Atoll Electronique PR300 Evolution black

Atoll Electronique PR300 Evolution Stereo Preamplifier

The PR300 Evolution from Atoll Electronique follows the renowned PR300 Signature, marking a significant advancement in the French manufacturer’s range. 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 offering substantial improvements, particularly in power supply and internal structure.

A Sophisticated Power Supply

One of the highlights of the PR300 Evolution is its new power supply, completely redesigned 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 control logic. This configuration allows for optimal separation of the different circuits, reducing interference and improving overall sound quality. The total filtering capacity reaches 89,000 µF, ensuring stable and responsive power delivery.

An Enhanced Dual Mono Structure

The PR300 Evolution adopts a fully symmetrical dual mono structure. Each channel features two independent symmetrical stages and a stereo attenuator with switched resistors. This architecture achieves optimal channel separation and integrates XLR inputs and outputs, offering extensive 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 optionally configured as a 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 maintains 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.

Technical Specifications

Power Supply

• Two 10 VA toroidal transformers for the audio stages
• One 3.2 VA linear transformer (digital audio)
• One 5 VA low-power transformer (control logic)
• High-quality shielded MKP coupling capacitors

Structure

• Fully symmetrical dual mono structure:
  • Two independent symmetrical stages for each channel
  • One stereo attenuator per channel (with switched resistors)
• Bipolar transistor audio stages with perfectly symmetrical structure, class A biased, very low feedback rate
• 8 mm brushed, micro-beaded, and anodized aluminum front panel
• 1.5 mm steel chassis

Features

• Precise balance adjustment with memory capability
• Ability to rename inputs
• Option to select standby mode: low power or preheating
• High-contrast organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display (on or off after 5 seconds of inactivity)
• ATOLL universal remote control included as standard

Technical Data

• Power supply: 2 × 10 VA (audio) + 10 VA + 3.2 VA
• Total capacity: 89,000 µF
• Bandwidth (-3 dB): 5 Hz – 100 kHz
• Rise time: 1.3 µs
• Input impedance: 357 kΩ
• Sensitivity: 3 V
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 100 dB
• Distortion rate at 1 kHz: 0.005%

Connectivity

Inputs

• 1 XLR input
• 5 line inputs: auxiliary (AUX) or phono (PHONO) (optional), CD, tuner (TUNER), DVD, tape (TAPE)
• 1 bypass input (BY-PASS)

Outputs

• 2 line outputs
• 1 XLR output
• 1 12 V trigger output

Optional Digital Extension DA200

• 2 optical inputs (24-bit / 192 kHz)
• 2 coaxial inputs (24-bit / 192 kHz)
• 1 asynchronous USB input (24-bit / 384 kHz) and DSD (up to 256)
• 1 Bluetooth input

Physical Characteristics

• Standby consumption (low power): < 0.5 W
• Dimensions: 440 × 365 × 95 mm
• Weight: 6.8 kg

Available Options

Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Card – DAC200

• Integrated AKM-AK4490 audio converter:
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB, dynamic range: 120 dB
  • DSD: 2.8 MHz and 5.6 MHz
  • PCM 16-32 bits up to 384 kHz (asynchronous USB-B)
  • 24-bit / 192 kHz (coaxial and optical inputs)
  • USB interface: XMOS XUF208 with specific ATOLL programming

Phono Card (Auxiliary Input)

• P100 (configurable MM or MC)
• P50 (MM)