Atoll IN50 Signature Amplifier: The Audiophile Choice!

[@bendycandy1190]

FINALLY someone who takes a closer look at an Atoll product. This feels wholesome :)

[@goodsound4756]

„A British Audiophile“ did it too (IN200)

[@danielcramer9600]

I have the Atoll IN 200 Signature integrated with 120/200 W per channel into 8/4 ohms. My model has a AKM 4490 based DAC on board, every input apart from HDMI Arc you could want for £1795. The DAC compares well with a more expensive Streamer/DAC and the sound of the rig through my 20 year old plus Castle Howard S2 S playing Classical and Jazz media is MUSICAL. Great amplifier for the money.

[@philippebertrand3820]

I had a Dac 200 for years, a great sounding/built dac. And a CD transport DR200 which had some technical issues: I had emails with one of the brother-founder to solve it. Great company, great products, great service. Long life to Atoll.

[@frostycanada6404]

Hello Steve, great review. I own Atoll’s mid level streamer and DAC (ST200 Signature and DAC200 Signature). Both are solid and impressive products to use and listen to. I would like to add that Atoll customer support is excellent - always there to help and they answer emails quickly. Take care, Brian

[@edwarddodge7937]

Nice. But where do you get Atoll stuff on this side of the globe?

[@frostycanada6404]

@@edwarddodge7937 Hello Edward, my local audio shop has all of Atoll’s products. Distribution, Canada: Atoll Électronique Canada Distribution, USA: Audio Excellent, LLC Kindest regards, Brian

[@stevengarner8524]

I agree about the Jam I saw them back in the day here in England . That's Entertainment is one of the greatest songs ever made , imo 💕

[@thegblob]

I love this channel. Keeps me in touch with my inner (younger) audiophile. Once my kids grow up I will be cracking open the cheque book again!

[@joedeegan3870]

Most Audiophile reviews involve great equipment used to reproduce relatively simple music: 2 guitars bass and drums. A symphony Orchestra has 4 ranges of bowed string indtruments, which I have read have the most complex series of overtones, which is why we can listen to them for longer times without fatigue. Add 4 or so woodwind instruments, about the same 4 ranges of brass and timpani which I love and you have a difficult test for your equipment. Dynamic range is used more by orchestral composers, the sound of a solo flute to the full 100 or so members of a symphony Orchestra offers a composer many ways to refresh the ears of the audience. Orchestral music gets loud but it isn't always loud. It is a great way to evaluate your system. Opera brings in the human voice to add to the variety of sounds, and often tests the equipment to the max.

[@barney6888]

Thank you for taking the time to say this. I love orchestral music, Mahler, etc. I am trying to upgrade but whenever I go into an audio store they think in terms of playing the Boccherini minuet as background music while I have guests over, sipping wine in a yellow cashmere sweater. No... I listen to Mahler. Alone. Conducting my "Symphony of the Air". And I can't get advice on what to buy. If I could afford Mc and Focal, I wouldn't be writing this. Any advice?? thanks, barney ( I love the Boccherini by the way, but you know what I mean)

[@joedeegan3870]

@@barney6888 Amplifiers got good a long time ago so power is cheap. Surround sound recievers offer a lot of power for suprisingly low cost. I like the Denon line. U-tube and CDs are great sources. For Mahler you need full range speakers but they don't have to be expensive. I like the ELAC speakers designed by Andrew Jones. They have quite a line up af speakers and sub woofers not too expensive. If I were starting from scratch I would do just what I am reccomending above. Joe

[@barney6888]

@@joedeegan3870 I really really appreciate your kind advice. Thank you.

[@joedeegan3870]

@@barney6888 Thanks.

[@peterluck3154]

Whatever music you choose to listen, a well components and room matched stereo will need zero EQ and will succesfully performs every type of music. I personnaly like monitors combined with a subwoofer, but it can be a challenge to fit them 3 together to work with the amplifier and the room... BUT, you can get incredible results

[@rasardo1]

One of my DAC's/streamers is the Atoll MS120. For the price, is one of the best sounding streamers that I've tried at home. Perhaps in the USA the brand isn't well known, as it should :) They are very well build components and sound very good (amplification included).

