Atoll Electronique Wifi Card: wireless connection for integrated amplifiers and preamps
An alternative to cables between digital sources and Atoll electronics. This optional card adds a wireless audio input to the integrated amplifiers and preamps of the French brand, with CD-quality transmission. It works via a USB dongle connected to a computer (or an optional dongle for Apple devices with a 30-pin connector), and frees the hi-fi system from cabling constraints to computer-based sources.
Kleer technology, not traditional Wifi
Despite its commercial name, this card uses Kleer technology, specifically designed for audio. This technology operates in the 2.4 GHz band and transmits 16-bit audio at 44.1 kHz, i.e. CD resolution, without compression. Kleer uses only 3 MHz of bandwidth compared with 20 MHz for Bluetooth in high-quality audio, which allows it to fit between the channels occupied by home Wifi networks.
Tests have shown that Kleer transmission remains stable even in the presence of three active Wifi networks nearby. The technology automatically adapts its frequency if interference is detected, and adjusts its transmission power according to the distance between transmitter and receiver.
Integrated digital conversion
The card incorporates a Burr Brown PCM1754 digital-to-analog converter, a 24-bit delta-sigma DAC capable of processing signals up to 192 kHz. In this application, it receives the 16-bit / 44.1 kHz audio stream transmitted by the dongle. The output stages use MKT capacitors and metal-film resistors, components also found in higher-end Atoll electronics.
The converted signal appears on the AUX input of the integrated amplifier or preamp. Any audio format can be played (FLAC, MP3, AAC, etc.) from any software: transmission takes place at the system audio stream level, not at the file level.
Installation and hardware compatibility
The card is installed on the motherboard connectors, in the same location as the optional phono or S/PDIF cards. The supplied external antenna screws onto the rear of the device; its use is mandatory to ensure stable reception. For devices marketed before October 2011, an opening in the chassis may be necessary.
Compatibility covers the following models (excluding IN30):
- SE Series: IN50se, IN80se, IN100se, PR100se, PR200se
- Other models: IN200, PR300, PR5.1
- Older models (since 2002, subject to suitable connectors): IN50, IN80, IN100, PR100, PR200
The Signature and Evolution series are not compatible with this card.
Multiple sources, one receiver
The card can be paired with up to four different dongles, making it possible to switch between a desktop computer, a laptop, and mobile devices without reconfiguration. A dedicated dongle for Apple devices equipped with the 30-pin connector (iPad, iPhone 3GS and later, iPod Touch 2G+, iPod Nano 3G/4G, iPod Classic) is available as an option.
Transmission takes place in stereo. No driver is required on the computer side: the USB dongle appears as a standard audio output in the system.
