let’s get straight to the point and in my Atoll IN 400 SE Review, The Atoll IN-400 SE isn’t for those seeking the latest digital bells and whistles. It’s a return to form for the audiophile, a meticulously crafted integrated amplifier that prioritizes pure analog bliss. Don’t be fooled by its user-friendly design – this amp packs a serious punch, delivering rich, natural sound that effortlessly drives even demanding speakers. While some may crave more extensive digital options, the IN-400 SE rewards those who value exceptional sound quality and classic analog charm. With its powerful performance and meticulous build, it stands as a top contender in the audiophile arena.
History Atoll IN 400 SE
The recent evaluation of the Atoll IN 400 SE brings to mind its predecessor, the IN 300, which has been a staple on our reference shelf for over two years. The IN 300, boasting a built-in HiRes DAC, has become a favorite due to its impressive power and remarkable sound quality characterized by speed, precision, and openness. Despite its relatively modest price tag, it has consistently outperformed expectations, often leaving visitors in disbelief. So, when Frank Urban from the local Atoll sales department suggested that the IN 400 SE surpasses its predecessor, I was skeptical. Atoll IN 400 SE
Atoll amplifiers have always delivered outstanding performance, and I’ve yet to encounter a setup featuring them that hasn’t impressed me. Stephane Dubreuil, the developer behind these French amplifiers, seems to have a knack for creating compelling sound regardless of the price point. Now, with the flagship IN 400 SE in our listening room, I find myself pondering its unique design, with its front tapering upwards—a departure from the classic hi-fi aesthetic. While it may take some getting used to, it’s worth noting that there’s continuity in design with the CD player in the series, which aligns with the amplifier’s upward slope. Despite initial reservations about its appearance, the Atoll IN 400 SE commands attention, promising an auditory experience that could potentially redefine expectations once again.
The IN400 SE is a very user-friendly amplifier because it’s purely analog. It has a USB input, but it’s not the main focus – it’s just there for people who want to connect to one digital device. Atoll IN 400 SE Review
The sound quality of this amp is excellent, but to get the most out of digital sources or turntables, you’ll need to add an external DAC or phono stage. This is because the amp itself is designed for analog quality. This focus on analog is clear from the design of the inside of the amp, where everything is organized for the shortest possible signal path.
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The Atoll IN-400 SE amplifier is built like a tank (weighing almost 42 pounds!) Inside, it’s designed with two completely separate channels for left and right sound. Even the volume control is physically separated for each channel. This kind of double mono design is typical of high-end amplifiers.
The IN-400 SE uses MOS-FET transistors, which some audiophiles prefer for their “warmer” sound compared to regular transistors. Another high-end audio touch is the minimal use of negative feedback circuitry, which can sometimes affect sound quality. Atoll IN 400 SE Review
This amp is powerful, putting out over 150 watts per channel into 8-ohm speakers (even more into 4-ohm speakers). The designer paid a lot of attention to heat dissipation, using special components to keep things cool. This careful thermal design might be one of the reasons the IN-400 SE sounds so good.
Dubreuil’s focus on implementing a fast-switching power supply in the IN 400 SE reflects Atoll’s philosophy of prioritizing performance. Traditionally, power supply capacitors play a crucial role in stabilizing current by storing energy. However, larger capacitors, while offering higher storage potential, tend to exhibit sluggishness and reduce the effectiveness of harmonic filtering. To address this, the IN 400 SE employs multiple smaller and faster filter banks connected in parallel.
Sound Test
During the listening test, the audio qualities of the IN 300 were already lauded, particularly its speed and precise dynamics. However, Frank Urban’s assertion about the IN 400 SE proved accurate. This flagship model not only maintains the agility and precision of its predecessor but also introduces a subtle warmth in the lower frequency range. This addition, coupled with its remarkable composure and poise throughout the playback, elevates the listening experience significantly. Atoll IN 400 SE Review
Notably, the IN 400 SE enhances the finer nuances of sound reproduction. From the delicate shimmer of triangles to the commanding presence of vocal performances, and the rich timbres of classical instruments like violins and guitars, the amplifier breathes new life into every note. Moreover, its ability to convey the depth and plasticity of the soundstage adds an immersive dimension to the listening experience. Atoll IN 400 SE Review
A standout moment during the test was the playback of James Blood Ulmer’s “Crying,” a renowned live recording. With the IN 400 SE in action, the intensity of the performance was palpable, drawing the listener closer to the essence of the live demonstration. Additionally, the amplifier’s handling of cymbals exemplified its prowess, allowing them to resonate with a prolonged, finer, and more natural decay, further enhancing the overall musicality. Atoll IN 400 SE Review
The comparison was clear: the IN 400 SE is a more powerful and sophisticated version of the IN 300. To put it to the test, we pitted it against another amplifier in the same price range, the Cambridge Edge A, which is also one of our reference models. The Edge A excels in its fine and transparent sound reproduction, especially in rendering delicate details like guitar strings and glockenspiel notes, as well as in handling complex orchestral compositions. In this aspect, it outshines the IN 400 SE.
