ALL YOU NEED? Atoll IN400 Evolution Amplifier Review

[@tomgillett4791]

I reviewed gear for Stereophile for 32 years (as Sam Tellig). Atoll is my favorite electronics manufacturer.

[@richardramorino3319]

Hello Sam. Always loved your work

[@No_Limits_411]

I have done so for 33 years.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@tomgillett4791 thanks Sam. Great to have you here and thank you for sharing 😊

[@kineahora8736]

I used to read those reviews all the time Sam! thanks! I’m about to build my own open baffle speakers DIY. Looking forward to the experience.

[@tomgillett4791]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 You are one of my favorite reviewers!

[@RobertBlane-lw6kn]

A class defining review from the world's greatest audio reviewer.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@RobertBlane-lw6kn thank you. That silvery kind of you to say 😊👍

[@madsbuchardt7845]

Atoll is always on my top recommended list of amps when customers ask for amp parring of our speakers :) used them multiple times at shows

[@justasimplefox]

Interesting, I didn´t expect this 😊

[@darrinbanfield4365]

I have an ATC cda2, with a p2 power amp. Ive not heard of any other hifi brand that has cd/preamp in same box!

[@chrisvand2678]

@madsbuchardt7845 A fellow Dane here.. Funny you say that, because the first time I heard your S400 II speakers, it was with an Atoll IN300 in front, and it sounded very good with some serious bass from such a "small" speaker. Super nice combination with lots of PRAT.

[@madsbuchardt7845]

@@chrisvand2678 that was in Copenhagen yes! We used that one year, but used the in80se and MA100 mainly doing many shows in Norway and Sweden. Personally I actually preferred the in80

[@guillaumeSONY]

I bought a pair of S400 with my Atoll IN200 Signature, I remember discussing the pairing with Mads before buying. I really happy with the duo 👍🏻

[@scottbaylor6215]

I've always been more of an integrated guy. It is what my father had when I was growing up. My system is about $3K-$4k in total cost. If I were to budget higher, I'd consider going separates. My biggest issue is getting time just to sit and listen. Keep up the good work. 🤘🏻🎸🤘🏻

[@bobb.9917]

I watched this video again and I am just taken by the care and engineering in the design in every area of this integrated amp.. Look at those beautiful heat fins…lots of them and super thin for maximum heat dissipation in allowed space. Atoll gear truly stands out in a cluttered market!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@bobb.9917 it is very well put together 😊

[@petergraves3086]

Good to see yet another manufacturer offering disc and dac stages as an option and also reasonably priced . As for your question I have gone down the route of a separate preamplifier and two bridges mono power amplifiers believing that it will achieve the best sound quality,including a preamplifier which has an internally balanced architecture. The arrangement gives detail and space with a balanced sound quality overall. I have not looked at an integrated for a long time but you never know I might be surprised.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@petergraves3086 thank you for sharing 😊

[@shaunroberts9285]

Top review as akways Tarun, thanks. 👍 I stalked the Atoll IN200 Signature online for a while well prior to your initial review. The one thing that put me off was the lack of UK AD's to audition and stories of people having to ship units back to France for warranty, which is a logistical costly palaver post Brexit. I shall maybe check out the Evolution series.... Great job! Many Thanks!

[@MisterJDee]

IN300 Evo vs Rega Aethos would make an amazing comparison! Would be amazing if you could get them in at the same time to compare.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Because of your excellent reviews Atoll remains on my radar as a worthwhile purchase. Thank you for your time, efforts, and sharing this manufacturer with us all. Stay well, Sir.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Simon_Hawkshaw thank you kindly Simon 😊👍

[@Firebottleman]

For the last 35+ years I've run separates about 75% of the time. Integrated's have come a long way the last 15 years. I'm still very happy to own my Hegel H-190. There's something special about it's musical chops, especially with Magnepan speakers. Thanks for another excellent review Tarun.

[@Joel-m777]

Recently got my hands on an entry levels accuphase preamp and am totally blown away! Outstanding performance, the tone controls also give you so much more flexibility which makes the hobby imo more interesting and satisfying.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Joel-m777 cool 😎

[@TheChrisleekay]

Funny how just a single purchase can change our purchase criteria completely! I only ever looked at integrated amps up to 12 months ago but now I have a pre-amp I love I'm only really looking at power amps!! The IN400 would have definitely been on my radar after this review even if at the very top of my budget!! Great review Tarun thank you.

[@connorduke4619]

That's the challenge many dread... buying a great preamp but unable to match it to a suitable power amp. Wish you luck!