[@guillaumeSONY]

Nice to see some Atoll coverage 👌I've owned IN80 and now I have the IN200 signature

[@gokhanersan8561]

What speakers are you powering it with? Steve says bass isn’t the fastest. What are your thoughts on bass response?

[@guillaumeSONY]

@@gokhanersan8561 I used it with klipsch rp250f it was ok then with Atohm Sirocco 2 super punchy mid bass, detailed trebles. And now with Buchardt S400 and it's amazing. The IN200 signature was used to demo the speakers a few years ago by the CEO of Buchardt himself. No problem with bass it goes deep and is well controlled

[@gokhanersan8561]

@@guillaumeSONY Atoll+Burchardt it is, then. Thanks !

[@gogo-fk1lu]

When i listened to 50IN, 80IN and 100IN, I decided and bought 100IN. In Slovenia (EU) it cost me € 860. In combination with the focal aria 906 speakers it sounds great.

[@hbg70]

€860 Atoll IN100? In Sweden they are €1226 without any DAC or RIAA. Slovenia is good for you gogo 👍 I’m looking now at a shop in Ljubljana, Slovenia - Audio Serum Atoll IN100 €1250 400 up in one year is staggering gogo!

[@gogo-fk1lu]

It's true, I bought it in audio serum, the owner, Mr. Anže, gave me a good discount, a year later I bought a phono and dac module. Very happy with the amplifier. Best regards, Gogo

[@willmac5642]

@@hbg70 prices have gone up massively.. But look on ebay, new ones selling at big discounts..

[@miguelbarrio]

Your comment about the high frequencies is spot on in my book: I don’t want to notice them, but I don’t want to miss them either.

[@lorantpataki8797]

Hey Steve, nice review, great to see some affordable quality European products reviewed. Love your vids, cheers

[@jeffkalina7727]

$1,200 for a High Biased Class A/B 50 wpc amp is quite a find. Good job! Thanks for quoting the price and warranty info up front. Great choices on speaker matching too. If this thing had a streamer too, Hegel might get a little nervous.

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Or buy a main nap250 clone , for $180

[@contemporaryhomeaudio]

Glad to see a piece of Atoll gear get reviewed. I'm a happy PR200 Signature owner.

[@Yiannis2112]

Does your PR200 come with the extra digital board with coaxial, optical and usb inputs plus bluetooth? If yes how much did you pay overall?

[@contemporaryhomeaudio]

@@Yiannis2112 I'm going to add the digital board and phono card this winter, without the cards it retails for just over $1400 in Canada.

[@Yiannis2112]

@@contemporaryhomeaudio Thank you!

[@ericlow1461]

Glad you like the Atoll 200 integrated bud. I'm waiting for delivery of the Atoll200 pre and power amps. I listened to the integrated in store and was impressed. 👍😃

[@gtodave6768]

Are you kidding me?????? Barkays "Soulfinger!" Insane selection !!! Great song , My mother played that song till the record simply evaporated! Then she bought another one....lol. Music unites!! Have a great day my brother from another mother!

[@alm5693]

S-o-u-l Finga! S-o-u-l Finga! S-o-u-l Finga! Da-da, da dat-dat-dah, Y-A-Y!! don't have the original album or single, but it's on my treasured Atlantic Super Hits Volume 2. The Mar-Keys "Last Night" was a great song in that vein too. Rawer than Soul Finger, but still a great juke box instrumental.

[@E.Frey2002]

Atoll amps are all very beautiful, made in France. For a while I was considering the IN100 and than the IN200, but I ended up with a locally made Czech CustomWorks amp, specifically the Hypa 17 and I'm happy with it so far. The IN50 is a little bit cheaper locally in Europe as well, being around 900 USD or 800 Euros. It's definitely a thing to consider, what's a good deal based on where you live, small companies, which sell directly to the end customer are almost always ahead of the curve.

[@erics.4113]

@@keplermission4947 your friends cost high price?

[@erics.4113]

@@keplermission4947 I heard Myles Astor fart in a microphone. It sounded very high priced indeed

[@fusionfan6883]

@@keplermission4947 What an unpleasant and rude comment.

[@fusionfan6883]

@@keplermission4947 You make absolutely no sense.

