Atoll Electronique PR300 Evolution Stereo Preamplifier
The PR300 Evolution from Atoll Electronique follows the renowned PR300 Signature, marking a significant advancement in the range of the French manufacturer. Unveiled as a preview at the Munich 2024 show, this stereo preamplifier inaugurates the new Evolution series. The PR300 Evolution retains the strengths of its predecessor while bringing substantial improvements, particularly in power supply and internal structure.
A Sophisticated Power Supply
One of the highlights of the PR300 Evolution lies in its new power supply, completely revised compared to its predecessor. It now consists of four distinct transformers: two 10 VA toroidal transformers for the audio stages, a 3.2 VA linear transformer for the digital stages, and a 10 VA low-consumption transformer for the control logic. This configuration allows for optimal separation of the different circuits, thus reducing interference and improving overall sound quality. The total filtering capacity reaches 89,000 µF, ensuring a stable and responsive power supply.
An Enhanced Dual Mono Structure
The PR300 Evolution adopts a fully symmetrical dual mono structure. Each channel has two independent symmetrical stages and a stereo attenuator with switched resistors. This architecture allows for optimal channel separation and integrates XLR inputs and outputs, offering extended connectivity for high-end systems.
High-Quality Audio Stages
The audio stages of the PR300 Evolution use bipolar transistors with a perfectly symmetrical structure. They are biased in class A, ensuring low distortion and excellent linearity. The feedback rate is kept very low, which helps preserve the purity of the audio signal. Four high-quality shielded MKP coupling capacitors are used in the circuit, ensuring signal transmission without coloration.
Comprehensive and Upgradable Connectivity
The PR300 Evolution offers generous and versatile connectivity, including an XLR input, five line inputs (one of which can be configured as an optional phono input), a BYPASS input, two line outputs, an XLR output, and a 12V trigger output. Additionally, the preamplifier can optionally be equipped with a DAC card (DA100 or DA200), adding digital inputs and, in the case of the DA200, asynchronous USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Elegant and Functional Design
The PR300 Evolution retains the refined aesthetic characteristic of Atoll Electronique, with an unchanged aluminum front panel. However, the chassis has been deepened to accommodate the new components. The device features an extended menu allowing for power management (eco mode or preheating), precise balance adjustment with memory capability, and input renaming.