ATC CA2
Stereo Pre-Amp
Overview
Given ATC’s history manufacturing active loudspeakers, a partnering preamplifier was a logical step and their first preamp, the SCA2 was released in 1996. The CA2 – a simpler design yet still offering exceptional performance – is derived from the ‘high-end’ SCA2 and maintains its exceptional performance, but with fewer features. It is equally adept at driving active loudspeakers as paired with one of ATCs power amplifiers and a wide range of inputs and outputs ensure outstanding compatibility with a very wide range of partnering equipment.
ATC CA2 Features
- Discrete class-A low-noise circuitry evolved from high-end SCA2 preamp.
- MC/MM RIAA Phono Stage with adjustable gain/loading.
- High-Performance Headphone Amplifier.
- 5 x stereo RCA/Phono inputs.
- IR Remote Control.
- Hand built in the UK & covered by a 6–year warranty.
“…if you want to hear the important musical detail presented in a coherent, clear-cut fashion this pairing has remarkably little competition in the two box arena. There are a few integrated amps which give them a run for their money in one respect or another but nothing comes to mind which seems like a better overall package.” Jason Kennedy Hi Fi+ No75.
ATC CA2 Specifications
Frequency Response: D.C. – >500kHz (-3dB)
THD: < 0.0005% / -106dB (1kHz, 1V, 600 ohms)
S+N/N Ratio: >108dB (IEC ‘A’)
Crosstalk: >90dB (10Hz – 20kHz)
Input sensitivity: 150mV (re. 1V out)
Maximum Output Level: 7.5V r.m.s. (600 ohms)
Analogue Preamp Outputs: 2 x stereo pair RCA/Phono, 1 x stereo pair male XLR (all unbalanced)
Headphone Amp Output: 1 x via 6.35mm jack
Analogue Tape Output: 1 x stereo pair RCA/Phono
Analogue Line Inputs: 5 x stereo pairs RCA/Phono
RIAA Phono Input:: 1 x pair via RCA/Phono. MC/MM with adjustable gain & loading.
Dimensions: 94 x 449 x 330mm / 3.7 x 17.7 x 13.0 inches (H x W x D inc. chassis connectors)
Weight: 6kg / 13.2lbs
Brand
ATC
ATC - Loudspeakers
Formed in 1974 by Billy Woodman to manufacture custom drive units for the professional sound industry.
ATC quickly made its mark with the 12″ PA75-314 driver, a design capable of handling more power and producing less distortion at a higher sound pressure level than any other unit on the market.
1976 saw the first production of the ground-breaking SM 75-150s soft dome midrange driver, a technical tour-de-force, whose innovative up-scaled design reproduced a more uniform dispersion, wider bandwidth and much lower distortion than was thought possible at the time.
It revolutionised studio monitoring and has since become recognised as the ultimate mid-range transducer for both domestic and professional applications.
Utilising exotic materials and precision tolerances, the latest version of the SM 75-150s represents the apex of drive unit technology. It is often copied but never equalled.
The next decade witnessed the introduction of complete speaker systems and further versions of the high power PA drive units used in OEM form by many leading manufacturers and performers – Pink Floyd and Supertramp were early customers.
During this period ATC researched and developed the first active system elements, introducing the EC23 Active Crossover with built in phase correction.
A contract with Danish Radio for an active portable monitor provided the opportunity to integrate the new SCM50 and SCM100 speakers with a Tri-amp pack and electronic crossover to create the industry standard SCM50A and SCM100A, the first reliable and accurate active systems. With regular fine tuning they remain as popular today in both professional and hi-fi applications.
With regular fine tuning they remain as popular today in both professional and hi-fi applications.
Having established a market for reference quality precision-made monitors, a succession of smaller ATC speakers then evolved, ranging from SCM7s through 10s and 20s. Available in both active and passive versions, they offered elite ATC performance and reliability to many new customers.
1996 welcomed the launch of ATC’s first stand alone audiophile electronics. Both SCA2 pre-amplifier, SPA2-150 power amplifier and later the SIA2-150 were built according to ATC’s no compromise philosophy, achieving performance figures that still rank as among the best available. In their latest versions they continue to offer unrivalled precision and performance.
In the same year Billy Woodman and his research team developed an innovative new driver topology designed to eliminate the effects of magnetic hysteresis as a significant source of distortion in loudspeaker drive units. Utilising a new material from the communications industry, ATC’s Super Linear (SL) driver reduced third harmonic distortion by 10-15dB between 100Hz and 3kHz. Arguably the most significant development in transducer design in the last 15 years, SL technology epitomises ATC’s commitment to sound quality.
The SL drivers’ accuracy in reproducing piano and male vocals remains unique.
Through ATC’s commitment to multi-channel mastering and its direct involvement with leading players in the professional audio industry including Sony Music and Telarc, ATC’s products are installed at some of the world’s most prestigious multi-channel studios and auditoria.
Where ever the best is required you will find ATC.
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