Atoll IN 300 review - vs Hegel & Technics - similar and different- a winner?

#audiogear #HiFi #amplifier audiophile friends, I am sharing my experience with the integrated amplifier Atoll IN 300 signature - comparing it to the Hegel 190 and Technics SU-G700 played setup: the Atoll was used with: streamers: Linn Selekt Katalyst, GoldNote DS 10 evo, - formerly also with: Eversolo DMP A8 and Bluesound Node 2i - on reference main speakers: Sonus Faber Olympica Nova II, - and formerly on many other speakers: Focal Kanta 2, Aretai Contra s100, Monitor Audio Silver 5i, 6i, Tannoy XT8f cabling: Audioquest, Supra, Kudos, Mogami, Wireworld, SORRY: due to copyright I had to remove almost all songs or replace them ( i.e: the labelling of "green onions" is incorrect - it is no longer this song.) I apologize sincerely - i liked the video much better with songs, but had to be done. Atoll IN300 - Technical Details Summary Circuit Topology & Core Technology • Dual-Mono Architecture: Features a complete dual-mono power configuration utilizing two independent 440 VA audio toroidal transformers (880 VA total capacity) plus a dedicated 5 VA low-consumption power supply for logic and display stages. • Capacitance Array: Houses a total filtering capacitance of 86,400 uF comprised of 12x 6,800 uF high-quality, low-ESR custom-designed ATOLL capacitors. • Output Stage Topology: Triple push-pull MOS-FET output stage per channel (6 MOS-FETs total per channel) biased in Class A/B with low global feedback for enhanced dynamics and natural tonal balance. • Attenuator & Signal Path: Dual volume attenuators (one dedicated per channel) to preserve dual-mono separation, discrete symmetrical bipolar input stages, and shielded Mundorf MKP coupling capacitors. Power Output & Audio Performance • Continuous Output: 150 Watts RMS per channel into 8 Ohm; 260 Watts RMS per channel into 4 Ohm. • Frequency Bandwidth: 5 Hz - 100 kHz with a rapid rise time of 2.0 us. • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100 dB. • Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.05% at 1 kHz (10 W output level). • Input Sensitivity & Impedance: 450 mV sensitivity with an input impedance of 220 kOhm. Inputs & Connectivity • Analog Inputs: 5x Line Inputs (RCA, including 1 AUX for optional Phono board), 1x Balanced Line Input (XLR), and 1x BY-PASS Input for AV preamp integration. • Digital Inputs (Built-in DAC): 2x Coaxial (24-bit/192 kHz), 2x Optical (24-bit/192 kHz), 1x Asynchronous USB-B (PCM 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD64/128/256), and 1x Bluetooth receiver powered by an AKM AK4490 DAC chip. • Analog & Digital Outputs: 1x Pair of custom ATOLL tellurium copper speaker binding posts, 2x Pre-Out (RCA) outputs, 1x 6.35 mm front headphone output, and 1x 12V Trigger output. Chassis & Dimensions • Chassis & Front Panel: 8 mm brushed aluminum front panel (available in black or silver finish) mounted on a 1.5 mm thick steel chassis with direct thermal coupling heat sinks. • Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 mm x 103 mm x 365 mm (17.3" x 4.05" x 14.37"). • Unit Weight: 16.0 kg (35.2 lbs). ATOLL IN300 vs. ATOLL IN300 EVOLUTION - TECHNICAL COMPARISON SUMMARY Shared Core Specifications • Power Output: 150 Watts RMS per channel into 8 Ohm; 260 Watts RMS per channel into 4 Ohm. • Dual-Mono Power Supply: 2x 440 VA audio toroidal transformers (880 VA total capacity). • Capacitance Array: 86,400 uF total filtering capacitance (12x 6,800 uF custom ATOLL capacitors). • Output Stage: Triple push-pull MOS-FET output stage per channel (6 MOS-FETs total per channel) biased in Class A/B. • Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 100 kHz with a 2.0 us rise time. • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100 dB. • Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.05% at 1 kHz (10 W output level). • Input Sensitivity & Impedance: 450 mV sensitivity / 220 kOhm impedance. • Analog Inputs: 5x Line Inputs (RCA), 1x Balanced Line Input (XLR), 1x BY-PASS Input. • Outputs: 1x Pair tellurium copper speaker binding posts, 2x Pre-Out (RCA), 1x 6.35 mm headphone jack, 1x 12V Trigger. • Chassis & Dimensions: 8 mm aluminum front panel, 1.5 mm steel chassis. 440 mm x 103 mm x 365 mm (W x H x D); 16.0 kg. Key Differences & Upgrades (IN300 Evolution vs. Original IN300) Digital Architecture • Original IN300: Includes an integrated DAC board as standard equipment (AKM AK4490 chip; 2x Coaxial, 2x Optical, 1x USB-B, Bluetooth). • IN300 Evolution: Standard unit is pure analog. Digital connectivity is modular via optional expansion boards (DA100 or DA200). Power Supply & Thermal Management • Display & Logic Transformer: Upgraded from 5 VA (Original) to 10 VA (Evolution) for the control logic power supply. • Power-On Protection: Evolution adds a soft-start circuit to eliminate turn-on current spikes and power surges. • Internal Wiring: Evolution upgrades to Absolue Creations high-end wiring on the power supply side. Standby & Power Modes • Original IN300: Standard low-power standby mode. • IN300 Evolution: Adds dual standby modes—Low Consumption Standby (0.5 W) and Preheating Standby (27 W) to keep Class A/B bias warm for immediate performance.