Arcam rDAC review

Sturdily built, generously specified and, crucially, sounds every penny of the asking price Tested at £300

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Best DAC £200-£400, Awards 2011. Arcam has been here before, but never with such mainstream appeal and never at such an aggressive price

Pros

  • +

    Well specified and well finished

  • +

    substantial, responsive sound from any source

Cons

  • -

    Some system-matching is required to avoid the bass becoming bothersome

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.

The ever-increasing prevalence of music stored on computer hard-drives has brought the dedicated DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) out from the shadowy margins of hi-fi tweakery and blinking into the sunshine of the mainstream.

While some of the most effective designs we've recently heard have been from less-than household names, here it's the turn of established British brand, Arcam to debut an affordable DAC.

Small but well connected
The rDAC's a compact (just 4 x 16 x 11cm), cast aluminium device – it's finished nicely enough to warrant shelf space, but is small enough to be hidden away if necessary.

At the back, there's one digital optical input, one gold-plated digital coaxial input, one type-B USB input, a power switch and a pair of gold-plated, unbalanced stereo RCA outputs.

On top sits a single input-selection button, and input indicators that bend over the lip of the box like Jaguar tail-lights.

As you'd imagine, it's a lot more complicated on the inside. Arcam clearly imagines the rDAC's USB input will be its most popular (it's also readying a wireless USB dongle option) and to that end has lavished particular attention on the elimination of the jitter, and consequent inaccuracies, that can dog PC-based music.

Significant reduction of jitter
Arcam has long had ties with Data Conversion Systems and, in the rDAC, dCS's Asynchronous USB Technology promises significant reduction of jitter compared with the more usual ‘adaptive' USB system.

Elsewhere, Wolfson's WM8741 forms the core of the conversion circuitry. It proves an harmonious blend – the Arcam's a lithe and persuasive performer via any input.

Converting Wilco's You and I, received via its digital optical input, the rDAC delivers a spacious, controlled and big-boned sound.

Stereo imaging and focus is impressive, and integration of the frequency range from the (substantial, disciplined) low end through the (intimate, detailed) midrange to the (solid, gleaming) treble is smoothly done.

Timing is assured; it handles the most martial tempos with ease, and snaps through transients with alacrity.

High levels of detail
Detail levels are high and there's great tonal variation and texture on offer.

Switching to our MacBook's music delivered via the USB input results in more of the same. From a 256kbps file of John Martyn's You Can Discover to a WAV copy of Freakniks' rambunctious Tell Me Why, the rDAC sings with a composed, refined and full-bodied voice.

Low frequencies, while controlled, are absolutely as chunky and imposing as they want to be, but that gentle caveat aside the Arcam's air of unquestionable authority shines through.

The market's not short of little DACs ready to bring your digital music collection to life.

The rDAC, though, is one of the very best around: built sturdily, specified generously and, crucially, sounding every penny of the asking price.

Follow whathifi.com on Twitter

Join whathifi.com 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