Build quality

The ATC CDA2 MK2 is built like a tank. We rarely see such a solid piece of hi-fi and certainly not in this price range. The construction quality of this unit is beyond dispute. The curved aluminium front is very thick and, thanks to the black lines on the side, radiates luxury. The rest of the box consists of brushed metal and is very easy to maintain. Fingerprints don’t stand a chance.

The built-in CD player on the left, now with Teac drive, works quietly and silently while loading and playing CDs. This CD-player reads our rather plagued discs without any problems and doesn’t falter at all during the listening sessions. The recessed buttons on the front, which are all aligned, are pleasant to use and function well. In the middle we see the vertical ‘input selector’ and on the right a small screen and the volume knob. Despite all these different functions, the front remains relatively clean, sleek and uncluttered.

At the back we see a pair of balanced and single-ended outputs, two pairs of rca inputs, and three digital inputs (coax, optical, usb). For most people enough to connect all their sources, although we would have liked to have seen a balanced input. If we look at our Ps Audio Stellar Gain Cell Dac we see it. But he doesn’t have a (good one!) CD player. It’s a little weighing up what you need.

Changes

The ATC CDA2 MK2 is a fully balanced aircraft that has been given a number of modifications in its second version. Next to the new running gear the most important change is the new AKM dac (4490EQ). This dac can process PCM up to 384kHz and DSD up to 265kHz via the usb-b input (not present on the previous version). The power supply is more powerful and better disconnected than on the previous model, and both input and output stages have been refined with discrete opamps to reduce noise and distortion to a minimum.

Many fine updates that radiate confidence and guarantee long, carefree listening pleasure. However, there are a few things we would do differently. The small screen, for example, does not offer much information and is less easy to read during the day. Still, it is necessary to see the right input, because by using the selection button this is an impossible task. The volume control with thin, black tab is a bit awkward to use but fortunately there is a remote control that works well and fits well in the hand.

Eccentric

The remarks above are small things and not insurmountable, each device has its own peculiarities. But what inspired the designer to install the 3.5mm jack and especially the headphone jack on the back is beyond our comprehension. Maybe we should see this as a sample of dry British humour, but we’re not amused! Especially since this is now the second version and we probably won’t be the first to bring this up.

We hear from the people at ATC that the headphone amplifier is already at the front of the new SIA2 100 integrated amplifier and that this will also be the case for all new models. And our proposal to provide a balanced input is also well received. This speaks for the professionalism of this company.