Denafrips Arcas Network Streamer

DENAFRIPS ARCAS NETWORK STREAMER

The Denafrips Arcas is a high-end network audio streamer designed for dedicated digital music systems. Positioned above the Denafrips Arce, it combines a proprietary streaming platform, quad-core ARM processing, FPGA-based digital signal management, precision OCXO reclocking and galvanically isolated circuitry in a substantial aluminium chassis.

Arcas is particularly well suited to Roon-based systems and compatible HQPlayer installations, where its extensive digital outputs can feed an external high-performance DAC.

HIGH-END NETWORK AUDIO TRANSPORT

Arcas is a dedicated digital transport rather than a conventional streamer/DAC combination. It receives music from compatible network services or local storage and transmits the digital signal to an external digital-to-analogue converter.

Its proprietary streaming module incorporates a quad-core ARM Cortex processor, dedicated low-noise regulation and a purpose-built operating system designed around digital audio playback.

Compared with the more affordable Arce, Arcas adds enhanced OCXO clocking, a larger linear power supply and expanded digital connectivity.

ROON BRIDGE & HQPLAYER NAA

Arcas supports Roon Bridge operation, allowing playback from an existing Roon system through the home network. It also supports HQPlayer Network Audio Adapter (NAA) operation for compatible HQPlayer-based audio systems.

Roon Bridge support should not be confused with official Roon Ready certification, which the manufacturer continues to describe as pending.

Arcas also supports AirPlay and DLNA, although both protocols have important playback limitations. AirPlay and DLNA are specified at 16-bit/44.1kHz. Customers requiring high-resolution playback through Audirvana UPnP/DLNA should therefore consider a different streamer.

PRECISION OCXO & FPGA RECLOCKING

At the heart of the Arcas digital architecture is Denafrips' proprietary FPGA processing system, incorporating adaptive FIFO buffering and reclocking.

High-precision oven-controlled crystal oscillators operate at 45.1548MHz and 49.152MHz, providing stable timing references for the principal digital audio sampling-rate families.

The design is intended to reduce sensitivity to timing irregularities from incoming network data and support consistent digital output operation.

GALVANIC ISOLATION & LINEAR POWER SUPPLY

Denafrips incorporates optocoupler-based galvanic isolation to reduce the transfer of unwanted electrical interference between digital circuit sections.

An oversized 80VA shielded O-core transformer, wound with high-purity UPOCC copper, feeds a multistage linear power supply with carefully regulated low-noise power rails.

This approach provides a dedicated electrical foundation for the streaming processor, FPGA circuitry and precision clock system.

DUAL I²S & DUAL AES/EBU OUTPUTS

Arcas offers extensive connectivity for external DACs, including coaxial S/PDIF, optical Toslink, two AES/EBU outputs and two different I²S interfaces.

The HDMI LVDS and RJ45 LVDS I²S outputs provide additional integration options for compatible Denafrips DACs and selected converters from other manufacturers.

I²S pin assignments are not universally standardised. Before connecting Arcas to a third-party DAC, confirm the pinout, signal format and supported sampling rates. The HDMI connector carries digital audio, not conventional HDMI video.

The dual AES/EBU connections can be used according to the capabilities of the receiving DAC; not every DAC supports dual AES operation.

HIGH-RESOLUTION PCM & DSD OUTPUT

According to the manufacturer's published specifications, Arcas supports PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz through its standard digital outputs and up to 384kHz through compatible I²S connections.

DSD64 via DoP is supported through the standard digital outputs, while compatible I²S connections support up to DSD256.

These are hardware output capabilities, not a guarantee that every streaming protocol delivers these resolutions. The actual available formats depend on the playback service, source material, output selection and connected DAC.

LOCAL MUSIC LIBRARIES & ETHERNET CONNECTIVITY

Arcas provides wired Ethernet connectivity for integration into an existing home network. Local music may be accessed from supported USB storage, SD cards and network-shared folders or NAS devices.

The manufacturer's Android application provides basic local-library control. Its user interface and functionality are less developed than those of established third-party streaming platforms, making Arcas a stronger choice for customers primarily using Roon or HQPlayer.

EXTERNAL MASTER CLOCK INTEGRATION

Dedicated external clock inputs allow Arcas to integrate with compatible Denafrips master clocks and reference components.

The required clock frequencies are 45.1548MHz and 49.152MHz. These inputs should not be confused with a conventional 10MHz reference-clock connection.

External clock compatibility must be established using the exact reference frequency, cable connection and signal requirements of the connected equipment.

PREMIUM ALUMINIUM CONSTRUCTION

The Arcas is housed in a solid anodised aluminium chassis measuring 330 × 230 × 65mm, excluding its feet, and weighing approximately 4.5kg.

Available in Black and Silver, its understated design complements other Denafrips components while accommodating a substantial internal linear power supply.

BUILD A HIGH-PERFORMANCE DIGITAL SYSTEM

Arcas is an excellent candidate for a Roon-based digital audio system paired with a suitable external R-2R DAC. Models such as Denafrips Pontus 15th and Venus 15th provide natural system-matching options, using compatible I²S, AES/EBU or coaxial connections.

Arcas does not include a digital-to-analogue converter, analogue outputs or a headphone amplifier. A suitable external DAC is required.

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