[@stephenbrickwood5148]

Thanks for the enjoyable review Tarun, Atoll is another brand that flies below the radar but is well worth considering if one was in the market...could be a tough choice? I think a half decent integrated should be quite good enough for most, however with the separate set up you have the option of mix n match, tube pre with transistor power is a common theme (several integrated also have this configaration now) or more power should you require it from twin mono blocks, but realistically 100w should get the job done nicely for most average households. Also if you have a nice looking vintage amp or receiver with pre-outs you can connect to a power amp and enjoy that way and keep the cool 70,s look! Why not have a word with your contacts at IAG and persuade them to lend you a Luxman 507/509Z it would be interesting to see where they would stand, i'm saving for a s/h one, oneday!!

[@mortimersnerd1348]

At the time you reviewed the Atoll IN300, I made my purchase of that model, which became available on the used market, based on your review. I haven't regretted that move and still have that amp in my main system. Best purchase for me and unlikely I'll ever let it go. The IN300 paired with the Arendal 1723 S monitor speakers have great synergy bring audio nirvana to my home.

[@terryneilbooth]

Always a pleasure to hear another review! I think the hi end integrated amps are getting so advanced now with greater isolation technology - I’m sure this will be the way forward, but of course many will still prefer separates for good reasons 👍

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

Thanks Tarun for another great review! As an IN100 Signature owner, I can relate to everything you've said in the review. So, if one day I decide to change up (and have the budget to do so 😅), the path is clear.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@vladimirjovanovic2803 thank you 😊

[@willbrink]

A solid brand that has been around a long time. Always wanted to try their gear. So many great brands so little time!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@willbrink thx Will 😊

[@justasimplefox]

I have now 3 Atoll amps (some modified to an even higher level), this brand is the base in my setups and customer service is very responsive 👍🏻

[@tomgillett4791]

So save time and buy Atoll. Even their most affordable gear has that sumptuous sonic signature.

[@claptrap22]

My ears perked up at your comment: not seeing the sense of separating out monoblocs with gear at a couple hundred dollars. I'm here to say it is indeed worth it, with a caveat. I have two systes, and my "smaller" system utilizes two Fosi ZA3 blocks. I did it as a kind of low cost experiment (each also paired with an 8 inch sub). Even at this price, to my ears, the benefits of the mono's are pretty clear, even in comparison to my bigger, higher end system that uses a Burson pre and NAD 268 power. Here's the caveat - I have upgraded the op-amps to Sparkos units. The Fosi was an excellent performer for the price out of the box. With the Sparkos...I'd put the sound up against many units a two or three times as expensive.

[@themarklar8759]

Great review! I recently acquired a new pair of Cabasse Murano Alto speakers and am now on the hunt for the best partnering integrated amplifier. Atoll and Hegel were my top 2 contenders right now and this review is telling me I'm on the right track. Thanks Tarun!

[@Wenslauw]

Great review, Tarun. It’s a fascinating amplifier. I have been curious about Atoll ever since you reviewed the IN300. I have always liked the idea of separate pre and power amplifiers. It is just that they don’t get reviewed very often and retailers here generally don’t have more than a few separates to audition.

[@larsstecken]

I've had the IN300 for a few years now and I am super happy with it. Of course, I don't get to compare it to others and I am sure the IN400 is "better" - but there's nothing I miss as long as I don't put them next to each other 😂

[@octothorpe12]

It used to be once you went 'mid-fi', separates were 100% the way to go. Fastforward to maybe the last 10 years or so, and now you have some truly great integrateds. Hegel, Accuphase, and others allow folks to have an amazing sonic experience without all the headache of finding synergy with separates, and not to mention additional cable cost. They also give you the flexibility of having "tier 1" sound in rooms that can't accommodate a giant rack of gear.

[@summerforever6736]

Too expensive

[@Pok-001]

I am right with you. Thought the same and there really are many outstanding integrated. Some pro installers I know say that the range to get separates is over 10 k for an electronics. I tend to agree.

[@connorduke4619]

Marantz Model 50 is also a silent assassin.

[@damayor62]

Outstanding as always Tarun. That's an impressive integrated amp to say the least. From the reviews I've seen or read, Atoll always seems to be a high quality piece of equipment. As far as your question goes, I was an old school "receiver" guy in the 70s & 80s. Then an AVR guy in the 90s & 00's. Since then I have slowly evolved into a separates guy. I have both vintage & modern separate systems and they all sound better than any integrated I've heard. But with that said, you have me thinking about the IN80 or IN50 after watching this video. Maybe old dogs can learn new tricks. Thank you and keep up the great work. Cheers...

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@damayor62 thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊

[@adamcfada5071]

Great video as always. Love seeing inside the amps. To answer your question, I think streamers have taken over the part of a pre amp. However, few companies make a power amp version of their intergrated. A WIIM Ultra with a decent power amp would be a great budget choice. Haven't tried monoblocks but did mess with horizontal bi-amping.

[@Pok-001]

I agree. However, I still think streamers should be a separate device from a DAC. As you get into the 5k+ range for a DAC streamer combo. there are many with excellent pre amps. And I only digital So DAC acts as a switch too

[@michaelbuchan451]

I own the Atoll in400se. It's an excellent amp!

