Our take on the Arcam rLink

by Dave Bar

An easy "plug-and-play" upgrade for your digital sound sources

Use Arcam's rLink to breathe new life into the the sound of your old CD player, network music streamer, set-top box, game console, or almost any other audio device with an optical or coaxial digital output. Simply connect this compact DAC in-line between your player's digital output and your hi-fi system's analog input to enjoy true high-fidelity sound. The rLink's audiophile-grade processor bypasses your source component's electronics to deliver impressive levels of realism and detail from your favorite sound sources.

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Highlights:

TI PCM5102 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter for high-fidelity stereo sound
compact design for portability
1 optical digital (Toslink) audio input
1 coaxial digital (RCA) audio input
1 pair RCA analog audio outputs
supported sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176kHz, and 192kHz
input bit depth: 16-bit, 24-bit
signal-to-noise ratio: 106 dB (24-bit)
frequency response: 10-20,000 Hz (± 0.1 dB)
THD: 0.002%
line-level output: 2.15Vrms
AC power adapter included
6-1/8"W x 1-1/16"H x 2-15/16"D
weight: 12.4 ounces
warranty: 1 year
Our 60-day money-back guarantee
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.

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What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

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What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

External SPDIF DAC
AC power adapter (with attached 5' DC cord)
3 AC plugs (US/UK/EU)
43" Stereo RCA audio cable
42" Coaxial digital audio cable
40" Optical digital audio cable
Connections/Quick Start Guide
"Thank You" letter

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Features

Overview: The Arcam rLink is an external audiophile-grade SPDIF DAC with state-of-the-art digital-to-analog conversion technology. The rLink offers supreme audio quality for the most demanding music lover. Housed in a high-quality cast aluminum case, the rLink offers an ideal upgrade for digital audio sources; offering coaxial & optical digital audio inputs with an analog stereo RCA output.

16/24-Bit DAC: The Arcam rLink employs a Texas Instrument PCM5102 16/24-bit digital-to-analog converter with a frequency response of 10Hz-20kHz (+/-0.1dB), a total-harmonic-distortion of 0.002%, and a Signal-to-Noise Ratio of 106dB.

Supported Sample Rates: Supported sample rates include 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176, and 192 kHz.

Digital Audio Inputs: The Arcam rLink is fitted with a coaxial (RCA) and optical (toslink) digital audio input. CD players, DVD players, Blu-ray players, and Game systems can be connected via coaxial or optical leads to receive a dramatic increase in sound.

Note: If connecting to a television set's optical output, please make sure that you are able to select PCM as the default optical out audio format from your television's Audio menu. This DAC is not compatible with multi-channel audio signals and will not work with televisions that do not output PCM.

Analog Audio Outputs: The Arcam rLink is equipped with a stereo RCA output to connect your to your stereo amplifier or HiFi receiver.

Power Requirements: The Arcam rLink includes an external 6V switching power supply (100-240V). The rLink also includes three interchangeable AC plugs (US/UK/EU).