e new Atoll DR400 is a pure digital CD transport, introduced as an alternative to last month’s CD400.
Following the release of the CD400 Evolution CD player last month, ATOLL now introduces the DRIVE DR400 Evolution. According to Dutch distributor Viertron, this is a “high-end CD transport solution designed for the most demanding music lovers.” Like the new CD400, the DR400 features ATOLL’s newly developed top-loading mechanism, which incorporates a spring suspension and a solid aluminum base. This construction ensures extremely precise CD reading, “allowing even the smallest details of the recording to be reproduced optimally.”
Fully Balanced Digital Signal Processing
What sets the DR400 apart is its fully balanced digital signal processing, with all components optimized to deliver an extremely pure and stable digital signal. This is achieved through:
- A powerful central power supply with a 30 VA linear transformer (for general power) and a 1.6 VA linear transformer (for control logic).
- High-quality filtering with twelve 6800 µF capacitors, ensuring a highly stable power supply and minimal noise.
- Four independent and regulated power supplies, providing perfect isolation between different signal processing modules.
- Two galvanic isolation transformers for the digital outputs, minimizing interference and noise.
- A High-Speed LVDS (Differential Line Driver) circuit, specially designed for precise clocking of S/PDIF and AES/EBU signals.
- Like the CD400 Evolution, the DR400 is equipped with a high-contrast OLED display, which automatically turns off after five seconds of inactivity to eliminate distracting light sources while listening.
Viertron states: “With the introduction of the DR400, ATOLL offers an unparalleled digital transport solution for audiophiles seeking ultimate precision and neutrality in their music playback. Pair the DR400 with a high-quality DAC to create a fully optimized and refined audio system that faithfully reproduces music as intended.”
The Atoll DR400 is priced at €4,900 and will be available from late February in black (in stock) and silver (on order).