[@yantrussart6584]

@@fusionfan6883 don't mind him, he's been the channel's official idiot for a while now. Just ignore him and he'll crawl back into his hole soon enough.

[@EricBorremans]

Hi Steve, great review as usual thanks! My first audiophile amp was this one, the first model bought in 97. I really enjoyed it.

[@PanAmStyle]

I had completely forgotten about ‘Soul Finger’, so I just listened to it (AppleTV -> Teac DAC -> Zen Amp -> Comètes) and oh yes, now I remember! It’s a fun song that got lots of play when released, including on the big, high power stations in the day such as WLS. Thanks for the trip down memory lane :)

[@CosmicKnight1]

Thanks for reviewing in this price range!

[@robk5745]

Nice review Steve, glad you give brand alike this some light!

[@stevelasher3465]

Atoll amps are absolutely phenomenal. They look great and sound amazing. When you take a look inside you see attention to detail and high end components. No need to look anywhere else, just buy Atoll.

[@aceofspades6667]

Is Atoll better than Hegel?

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Nonsense

[@webfrasse]

@@edwardbalboa5528 Very insightful and also useless. No toys when you grew up?

[@webfrasse]

@@aceofspades6667 Only your ears can tell. For everything else there is the measurements.

[@ericlow1461]

Love the review because I am currently waiting for delivery of both the Atoll Pre200 and Atoll Power200 amps. 😊

[@ericlow1461]

I'll be using my KEF LS50 Meta's with the Atoll200's

[@edmerkel2407]

So great to her you reference 'Street in the City' from Rough Mix. It's an incredible song, with a superb array of musical tones that good amps and speakers will reveal.

[@gdwlaw5549]

almost 32.000 views and only 1.900 likes..come on guys and girls! This is free and informative entertainment.

[@hbg70]

Some watch more than once. I have seen/heard this many times because I love to hear him being so enthusiastic about it. The only shop in my country that has Atoll are really nice people and I always return to their webpage. It is surely good for business when Steve Guttenberg is praising your goods

[@michaelbuchan451]

Current owner of the in400se. Brilliant piece of kit.

[@roberthart9886]

LOVE THE FRONT PANEL ASTHETICS

[@alexandremarques1367]

Atoll amplification is great. Its streamers are also very very good and functional!

[@spirosk7984]

The best value for money products....I own an IN200 Signature and it is simply amazing...easily surpasses twice as much amplifiers, price wise.

[@martybousum1010]

Booker T & MG's! Love that Hammond B3! Best organ with Leslie speakers with rotating tweeters!

[@jimgroce9487]

Soul Finger!! I was in high school band and we played this at every football game. Awesome memories.

[@billirby2541]

Hello Steve. Love your work! With regard to the Salk speakers in the viewer system, a number of us love them too. Jim Salk is a fine fellow who does beautiful looking and sounding work in Michigan.

[@johnprice4819]

Raise hands-who all stops the video to run, look up and play the songs referenced during the reviews? Love it! I’ve really diversified my playlist!!! SoulFinger a great new addition; YesSongs always in heavy rotation at my house. Thanks as always

[@bhob666]

hehe... I just got the Alexis Cole album. I agree Steve has expanded my horizons music wise.

[@arvind0rjillako]

Same pinch!

[@kesm66]

Yup…& Steve’s always spot on with his remarks about the recording sessions.

[@johnprice4819]

@@bhob666 y'know, he has Exploded our horizons. Thanks, well said!

[@rickdempsey379]

Hi Steve ....Have the IN80 love it !!!! Did compare it to a Yamaha $1200 Integrated Amp the 801 .....the Atoll was way more musical.....At this price point I'm not sure how you find anything better !!!

[@vocalion9519]

Damn, I was (and still am) such a huge fan of The Jam. I’m certain that I’d fall in the top tenth of one percent worldwide in ownership of their albums, EPS, and singles.

[@pickyaudiophile]

Great review of a device which everyone may agree on is a no BS kind of gear! I am proud owner of the "AM200sig" power amplifier. Build quality is impeccable. Excellent workmanship. Atoll does not yet follow that questionable "balanced" hype, which is a plus to me. Their top-tier gear features XLR, anyway. I prefer that amplifier over Class D gear by Purifi or Ncore as it might not measure as well but passes through the sound more convincingly. If you wanna go for Class AB when it comes to pricing I think Audiolab(IAG), Roksan and Rogue Audio might by closest rivals.