[@paulpavlou9294]

The Atoll looks good and you paint a pretty picture in your review. I haven’t had an integrated amplifier since my Sansui AU4900 when I was a student back in the early 1980’s. I did get an integrated Chinese amplifier that was modified and had the attenuator and the preamplifier section taken out. Separates give more versatility at the higher end and yes you pay for that.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@paulpavlou9294 thx for sharing 😊

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

Thanks for the review. Again an integrated amp that’s new to me. To answer your question, I prefer separate amps and preamps after many years with many different integrated components. I find that the focus on just inputs and control and just clean clear power gives the edge to separates. Plus I love the looks of separate matching pieces. I loved it when I was a kid and couldn’t afford it so I’m living the dream now. Have a great weekend!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@BobbyBass-x6i thank you Bobby 😊

[@bryanherr1093]

Love the new look of the EVO. I am still in the separates camp but can certainly see the appeal of an integrated. Especially when the DAC and phono inputs are reasonably priced options. Great review Tarun!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@bryanherr1093 thank you Bryan 😊

[@chrisvand2678]

Yet another great review from you, Tarun. You're in a class of your own, simple the best. It seems to me that the Atoll in300 is the best middle ground, and the one to buy, IMHO.. But I'm looking forward to see your review of the new Atoll in200 Evo. Have a nice day, sir.

[@Joeydarkroom]

Great review as always ! This evo series gonna be amazing in sound quality in the atoll amp range. This is my dream amp

[@jimx1169]

That's a nice looking piece of gear. Thanks for the review!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jimx1169 thx for watching 😊

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

Much impressed by the layout, looks to be an awesome amplifier. Regarding pre+power vs. integrated, I’ve always preferred separates, but I have to admit that the built-in synergy of an integrated finds me questioning my preference. Then there is the issue of interconnecting cables, and the sheer bulk of a two-box solution, which can easily morph into a three-box solution if your preamp puts its power supply in a separate enclosure. I really like the fact that the IN400 doesn’t force you accept a DAC or phono stage, I also like the fact that a 1/4” Jack is provided for a headphone is provided: every integrated should have one. Another issue is a balance control, power amps generally do not have them, and not all preamps have them (Schiit Freya+), most all integrated amplifiers offer this feature. When you need it, you really need it.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 good points. Thank you Jeremiah 😊

[@s.daniel9224]

Great review. Thanks. I usually don’t care about the appearance of my gear. But, this really is an attractive unit. The simplicity of the look seems to make me believe it will sound good. I know that’s crazy to say, but that’s what I feel when I see it. Easy and warm.

[@brown-eyedman4040]

Thank you, Tarun for another insightful review. And great to see an amp with some actual style. But I really like the looks of the old IN300. In the same vein, I just enjoy pre/monoblocs. Possibly superior sound quality and I like that it's a different path.

[@alexrtop]

Great review sir. I have the IN300 and love it.

[@larsstecken]

Same here!

[@adsph]

Thanks for covering Atoll. I have a SDA-300. Had a H190. What you described I observed as well for the most part. The Hegel had tighter bass. In my case the Atoll App and streamer work flawlessly. That BB dac is well thought out.

[@hamidrezahabibi8111]

Great review as always. 🎉 NEODIO and YBA are magnificent French 🇫🇷 brands as well.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@hamidrezahabibi8111 thx Hamid 😊

[@cyphermote6857]

Great review Tarun, big call on this amp being better than a (comparative) pre-power setup. It will be interesting to see this conclusion consolidated over time. With shielding and component tech advances, it is entirely believable... until a pre-power is released utilising the exact same components. Considering that the noise being sought to be eliminated is also being produced by the power supply, I am surprised that no manufacturer is considering an outboard power supply ( that is from experience). This is an interesting review of Hi-Fi's new possibilities. Thank you.

[@dnns971]

that's one of the most beautiful amp in and out I've seen in a while in my quest for proper gear, thanks for your review, would be awesome if you got Audio Analogue Puccini and Donizetti, they seem to be packing a punch based on their literature, and Musical Fidelity NuVista 800.2 in for review, Rotel 1552 mk ii, the pricing of gear is really confusing and somewhat unreliable and now I understand the concept of value for money at a given price point. Some companies can make you question whether you really get what you pay for.. Cheers! and I cant wait for your review of the Denafrips 15th lineup

[@xof112]

Hey Tarun, many thanks for this review, sharing all your precise and picturesque impressions, comparisons and experience with us/me... Its always a pleasure to listen to your passion driven expertise ... it generates an enthusiasm for discovering these by myself, to get the most out of my personal listening experierience besides just enjoying the pure beauty of music itself... Currently I´m looking for a fitting partner for my LRS+, seeing several opportunities I could go with... this one from Atoll , the Rotel Michi counterpart Ian White described some time ago to make the LRS+ "wake up" ... "scary, warm. forward" ... an Unison Research Unico 150 - its a pitty that there only a few reviews - could possibly play in a similar league as they all are more or less powerfull plus could profit from tube magic... Im interested if you or any of your kind followers here perhaps made experience in comparing any of the named ones (with the unico) just in case: many thanks, also :)...best, xof

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@xof112 thank you kindly Xof, I can see how all of those amps may work. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict synergy without trying. I also invite others to share their direct experience 😊👍

[@anthonysaturno8265]

Great review thank you! This integrated looks great! And I like the fact that you can bypass the preamp and just use it as a power amplifier.

