Atoll Electronique PH100 black

The PH100 from Atoll Electronique is a compact external phono preamplifier. It succeeds the P200-SE model and uses a dual-mono power supply with two separate transformers. Its design is fully discrete, with no coupling capacitor. It is compatible with moving magnet (MM) cartridges and moving coil (MC) cartridges.

Construction and architecture

The PH100 immediately surprises with its generous dimensions for a phono preamp: 320 x 210 x 63 mm for 2 kg. This unusual size is not a design gimmick but the direct result of radical technical choices. The steel chassis, manufactured in Brittany, houses two 3.2 VA linear transformers, one for each channel, creating a true dual-mono architecture right from the power supply.

The 4 mm brushed aluminum front panel, machined in Lorraine, far exceeds the usual standards in this price range. A single green LED, positioned at the center of the Atoll logo, indicates power-on. This visual simplicity contrasts with the internal complexity: four separate voltage regulators, a total filtering capacity of 11,280 μF, and a shielded metal compartment separating the power supply from the audio circuits.

The RIAA circuit uses only discrete components—eight transistors biased in Class A—with no integrated circuit or operational amplifier whatsoever. This purist approach, typical of Atoll, eliminates any capacitor from the signal path, thus preserving the integrity of the musical message.

Technical versatility and RIAA accuracy

The adaptability of the PH100 is one of its major strengths. Two DIP switch blocks on the rear allow independent adjustment for each channel. The input impedance toggles between 47 kΩ and 100 kΩ, while the input capacitance offers a choice between 100 pF or no additional capacitance.

The available gain settings cover all needs: 40 dB for MM cartridges, 47 dB for high-output MC cartridges, and 60 dB for low-output MC cartridges. This extended range ensures compatibility with virtually all cartridges on the market, from Rega Elys to the most demanding Ortofon MC models.

The RIAA curve exhibits remarkable accuracy of ±0.1 dB over the 20 Hz–20 kHz range. The signal-to-noise ratio of 80 dB at 1 kHz and the crosstalk below -85 dB attest to a meticulous design where every detail matters. The total harmonic distortion is kept to 0.05%, an excellent value for this category.

Evolution from the P200-SE: tangible progress

The transition from the P200-SE to the PH100 represents a significant step up in class. Whereas the P200-SE used an external power supply in a separate enclosure, the PH100 integrates everything into a single, larger chassis. This change allows for the implementation of two separate transformers instead of just one previously.

P200-SE users unanimously report an extension of the bandwidth, particularly noticeable in the bass region. Dynamics become more consistent across the entire spectrum, with better articulation of transients. Operating silence has also improved, thanks to enhanced shielding and an optimized grounding topology.

The gain values differ slightly: the P200-SE offered 46 dB and 52 dB for MC cartridges, compared with 47 dB and 60 dB on the PH100. This increase in maximum gain improves compatibility with very low-output MC cartridges, further broadening the range of possibilities.

Setup and optimization

Installing the PH100 is disarmingly simple. Connections are limited to one RCA input and one RCA output, plus an IEC socket for the power cord. The presence of separate grounds for each channel minimizes the risk of ground loops, a recurring issue in analog playback.

Adjustments are made with the turntable motor switched off, using the micro-switches accessible on the rear. The supplied documentation clearly details the positions for each cartridge type. A minimum break-in period of five hours is recommended to reach optimal performance.

Some users report noticeable improvements with the addition of accessories: audiophile power cord, vibration-damping supports such as SSC Netpoint. These optimizations are optional but demonstrate the upgrade potential of the PH100.

Compatibility extends across the entire Atoll range, from the entry-level IN30 amplifiers to the IN400 reference models. The PH100 also fits seamlessly into systems from other brands, its tonal neutrality making system matching easier.

Technical Specifications

Audio Features

• Supported cartridge types: Moving Magnet (MM) / Moving Coil (MC)
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ or 100 kΩ (adjustable)
• Input capacitance: 100 pF or disabled (adjustable)
• Gain:
  • MM (Moving Magnet): 40 dB (adjustable)
  • MC (Moving Coil) high level: 47 dB (adjustable)
  • MC (Moving Coil) low level: 60 dB (adjustable)
• Performance:
  • Signal-to-noise ratio at 1 kHz: 80 dB
  • Crosstalk at 1 kHz: < -85 dB
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (< 0.1 dB)
  • Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%

Power Supply and Electronics

• Power supply: 2 linear transformers 3.2 VA (one per channel)
• Regulation: 4 regulators
• Total capacitance: 11,280 µF
• Capacitor-free coupling circuit for maximum audio purity
• Shielded construction to eliminate interference

Connectivity

• 1 stereo phono input (turntable)
• 1 stereo signal output to amplifier
• Separate grounds to limit ground loops
• Access to left and right setting blocks at the rear

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 320 × 210 × 63 mm
• Weight: 2 kg
• Finish: 4 mm brushed aluminum front panel

Highlights

• Dedicated power supply with two ultra-quiet linear transformers, one per channel
• Shielded construction to eliminate interference
• Capacitor-free coupling circuit for maximum audio purity
• Independent adjustments for each channel
• Elegant finish with 4 mm brushed aluminum front panel