Measurements and conclusion
Contents
We measured the Atoll DAC200 on the Prism dScope, Aeroflex and Wavecrest. The DAC200 actually measures not that great. Noise is okay, but dynamic range is not great. Jitter is also on the high side. The Jtest (that we don’t like) shows this already with ridiculous numbers, but the Aeroflex and Wavecrest confirm that jitter is high. We measure around 80 – 100ps.
Bluetooth tests
We were curious what impact the bluetooth module has. Disconnecting it actually has some influence on jitter… so disable BT if you can.
General measurements
Conclusion
Just as 'Slow cooking' encourages you to take time and pay attention to preparing and eating food, this Atoll DAC200 Signature is 'slow music listening'. You really have to sit down for it, listen consciously and then you get a music experience that unwind and let you come to new insights into music you've been listening to for a long time.
The DAC200 is critical of the material on offer though, in that respect it is a DAC for connoisseurs.
Hi Martijn,
Thanks for the comprehensive answer! After reading your review of the ST200 and your favorable assessment of the ST200’s integrated DAC, I actually compared it with the standalone DAC200. And for me the latter is noticeably better…
I will disconnect the Bluetooth module in the DAC200 as you recommended. But is it possible that the Bluetooth module is defective in some units and OK in others?
The ST200 also has a Bluetooth module as I recall. Does this negatively affect the sound of the streamer?
Appreciate your advice!
Regards,
Oleg
Hello Oleg. We haven’t measured the ST200, so we cannot tell if the Bluetooth model has the same impact. If you don’t use Bluetooth, and the menu allows it, just turn it off (just like WiFi if you do not use a WiFi connection).
Thank you for your advice and your reviews!
Hello Martijn,
Thank you for the review!
I have this very DAC and, in fact, all my components (DR200, ST200 Sign, in400SE and DAC200) were made by ATOLL.
You mentioned the questionable measurements of this model. And you are not alone in this. I found another reviewer who came to similar (or worse!) conclusions:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/atoll-dac200-signature-review-measurements-dac.44288/
Do you think it’s acceptable for this kind of product to measure so badly? And what could that mean? Does ATOLL tune its products by ear only? How much does it affect the sound? What to do with the jitter?!
Best,
Oleg
Measurements don’t say all, but the fact that the Bluetooth module introduces so much jitter is for this type of product is quite frankly unacceptable. It must have been oversight by Atoll, since they actually create very nice equipment with a distinct sound signature. But I don’t have to tell you that 🙂
Jitter has a nasty effect which we hear the best in the high notes. The Atoll DAC200 shows it. At the same time, the DAC is capable of projecting sound in a very convincing way, so the unease you read in my review is due to jitter. Take that away with disconnecting the bluetooth module and you probably end up with a DAC that is far more enjoyable.
If you dare, open the case and disconnect the bluetooth module, or ask your dealer to do it for you. But in this specific case, that’s the solution.
Your ST200 has a DAC as well. I would recommend to listen and compare with the DAC and decide which one you prefer. Don’t assume that the DAC200 is better, just try to listen carefully.
How to do this? Don’t switch like a madman. Create a playlist of about 3 to 4 songs with music that you listen to regularly, that you know and that you enjoy. Make sure you take the time, put away any other distractions and that you are not feeling tired. Just listen to the playlist on one device. Then listen to the same playlist in reverse order on the other device. And be honest with yourself: which one do you enjoy more.
Hello Martijn, thank you for the feedback.
I would have never considered touching the filter setting without you having mentioned it in your review.
I set my DAC300 to “slow min”.
All the best to you, and the Alpha Audio team.
Regards,
Brian
Hello Martijn, excellent review on the Atoll DAC.
I still have my DAC200 Signature, but I ultimately upgraded to the DAC300.
I’ve always used the default filter without any issue.
Your article doesn’t mention it, but can you please share your insights on the filters and what was your choice in the end, what filter worked best for you?
Brian
Hello Brian,
I haven’t mentioned it in the review, because it is a taste preference.
I prefer the ‘slow minimum phase’ filter, as with all ESS Pro Dac’s. I don’t have the Atoll present anymore, so I cannot tell you what differences I heard. All I remember is that this is the filter I settled on, and I did not compare any further.
As usual, I use Mammal Hands ‘Three Good Things’ for this kind of “tuning”, since that songs gives me already a clue at the first two notes of the piano and the reverb.