About the Arcam irDAC
Help your digital music sound more alive
Help your digital music sound more alive
Arcam's versatile irDAC digital-to-analog converter offers a simple yet elegant solution to the problem of subpar sound from digital sources. This compact DAC comes packed with technology that can bring out the best in all your digital audio sources — from computer-based music, Internet radio, or game consoles to iPods, iPhones, iPads, and more. Simply connect the irDAC in between your audio source's digital output and your receiver, amp, or powered speakers to instantly hear your music with new-found detail and clarity.
The irDAC sports multiple inputs to handle your digital sources.
Enhanced performance from your computer, Apple® portable, and more
The irDAC can accept digital music files from your PC via USB — bypassing your computer's built-in sound card for a far more exciting listening experience. You'll enjoy subtle, nuanced sound previously obscured by the noisy electronic environment inside your PC. Plus, this DAC includes a second USB input designed just for your Apple iPod, iPhone, or iPad. When connected, the Arcam extracts the pure, unprocessed digital data from your player and feeds it to its own built-in high-performance DAC, which provides greater punch and musical accuracy.
You also get two coaxial and two optical inputs for hooking up additional digital audio sources such as CD or DVD players, network music streamers, HDTVs, or set-top boxes. The included wireless remote makes for easy switching between all of your sources, and you can even control basic playback functions such as Play/Pause and Previous/Next Track on your Apple devices.
Ready for high-res music
Versatile digital music handling comes courtesy of a built-in, high-end Burr-Brown DAC that supports audio signals up to 192kHz/24-bit resolution. You can enjoy your music library in all its glory, including increasingly popular high-res music downloads. (Free USB driver download required for Windows® PCs.) The Arcam's asynchronous USB input allows the DAC to control the timing clock signal instead of your computer, reducing jitter to the lowest levels possible for smoother, more detailed sound. The irDAC also boasts eight separately regulated power supplies, digital and analog stage isolation, and direct-coupled signal paths to deliver outstanding sonic performance.
Product highlights:
- Burr-Brown PCM1796 digital-to-analog converter for high-fidelity stereo sound
- asynchronous USB technology for reduced timing jitter and better sound from a computer
- iPod/iPhone/iPad USB input accepts direct digital signal from player, bypassing its built-in DAC and analog audio output circuitry for superior sound
- eight separately regulated power supplies for dynamic, low-distortion performance
- digital audio inputs: 2 optical, 2 coaxial, 1 USB (Type B) for computers, and 1 USB (Type A) for Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad
- coaxial digital audio output
- RCA analog audio output
- remote control
- supported sample rates:
- USB: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, and 192kHz (192kHz supported with free USB driver download required for Windows® operating systems)
- optical: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, and 96kHz
- coaxial: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, and 192kHz
- bit depth: 16-bit to 24-bit
- frequency response: 10-20,000 Hz (+0, -0.2 dB)
- THD + Noise: 0.002%
- signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): 112 dB
- external power supply included
- 7-11/16"W x 1-3/4"H x 5-7/16"D
- weight: 2.2 lbs.
- warranty: 2 years
- If connecting to a TV, please make sure you can select "PCM" output in its audio menu. This DAC is not compatible with Dolby® Digital signals.
- MFR # irDAC
What's in the box:
- External DAC
- AC power adapter (w/ attached 58" DC cord)
- 3 AC plugs (US/UK/EU)
- Remote control
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- 42" Stereo RCA cable
- 39" Optical digital cable
- 43" Digital coax cable
- 43" USB (type-B) to USB (type-A) cable
- Connections/Quickstart Guide
- Thank You/Online Product Registration Card
Customer reviews for Arcam irDAC
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More details on the Arcam irDAC
Features & specs
Design | ||
---|---|---|
Type | --- | |
Built-in Rechargable Battery | --- | |
Built-in Headphone Amplifier | ||
Output Power | --- | |
Output Impedance (Unbalanced) | --- | |
Output Impedance (Balanced) | --- | |
Audio Specs | ||
Bit Depth (USB) | 24 | |
Max Sampling Rate (USB) | 192 kHz | |
Bit Depth (S/PDIF) | 24 | |
Max Sampling Rate S/PDIF | 192 kHz | |
S/N Ratio (Unbalanced, in dB) | --- | |
S/N Ratio (Balanced, in dB) | 112 | |
THD (Unbalanced) | --- | |
THD (Balanced) | 0.002% | |
Supported File Types | ||
PCM | --- | |
DSD | --- | |
DXD | --- | |
MQA | --- | |
Inputs | ||
Total Inputs | 6 | |
USB | Type A, Type B | |
Optical Digital | 2 | |
Coaxial Digital | 2 | |
3.5mm Digital | None | |
Stereo RCA Analog | None | |
Stereo 3.5mm Analog | None | |
Stereo XLR Analog | --- | |
Headphone Outputs | ||
3.5mm Unbalanced | --- | |
1/4-inch Unbalanced | --- | |
4.4mm Balanced | --- | |
XLR4 Balanced | --- | |
Other Headphone Outs | --- | |
Line Level & Digital Outs | ||
RCA Line Out | 1 | |
3.5mm Line Out | None | |
XLR Line Out | --- | |
Subwoofer Out | None | |
Optical Digital Out | None | |
Coaxial Digital Out | 1 | |
Wireless Connectivity | ||
Bluetooth | --- | |
Wi-Fi | --- | |
Apple-compatible | --- | |
Android-compatible | --- | |
General Info | ||
Width (inches) | 7-11/16 | |
Height (inches) | 1-3/4 | |
Depth (inches) | 5-7/16 | |
Weight | 2.2 lbs. | |
Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Labor Warranty | 1 Year |
Product Research
Features
Overview: The Arcam irDac is an external audiophile-grade DAC with state-of-the-art digital-to-analog conversion technology. The irDac offers supreme audio quality for your digital music collection. The irDac offers coaxial, optical, and USB digital inputs; making it an ideal upgrade for your digital audio and network audio sources; like your laptop/computer, Blu-ray player, CD player, or Apple device.