[@fletchermunson6225]

Thanks Tarun. My experience with Atoll was very positive. I like things voiced this way. Keep up the good work. I am a tinkerer so I love having separates, I can tube roll my preamp and juggle interconnects between pre and amps. Just fine tune to my hearts discontent.

[@tunejunky]

thank you so much. i buy and hold onto equipment in stages as my blessings don't include great wealth. i'm very much a spend on speakers first type of guy and only digital equipment gets rapid turnover (3 years or less). i'm a huge ATC fan so amp characteristics are easy to spot. this Atoll IN400 sounds like a perfect update for me.

[@mohammedalomari1998]

Great review, as always, Tarun. I hope if i have money to buy it. I think you like it more than the Hegel h400. Kind regards and best wishes

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@mohammedalomari1998 thx. I like both for different reasons 😊

[@danielcramer9600]

Glad to hear that I was not wrong in disagreeing with your old review of the IN200 sig based on what I heard in my system. Did not buy the Argon speakers (pity) but still enjoy listening through my refettled Castle Howard S2s. (Great investment) Once upon a time and for quite a long period my system was based around Sumo monoblocks. It had its virtues but I found the sheer convenience of the entry model Krell 400 integrated outweighed these while reducing the amount of cabling and the affect this had. Still own both amps but find the Atoll suits me best now.

[@deanfisher1656]

Moved to an integrated after 2 decades of separates. Mine is the Mark Levinson 585.5 so it might not be a fair comparison at around 20k US dollars, as it is waaaay above the price point you usually review. The class A phono stage toppled my long standing go to EAR834p. I think integrated sound has come a long way relative to the separate argument. Another great review. Thanks

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@deanfisher1656 thank you 😊

[@tms372]

I've had the IN200 for a few years, great machine, had the IN100 before that.

[@xstensl8823]

i am coming from Rowland and ARC separates and i think there has been a quantum leap in integrated amps for what you can get for your money now. very happy with my Rega integrated. i think we have reached the singularity between tubes and solid state.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@xstensl8823 thx for sharing 😊

[@leewilcox4044]

Thank you for a typically informative and balanced review. Atoll have been on my radar since I heard their SDA300 all-in-one streamer/iintegrated amp making an amazing sound with Neat Mystique Classics at the Bristol Show. I'd love to hear the IN400 Evo driving a pair of the isobaric Neat Majistra standmounters. My gut feeling is that would be a killer combination.

[@justasimplefox]

Atoll + Neat Xplorer = 🎶 😊

[@markcarrington8565]

Hey Tarun, what a banger! Loved this one. Nothing you don’t need, plenty of power, MOSFETS, what’s not to love? Who needs all those boxes and cables when this one is so good? Seriously though, by not buying three cases and three transformers, they’ve been able to lavish the cash on lovely 1/2 watt metal film resistors and quality caps. I get mono blocks once you’re over £10k but at this level I reckon amps like this prove that they’re the right way to go. Roll on the comparison to the Tucana 😄

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@markcarrington8565 thank s Mark. I’ll be sad to see this one go. If only I had the space any money to have multiple systems in my home 😊👍

[@summerforever6736]

Over $5000

[@markcarrington8565]

@@summerforever6736 indeed. But then Tarun focuses on the mid market and it’s hardly surprising to find this type of equipment here. I’m enjoying my vintage amp with very similar spec to this for now but if it ever dies I’m going to have to start saving my pennies for something like this!

[@alvarocoutinho3103]

I think you should try an Electrocompaniet. 😊

[@bobb.9917]

I often enjoy your Atoll Reviews....If I were to buy an integrated amp this would be at top of my list...OOH La La! I'll have mine in silver, please. Being a crass American I LOVE the "tacky" knob backlights and and the elegant design, but prefer the shape and styling of the chassis on The Evo's predecessor! Love the beauty of the innards too, Tarun! I am an American-separates kind of guy: Turbocharged Schiit Freya + pre-amp (I replaced the cheap capacitors & resistors with $800 worth of audiophile replacements in the tube circuit), driving my McIntosh MC152 Power Amp. Full-bodied, powerful and tight...just like this Atoll!!!

