The AV100 from Atoll Electronique is a 3‑channel power amplifier designed to bring musicality to home cinema systems. Developed and manufactured in Normandy, this unit delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms thanks to a discrete‑component topology and MOS-FET transistors. It is aimed at those who want to entrust amplification of the three front channels (left, center, right) to a dedicated external power amp, in order to ease the load on their AV receiver and gain in sound quality.
The AV100 is built around two 340 VA toroidal transformers, for a total capacity of 680 VA. This energy reserve feeds a filtering section totaling 44,210 µF of capacitance. These figures may seem generous for an amplifier of “only” 3 × 100 W, but they reflect Atoll’s desire to provide an oversized power supply capable of responding to current demands without weakening.
The output stages use MOS-FET transistors in a symmetric discrete configuration. This type of transistor is characterized by a very high input impedance and an electrical behavior close to that of tubes, which has earned it a reputation for smoothness and fluidity in the audio world. Atoll’s MOS-FETs operate in class A/B, a compromise between efficiency and sound quality that avoids the excessive heat of pure class A amplifiers.
The 1.3 µs rise time and 5 Hz to 200 kHz bandwidth showcase the speed of the electronics, while the 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio and specified distortion of 0.05% (measured at 10 W into 1 kHz) put the unit in line with expectations for this category.
The AV100 comes in a compact chassis measuring 440 × 291 × 95 mm and weighing 11 kg. The slightly curved 4 mm brushed aluminum front panel features only the Atoll logo and a status LED. No buttons, no display: the unit focuses on essentials.
The 1.5 mm steel chassis is topped and sided with panels perforated with small ventilation holes arranged in concentric patterns. This aesthetic choice also contributes to passive cooling of the internal components. The AV100 is available in a standard black finish, with a natural aluminum option to match other components.
On the rear, there are three RCA inputs (left, center, right), three RCA outputs for potential bi-amping, and three pairs of large cross-section speaker terminals accepting banana plugs. The IEC mains socket allows the supplied power cable to be replaced if desired. The power on/off switch is also located on the rear, which means you’ll need to leave the unit in standby if you want automated power-up.
The AV100 sits between the brand’s stereo power amplifiers (such as the AM100 or AM200) and the 5‑channel AV500 block. Its primary purpose is to handle the three front channels of a home cinema system: the left and right speakers, plus the center speaker.
In this configuration, the AV receiver retains control of the surround channels, rear surrounds, and possibly Atmos speakers. By offloading amplification of the three most heavily used channels from the main unit, you free up its power supply section for audio processing and the remaining channels.
The AV100 can also be used in more unusual setups: active tri-amping of three‑way speakers, amplification for high‑efficiency systems, or simply as a power amp for stereo listening using two of the three channels.
Yes, you simply use two of the three channels. The third will remain unused but this poses no operational issue. This configuration is suitable if you want a stereo power amp while keeping the option of adding a center channel later.
Operating in class A/B, the unit generates less heat than a pure class A amplifier. The ventilation holes on the top and sides provide sufficient passive cooling under normal usage conditions. It is still recommended to allow some ventilation space around the unit.
The home cinema amplifier must have pre-out outputs for the channels you want to externalize. You connect these outputs to the AV100’s RCA inputs using RCA cables, then connect the front speakers to the AV100’s binding posts instead of those on the AV receiver. Level and distance adjustments are then made in the main amplifier’s calibration menu.
The AV500 is a 5‑channel power amp delivering 85 W per channel into 8 ohms (versus 100 W for the AV100). It is intended for those who want to externalize all five main channels of a 5.1 or larger system. The AV100, with its three slightly more powerful channels, is better suited to configurations where only the front soundstage needs reinforcement.
No, but it does make day‑to‑day use easier. Without a trigger, the unit is powered on manually via the rear switch. For those who leave their system in standby, the lack of a trigger is not a deal‑breaker, but it does mean either leaving the AV100 powered on permanently or accessing it physically each time you start the system.
The unit supports 4‑ohm loads and then delivers 140 W per channel. For speakers that regularly drop below 4 ohms, you should ensure that the minimum impedance remains within reasonable values. The AV100’s heatsinks are not oversized; extended high‑volume use with speakers that demand a lot of current can push the unit hard.
Yes, the AV100’s gain is compatible with that of other amplifiers in the Atoll range (AM and AV series), allowing for homogeneous combinations. With components from other brands, a difference in gain may require level adjustments in the processor or preamp to balance the system.
Damien
Power amplifier that clearly lacks punch, but that's just my personal opinion.
Comment from August 15, 2024 — Experience from April 07, 2024
Lambo Tiana Fabien
I've been using this power amplifier in conjunction with my Marantz 60 DAB DAB radio. The front and center speakers are connected to this Atoll unit. The sound quality has significantly improved, offering excellent spatialization in a 7.1 setup. It's an absolute must-have for enhanced spatialization and to take the load off your main amplifier. Pure bliss. Highly recommended.
Comment from May 18, 2024 — Experience from January 25, 2024
Serge
3x100W amp that weighs 11 kg! As heavy as my Denon 4800 amp, to relieve the 3 central channels, but disappointed by the power—less powerful than the Denon amplification! For the same sound volume in home theater, I have to increase the volume by 5 to 7 dB despite several calibrations!
Comment from April 23, 2024 — Experience from April 07, 2024
