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A little DAC will do wonders for your digital music
DAC is short for digital-to-analog converter, a device that translates digital music files or streams into analog signals that go to your headphones or your amp and speakers. You'll hear a huge difference between the sound you get from a separate hi-fi DAC and the sound of the low-quality DAC (and noisy audio circuitry) built into your computer, video game console, network music player, or other gadget.
Help your digital music sound more real
From CD players and game consoles to computer-based music and Internet radio, digital audio is a big part of our lives these days. And a big part of how good these audio sources sound depends on the performance of the digital-to-analog converters tucked away inside them. A high-quality DAC converts all the digital bits back into sound with a high degree of accuracy, delivering dynamic, multi-layered music with a thrilling sense of realism. All too often, though, the DACs and sound cards found in many audio components and PCs simply aren't up to the task. That's where Arcam's rDac steps in. This sleek, cast aluminum box offers a simple but elegant solution to the problem of subpar digital sound. If you've never heard your music through a first-class DAC like the Arcam, you're in for a real treat.
The rDac sports multiple inputs to handle your digital sources.
Versatile connections for your system
The rDac gives you three ways to connect your digital source components to your home audio system:
- coaxial digital input is ideal for connecting a CD or DVD player, Logitech SqueezeboxT Touch, Sonos® ZonePlayerT 90, or any other digital audio component with coax out, and taking advantage of the rDac's high-performance processor for better sound.
- optical digital is ready to take on a set-top box, HDTV, game console, or other digital sources with optical digital output, and feed a high-quality audio signal into your stereo system.
- Type B USB jack feeds the output of your computer into the rDAC's onboard digital-to-analog converter, bypassing your computer's sound card to yield much higher quality sound with stored music files and Internet radio.
A pair of gold-plated RCA outputs lets you connect the rDAC to your home audio system's amp or receiver, or a set of amplified speakers for a high-end, compact desktop stereo.
The rDac provides a superior way to enjoy computer-based music on your home audio system.
Positively boffo musical performance from your PC
The rDac's sophisticated Wolfson processor can accept digital music files from your PC via USB - bypassing your computer's built-in sound card for a far more exciting listening experience. You'll enjoy sweet, nuanced sound previously obscured by the noisy environment inside your PC - delicate reverberations echoing in a concert hall, or the natural decay of an acoustic guitar chord. On good recordings, every instrument and vocal will stand out clearly and distinctly in its own separate space, allowing you to follow each one note-for-note.
To achieve this high level of performance, Arcam also took great care to ensure your USB music sources aren't plagued by "jitter" - errors in the timing of the data stream that adversely affect sound quality. Jitter can make music sound harsh and edgy, and smear subtle details. To reduce jitter to the vanishing point, Arcam employed special re-clocking technology from Data Conversion Systems, makers of ultra high-end products for audio professionals and audiophiles. This proprietary dCS circuitry provides a precision timing clock to drastically reduce the level of jitter from USB music sources, delivering a stunning improvement in sound quality over standard USB systems.
Details:
- Wolfson Microelectronics 8741 24-bit multilevel Delta-Sigma DAC
- high-end dCS (Data Conversion Systems) Asynchronous USB Technology for reduced timing jitter and better sound on USB input
- 3 digital audio inputs - optical, coaxial, and USB (Type B)
- RCA outputs
- supported sample rates:
- USB: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, and 96kHz
- optical: 44.1kHz and 48kHz
- coaxial: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, and 192kHz
- bit depth: 16-bit to 24-bit
- built-in driver for USB connection
- frequency response: 10Hz to 20kHz (+0, -0.2 dB)
- THD + Noise: 0.002%
- signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): 112 dB
- external power supply included
- weight: 1.54 lbs.
- 6-5/16"W x 1-5/8"H x 5-1/16"D
- warranty: 1 year
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