Arcam
Arcam rDAC
Best digital-to-analog converter for audiophiles seeking refined, jitter-free sound quality.
Elevate your audio with the Arcam rDAC, a versatile digital-to-analog converter designed for superior sound. It masterfully transforms computer audio through its asynchronous USB input, significantly reducing jitter for unparalleled clarity. The rDAC also enhances sound from CD transports, DVD players, and set-top boxes, offering a substantial upgrade to any hi-fi system. Featuring advanced dCS Ring DAC technology and a robust cast-aluminum chassis, it delivers an emotional and precise audio presentation with enhanced soundstage and instrumental separation.
$479.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
240
/ 490
#240 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-89%
Below average
Dimensions
16010241
/ x x mm
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a warm and musical listening experience
- Computer-based listeners prioritizing jitter-free digital audio clarity
- Desktop users needing a durable, space-saving audio solution
Who should skip it
- High-resolution enthusiasts requiring DSD or ultra-high PCM support
- Minimalists wanting to avoid extra power cables and clutter
- Modern computer users relying on current, plug-and-play driver support
Performance breakdown
Jitter reduction
Asynchronous USB processing effectively eliminates timing errors for a cleaner signal.
Soundstage depth
Instrumental separation creates an expansive, immersive listening experience for your music.
Build quality
The cast-aluminum chassis provides a rigid, vibration-resistant foundation for audio components.
Source versatility
Seamlessly integrates with computers, CD transports, and various digital media players.
Signal clarity
Noise-rejection power supply ensures a quiet background for precise audio reproduction.
DAC performance
Advanced dCS technology delivers an emotional, high-fidelity presentation of digital files.
Key Specs
Dimensions
160 x 102 x 41 mm
Weight
0.68 kg
Enclosure material
Cast aluminum
Power supply
Wall-wart with noise-rejection
DAC Chip
Wolfson WM8741
Inputs
Asynchronous USB, Coaxial, Optical
Features dCS Ring DAC technology
USB Version
Asynchronous USB
Features
- Transforms computer audio to high-fidelity sound
- Asynchronous USB input minimizes jitter
- Upgrades audio from various digital sources
- Utilizes advanced dCS Ring DAC technology
- Compact and inert cast-aluminum chassis
- Noise-rejection power supply for cleaner audio
- Enhances soundstage and instrumental separation
- Delivers emotional and precise audio
What customers say
The Arcam rDAC is celebrated for its outstanding sound quality and excellent value, making it a top choice for entry to mid-level DAC users. Listeners consistently highlight its musical, detailed, and smooth sound, which offers a clear improvement over basic computer audio. The device provides stable, low jitter performance, essential for high fidelity listening. Its warm signature encourages extended enjoyment. Despite solid build quality, the rDAC's true strength lies in its impressive performance for its price. It is a highly recommended component for anyone building a serious hi-fi system, delivering superior sound and reliable performance that truly represents exceptional value.
Know before you buy
The asynchronous USB input allows the rDAC to control the timing of the data stream from your computer. This significantly reduces jitter, which results in a cleaner, more precise, and more stable audio signal.
Yes. In addition to the USB input, the rDAC features coaxial and optical digital inputs. This makes it compatible with CD transports, DVD players, and set-top boxes, allowing you to upgrade the sound quality of various digital sources.
The cast-aluminum chassis is designed to be inert and rigid. This helps minimize unwanted vibrations and provides electromagnetic shielding, ensuring the internal components are protected from interference for a cleaner audio output.
The rDAC is known for a precise and emotional presentation. By utilizing dCS Ring DAC technology, it excels at improving instrumental separation and expanding the soundstage, making your music feel more open and lifelike.
The rDAC is designed for simple plug-and-play operation via USB. It works with standard operating systems, though you should ensure your computer's audio settings are configured to output to the DAC for the best results.
Yes, the rDAC comes with a dedicated wall-wart power supply. This unit is specifically engineered for noise rejection, which helps maintain a low noise floor and ensures the internal circuitry receives clean power.
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$479