[@lisar3944]

I was a bit bent out of shape about Atoll not having balanced inputs on anything aside from their highest tier equipment, then I got real and remembered that a large part of the reason single ended is "worse" is because in many devices that have a balanced architecture, they treat the single ended path as an afterthought and it is often inferior for that reason alone. That's not even to mention how many manufacturers include balanced inputs for some kind of cred, but nothing about the device is "balanced" beyond those plugs. I am over that now :) I'm also with you that chasing "perfect measurements" leaves me a bit cold...I have been running lower tier class d devices for a while and they have truly been fine, but I wanted to take it up a level. So I was considering a hypex or purify, and then on a whim I ordered the IN50 just to remind myself what A/B is like and holy hell. Yeah it may measure "poorly" but it makes my ears a lot happier so far. I don't even think Atoll's version of A/B is normal - as I understand it they use zero feedback to clean things up but the result seems to be even more natural and pleasing for my tastes. Old school approach. I dig it.

[@cherna2005]

Good looking amp! It’s almost weird you chose Yessongs as part of the test repertoire…just because it’s un-stellar in terms of sound quality, but it shows your devotion to just listening to good music, as is contained on that album. I play “the Six Wives of Henry VIII” a lot because of that raw Moog and Mellotron sound. Mood for A Day is also pretty awesome. Of course, the rest of that album is also majestic.

[@martijnbroekman]

Ho Steve, Try out the Atoll SDS200 (120w 8ohm). Fantastic amp with loads of connectivity possibilities. All the best. Martijn

[@mikepaul2372]

Thanks Steve for another great review! Really hard to find these Atoll products in USA. Without having any chance to demo and limited options for purchase, seems most will look elsewhere. Maybe not, but I did. Good have missed out but when marketing fails to deliver, buyers will move on.

[@lisar3944]

Atoll is a relatively tiny company. I'm pretty sure they don't do much in the way of "marketing", even in the EU where they have a solid customer base. It is indeed unfortunate if you can't get your hands on one in the US but over here we have the same problem with a lot of good stuff from your side of the pond. C'est la vie.

[@carlosbauza1139]

The environment looks Good!

[@agustin1990alarcon]

Hi Steve. I have the Atoll ma-100 power amp. Amazing quality for 600 us dollars. I totally recommend it.

[@edwarddodge7937]

Used?

[@MissPalorte]

Very nice job Mr. Steve

[@michaelivan9066]

I’m gonna have to check out Rough Mix. Love The Who and most of Pete Townsends solo stuff.

[@rodrigootavio534]

Hello Steve, I would love to see a comparison between Atoll IN50 and Exposure 2510 !!

[@lawchoongseng789]

Reminded me of YBA integre and integre dt. The Atoll is a beauty to behold. I feel comparing the Rega Brio R would be fair deal. Great review 👍

[@deepee1544]

I have a YBA Integre Dt, but am thinking of a more modern piece and Atoll has been on my radar for a bit (here in Canada). 😀

[@heywoodjablome5630]

For what it's worth, I have an Oppo player too. A 95AU with all the JLTI mods/ upgrades. Good gear. I have a number of quirky hi-fi components like that.

[@peterlarkin762]

I enjoy the off-piste brand reviews:) Steve recommended Rough Mix a while ago. It's a great recording, loads of personality and fun.

[@keithwood4031]

Never heard of Bar Keys so I checked them out on yt. Nice, I can see me parting with a few more €€€ here. Thanks Steve.

[@Justwantahover]

11:27 With FR speaker drivers the highs roll off on some. But I add a tiny piece of foil in the centre and it extends the highs. Foil makes the treble noticeable with strong cymbals. But tinsel (instead of foil) makes the treble "just there" and handles bad recordings better (but when treble happens you hear it and it's still extended). I use tinsel for bright FR drivers and foil for dull FR drivers. The tinsel is better cos it has a natural sound and a "live" presence to the treble. Not a "whizzy" tweeter sound, more like a real sound (not "trebly" but still full on treble).