[@howardskeivys4184]

“Full bodied, powerful and tight”, just how I like my women!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@bobb.9917 great to have your perspective my American friend 😊

[@cenkisil574]

Great review Tarun. Thank you. I added a second amp for bi-amping. I just wish manufacturers would bring pre-main connection sockets back so tinkerers like me could implement active crossovers in to chain. Have a great weekend. Cenk

[@andrewtideswell8872]

Excellent review! Sadly I won't be getting one soon as I'm thoroughly enjoying my recently modded Naim 272 pre and (for now original) Quad 909 power amp. That said, I bought an Atoll dr200 Signature cd-transport based on favourable reviews to replace my ancient Cambridge 840C cd player and do agree that Atoll seem to pay extra attention to quality as it sounds so much better than expected for the price.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@andrewtideswell8872 that is great 👍

[@milagroscaviglia5034]

Another great review Tarun,as always!No doubt for me,separates are better than all in one solution!It's a matter of budget,nothing else! Please could you review the Denon PMA 900 HNE thst has the streaming Heos built in?? thanks and cheers from Argentina

[@calaf_725]

Another great review! I think the preamplifier is the weak point of most integrated amplifiers so i prefer separate pre/power but i don't have the space or the desire to go as far as monoblocks.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@calaf_725 thank you. Sticking sensitive preamplifier next to hefty power amps transformers can be tricky 😊

[@soumyajitdeb3943]

I have separates and I struggled a lot to get a proper preamplifier that preserved tone, timbre and dynamics. In separates, it is always the preamp that makes or breaks the system not the power amp. There are very many high quality power amps for real world prices but finding a really good preamp - that is a challenge. I currently run a Modwright LS100 into either a pair of Audio Space Nova M34 tube monoblocks or a Rogue Audio stereo 100 power amp based on my mood. They drive a pair of Tannoy Turnberry SE loudspeakers.

[@wolfgangrubarth3951]

Yes, the pre makes the music!!! I always drive my tube amps with transistor basesd pre-amps. My advice to your combo: Holo Audio Serene KTE. /kzbin.info/www/bejne/onWVd51nqbmobrs Golden Sound from GB Greetings from Dortmund/ Germany

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

@@soumyajitdeb3943 I find it curious that you choose between two tubed power amps. Owning a Rogue Stereo 100 myself, I would be interested in what the Audio Space Nova offers that the Stereo 100 does not. Is it all down to the output tubes? The Stereo 100’s KT88/120/150 vs. the Space Nova’s EL34s?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@soumyajitdeb3943 I agree. Great preamps are trickier to find 😊

[@soumyajitdeb3943]

@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 The Nova is a bit more romantic and has that EL34 tone. Great for vocal music. The Rogue is more colourless and has better drive so is great for rock and classical.

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

@ Thank you for the clarification.

[@fabian2970]

You became one of my favourite reviewers, great job once again. Eversolo dmp-a6 gen2 soon?

[@thomaslanser926]

Glad to hear the Atoll has made great strides on its ability to express the details of the music as you mention here. I am curious to hear if adding in your Rel had an impact with the sound stage and control/depth of bass? Or did you review with the sub off? As far as separates vs integrated, I guesstimate the uptick in cost to get mono blocks, a decent pre, plus hi-end interconnects and power cords, we’d be talking a totally different ball game here. It will be quite a while before I venture from my ia4-Chord-Innuos-Nordost engine. Makes one curious for sure, however, content and blissful at the moment. Cheers!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@thomaslanser926 thx for sharing Thomas. The IN400 Evo was tested with the sub off. Generally, add ingmy REL T7X will improve the size of the soundstage. For consistency reasons, and to ensure that I am only reporting on product being reviewed, I tend to leave it off. Unless there is a specific reason to use it, for example bass limited speakers 😊

[@VanHohenheim1904]

Love the blues for Del song, it’s going into my rotation. Maybe a song suggestion could be a new feature in your videos more often?

[@arnaudbaudon845]

Hi Tarun and everybody Again a nice detail review 😊👍. Under the litlle aluminum boxes in the Atoll IN 300 and IN 400 you can find MKP Capacitor , Mundorf brand for the Atoll In 300, certainly Clarity Cap with the 400 Evo . Please try to listen the Atoll st 300 streamer, very very well build 👍. Best regards

[@justasimplefox]

Correct 😊

[@andrewbarton1538]

I was lucky enough to have stumbled upon Atoll a couple of years ago with a pr200 and an am200 setup. Loved the sound, but I recently bought an in300 as a replacement. Although not an evo amp, it was a step up in performance. Something that was mentioned at a cable demonstration by a reputable brand was .. all cables deteriorate sound, and what they as a cable manufacturer try to do is eliminate as much of that deterioration as possible ... which led me to wonder, at this price point, is an integrated a better way to go? While I miss the double box set up for its esthetics, I do not regret switching to an integrated. I think the attention to detail in many amps these days, especially integrated amp, has narrowed the gap dramatically to separates where the use of high-quality interconnects would be required.

