Atoll electronique DAC 100 Signature
External digital-to-analogue converter from Atoll, fitted with six digital inputs and a USB socket, intended for those who want to centralise their digital sources on a hi-fi system.
Description
The DAC 100 Signature is an external digital-to-analogue converter from Atoll Electronique. It is the second version of the first standalone converter developed by the French manufacturer. Its role is simple to describe: receive a digital signal from an external source, convert it into an analogue signal, and pass this on to an amplifier. It is therefore inserted into an existing system to take charge of the conversion stage.
Signal processing relies on a Burr-Brown PCM 1796 module, capable of accepting streams up to 24 bits and 192 kHz. This same component is fitted in the brand's CD200 and SACD200 players, placing the DAC 100 Signature in the same sonic lineage as these machines. The resolution accepted allows both CD-format files and higher-definition recordings to be read, without prior conversion on the source side.
Connectivity is the other strong point of the unit. Six digital inputs are available, split into three optical links and three coaxial links, with a USB input added to these. The latter is not limited to connecting a computer: an external drive or a USB stick can be plugged in directly. When used with a computer, the unit then behaves as an external sound card.
The sonic character claimed by Atoll for this model can be summed up in three words: neutrality, definition and dynamics. This approach is aimed at the listener seeking to keep their amplifier and speakers while modernising the digital part of their system. The number of inputs also makes it relevant in a living room where several digital devices coexist, each with its own permanent link to the converter.
Technical specifications
| Converter | Burr-Brown PCM 1796 |
| Maximum resolution | 24 bits / 192 kHz |
| Digital inputs | 3 optical, 3 coaxial |
| USB input | Yes (computer, USB stick, external drive) |
| Remote control | Optional |
What to check before buying used
When buying second-hand, a few checks are specific to this type of equipment. Test each of the six digital inputs one by one: optical sockets, whose mechanical flap wears over time, and coaxial terminals deserve particular attention, as a loose connector results in signal dropouts. Check that a USB stick is recognised, as well as how the USB socket behaves when connected to a computer. Finally, check the stability of lock-on across the various sample rates. As the remote control is offered as an option, its absence says nothing about the condition of the unit, but it does affect day-to-day ease of use.
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