Atoll electronique DAC 200 Signature
High-end DAC from Atoll electronique, fitted with the SABRE ES9028PRO converter and a discrete Class A output stage.
Description
The DAC 200 Signature is a digital-to-analogue converter designed by French manufacturer Atoll electronique. Its role is to convert a digital signal into an analogue signal intended for amplification, relying on an architecture conceived for faithful reproduction.
The heart of the unit is built around a SABRE ES9028PRO converter, capable of handling streams up to 32-bit/768 kHz. The associated power supply, a SABRE ES9311EQ said to offer very low noise, relies on linear transformers rather than a switch-mode power supply, a choice aimed at limiting electrical interference likely to affect the audio signal. On the output side, the unit employs a discrete-component stage, without feedback, biased in Class A: a configuration that favours signal reproduction quality over energy efficiency, typical of high-end designs.
This DAC is aimed at enthusiasts wishing to upgrade the digital source of an already demanding hi-fi system, by pairing this converter with an amplifier and speakers capable of revealing its qualities. It will particularly suit those seeking French electronics designed with careful attention to the power supply and output stage.
What to check before buying used
On this type of DAC, the output connectors (RCA/XLR) and the umbilical cable linking the power supply unit to the conversion stage are worth checking, as an oxidised or loose contact can result in a missing channel or background noise. The linear transformers and power supply capacitors, put under strain as soon as the unit is switched on, are the first components to watch on a heavily used example. Each available digital input should also be tested, as a USB or coaxial port may prove faulty without affecting the others.
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