ARCAM rDAC

I asked my dealer about it today. They called the distributor, who said it was supposed to be here already, but won't be here for a few more weeks. They also said that Arcam is contemplating launching it at CEDIA before they'll allow it to go to dealers. I don't know when CEDIA is, but that may delay it more.

I saw a British forum where a few guys had it already. They said it's better than the CD17 and pretty much on par with the CD37, which is Arcam's top CDP.

The CD37 is an excellent CDP to my ears, so I guess waiting a little longer will be worth it. I'd have pre-ordered the rDAC today, but my wise dealer didn't want to take my money without a definite date and me hearing it.

They're ordering one for me to demo. When that happens or they get official dates, I'll post here.

When it comes in, I'll demo it in the store with my Apple TV (optical only), which will be my main use. They have a laptop with lossless files, so I'm pretty sure I'll demo it with that too. Once I get it home, I'll throw everything at it.

I looked at CEDIA's website, and it takes place at the end of September. I'd rather get my hands on one sooner, but I guess patience is a virtue. I've been waiting forever for a Rega DAC, but I doubt that'll happen anytime soon, regardless of what people tell me.

I'm a huge Rega fan. My Apollo sounds perfect in my system. I bough an Apple TV to use as a music server around April/May last year. My intent was to make it sound as good or better than my Apollo. If I can acheive that, I'd be done for a long time.

When I was contemplating the idea, my dealer (who also sells Naim, Linn, and Arcam) told me Naim was developing a DAC that may or may not be entry level. Everyone thought it would be 5i level (like the Nait 5i and CD5i), but he was pretty confident it would be higher end due to his long time dealings with Naim and knowing how they operate. He was right. He said Rega was reportedly developing a DAC on the Apollo level (price wise). He thought that would be a long way off even though word on the street was it would come out around the same time as the Naim DAC. He was right again. A year and a half later, no official mention of anything from Rega.

I started a thread a few months back (under the name Stu Pitt, which is what I go by on a few other forums) on Pink Fish Media, which is pre-dominantly UK guys and several dealers. A bunch of guys said Rega plans on release a DAC in the $1k range by the end of the summer/early fall. It reminds me of what I heard last year from my dealer, almost verbatum.

While I don't think those guys are lying, I doubt it'll happen any time soon for several reasons:

The DAC market is probably the hottest segment right now. Why wouldn't they formally announce something that's a few months away?

I'm pretty sure they'd announce or show a non-working display at a show before the DAC debuts to generate a buzz.

People say Rega is very tight lipped. I doubt that - They announced the Isis and Osiris and debuted non-working prototypes that hadn't even had the visual stuff finalized about 9 months before they confirmed the release date. The Apollo was announced at least 6 months before it finally replaced the Planet 2000.

If they're as close as people think, why wouldn't Rega mention it? Do you really think they'll just ship it to dealers without anyone knowing about it?

I'm pretty confidant that they are developing one. They'd be very stupid not to. But as my dealer said - don't hold your breath. I've been waiting a year and a half. I wouldn't be surprised in the least bit if it'll be another year and a half.

Arcam is a pretty safe bet IMO. They make great stuff (I'd still rather a Rega DAC). The DAC will be $479, which isn't cheap to me, but not a huge risk either. I'm pretty sure if Rega comes out with a DAC next year that I have to have, I'll be able to sell the rDAC for not much loss. Or I can keep it around for a second system or as a second DAC improve video sound to my system if the Rega DAC doesn't have enough inputs. I think the rDAC will be too good to let go of for the money.

The Pink Fish Media thread I started is called "Anyone know if Rega has a DAC on the horizon" if you're interested.

I just followed up with the Pink Fish thread. A gentleman said Rega informed their dealers and Rega has a prototype. The same person prevoiusly stated August or September release for 500 GBP (about $1k?).

If it arrives in UK shops in September or October, it'll probably take a month or so longer to get here. Maybe more?

I hate guessing games. Just formally announce it.

Thanks for the reviews guys. Have either or you heard a current Aracm CDP? Any insight on how it compares?

Also, Arcam has been it bit polite in the highs in the past. Has this changed with the rDAC?

This is going to sound like I don't believe you. Please don't take it that way; I don't doubt you heard what you heard...

What you're describing sounds very odd to me. I've heard a ton of Arcam stuff - not the rDAC - and never heard what you're describing. When I asked if the rDAC had "polite highs" I asked it because every Arcam piece I've ever heard sounds a bit mellow and easy on the ears in that region. Never heard an Arcam sound harsh or distorted in the highs.

To my ears, Arcam has always sounded well balanced and a bit laid back.

Are you sure something wasn't amiss with either the rest of the system or the rDAC itself? If it sounds that bad, maybe something's wrong with it? I'm not saying Arcam is perfect, but their gear has always sounded very good to my ears. It's never sounded out-classed by more expensive gear to me. Maybe not as good, but not to the extent you're describing.

Again, I haven't heard the rDAC. I can't say you're wrong or right. I'd be very surprised if there wasn't something off here.

I should also disclose that I'm not the biggest believer of burn in for stuff that doesn't move. Digital gear needs a good amount of warm up time, but burn in is another matter. Every time I turn off my Theta DAC or Rega Apollo for a while, it takes a good 2 hours or so of playing music before everything sounds right. Interestingly enough, the highs are always most effected by it. My Theta sounds shrill, harsh and distorted when it's cold. The Apollo does too, but not to the same extent. Maybe this was part of it?

No need for the disclaimer IMO. Everyone's honest observations should be taken at face value. Too many people get too worked up about things. I'm going to hear an rDAC when my dealer gets one in. $479 is cheap, but not throw away cheap to my wallet.

Unless that's the way it's supposed to sound, maybe something came loose internally on it's way over here?

I've never known Arcam to make a crap product, like you said. Their stuff isn't the be all, end all but it's always been great for the money. It would be a real shame if it changed.

Not to start a race war, but did you know the rDAC is made in China? I think their other rSeries stuff and a few other things are made there too. Hate to say it, but maybe their strict quality control failed?

I'm still interested in it. I'm more interested in a Rega DAC. Finally saw something official from a dealer in the UK about it. They have a picture and a tech sheet. I'd rather spend $1k on the DAC I've been waiting for than half that for a DAC that's something I'd settle for.

My Rega dealer is the Arcam dealer I spoke of earlier.

I'll be following your updates. Gonna wait till its available here, and also wait for the Rega DAC when (if) it comes out. I like my Apollo too much to not wait out a Rega DAC that's supposedly a month or two away.

Who doesn't have cotton wool for ears?

I'd be interested in your rDAC, but I'm in the States. When it arrives at my dealer, I'll be sure to give it a listen. I don't listen to much if any classical. I'm a rock/classic rock/metal/alternative guy.