[@QoraxAudio]

Nice Technics SL-1200GR in the background. When are you going to review that one?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Soon

[@QoraxAudio]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Awesome! I own an SL-1200G, which is the big brother of the SL-1200GR. Been very satisfied with it for about four years now. I hope you like the 1200GR and don't get fooled by its DJ looks - just like the 1200G, it's a true audiophile turntable!

[@damianzaninovich4900]

Nice amp. I was so into the Jam when I was 19-22ish. Sold all their records when CDs took over. It’s been more than 30 years since I’ve heard them. Who-ish definitely but ultimately still prefer the 60s early 70s classic bands to the 80’s bands that were popular for a time. But I just ordered this record you mentioned.

[@dvanmartin9842]

Rough Mix is a great record. I agree.

[@JD-mm4ub]

Hi Steve, Thank you for another great review! I do have a question. What acoustic panels are you using behind you in the video? Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks for watching, the panels are GIK Acoustic diffusors

[@axelwunsch2366]

The IN50 is for me the best Atoll🤷‍♂️

[@philippebertrand3820]

Steve, any chance to review Atohm speakers soon? Also a French company with home made tweeters and woofers and often partnered with Atoll at audio shows. I have the GT1 and GT2, both sound great with my Exposure integrated and Simaudio system. Cheers

[@gokhanersan8561]

Another elusive product. Only one stereo store in LA and one in Illinois seems to carry Atoll.

[@lisar3944]

I am testing one of these now, and I agree with the point that it has "soul" - and how! I don't agree, though, that it's very neutral. It does sound "warm" to me, and vocals especially are a bit forward. The warmth is actually what I was hoping for so no problem for me! The forward vocals have been a bit strange on some tracks as they make the presentation sound overall louder in some way - but the rest of the music is fairly laid back which sounds a bit unbalanced. Then again! I've only put in about 8 hours on this thing so it may even out with time (or I'll just get used to it). The lower mids are a bit fatty which I'm not sure I like yet. I think this is what is lending the sense of warmth, but I can't quite say it's "bad", just very different from what I'm used to. It's coupled with Triangle Comete 40th speakers and this seems like a very good mix so far. I'm still evaluating various genres but so far nothing has sounded unpleasant at all. I'm still feeling a bit iffy about separation, especially with big orchestral numbers but it does great with chamber music and even stood up quite well to the "Queen of the Night" arias from Die Zauberflöte which is an important test for me. She didn't go nasal or shrill or "buzzy", which is a problem I've had with some other amps...None of that - this amp did her justice with a cherry on top - just pure, perfect, clean, acrobatic vocal insanity. Really impressive. Less demanding but often more likely to sound unpleasant 80s recordings have been pretty good so far - I'd say they have a bit more body which is welcome as they tend to sound a bit thin with some equipment - ie equipment that is really transparent! I'm coming to the conclusion that if "transparent" means I can't fully enjoy all the music in my collection, send me to the dark side with a bit of colored equipment. I have nothing to prove ;) Anyway I do like it a lot, but I am considering trading this in for the IN80 - slightly more power, beefier supply, double the capacitance and double the dynamic power which may well make the difference in terms of complex recordings. I listen at low to moderate volume in a smaller room so an IN100 or above would be completely wasted on me. Ah and for anyone who cares about power consumption, in standby (main power switched on, front power button turned off) it's pulling about 10W. In use it seems to fluctuate between 10-16W depending on volume and musical complexity. No worse than my last class d amp. I'm astonished :D

[@Rene_Christensen]

Have the IN200 Sign and it is great

[@joedeegan3870]

French technology is often cutting edge.

[@rupertherbert594]

in my opinion you should have compared the Atoll with the Rega Brio, same power of the Atoll, anyway, thanks for the review, also interesting to see the inside of the amplifier. :)

[@Tewac7051]

Hello Steve. Did you try it with the Cornwall's ? I heard one Atoll amp running Forte's in a shop, it was... powerful :-). Cheers

[@cmat3834]

Will it be possible for you to kindly review the Atoll SDA200 all-in-one?

[@neilrobinson9806]

Love your vids Steve

[@robh9079]

Great review, and the Rega is perhaps a better comparison than something at the same price that has bells and whistles.

