ARCAM IRDAC 2

From the jury's assessment

The digital music sources that exist today in such manifold forms can be raised to the best analogue sound level with the Arcam irDAC II. The high-quality D/A converter ESS ES9016K2M accepts digital signals via optical and electronic (SPDIF) cables as well as via USB and Bluetooth, the channels that come from the IT world. Music signals from notebooks, tablets and smartphones can thus also be brought to higher sonic honours. The well-made two-pounder processes digital signals at up to 24/384 resolution via USB and also masters the Bluetooth codecs SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX:LL. A preamplifier is available for passing the signal on, once at fixed and once at adjustable output level. That is also available for the integrated headphone amplifier. The little box is controlled by a remote control or from Windows PCs or MacOS computers.

• digital inputs optical, SPDIF, USB and Bluetooth
• data rates up to 24 bit/384 kHz
• integrated pre-amplifier and headphone amplifier