Arcam FMJ D33 review

A fine-sounding, well-equipped high-end DAC but not best in class Tested at £2000

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A fine-sounding, well-equipped high-end DAC, but not quite the best in its class

Pros

  • +

    Impressive scale

  • +

    produces a deep, broad and expansive soundstage

  • +

    weighty bass

Cons

  • -

    No display

  • -

    cheap-feeling remote

  • -

    laid back delivery won’t appeal to everyone

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Arcam’s last stab at a standalone DAC resulted in the brilliant £350 rDAC. The D33 is a more expensive, technically superior beast, billed by the British manufacturer as its very own ‘Super DAC.’

But for a supposed ‘Super DAC,’ the D33 looks very Clark Kent. The lack of a display is a little disappointing; little green LEDs are the only indicators of the input in use and the bit-rate of the file being sampled.

Inputs are switched via the buttons or supplied remote (which although finger-friendly, looks and feels cheap).

Connectivity is thorough: two coaxial inputs accept all types of digital files including high-res 24bit/192kHz files, while twin optical ins accept up to 24-bit/96kHz.

There’s also a pair of USB sockets: the Type I accepts music files up to 96kHz, while the Type II can handle high-res (PC users will need to install special drivers provided on the supplied disc, Macs are compatible out of the box).

There’s even an additional Type A USB socket for streaming from an Apple device, although at the time of writing it wasn’t operational. Arcam says this will be activated by dealers when it’s available.

Breathtakingly deep sound
If openness, scale and depth are what you crave, then the Arcam delivers. Spin Lana Del Ray’s Video Games and the depth and layering given to the track is breathtaking.

The D33’s laid-back nature suits the pace of Massive Attack’s Mezzanine and the moody, broody vocal, too.

Arcam also includes two types of filter settings. One seemed to afflict the sound with a hint of brightness, while the other encourages a more fluid, subtler tone.

Those looking for the punchiest and zippiest of presentations probably won’t warm to the Arcam quite as much; notes could be delivered more urgently and leading edges aren’t the sharpest.

On the whole though, the D33 is a fine machine with bags of ability and is a good alternative to its closest rivals, including the Naim DAC. ‘Super’ might be stretching things a bit, but this DAC can definitely flex its muscles.

Follow whathifi on Twitter


Join whathifi on Facebook

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test