However, where the Atoll shines is in its robust power delivery, akin to a powerful engine with plenty of torque. While it may not be the fastest on the highway, it certainly packs a punch at the traffic lights. This power is particularly impressive for those who enjoy electronic music with rich bass beats. Additionally, we compared it to the Neukomm CPA155S, which matches the Atoll in precision and power but lacks the charm in the mid-range frequencies that the French amplifier offers.
Overall, the Atoll IN 400 SE reminds me of the Hegel H590, another exceptional amplifier, but with almost double the performance and price tag. During our tests, we connected a variety of speakers to the IN 400 SE, ranging from the quiet TAD Compact Evolution One to the demanding Canton A55, and found that none of them caused any issues with the amplifier’s performance. It consistently delivered exceptional sound quality, showcasing its versatility and ability to complement different speaker setups—a rare feat indeed.
Conclusion Atoll IN 400 SE
The Atoll IN-400 SE is an exceptional integrated amplifier designed by Stephane Dubreuil. It doesn’t boast fancy new inventions but rather excels through careful selection of parts and meticulous assembly. The result is a powerful, natural-sounding amplifier that outperforms many competitors in its price range (under 5,000 euros). It delivers clear, accurate sound and always feels like it has plenty of power on tap, regardless of the speakers you connect it to. If you’re looking for a top-notch integrated amplifier, the Atoll IN-400 SE is highly recommended.
FAQs for Atoll IN 400 SE Review
- 1. Is the IN-400 SE a good value?
- Reviewers generally agree that the IN-400 SE offers excellent sound quality and performance for its price range (under 5,000 euros).
- 2. Who is this amplifier a good fit for?
- The IN-400 SE is a good fit for audiophiles who prioritize a powerful, natural sound and appreciate a well-built design. It’s also versatile enough to handle a wide variety of speakers and music styles.
- 3. What makes the Atoll IN 400 SE stand out among other amplifiers? The Atoll IN 400 SE distinguishes itself with its powerful yet refined sound performance, combining robust power delivery with audiophile-grade precision and sophistication.
- 4. How does the IN 400 SE compare to its predecessor, the IN 300? The IN 400 SE builds upon the strengths of the IN 300, offering even more power and sophistication in sound reproduction. It introduces subtle warmth in the lower frequencies while maintaining speed and precision throughout the audio spectrum.
- 5. How does the IN 400 SE compare to other amplifiers in its price range? When compared to competitors like the Cambridge Edge A and Neukomm CPA155S, the IN 400 SE stands out with its exceptional power delivery, versatile performance, and ability to seamlessly adapt to different speaker setups.
- 6. Can the IN 400 SE handle different types of speakers effectively? Yes, during testing, the IN 400 SE demonstrated its ability to perform admirably with a variety of speakers, ranging from quiet models like the TAD Compact Evolution One to more demanding options such as the Canton A55, without compromising on sound quality.
- 7. Is the design of the IN 400 SE user-friendly? While the design, with its upward-tapering front, may take some getting used to, the IN 400 SE offers intuitive controls and a thoughtful layout, making it easy to integrate into any audio setup.
- 8. What kind of music genres does the IN 400 SE excel in reproducing? The IN 400 SE showcases its prowess across various music genres but particularly shines in reproducing electronic music with rich bass beats, thanks to its impressive power delivery and dynamic range.
- 9. How does the IN 400 SE handle intricate details in sound reproduction? With its fast-switching power supply and parallel-connected filter banks, the IN 400 SE excels in rendering delicate nuances and subtle details in music, enhancing the overall listening experience with its precision and clarity.
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