Arcam irDAC II Fernbedienbarer USB D/A Converter with Headphone Amplifier and Bluetooth Atpx 24bit/384kHz DSD

What a dac! I have Literally had it 4 hours and I’m in hifi love. I’m using it to convert the digital optical output of the Chromecast audio to analog streaming Spotify premium to my Croft acoustics tube integrated amplifier using QED reference cables.I’m using the new Dali opticon 1 speakers, my set up is by no means high end but it’s mid fi I guess.The sound is so juicy I feel I want bite into it, wonderful low end, clear vocals with a top end that in no way irritates. I’m sure as the unit runs in the sound may change slightly if you believe in any of that as I do.All in all an absolute steal at £300.

As another reviewer has noted, the headphone amp is not really on a par with the rest of the contents. To my ears, it sounded harsh and over-analytical. *However* this could be down to the rest of my equipment and personal taste. I got a valve headphone amp and fed the signal from the Arcam into that and my system now sounds stellar in its quality.I cannot really fault the irDAC-II - it does a superb job. I'm sure (as with all hi-fi) that if I spent more money I could get something better, but I would think I'd have to spend a *lot* more to get a significant improvement. I can only judge this from listening to components from a (richer) friend's system, which cost a lot more, but frankly didn't offer any improvements on the DAC front.I would say that this is a safe bet to buy. If the headphone thing is an issue, then there's your excuse for your next spending spree.

Not a bad DAC although in typical Arcam style it doesn't work smoothly universally with all devices.I plugged a popular Android box into this for USB audio and was very frustrated to hear crackles and all I can describe as 'digital noise' in and amongst the sounds. So I thought perhaps instead i should use the optical output instead. This time the music, whilst more tolerable would drop out every 5 seconds or so and then come back. Couldn't believe it.Lots of research later I updated the firmware on the box to 1.92 which essentially improved the defects to a more tolerable level but I couldn't believe it. So I get my trust ir DAC (older version) and plugged that in and USB audio worked flawlessly.I then connected this DAC to another leading Android box and USB audio worked flawlessly. Strange.So in summary, don't think this will work with all equipment and configurations. I get the feeling that Arcams next DAC will be a little more tolerant but be warned!Otherwise sounds good.

Good clarity and soundstage but lacks dynamics.

I bought this 2 years ago from Sevenoaks for full retail price (£399). The sound quality is great and user interface and remote control work well, but the problem is that certain sources that work fine on other DACs cause this DAC to glitch out, with the sound cutting out for a fraction of a second every few seconds. I've read a few other reviews saying the same thing. This is inexcusable for such and expensive piece of equipment.The sources I've found to be incompatible are an Apple Airport Express and a 10-year-old Samsung TV. I've also found a brand new LG TV to have occasional glitches. Sources I've found to work well; Sony Blu ray players, old Apple TV with optical out.

This is a great DAC. I am using it via coaxial and optical connections with the variable output going directly into a power amplifier. The overall sound is full, natural, detailed and musical.The digital preamplifier works better than expected.This DAC really makes digital files and streaming sound richer and enjoyable (even internet radio stations).I haven't used the Bluetooth connection or headphone output as yet and do not really intend to so I cannot comment here.Great value for money and excellent sound quality. Highly recommended at this price.

Great sound quality - big improvement over using the in-device DACs. I play all my digital audio devices through it so multiple input options very useful - I use them all! Two outputs also good - I connect the fixed output to my main tv/sound system, and the variable output to my active computer speakers.

This is an excellent product. Astonishing value. The ease of use, versatility remote control a daisy. Sound Quality was really revealing even on CD's. Like listening to my collection all over again. H.recommended. Karl O'Neill.