It is particularly disturbing that in each manual Song change firstonce lit the red light, then a self at a distance of 5 m audible click in the relay and then turns the DAC on green light and you hear with a delay of a few milliseconds before loading the song. This could be seen as "not so bad" if the song itself increases slowly; but if a song such as "Hells Bells" by AC / DC starts the same, then you get the feeling as if you have come to pass in the cinema in the idea too late in the hall. That's why the thing went back and return mail.
What, however, was much more disappointing was the performance: who hoped for a substantial improvement of the sound here is disappointed. In my ears is to hear at least the tracks and just a hint of a change. Where the Dind can do at best his service, is in my eyes the appreciation of an old CD player with lousy DA converter. Already the converter of the PS3 was so good in my chain, that no difference could be heard out. I have the DAC with a friend for three days repeatedly (partially blind tests) examined and different musical mood to compare.
Conclusion: 8 out of 10 tracks no difference; 2 out of 10 you could only hear that sound with this DAC was louder / rich; but nothing more. mp3 songs were -völlig matter what style of music and quality is always the same. The then cited by us as another Vergleichsojekt Musical Fidelity V DAC had since achieved significantly better results and had better at a price of 240 Gege on the 430 for the ARCAM a class. You could hear in almost every song at least a little fun of the improvement in the volume and these Converts all also still in 32 bit high and you hear absolutely no clacking at song change at Musical Fidelity. Therefore clear "recommendation" against the ARCAM, the race does not matter for me subjectively because the above-mentioned aspects and against the Musical Fidelity almost "abstinkt". Also on connection via USB -What loud AUDIO domain of ARCAM he was his should deutlichst behind the Musical Fidelity V DAC.
All tested on the following chain: Musical Fidelity M6i, Marantz CD 6005, PS3, Blue Sound node, iBasso DX50 and Canton Vento 890dc
Two stars: Due to the beautiful look / feel, connectivity (2x optical output and coaxial and USB) and the comprehensive range of accessories (all kinds of connecting cables are there!)