I have just received CI 102, as a possible sideways move from the Atom which is paired with ATC SCM20s and Rel T zero mk3. The aim to give the ATCs more power and add bass management.
Initial testing has given me much more respect for the Atom…weekend of testing ahead…will report back.
At home I have the Dynaudio Evoke 30 speakers (88dB at 4Ohm)
Driven by the all-in-one NAD C700 (V1)
Yesterday I was at my dealer and hear both the ATOM and the CI-102 both coupled at
the … Dynaudio Evoke 30 !!
The CI-102 is so much more cleaner and transparent than my C700. Wow! Especially with voices. And that bass !!!
And the Evokes 30 can use the more power of this amplifier.
Then the switch to the ATOM (2x 50W)
Well… soundwise this s the better one of the two.
More ‘air’ in the music and more ‘easy’ sound.
And… the 2x 50W was surprisingly no problem for the Evokes 30 !
I have an Atom with ATC 11’s / rel TX9 sub. I did a demo on the 20s and in my room they didn’t work with the Atom (worked lovely in my main system)
I think ATC need a tad more power especially for those 20’s which are lovely speakers.
I have a set of Stack Audio Auva 50’s under my ATC11’s / lateral audio stands. (They do a 60 day sale or return) normally a little sceptical with such items but they have really improved things all round - I can turn it up more without the sound falling apart.
So after a weekend of testing here are my thoughts…hardware-wise I missed the physical volume control and screen more than I expected. Otherwise build is fine and doesn’t look too out of place on a low board.
As for the sound, the CI 102 is very detailed, has a wider soundstage, and a much quieter background.
I tried several option for managing the HF/LF crossover. In the Atom setup, full range is going to the speakers and sub fills in where the speaker roll off. This can be tricky and in my room the position is not optimal - in a dedicated built in furniture in the center of the speakers with only the front side open. I tested serval options with low and high pass filters with the CI, and this worked well, but didn’t positively impact the overall sound quality in a noticeable way.
The main thing is that unfortunately I didn’t enjoy the music while playing through the CI 102. I cannot describe technically the difference in the sound, the best way to communicate the feeling of each is that the CI is like being a passive observer of the music, while the Atom feels like actively listening and more intimate involvement with the music. The Atom can make the hairs on my neck stand up easily, but not so the CI.
I could point a finger at class D amplification, or the lower price point. However, I think its just the case that the ATC SCM20s just outclass the CI and lay it bare, presenting exactly what is going on at source. That is not to say the CI 102 is a bad product, just that speaker matching is important and just because it ticks some features boxes which the Atom doesn’t, such as extra power and bass management, that doesn’t mean that it is the right solution in my system setup.
Regarding the Atom, and the SCM20s, I have new respect for what it can deliver and for sure it is being pushed to the limits, in terms of delivering current and as a source. In a small room and not pushed to high listening levels, the Atom is a very well balanced product, so that even with the ATCs it does not sound deficient in any respect - at least in my room and use case.
Where to next…Enjoy the Atom 
…and keep dreaming of SCM20 Actives.
Good review…. Adding the Stack Audio Auras enables me to turn my Atom up a bit more without loosing control. Worth a free sale or return trial, worked wonders on mine!
Thank you for insightful comparison. I do however have two questions, out of curiosity
Mostly Spotify connect, would have been better to test with the new Qobuz Connect, but I don’t think it would have mad much difference to the decision. As for tracks, one that stands out is Lana Del Rey’s ‘Henry, come on’, the production on her work is excellent.
Thanks for your explanation. These 3 Qobuz tracks are examples of the music I listened to with my dealer, using Fyne Audio F1-5 loudspeakers, when comparing the two. This could explain why we didn’t have the same experience as you had. Open Qobuz Open Qobuz Open Qobuz
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