ATC CDA2 CD-player
It is not just an analogue and digital preamplifier with the onboard DAC which can be utilized to convert signals from sources with the S/PDIF output signal, but in addition a CD player. The eschewing of newfangled technologies means the CDA2 is devoid of a USB input signal, which will be a thing that will seemingly be put in future variants. There are lots of great USB approximately for affordable costs, if you would like to play from a computer.
The rear panel sports two analogue a minijack input signals, and 'two' digital input signals split into coaxial kinds or Toslink, a headphone output signal is also - looks like an unusual spot to place one, but at least it is accessible.
The volume control may be more ergonomic, yet, its captivating domed shape leaving small but the index to get a grip on.
Set up is quite straight forward if you're familiar with DACs or preamps. Simply connect the power amp or active loudspeakers to the output signals and hook up any digital or analogue sources to the input signals that are correct. In fact the spec has two optical and two coaxial, which may be individually obtained, so there are four even though it states that it's two digital input signals.
Sound quality
One find just why ATC has many jazz and classical enthusiasts and kick off by using the CDA2 and preamp.
Getting back to familiar content in the shape John Lurie's Legendary Marvin Pontiac makes it clear the ATC can provide extremely powerful existence from vocals and actual solidity in the underside ending. In addition, it shows a little brashness at higher frequencies, particularly from specific instruments. This can be a disc spinner that is very matter of fact, fat free and does nothing to smooth on the shortcomings of a record. Place another way it is starkly revealing. There's little in the manner of finessing going on as you may discover with many high end transistor ones to boot and valve products. This works just like a dream when the record is clean and rather devoid of but may be a far less comfortable encounter with music that is created to really have a specific sound through less gear that is explicit.
Time-wise it is even given, much less quick as the greatest, but by no means idle it adds quite little and all that you'll be able to hear with clear kit by comparison is a small awareness of the electronic.
As the sign being provided by DAC you instantly hear the gravitas that the unrestricted bottom end of the CDA2 produces alongside the warts and all group. The music comes to life and you'll be able to forget about the recording's approach to delivery, where there aren't any hard edges in it, only the rich tonality of instruments. This DAC is not compromising, meaning it is possible to value decay and the attack of the instruments together with the magnificence of the music as well as the power, complete and shifts in disposition.
You will find times when it appears a color on the side that is dry, but its exceptional resolution of dynamics indicates that there's plenty of colour accessible.
