 reflects tight control of the loudspeakers, while the signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB and a harmonic distortion rate of 0.06% demonstrate clean reproduction. The frequency response extends from 2 Hz to 45 kHz. The amplification is based on a class D topology combined with high-performance AD/DA conversion at 96 kHz.

This type of amplifier is aimed at demanding hi-fi or home cinema installations, particularly those combining speakers capable of exploiting high power at low impedance. The dedicated coupling with Atohm's GT Series range makes it a coherent choice for those who already own these speakers, but the general mode retains versatility for driving other models.