[@TheKlokan44]

Gotta thank the film Spies like us to bring this back.....Soul Finger helped save the world... we need more 1980's Chevy Chase....just watch Caddyshack if you have any doubts.

[@tomschroder1]

What a nice review. Fun to watch.

[@carlosbauza1139]

Excellent review!

[@rolandlickert2904]

For your age you very young well done.

[@euclidallglorytotheloglady5500]

Hi Steve! Your enthusiasm on this one was wonderful! I have a set of Cornwall IV's myself and was really wanting to hear your impression of this lil bugger with them.. I understand what your focus was though. If by chance you do have a opinion, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[@saeednaghdi]

thanks for great review as always , how about the tone controls ? doesn't bother ? i heard this amplifier, it was good but all the time i wanted to rise the bass and there were no knob . what's others experience ?

[@fletchermunson6225]

Really nice to have a quality alternative to Chinese made audio gear. For an other $300, the Schiit Raganok 2 remains a great alternative. Love my Chesky vocal recordings.

[@armanddimeo6575]

Class D has gotten better but when push comes to shove, I still trust Class A/B more. A comparison with the Rega Elex-R (also class A/B) would have been fairer. It is comparable in price to the IN50 when the phono stage is added. It is also a "no frills" amp with no tone controls (don't miss 'em). I own the Elex-R and think it would be hard to beat for PRaT and overall musicality at this price range. I read another review of the IN50 describing its sound character as "dry." In all likelihood, the Rega has a somewhat warmer sound. I would also have some concerns about the availability of Atoll products in the U.S. Nonetheless, the IN50 appears to be a great value but I would definitely want to audition before buying.

[@rumporridge1]

Class D is awesome for home theater set ups.

[@kamijani1]

I have the younger brother of the Elex-R, the Rega Brio. I thought it might have been a fairer comparison considering the power and price.

[@lisar3944]

I am testing the IN50 at this very moment, and "dry" would be the last word I'd use to describe it. At least with my Triangle Comete speakers it's quite warm while still being reasonably detailed. The lower mids are a bit fatty - so far that is the only aspect that I find hard to get used to. It's not bad, per se, just a bit thicker sounding than I'm accustomed to (coming from class d) With 80s music this is actually a nice improvement as it gives it a bit more body...somehow it still sounds a bit ponderous to me though, in spite of the device having an overall very lively character. Let's see.

[@fletchermunson6225]

I know I am in danger of being labeled a Schiit slinger, but a Saga+ tube preamp and a Vidar 100WPC AB class amp costs $1100 If you need a phono preamp, a Mani will set you back all of $129. Gotham makes a very good $40 interconnect cable the GAC 4/1 (Amazon). Financially, they are within 10% of each other. I wish I could hear the difference.

[@elise10lies84]

I read that Atoll test on JM Reynaud speakers. They are also made in France…

[@JBrm]

Thx for the review! I'm currently trying to decide between a Rotel A14 MKII and an Atoll IN 50/80 Signature (with DAC) to power my KEF LS50 Metas. Did you have a chance to hear the new Rotel series, Steve? Everyone else is ofc also welcome to chime in :)

[@laorhino9702]

I downsized, after reading articles and yt reviews I decided on a Rotel A12 (used) only 60w/ ch but drove my vintages (cornwalls, hereseys, jbl 4410 n urei 809A) just right (musical). Just cannot bring myself to part with them.

[@jtee9548]

This turned into a recording review, a music review.

[@deepee1544]

Well, that happens often here.

[@chrish.4067]

I'll take one of everything that you review!!💖🎶

[@celmo4262]

Hi Steve. Great video. Just wondering what cartridge you have on the Technics turntable?

[@FOH3663]

Steve, could you elaborate more on why you review a component with similarly priced associated gear? Doesn't conventional wisdom suggest having a reference rig, then insert the device under test, then whatever differences exist are observed? I know you've mentioned your thought process but I really don't recall... thoughts? Thanks

[@FOH3663]

@@mikepawntee2425 Yes, I understand that. He's mentioned his reasoning before, I just don't recall what that reasoning included.

[@manuzach]

Rough mix sounds great 👍

[@mvsrpharma]

Thanks Steve!💐

[@adaboy4z]

Soul finger from the movie Spies like us!!

