Atoll Electronique DR400 Evolution silver

The DR400 Evolution represents the culmination of Atoll Electronique’s expertise in pure CD playback. Designed as the transport version of the CD400 Evolution, this device brings together all the technical innovations of the Normandy-based brand to precisely extract digital data from your compact discs. Lacking an integrated converter, it is aimed at music lovers who wish to build a high-fidelity system with separate components, where each link performs its function with excellence.

An Exclusive Mechanism Dedicated to Precision

The centerpiece of the DR400 Evolution lies in its exclusive top-loading mechanism, entirely developed by Atoll in its Brécey workshops. This vertical loading approach sets this transport apart from conventional tray-based players. The disc rests on a solid aluminum platter, a material chosen for its anti-resonant properties and dimensional stability.

The suspension system is another major innovation of this mechanism. Four helical springs decouple the entire reading block from the main chassis, creating mechanical isolation that minimizes external disturbances. This architecture drastically limits the intervention of error correction circuits, allowing the laser diode to read data with increased precision. The result is a more faithful extraction of the digital stream, preserving the temporal integrity of the signal—the famous jitter that designers are constantly striving to reduce.

The chassis construction also contributes to this quest for stability. The solid aluminum side panels, machined from a single block, provide remarkable mechanical inertia to the whole. The 10 mm thick front panel, made of brushed, bead-blasted, and anodized aluminum, goes beyond mere aesthetics: it forms an effective shield against electromagnetic interference.

Electronic Architecture: The Pursuit of the Perfect Signal

The DR400 Evolution’s power supply reflects an uncompromising approach. Two separate linear transformers power the device: a 30 VA model dedicated to the main circuits and a second 1.6 VA unit reserved for control logic. This separation prevents any interference between sections, ensuring optimal operation of each stage.

Filtering reaches remarkable levels with a total capacity of 88,000 µF, distributed across twelve 6,800 µF low ESR capacitors. This substantial energy reserve ensures exemplary power supply stability, even during the most sudden current demands. Four regulated and independent power supplies then distribute this energy to the various circuits, maintaining perfect isolation between stages.

Digital signal processing benefits from a high-speed LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) circuit, a technology usually reserved for professional applications. This circuit precisely formats S/PDIF and AES/EBU signals, preserving their integrity during transmission to the external converter. Two galvanic isolation transformers protect the digital outputs, eliminating any risk of ground loops with connected devices.

Connectivity and Ergonomics: Blending Tradition and Modernity

The DR400 Evolution offers three digital outputs to suit all converters on the market. The AES/EBU output on XLR connector strictly adheres to the 110-ohm standard, ensuring optimal transmission in professional environments. The coaxial (RCA 75 ohms) and Toslink optical outputs complete the offering, allowing integration into any existing system.

The high-resolution OLED display marks a notable evolution compared to previous technologies. Its brightness adjusts automatically, with the display turning off after five seconds of inactivity to preserve the longevity of the organic diodes. CD-Text compatible, it displays information from discs that include this feature, enhancing the user experience.

The supplied Atoll universal remote controls all the brand’s devices: integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, tuners, and converters. Beyond basic control, it offers all the functions expected from a modern transport: track programming, random playback, repeat.

Evolution of a Lineage: From DR400SE to DR400 Evolution

The DR400 Evolution succeeds the DR400SE, a model that had already made an impression with its vertical-loading CD-PRO mechanism. While the fundamental principle remains the same, the Evolution brings substantial improvements at every level. The filtering capacity increases from already generous values to 88,000 µF, reflecting a constant pursuit of perfection.

The new exclusive top-loading mechanism replaces the CD-PRO block, giving Atoll complete control over the design. This in-house development allows every parameter to be optimized according to the brand’s specific criteria, without being constrained by an external supplier. The suspension system has also evolved, with a redesigned geometry for even more effective isolation.

Integration into the 400 Evolution range positions this transport at the top of Atoll’s lineup, alongside the IN400 Evolution amplifiers and the PR400 Evolution preamplifier. This aesthetic and technical coherence makes it easy to build a complete system, where each component shares the same design philosophy.

Technical Specifications

Reading Mechanism

• Exclusive ATOLL top-loading mechanism
  • Top loading with solid aluminum tray
  • Suspended mounting on dedicated anti-vibration system
  • Drive designed for maximum stability and jitter-free playback

Power Supply and Filtering

• Carefully designed and oversized power supply
  • Main linear transformer: 30 VA
  • Dedicated linear transformer for control logic: 1.6 VA
  • Four independent and regulated power supplies
  • Total filtering capacity: 88,000 µF

Construction and Finishes

• High-end build quality
  • Front panel in brushed, bead-blasted, and anodized aluminum (10 mm thick)
  • Chassis made of 2 mm thick steel
  • Side panels in solid aluminum
  • High-precision engraving

Digital Processing and Display

• LVDS circuit (high-speed differential) for precise formatting of S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital signals
• High-contrast OLED display with automatic shut-off (after 5 seconds of inactivity)
• CD-Text compatible display
• ATOLL universal remote control included

Digital Connectivity

• 1 × AES/EBU output (XLR 110 Ω)
• 1 × coaxial digital output (RCA 75 Ω)
• 1 × optical digital output (Toslink)
• Compliant with XLR wiring standards for AES/EBU output

Technical Specifications

• Total power supply: 30 VA (playback) + 1.6 VA (control)
• Filtering capacity: 88,000 µF
• Digital signal amplitude: 1 V
• Power consumption
  • Standby: < 0.5 W
  • In operation: 4 to 10 W

General Information

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 440 × 340 × 100 mm
• Weight: 12 kg