[@scottbennett3119]

Very informative review! Thanks. I guess this amp looks okay, I think I like it a little..

[@stevehollingbery9744]

Fine review yet again. Interesting your request for Integrated Amps versus Pre Power Combo’s. Like you I have been an Exposure Integrated amp user for many years from the 80’onwards, several different models from a 15 to 3010S2D. All very nice amps (in my book). A few years back I got into Quad Pre/Power Artera combo. Maybe a more subtle sound? Must be me getting older! 70 plus. Not sure I could make the call between the two types of set ups. Latest system comprises of the Quad Artera Pre ( super flexibility) and PMC upgrade to my TwentyFive.23 speakers being 200 watt Class D ICE amps driving them in active mode each. I have had experience with class D via Marantz equipment but was amazed at the result when being used in the PMC speakers. I can make the call on these, staggeringly good (again only my opinion). Sound stage and dynamics are great, drive and bass control very good. Tonality good. Enough from me, that you again for a great channel, making you a Truly Fine Citizen ( to quote Moby Grape) Cheers Chap.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@stevehollingbery9744 thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍

[@OgamJan]

I have been considering trying a pre/power combo. I thought about getting a Zinamp tube preamp and a smaller stereo or mono power amp, but worry if matching is an issue. I would also love to try a passive pre, and the Zinamp provides that too. It really is a little gem if you ask me. Another interesting review, cheers Tarun.

[@peterferrier5833]

another great review as always. i like to think of myself as someone who looks to the future. i am not stuck in my ways and welcome all the advancements in 2 channel technology. i was speaking to an electrical engineer the other day, who was fixing a part for me and it became obvious that he was not interested in new technology, (he was pretty old) as i tried to convince him that class d and switch mode power supplies had come along way. class a and a/b are not the obvious choice these days and one doesn't need a huge toroidal transformer to get great sound anymore. just ask the scandinavians. so i would imagine that the same applies to mono blocks v integrated. having said that, if the budget was around 30 to 40k for a system, then i would go down the mono block route, because large standmounts with big drivers need as much grip and control as you can get.

[@MaxMustermann-u7k]

Great review as always! I drive my Canton reference 9 stand mounts with an atoll AM100, a great combination indeed 🎉

[@SchmatzDieKatz]

May i ask which version do you have? I am looking for the 9's and the 9.1's on the used market lately. An Atoll would fit perfectly in my my price range (and i love the design).

[@philipknight3270]

Check out the A45 anniversary Cantons. I use the floor stander and it's very impressive using the Ref K drivers, but much cheaper. Sounds great with Unico Secondo integrated and my Onkyo Pre/Power.

[@arturomartinez3354]

Another great review!! Thanks!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@arturomartinez3354 thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@ARICERSUES]

Enfin Atoll met en œuvre des dissipateurs dignes de ce nom dans un amplificateur ! 😉

[@bhupendraparekh6225]

Very cool to see the flagship atoll integrated, Hegel gets some competition. Having said that, reckon something like exposure 5010 pre/power would be the way to go or even audiolab 9000 pre/power.

[@videobimcom]

Good to hear about Atoll improvements. It's time for new PMC Prophecy.

[@Pulpdiction1999]

Another interesting review. What about some British amp reviews who could be contenders alongside Atoll and Hegel.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Pulpdiction1999 thx. Rega, Exposure, Sugden 😊

[@ElvinClones]

Another excellent review. I feel that integrated amps are the only way for me to go personally as they can sound fantastic and are simpler to deal with. I have recently had home 3 integrated amps to try out, 2 from Rega and one from Moon. I kept the most expensive one ( haha of course) ,the Rega Elicit , but honestly they all sounded excellent. My question to you is which speakers can you mention that would be a good pairing and a SUBSTANTIAL upgrade from my current Monitor Audio Silver 500 7gs with te Elicit? I could not tell any real difference between the sound of the Elex and the Elicit amps with these speakers. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@ElvinClones thank you. There is a lot to consider in that speaker upgrade. It depends on room, setup, personal taste, how you would like the system to improve, and budget. That is why it is hard to make a blanket recommendation 😊

[@MichaelIrons-d5v]

loved the vid mt.

[@lsaideOK]

Excellent review! Would love to get a chance to hear one of these but not widely sold in the USA. You say the warmth of the tone does not sacrifice resolution but what about transparency?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@lsaideOK thank you. There is definitely a colouration to the sound (in tonality) but the level of resolution it very high 😊

[@rameshbharadawa3495]

Sounds like a quality amp, how ever Atoll seem to be obsessed with gas cooker control knobs.