[@deepee1544]

GREAT MOVIE!

[@souldigits_9545]

My first satisfying amp and still hown it, is the Atoll in80 se

[@seventeendegree]

3:14 - Spies Like Us reference :)

[@rodrigocordova3896]

Hi Steve, i own an Atoll MS120 and it is a great purchase. But most important than that is your shirts....give me the advice where to find them¡

[@benenglishtx]

Is it possible to have a system that images well using a streaming source, via a desktop computer, in a small room? I'm getting old and wondering if I can sell off my 35K records, especially since I find myself mostly listening to digital streaming on headphones these days. But I really, really miss real imaging in a real room; I'm a sucker for that little trick.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Sure, nearfield imaging, listening from three to five feet from the speakers produces excellent imaging. KEF LS50 META or Harbeth P3 ESR are ideal for that.

[@benenglishtx]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks for the help. I've never experienced real imaging from a digital streaming source but if you say it's possible then it's worth my time and money to confirm that for myself. And thanks, too, for recommending the speakers I was about to buy, anyway; I feel better about the decision, now. I hope I love the LS50s as much as I think I will.

[@keplermission]

@@benenglishtx No, no, the KEF LS50 is not suited to every Tom, Dick and Harry. No ... try a Bang & Olufsen first and then see if you get the same value with a KEF LS50 - of course you won't. But people can't be persuaded.

[@henrym78]

Audio Physic speakers if you’re into imaging.

[@thrimnak1]

Better than the AVA set 120 control amp ?

[@chrisbullock5488]

Hi Steve, I really loved your review on the Audio by Van Alstine Set 120 control amp, It’s simplicity and it’s quirkiness got me very interested. Also other reviews I read on the Set 120 described its sound with words like “purity” and “ transparency”. In your recollection how does this compare to the Atoll? Thank you

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

The Set 120 is livelier, the IN50 is more laid back.

[@chrisbullock5488]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thank you for your response. I think I’ll enjoy the liveliness of the Set 120. My decision is made, thanks again.

[@mattscowden1620]

Thanks Chris and Steve, came here to ask the same question.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

They only thing this unit is missing is view meters and a loudness button. My brain says it sounds better when I can see the meter's bouncing. 😁

[@xstensl8823]

in interesting comparison would be the new Rega Brio, about the same price

[@lucamangiacassette]

Hey Steve, how would you compare it to the Schiit Ragnarok 2? And when talking just about DAC to the Schiit Modi? I have to make a decision soon!

[@mikecoffee100]

never heard of Atoll but it seems like a good one Qui

[@davidlima8194]

Steve, Atoll in50 vs. Van Alstine Set 120 Same price, similar power.... which did you like better and why?

[@RealHIFIHelp]

You should also review YBA which also is french.

[@deepee1544]

I still have a YBA Integre Dt. 😀

[@janulik9535]

unlucky you, it is 750 eur in Slovakia ;) ,...however it is definitely worth its price in US also, Hello Steve, I am having now at home atoll in80, I need a bit help because I am not sure with mmy choise, I realy like the sonic character of this amplifier except I a unsure with one think. I never liked wery uch to extended trable, not because of brightness, but because of making perception of decays duration to be to long. Then all the music seems to be slower, dont you think this might be one of those amplifiers which does this?

[@bigaldallas]

Steve, which technics TT is that and cartridge

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

SL1200 GR and Grado Reference Platinum

[@lextr3110]

how does it compare to the van alstine 120 ? i'm hesitating between both

[@Suaveone1]

YBA audio French Beauty

[@deepee1544]

I still have a YBA Integre Dt 😀

[@alex-wk7mq]

i just realized that one of my fav.(review/test)cd was also produced by steve (chesky) 😎

[@alex-wk7mq]

sara k and a compilation cd from chesky

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

@@alex-wk7mq Awesome!

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Is 50wpc enough to enjoyably drive the LS50's?

[@andlum83]

I just ordered the IN200 Signature to replace my Cambridge CXA80. Hope that’s an improvement with my Elac BS 312 speakers. I also hope the phono stage is capable…

[@anubhavsharma2771]

Was it an improvement ?

[@tubesticker]

Would be interested too what you think after a year!