NIGEL M

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $600.00 from AudioMax (Laguna Nig

Summary:
After listening extensively to numerous sub 1K$ solid-state integrated amps & recievers (Cambridge, Rotel, Marantz, Pioneer Elite, NAD), and being disappointed by the general harshness and poor build quality, the chance to audition a demo IN80 seemed a shot in the dark, having never really heard of this French manufacturer. What a surprise then to see the solid minimalistic brished aluminum faceplate with hefty rounded volume & source selectors, top quality connectors in back, and some massive looking transformers visible through the cooling vents. Better still to hear smooth solid bass, and remearkably realistic mid and upper tones with a variety of source material, driving both some large floorstanders and small monitors (both from Opera Loudspeakers). Performance was so far ahead, that purchase was a non-decision, and has been confirmed in the subsequent months with outstandingly natural sound from SACDs passed through the Opera monitors.

Soundworks

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $800.00 from Filtronique

Summary:
If you are looking for smooth realistic timbers, and mids from another planet,then this is the amp for you. Warm and full bodied like a french wine; the closest you can get to tube with a solid state. Bass is tight and natural. This amp is no where near bass shy, how ever, carefully matching up a source will be the deciding factor in bass presence. The recording of the album will also play a role. Being mosfet based, it has a rather long warm up period. I do not even bother with it until it has warmed up for a solid half hour. A small price to pay for the listening pleasure it provides after which. It is well presented with a solid aluminum face and good chassis. The rest of the casement is a little flimsy and on the cheap side. Conections in the rear are gold plated and of very good quality. I have seen much worse on components twice the price. Simaudio for one with its cheap plastic conections. Hope this has helped.

Price Paid:  $830.00 from filtronique

Summary:
I just got the 80 IN Atoll sounds really good. Made in Fance. The voices come out very clear, mid and bass are good to.It sounds real. I think I could get a better sound, because I'm using an old Toshiba DVD player. In the store the source was a Nad 521i CD player, so much better.

Strengths:
I don't know why I shoud spent a few tausend dollar for an amp, if you can pay much less with such a sound

Weaknesses:
I don't think I can use it as part of a home theater system.

Similar Products Used:
Still using my Yamaha 795 for home cinema

Summary:
I've bought the ATOLL IN80 around one year ago, replacing a PROTON preamp-amp. I chose this amplifier after on a hour session with the vendor and some of my preferred CD.
When I installed the amp and put a CD , my wife, who isn't interested at all in hifi, told me : wow, it seems much better than before. Better means more "realistic".

The only drawback of IN80 compared to the PROTON I had before is about the bass strength which is not as high.

But it is 100 times overwhelmed by the advantages, and it is cheaper ...

After visiting some other vendors, I already know that, if I had to change for some better amps, I would have to spend 3 times more ...

Summary:
Http://www.chez.com/atollelectronique/integre.html