[@summerforever6736]

They make ovens too

[@justasimplefox]

Haha, I would also have preferred the knobs of the IN200/300. Would look more classy. Maybe they still had a big stock from the previous model 😅 they look out of place on the new model 😬🫣🤫

[@mikecampbell5856]

I always look forward to your reviews and your rich British accent. I have to admit my jaw dropped when I saw you select an AC/DC album. LOL!

[@ArizonaVideo99]

It looks like the the IN400 has a single transformer but two filter banks for left and right. This gives a better separation than a single PS but saves over two transformers. That's exactly what I was planning on my home built amp. Nice amp at a good price

[@justasimplefox]

Interesting

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗 hope all is well Taryn💚💚💚

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 it is. I hope it is the same for you my friend 😊👍

[@2savetherepublic]

Hi BAF, do you have plans to review the Iota SA40? It seems like a large upgrade from the past. Thanks for your insightful reviews on home audio!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@2savetherepublic thank you. It is on my radar 😊

[@andrehendrik]

Beautiful amp!

[@summerforever6736]

Looking at one looking at them all Lol

[@justasimplefox]

I think you are right about the capacitance, they miscounted somehow 😊. There are no extra capacitors to be found or maybe they count all the small caps also together? In the 2 metal housings are the MKP capacitors (Mundorf or Claritycap, not very clear which one of the two they used here 🤔)

[@garoldpowell863]

I like to tune the sound of my systems and upgrade with the latest offerings..both analog and digital. As a result, I went separates long ago. But, I would buy an integrated for a bedroom system.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@garoldpowell863 that makes sense. Thx for sharing 😊

[@PeterJones-yq1xw]

Hi Tarun. I did the pre power thing with Naim over many years, peaking with their 252/300. I now have a Leben CS600x pushing out 28 watts per channel. Love it, but your recent reviews of this Atoll and the Hegel 400 have piqued my interest in a return to more power and to do it with a quality integrated like my Leben, but with power. My sole source is vinyl (Vertere MG-1) and my speakers are Graham Audio LS8/1.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@PeterJones-yq1xw thx for sharing Peter. Please let me know how you get on 😊

[@charlesclifton1006]

I recently purchased a Schiit Ragnarok 2. Yeah, it sounds much to my liking but I'd like to improve my system with a bit more power. Enter the new Schiit Wotan class A/B power amp that reportedly runs Class A up to 30W. Evidently the Forkbeard app indicates Class A usage. Fortunately the Ragnarok has pre-out via XLR which would make for a perfect link to the Wotan's XLR. Further: There's a chap here in Canada that designs tube buffers. (Space-Tech Labs) Fortunately he lives close by and I have visited him a few times. It would be fun to place one of his buffers between the Rag and the Wotan and see if the sound opens up to the degree to make an investment worthwhile. There ya have it Tarun... you asked where some of us are at integrated amp-wise. I love this hobby!!! One of my audio buddies once called me a bliss-pig. I Am.

[@jameschan2404]

Great, Great, Great reviews always come from Tarun 👍👍👍, please gives Tarun like, like, like.

[@DanielBennett-ru1lw]

Great review

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@DanielBennett-ru1lw thank you 😊

[@rog86]

Thanks for the review Tarun. As a rule, does dual mono sound better though? I demod the leema tucana and loved its channel separation. Cheers

[@pchlars5666]

About 2 weekes ago I got my Atoll IN300 evo. Unfortunately I had no chance to compare it to the IN300 (not evo). What I can tell you generally , the presentation is in line with what You said about in300 in your review. Sound is big and porewfull. Top end is not harsh at all. The sound while clear and refined is not tiring. I agree that it could have better top end and higher mids extension to consider it more as an audiophile magnifying glass. However it is a very pleasant audiophile companion. I gladly take it on a jurney through heavy metal, punk rock or sibillant rich vocals. The space it creates is more lussher and sounds more natural than IN200 (not evo) . For example, the sense of scale of the hall, where Nick Cave has recorded Push the Sky Away is greater and more palpable. I wonder how close I will be able to get to the in400 by getting my in300 different DAC or interconnect. Keeping in mind that audio is a jurney, for now I am happy with in300 evo . My urge to listen to other amps now is based on curiosity more than the dissatisfaction. 😊

[@justasimplefox]

Part of the better top end of the 400 serie is the use of Claritycaps. I have implemented these in my IN100 and immediately the top end became more airy/open, very big difference 😊 The IN200/300 holding back a little in the top end, not bad but different although I do prefer the openess of the Claritycaps 😊

[@justasimplefox]

Great review! For those interested, I choose for the latest AM400 Signature + Topping Pre90. This is a little more flexible for the future, a little cheaper and the AM400 comes with even more capacitors and nice Claritycaps. Couldn´t be happier with the sound 😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@justasimplefox great. Thx for sharing 😊

[@JCP-Ghy]

Excellent review. And though I probably can’t afford the Atoll INA 200, I’m curious whether the new version would be a worthwhile upgrade to the Exposure 2510. I’m also interested in your opinion on the Quad Artera stereo power amplifier.

