ARCAM rPAC

ARCAM rPAC

If we were missing the headphone output on the Arcam rDAC, Arcam’s got  a pocket-sized alternative up its sleeve. The Arcam rPAC doubles up as both a DAC and a headphone amplifier, all housed in a compact box that eschews the need for mains power.  The rPAC weighs just 300g, making  it light and portable enough to carry around in your bag if you’re using your laptop on the move. Connections are minimal but practical: a type-B USB input, a pair of line-level RCA outputs and a headphone output. You can use the line-level outputs to connect to your existing hi-fi set up, but we imagine the rPAC’s most popular use will be between a laptop/computer and  a pair of headphones. Rather conveniently, the rPAC comes with its own mini-USB to USB cable, but we found the wire length to be a bit too long, leading to tangled complications. In comparison, the supplied USB wires of other portable DACs in this test – such as the HRT microStreamer and the Meridian Explorer – are much shorter and more practical. The only distinctive marking on the rPAC’s compact case is the volume control buttons: tap or hold to change the volume when using it with headphones. Reminiscent of the rDAC design, a single light indicator flashes red-to-green when the rPAC is in use, and blinks when changing the volume.

Just plug ‘n’ play 

Plug in a pair of headphones to the rPAC’s 3.5mm socket, and you’re good  to go. The rPAC’s USB input handles file types up to 24bit/96kHz, which is ample opportunity to boost the sonic performance of your laptop when playing all types of music files.

Play a WAV recording of The Noisette’s Don’t Give Up, and the sound is clear and detailed, with an smooth overall balance. There’s much of the dynamism and agile timing that we appreciated in Arcam’s rDAC, along with a great sense  of naturalness to voices. Instruments are rendered with weight and rich textures, and overall it’s an enjoyable sound. 

There’s no sense of hardness or brightness to be found at all, which is great when you don’t want to wear your ears out with insistent, hard electronic beats. However, some might find the presentation just a touch too smooth, and it’s true that other DACs, such as the Audioquest DragonFly or the HRT microStreamer do offer a more attacking vibe. To round off the comparison, the HRT goes that extra mile in revealing a greater deal of subtlety and depth, with punchier basslines. 


In essence, the rPAC has the same sonic characteristics as the rDAC – but it’s a semi-skimmed performance compared with the rDAC’s full-fat, authoritative and detailed delivery.

The rPAC’s portability and great price tag of £150 still makes it a desirable hi-fi option, but there are some new DACs on the block now. The emergence of even more compact and capable alternatives (the HRT, Meridian Explorer and DragonFly) means the rPAC has had a star docked. But don’t be deterred: it’s an enjoyable DAC that’s worth your money.

The rPAC weighs just 300g, making it light and portable enough to carry around in your bag if you’re using your laptop on the move

Rating ★★★★ 
FOR Portable build; smooth performance; natural, enjoyable sound; good balance
AGAINST Faces some stiff competition from new – sometimes more compact – rivals
VERDICT More desirable alternatives exist, but the rPAC still has plenty of merit

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