Skip to main content

ATC’s CDA2 Mk2 will make you want to put the phone away and dig out your CDs

ATC CDA Mk2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If it’s been a while since you played a CD, you’re not alone, but that doesn’t mean that the format has gone away. While it may not necessarily be the preferred format for casual listeners, there is plenty of great music that is only available in CD format, which is where audiophile-focused CD players come in. The ATC CDA2 Mk2 is one such player, but this one also functions as a DAV and preamplifier, and it is now shipping in the U.S.

Recommended Videos

The name ATC may not be familiar, as the company is based in England and is more popular overseas. Lone Mountain Audio imports the brand, which is sold through its U.S. sales representative Rutherford Audio. The CDA2 Mk2 was developed to be the ideal partner for the latest model of ATC’s P2 power amplifier and features the same sleek chassis made from steel and aluminum. This design is eye-catching but also relatively neutral, which is handy if you plan to pair it with another amplifier like the ELAC Element EA101EQ-G.

The Mk2 improves on the original CDA2 with an upgraded CD transport and DAV board, making for more reliable and better-sounding playback. This model also features a dedicated headphone amplification section, which is great if you’d rather not have to spring on a separate headphone amp to use for private listening. Another addition is the rear USB input, allowing you to play back high-resolution audio files in up to 384 kHz PCM, as well as DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256.

The front panel is where you find the controls, which are supplemented by an included IR remote. All of the inputs and outputs, including the headphone jack, are located on the rear of the CDA2 Mk2. Here, you find a digital input section with both optical and coaxial connections right next to the USB port. The analog input section consists of two RCA auxiliary inputs, as well as a single 3.5mm jack meant to be used with phones, tablets, and other low-output mobile devices. Analog outputs are available in both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA formats.

The ATC CDA2 Mk2 sells for $4,300 and is shipping in the U.S. as of Monday, March 12. To find a retailer where you might be able to pick one up, see the Rutherford Audio website.

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
What is DirecTV: plans, pricing, channels, and more
DirecTV hero, May 2025.

DirecTV has been around for a long time, and now you can get the channels you want without a pesky satellite dish. The company's streaming product, once called AT&T TV and then DirecTV Stream, is now simply DirecTV. While it may not be the most popular streaming service, it's worth checking out. It provides access to live TV and an on-demand library like Hulu Plus Live TV or YouTube TV. Although it tends to be a bit pricier, you receive plenty in return.

We've got the details for you here.
Tell me about DirecTV's streaming service
DirecTV Stream has undergone another rebranding and is now known as DirecTV (yes, it's confusing, see below). This change reflects the company's focus on streaming as its primary service. Existing DirecTV Stream customers should not experience immediate changes to their service or packages. New customers will find all streaming options under the DirecTV brand.

Read more
LG B5 OLED for 2025 gets a price and availability
LG B5 OLED 2025

LG has just announced availability and pricing for its latest B5 range of OLED TVs for 2025.

Unveiled earlier in the year, the latest OLED range from LG has begun rolling out with initial pricing, on the larger sized model at least.

Read more
Samsung’s best OLED TV for 2024 is on sale this week
Samsung S95D 4K OLED TV.

We all know Samsung makes some of the best QLED TVs on the market in 2025, but the company also makes some of the best OLED TVs. As luck would have it, one of the top models of 2024 is still available brand-new, and it’s on sale this week.

For a limited time, you’ll be able to grab the Samsung 77-inch S95D 4K OLED for only $3,000. That’s a $1,600 markdown from its $4,600 MSRP, according to Samsung, and $800 off according to Best Buy.

Read more