[@kawasso]

Had atoll st200 and am200se combo paired with amphions argon 3ls. This set up sounded great. Now I am using amphions with Bladelius s.a.t. amplifix integrated amp and it sounds better. Despite lower power (2 x 115W vs 2 x120W). Amplifix has bigger transformer (900VA vs 2 x 340VA in atoll).

[@portwill]

Amazing review and amazing amp!! ❤

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@portwill thank you kindly 😊👍

[@hugocosta179]

Great review, i had a couple of atoll amp and preamp and it is accurate. Unfortunately when it comes reliability, in my experience and other friends, atoll is completely unreliable. My preamp had such a noise floor that it was audible from my listining spot (3m) and the amp had a tendency to trigger my power board. No soft start implementation. Sometimes the amp had lower volume in one of the channels... Fun stuff l

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@hugocosta179 oh dear, that is a shame.

[@henrikhengerics6782]

1. For desktop applications I am more inclined towards simplicity. So two possible solutions come to mind: Active speakers with everything built in (KEF LS50 wirelss) or passive speakers with "super" integrated amplifier (streamer, DAC and integrated amp in one): e.g. lidenmann Move Mini speakers with Musicbook Combo integrated amp). For both of these solutions you need ethernet cable (if WIFI is not included) and power cable. That is it. No clutter. 2. For standard listening application I see two possible solution to my taste. Quite opposite to each other. Both solutions include a power amplifier (mono or not; does not matter if quality is there). First solution needs a streamer, DAC as it is an analog valve/tube preamplifier for its otherwise unreproducible tube sound (e.g. PS Audio BHK preamplifier). The second is a "digital" preamplifier with streamer, DAC, HDMI Arc input, DIRAC, independent sub outs etc... (e.g. NAD M66). That is my take on integrated vs. separates. ;-)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@henrikhengerics6782 great 👍 thx for sharing 😊

[@RonChance]

When I was a young enthusiast separate pre and power monoblocs were a distant, unaffordable ambition. I was shocked recently to look back and find that I have been running my Renaissance set for more than 20 years and I have yet to hear anything approaching their natural musicality. The NVA sets are intriguing, though.

[@sbaradaran]

Great review as always. I love how throroughly you go through the constructuon and quality of components. Regarding the integrated vs separates debate. I bought a Musical Fidelity KW500 hybrid integrated for a good price in 2015. Its a monster. A huge outboard power supply and main chassis that produces 510w. A combined weight of almost 100lbs for the two peices. Way more amp than I needed at the time. But it has paired well with every speaker upgrade i've thrown at it from Monitor Audio, Spendor, and now Revival Audio. I am tempted to move to separates to see if there is anything I'm missing, but i just dont know if a $7000 MSRP integrated in 2004 (over $10,0000 today thanks to inflation) can be bested by separates in the same price range. Dealers around me in California dont allow a trial period. What do you think?

[@gtric1466]

Tarun, I've been watching your videos for quite awhile and your amazing collection of high - fi gear. i can't help to notice you gravitate towards stand mount speakers. I have had both over the years and my room is 15X17. I'm starting to believe pound for pound stand mounts provide a higher quality and value. what are your thoughts?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@gtric1466 There are various considerations but with the danger of oversimplification, bass is about pressure. In larger rooms than mine I would gravitate towards floorstanding speakers, if the listening distance exceeded 9ft. However, that would only be true if the speakers were over £5,000. Below that price floorstanders just give up too much in term of fidelity and cabinet resonances to equivalently price standmount speakers 😊

[@gtric1466]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Most appreciative of your response. Thank you and Have a Great Day .

[@bassandtrebleclef]

This is a fascinating review because old school wisdom appears to be running out of gas. When companies like Atoll put their engineering muscle behind developing a single chassis solution that historically you'd need separates to equal, you're left wondering a bit if the added expense is worth it for those pricey separates. As someone with a vintage (circa 2003) Musical Fidelity high power integrated, it has me curious, but I'm not a in place to lay down 6k for a replacement on the MF.

[@christiantessier1661]

Great review as always thx

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@christiantessier1661 thank you 😊

[@timothytester1673]

I have an in200 signature with mm/mc board and da200 dac. It drives my Harbeth c7 with ease at low volume. Dac is better than my rega, and I think phono too. Great amp.

[@JPWALLHOME]

Isn’t the separates question around synergy? There’s fun in mixing and matching pre amps with power amps - it allows an alternative upgrade path for audiophiles to experiment with amplification. Clearly integrates have moved on , and perhaps mitigate the advantage of a pre power separates, whilst hopefully guaranteeing synergy between pre and power stage.