ARCAM rDAC

I haven't heard an Arcam CP player, sorry. There's a guy on one of the other forums who says using the rDAC moved his CD17 to CD37 levels, and also that Arcam's John Dawson preferred the CD37 feeding this DAC to the CD37's native DAC. I'm not sure what the rules are here about crossposting, so I won't, but you should be able to find it.

I can't comment on the relative highs, either. It doesn't sound "polite" to my ears, though.

Can't understand the term "polite". Sorry! I have never owned an arcam product before.

@Tricka, what is your definition of a simple music (vocals/jazz/bluegrass)? Seems sound on the bright side eh? Hyperdetailed? Whats your equipment?

ALso, do you have preference on the USB cable used?

You got the rDAC on your local arcam dealer?

Thanks. :-)

I posted this over at CA. Cut and pasted here. I would be interested if any other rDac owners have had the same experience.

I thought to update this thread after a mini GTG with some fellow audio buddies last night at a mate's house where we compared the rDac to a Havana and Lavry DA10.
The rDac,frankly, atm sounds bloody awful. It was very unhappy last night in the company of both the Havana and Lavry DA10. Clearly it wasn't as good - actually I'll go further and say all present (myself included) just wanted it turned off and quickly. One fellow audiophile commented it was "rigid" and I'd agree. It sounded very distorted and remains so today.
Having owned both the Havana and Lavry this surprised me - I have liked alot about the rDac since I have owned it but have noted a definite change in character over the last few days - and not for the good. As I sit here and type this it sounds very bright, has poor detail and separation, is uneven and is anything but liquid. Unpleasant is how I would put it - and that is through my beloved Jadis amp which can make anything sound gorgeous.
Perhaps it is burn in, perhaps it is I am being more critical in my listening. I do recall that many SS budget dacs (eg the Valabs, DacMagic) I have had sounded absolutely crap for about 200 hrs then found their voice. Then again perhaps my audio memory is terrible.
Cf to my next most recent budget dac toy - the Dacport - it really struggles. The Dacport was great - I liked it alot although got quickly bored - you soon hit its limits.
ATM I definitely prefer it to the rDac. But then again I'd prefer my iPhone to the rDac atm.

Lets see what happens with another 100 hrs on it.....

Ok time for an update - the ugly phase appears to be passing somewhat. Massed strings - while still suffering confusion - at least do not offend as they did. I would still describe the rDac as fairly... ahem...forward. Another 30 hrs to go before I get to the 200 mark. Lets see what happens then.

I had hoped the rDac would benefit from the dCS tech to raise it beyond budget Dac status. Unless something radical happens I can't see that occurring.

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?