ATC - CDA2 MkII CD Player/DAC/Preamplifier

All-Discrete Class A Preamplifier, 32-Bit DAC, CD Player, and Headphone Amp in One Chassis: Handmade ATC CDA2 Mk2 Features Audiophile Parts and High-Res USB Input for Native DSD256
A three-in-one audiophile staple that combines an all-discrete Class A preamplifier, high-grade CD player, premium AKM 32-bit DAC, and high-resolution USB input, the ATC CDA2 Mk2 is a source component designed for modern needs. An ideal match for the British company's P2 amplifier and active speakers, CDA2 Mk2 pairs accurate performance with high-value engineering and features that extend to the TEAC-supplied CD transport responsible for error-free reading and fast responsiveness. CDA2 Mk2 even comes with a dedicated headphone amplifier – in effect, making it a five-tool device. Per ATC tradition, it is hand-built in the U.K. and comes with an industry-leading six-year manufacturer warranty.
Capable of handling up to native 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 via its USB input, CDA2 Mk2 processes signals with addictive transparency and neutrality. Extremely low jitter, distortion, and noise attest to its technical prowess. And how. The power-supply architecture claims a total of nine high-end voltage regulators, while the local power-supply decoupling accounts for even purer sound. Indeed, every aspect of CDA2 Mk2 speaks to arresting sonics. The input and output gain stages are arranged in discrete op amps comprising six common gain blocks: two for left and right input buffering, and four to provide a true differential output for the left and right channels. Furthermore, the positive and negative drivers are arranged in parallel to ensure that the signal delays and phase shifts remain identical on both sides. And the output stages are configured as unity gain complementary compound pairs, biased in Class A. As for the legs of the chips inside? They boast hand-soldered surface-mount components. Such is the degree of detail over which ATC obsesses.
Housed in a constrained-layer-dampened steel-and-aluminum chassis, and distinguished with a machined aluminum-alloy front panel with a brushed silver finish, CDA2 Mk2 arrives with a slew of useful connections. A pair of balanced XLR inputs, twin rear-mounted RCA inputs, one coaxial and one optical input accompany an aux analog input via a 3.5mm mini jack equipped with high-input sensitivity for smart devices.
"The music center, ATC style: The CDA2 Mk2 may have all the air of 'a horse designed by committee,' as it does so much, but this is more thoroughbred than camel, with a wide-open sound, masses of detail, and unrestrained slam. It makes a fine partner for power amps and active speakers alike, getting on with the business of delivering the music without adding or subtracting anything. If it does all you need, it's a bargain."
—Andrew Everard, Hi-Fi News, Highly Commended review
"This is a player that never gets ruffled no matter how demanding the music gets. That sense of organization isn't bought at the expense of dynamics or excitement either. The ATC sounds thrilling when the music demands, but can also sooth when required."
—What Hi-Fi?, five-star review
"With ATC's CDA2 Mk2 offering pleasing tonality, resolution, and dynamics, a versatile feature set, and rock-solid build, all for a decent price, it's impossible not to crown it with the highest recommendation."
—Ken Micallef, Stereophile
"Playing my DSD128 file of Ivan Fischer's Mahler Symphony No.3 clarified that the system sounded pretty damn neutral—laudably so—and its bass was absolutely firm. More important, the system succeeded in communicating the emotional bleakness that makes the opening statement of Mahler's Third so profound."
—Jason Serinus, Stereophile
"The CDA2 Mk2 is well built, comprehensively equipped and highly revealing, but more importantly it makes familiar material engrossing, it makes you listen longer and dare I say it, louder. ATC has driven down distortion and noise so that more of the crucial timing and imaging cues can be heard, in the process they have delivered their finest digital product yet..."
—Jason Kennedy, The Ear, Best Buy review
"It gets all of the basics right with a wonderfully linear volume control and a total absence of unwanted noise, but beyond that the quality of the digital-to-analog section is entirely noteworthy."
—Ed Selley, Hi-Fi Choice