Atoll PH100 Phono Preamplifier MM/MC, Black

The Atoll PH100 is an external phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges, built fully balanced and without operational amplifiers.

It costs less than many cartridges and still comes with two transformers, four regulated power supplies, and a steel chassis. This is the kind of device where you ask yourself where the catch is – and find none.

Why the PH100?

Because it puts effort exactly where it really matters for the phono signal. The circuit is fully balanced and discretely built, with no operational amplifiers in the signal path. Two low-noise linear transformers of 3.2 VA each supply the channels separately, backed by 11,280 µF of filter capacitance. And you set impedance and capacitance separately for left and right – something considerably more expensive devices don't offer.

What you hear

Colour and dynamics without nervousness. The bass has contour rather than bulk, voices stay full-bodied, and the noise floor recedes far enough that quiet passages breathe again. The frequency response stays within 0.1 dB across the entire audible range – so the RIAA equalisation is spot on.

Who is the PH100 suited for?

For anyone who wants to connect a turntable to an amplifier with no phono input – and for anyone who has outgrown a built-in budget phono stage. In plain terms: it reaches its limits with very quiet low-output MC cartridges; there the PH200 is worth a look. There's no headphone output, and the level is fixed. And anyone running only MM could also check the more affordable P50 plug-in card on an Atoll amplifier.

Our verdict

This is one of the most honest recommendations in the whole range. stereoplay awarded 73 points in issue 2/2020 with an "outstanding" price-performance verdict and wrote: "The PH 100 plays with rich colour, dynamic, without a hint of nervousness, and with a great bass that only does what it should." The conclusion ended with: "Here's a buying recommendation, and a crystal-clear one." If you're unsure whether it fits your system, tell us what you're running: 044 680 22 00 or WhatsApp 076 534 22 00, HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Type: external phono preamplifier for MM and MC (high and low output)
• Gain: MM 40 dB, MC high-output 47 dB, MC low-output 60 dB
• Input impedance: switchable 47 kOhm or 100 kOhm, separate for left and right
• Input capacitance: switchable 100 pF or none
• Input sensitivity: 1.5 mV
• Circuit: fully balanced, discrete components, no operational amplifiers, steel chassis
• Inputs: 1 × RCA pair phono with ground terminal
• Outputs: 1 × RCA pair line
• Output level: fixed, determined by the gain setting – no volume control
• Headphone output: not present
• Power supply: 2 × 3.2 VA low-noise linear transformers, 4 regulated power supplies
• Filter capacitance: 11,280 µF
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, deviation ±0.1 dB
• Distortion: 0.05%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 80 dB at 1 kHz
• Crosstalk: below −85 dB at 1 kHz
• Power consumption: 4 watts active, 0 watts in sleep mode
• Chassis: brushed aluminium front
• Colour: Black
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 320 × 63 × 210 mm
• Weight: 2 kg
• Warranty: 2 years

Frequently asked questions

Which cartridges suit the Atoll PH100?
MM cartridges with 40 dB gain, high-output MC cartridges with 47 dB, and low-output MC cartridges with 60 dB. Very quiet low-output MCs are the only group where it reaches its limits – we'll tell you whether yours belongs there.

Can I adjust the input impedance on the PH100?
Yes. You choose between 47 and 100 kiloohms, separately for the left and right channel. The input capacitance can also be switched between 100 picofarads and no capacitance. That lets you match it exactly to your cartridge.

What's special about the PH100's circuit?
It's fully balanced and built entirely from discrete components – with no operational amplifiers. Add to that two low-noise linear transformers, four regulated power supplies, 11,280 µF of filter capacitance, and a steel chassis. In this price class, that's an unusual amount of effort.

Does the Atoll PH100 have a headphone output?
No. The PH100 is a pure phono stage; its output level is fixed and determined by the gain setting. It belongs on a line input of your integrated amplifier or preamp, not directly on a power amplifier.

Why buy the Atoll PH100 at HD Zürisee?
Because a phono stage only sounds good once gain, impedance, and capacitance match the cartridge. We set that up with you, check the grounding against hum, and take care of delivery, installation, and service with our own technician.

Goes well with

Ahead of it belongs a turntable with a matching cartridge, behind it an integrated amplifier. A good phono cable completes the picture.