ATC SIA2-100 review

ATC SIA2-100 review

Overview

2 x line level analogue inputs
3 x digital inputs: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Premium AKM 32-bit DAC
USB digital input supports up to 384kHz PCM data
and native DSD256*
ATC Discrete MOSFET Output Stage with
100W/Ch. Max. Cont. Power.
Headphone amp featuring discrete output stage
Compact Size – 2/3rds width
Handmade in England

What is a surprise is the shape of this new amp. It’s neither full-width, like its impressive sibling, the SIA2-150, nor is it half-width, like Cyrus hi-fi separates. Instead, it settles on a three-quarter-width stance, which makes it a perfect partner for ATC’s matching CD2 CD player.

Though the width isn’t really an issue, the view that greets you from the front panel is. Given the amount of space up for grabs, the tiny display looks out of proportion. There’s also a lack of symmetry to the two pairs of buttons and sockets that also adorn the front. It appears a little messy and not what we’ve come to expect from ATC – rival amps at this sort of money appear much more proportional. Build is solid and finish is good, though lacking the slickness of the best.

On the plus side, the volume control has a wonderful, smooth feel as you turn it, allowing you to dial in your preferred level with precision. It’s just a shame that the supplied remote doesn’t reflect this. Tap the volume buttons and the amp responds in a rather jumpy manner.

Power for the SIA2-100 is 100W per channel; there are a couple of line level inputs to connect external sources, plus optical (24-bit/96kHz) and coaxial (24-bit/192kHz) digital sockets. There’s also a USB Type B input (32-bit/384kHz), compatible with DSD256 (Windows) and DSD128 (Mac) files.

There’s no Bluetooth, which won’t be a deal-breaker for most, although the lack of phono stage is something you may need to bear in mind. There is a 3.5mm auxiliary input on the front and a 6.35mm headphone output, which add a bit of extra flexibility.

The ATC communicates the path and position of all the instruments with impressive precision. Both high and low-level dynamic shifts can be heard and it all adds up to an enthusiastic sound capable of piquing your interest.

Maximum Power Output: 100W (Continuous Av. 8 Ohms, 1kHz, both channels driven)
Line Inputs: Two, stereo (one with additional front panel 3.5mm jack)
Line Input Sensitivity: 500mV
Input Impedance: 13k8 Ohms
Line Outputs: One, stereo
Overload Capacity: 13dB
Line Output Impedance: 10 Ohms
Frequency Response: < 2Hz – > 250kHz (@ -3dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion: 1kHz <0.0015% (-96dB), 10kHz <0.002% (-90dB) Crosstalk: >80dB (10Hz – 20kHz)
S+N/N Ratio: Wide Band > 96dB, DIN > 108dB, > IEC “A”112d
Dimensions (HxWxD): 113 x 315 x 315mm / 4.4 x 12.4 x 12.4”
Dimensions exclude rear panel connectors. Take care to leave space behind the unit for connectors and cables.
Weight: 9.70kg (24.39lbs)

DIGITAL INPUTS – COAXIAL & OPTICAL

Distortion: 1kHz <0.0015% (-96dB ), 10kHz <0.005% (-86dB) Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (+/- 0.1dB) S+N/N Ratio: >100dB (IEC “A”)
Word Lengths Supported: 16 – 24 Bit
Sample Rates Supported: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz (192kHz supported via coaxial input only)

DIGITAL INPUTS – USB (PCM)

Distortion: 1kHz <0.0015% (-96dB ), 10kHz <0.005% (-86dB) Frequency Response: 20Hz – 50kHz (+/- 0.1dB) S+N/N Ratio: >100dB (IEC “A”)
Word Lengths Supported: 16 – 32 Bit
Sample Rates Supported: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 76.4kHz, 192.0kHz, 352.8kHz, 384.0kHz

DIGITAL INPUTS – USB (DSD)

Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz (+/- 0.1dB)
S+N/N Ratio: >100dB (IEC “A”)
DSD Rates Supported: Windows DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256, MAC OS DSD64 and DSD128
ATC reserves the right to vary products and specifications without prior notice.