High-Quality Construction: The Arcam irDac is housed in a slender, precision-cast case. It features isolated digital and analog stages, direct-coupled signal paths, and ultra-low noise/regulated power supplies to ensure high-end performance and stunning accuracy.
High Resolution 24-bit/192kHz DAC: The Arcam irDac is equipped with a Burr Brown 1796 DAC which supports up to 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio signals. The irDac will get the best sound out of your digital audio sources (such as your Blu-ray/DVD player, CD/SACD player, laptop/computer, or iPod/iPhone/iPad) which don't have an internal DAC of this reference quality.
Asynchronous USB Technology: The Arcam irDac is equipped with a rear-panel, asynchronous USB (type-B) port to connect your Windows or Mac laptop/computer. The irDac supports Windows PCs (XP/Vista/7) and Mac (OS X) computers running music programs, such as iTunes or Windows Media Player. The irDac employs Asynchronous USB technology which allows its precision clock to drastically reduce the level of jitter and noise from USB music sources and delivers a massive improvement in sound quality over the standard USB "adaptive" system. The result is audiophile-grade sound, regardless of the digital audio signal. You can switch between USB Class I and Class II modes, based on your computer.
- Class I Mode: Supported sample rates include 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz. Windows device driver is not required.
- Class II Mode: Supported sample rates include 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, and 192 kHz. Windows device driver is required.
Apple Device Connection: The Arcam irDac is fitted with a rear-panel USB (type-A) port which allows you to connect your Apple iPod, iPhone, or iPad; using the dock-connector or lightning-connector cable that came with your Apple device. You can now listen to music files stored on your Apple device through your home stereo with high-quality sound. The irDac supports the iPod nano (2nd/3rd/4th/5th/6th/7th gen), iPad classic (80/120/160GB), iPod touch (1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th gen), iPhone (2/3G/3GS/4/4S/5), iPad (1/2/3/4), and iPad mini. You can even control basic playback functions (such as Play/Pause and Previous/Next Track) from the included IR remote. In addition, your Apple device's battery will charge while connected the irDac's USB port.
Digital Inputs: The Arcam irDac is equipped with two coaxial and two optical digital inputs on its rear-panel. CD players, DVD players, Blu-ray players, and Game systems can be connected via coaxial or optical cable to receive a dramatic increase in sound quality.
- Dual Optical Inputs: Supported sample rates include 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz.
- Dual Coaxial Inputs: Supported sample rates included 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, and 192 kHz.
Analog + Digital Outputs: The Arcam irDac is equipped with a rear-panel stereo RCA output to connect your to your stereo amplifier or HiFi receiver. It also features a digital output which bypasses the IrDac's internal DAC in order to send the digital audio signal straight to your high-end digital AV receiver.
Remote Control: The Arcam irDac includes an IR remote for wireless operation of the digital-to-analog converter. You can switch between digital input sources (Coax 1/2, Optical 1/2, iPod/iPhone/iPad, or USB) from the remote control. You can also control the volume of a connected Arcam amplifier or receiver from the remote. In addition, the remote can be used to control basic playback functions of your connected Apple device or the media software of your Windows/Mac computer (must be compatible with USB HID protocol). Playback controls included Play/Pause, Stop, and Skip forward/reverse.
Power Requirements: The Arcam irDac includes an external 12V switching power supply (100-240V). The irDac also includes three interchangeable AC plugs (US/UK/EU).
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Customer Q&A
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I am very satisfied with the Arcam irDAC. It is one of the few high end DAC's which allows a simple connection with my iPod classic via USB 2. The sound quality of the iPod is very good as it goes through my stereo system.
Ed S from Chandler,AZ