I fell hard for the Atoll DSA300 streaming integrated amp I reviewed back in December of last year and arrived at Axpona 2025 hungry for more.
In a Room 660, hosted by distributor Audio Excellent and dealer Music for Pleasure, an ATOLL stack consisting of the new IN400 Evolution integrated amplifier, the also new CD400 Evolution CD Player, and ST300 Streamer/ DAC/Preamp drove the new Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition loudspeakers.
During my stay, master of ceremonies John Quick, Dynaudio’s VP of Sales & Marketing, Americas, cued up “Nature’s Child” featuring S.G. Goodman and Bonnie “Prince” Billy from the Cardinals at the Window digital-only release that includes 136 previously unreleased tracks from nearly as many artists with 100% of proceeds going to help people in need in Asheville, NC. Nice.
S.G. Goodman and Bonnie “Prince” Billy go together like Fred and Ginger or ginger and beer and this system brought out the beauty between these two distinct voices with ringing clarity making them feel like fellow Axpona 2025 attendees. Nice.
The system:
ATOLL CD400 Evolution CD Player: $7900
ATOLL ST300 Streamer/DAC/Preamp: $4900
ATOLL IN400 Evolution Integrated Amplifier: $7000
Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition Loudspeakers: $8000/pair +599/pair for optional stands
Cables from Transparent Audio
Right next door in Room 664, also hosted by Audio Excellent and dealer Music for Pleasure, I got to re-hear the ATOLL SDA300 driving the new to me ATOHM Sirocco 2.24 floor-standing loudspeakers with cabling from Transparent Audio. We’re looking at about $10k worth of gear and cables for this simple system—the analog rig sat idle during my all too brief visit—yet if offered an easy to like, smooth and engaging sound that quietly screamed out more.
The system (I heard):
ATOLL SDA300 Signature Streaming Integrated Amplifier with DAC: $5,500
ATHOM Sirocco 2.24 Floor Standing Loudspeakers: $3800/pair (!)
Cables from Transparent Audio