Arcam rBlink - A Revolutionary Bluetooth Streaming Micro-DAC
Personal audio streaming for almost every phone, tablet or laptop ever made
Audio quality better than any existing Bluetooth Device
NEW from ARCAM of Cambridge UK, the rBlink High-Performance Bluetooth Streaming Micro-DAC
Just £160.00 UK / $249.00 USA
Overview
- a precision built micro-component designed to disappear in use
- stream music from any Bluetooth enabled phone, laptop or tablet
- unique new Bluetooth tech from CSR
- plus apt-X enabled
- high-end DAC and audio technology
- no wi-fi network needed use rBlink anywhere
- part of Arcam's extended rSeries of Digital Upgrades
Arcam are the first manufacturer to use the new-generation high-performance Bluetooth chipset from Cambridge UK neighbours CSR and have used the new technology and their own years of experience, to make a Streaming DAC that at last delivers seriously good Hi-Fi sound over Bluetooth. The rBlink totally restates the performance possible from Bluetooth and opens up Hi-Fi quality music streaming to millions of Android phone owners, iPhone/Pad/Pod users and even people with old Nokia and Motorola phones, not to mention most modern laptops and nearly all tablets.
The rBlink delivers
- 30db extra headroom over normal Bluetooth - a staggering improvement
- massively lower distortion that normal Bluetooth
- apt-X enabled for even higher audio quality with appropriate sources
- using audiophile digital techniques, the signal is re-clocked and de-jittered, then fed into a high-end DAC
- the unit is engineered as high-end Hi-Fi solution and not a standard audio that is normally the case
With the rBlink, Arcam are way ahead of the competition, others will follow but are unlikely to apply the audio engineering smarts that Arcam have. This is simply because most Bluetooth devices are built as audio, not Hi-Fi and most Bluetooth device makers are low-end audio or phone companies.
Incredibly simple to use
1. plug in power lead
2. plug stereo audio to hi-fi, av, dock, soundbar or any audio system
3. pair bluetooth with phone/tablet/computer
4. play music
The rBlink uses the latest CSR Blue Core 7 chipset which has much lower noise and distortion than before and Arcam have further improved performance by adding state-of-the-art jitter reduction, a fancy audiophile digital to analogue converter and high-end analogue stages based on their 35 years of experience.
Stream music from any device with Bluetooth
The rBlink Bluetooth DAC is intended for use with any music carrying Bluetooth device. Pair it with a smartphone, tablet or laptop and it will receive digital audio signals wirelessly and then output line-level analog audio through its stereo phono sockets. The rBlink supports apt-X, for optimum-quality streaming from compatible Bluetooth devices.
The rBlink
- is an Arcam audiophile micro-component with over 40 years of experience behind it
- uses audiophile-grade electronic components throughout
- has a compact & tough aluminium case with damped rubber base
- has one bluetooth streaming input
- has a stereo phono output to Hi-fi or AV system
- has a coaxial digital output to higher-end DAC or AV receiver
USAGE
- most of the world's 'Music Docks' are for iPhone or Apple Airplay
- most high-end streamers and AV receivers use Apple's Airplay
- millions of Android / Nokia / Win8 phone owners can't stream a note, or can only do so into cheap Bluetooth speakers
- now the whole world of Hi-Fi streaming is opened up to anyone with a Bluetooth Device
- no wi-fi network is needed
- on any device, battery life is longer using Bluetooth than when using Wi-fi / External dongles etc
The quality hierarchy
- GOOD Standard Bluetooth SBC codec at 128 kbps from any device with Bluetooth audio - old Nokia etc
- BETTER Native AAC Streaming at 256 kbps from iDevices running iOS6 - iPad / Pod / Phone
- BEST Bluetooth apt-X at 380 kbps from Samsung, HTC phones, MacBooks and more
Using audiophile grade components and more than 40 years of analogue and 25 years of digital audio experience, Arcam have engineered the rBlink to be a simple, "plug and play" device. Simply connect either an analogue or coaxial cable from the rBlink to your Hi-Fi or AV system, then switch on, pair your phone and enjoy!
BASE SPECS
- bluetooth streaming input
- stereo phono output to Hi-fi or AV system
- coaxial digital output to higher-end DAC or AV receiver
- high-performance long range antennae
- Dimensions (wxdxh, mm): 75 x 100 x 26
- Weight: 350g
IN THE BOX
All analogue cables required, high-performance antennae and a compact global power supply
APRIL 2013: Get it from the UK ONLY rShop
From the Multi-Award-Winning rCube, to the Five-Star rPAC, to the Arcam wireless dongles, the whole rSeries range of digital of upgrades is now available on the UK rShop for direct delivery with a two year guarantee and a 30-day no quibble return policy (UK Only currently)
- Fast UK delivery
- Two year guarantee
- 30-day no quibble return policy
Arcam's New rSeries
The rBlink is fifth in a series of affordable Digital Micro Components for Mac/PC and iPhone/Smartphone use. All come from a high-end audio background and are serious performance components.
The first universal personal streamer
- connect the rBlink to any stereo / dock and very simply and cheaply join the streaming world
- most of the world's 'Music Docks' are for iPhone or Apple Airplay
- most high-end streamers and AV receivers use Apple's Airplay
- millions of Android owners can't stream a note, or can only do so into cheap Bluetooth speakers
- now the whole world of Hi-Fi streaming is opened up to anyone with a Bluetooth Device
- no wi-fi network is needed
- on devices like the iPhone, battery life is longer using Bluetooth than when using Wi-fi
Technical Background
Arcam are the first manufacturer to use the the latest CSR Blue Core 7 chipset, which has much lower noise and distortion than before, and of course Arcam have further improved performance by adding state-of-the-art jitter reduction, a fancy audiophile digital to analogue converter and high-end analogue stages based on their 35 years of experience.
The rBlink delivers
- 30db extra headroom over normal Bluetooth - a staggering improvement
- massively lower distortion that normal Bluetooth
- apt-X enabled for even higher audio quality with appropriate sources
- using audiophile digital techniques, the signal is re-clocked and de-jittered, then fed into a high-end DAC
- the unit is engineered as high-end Hi-Fi solution and not a standard audio that is normally the case
With the rBlink, Arcam are way ahead of the competition, others will follow but are unlikely to apply the audio engineering smarts that Arcam have. Most Bluetooth devices are built as audio, not Hi-Fi and most Bluetooth device makers are low-end audio or phone companies.
Using the rBlink
- One-button pairing of the unit with mobile device
- Multi-pairing for multiple users
- Connect the stereo outputs of the rBlink to any audio product with standard phono inputs
- Connect the digital output of the rBlink to any high-end DAC or AV receiver to get even better sound
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - Consistently Stable & Low Noise and Distortion
- OLD: The ultimate THD+N performance of the BC5 onboard DAC is between -60db & -80dB depending on how it’s treated. That's poor.
- NEW: The latest BC7 is -88dB to -94dB for the same parameter. Not bad but very variable
- ARCAM: Arcam's high-end DAC PCM5102 delivers a stable -93dB under all conditions.
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - 18dB better Signal To Noise
- OLD/NEW SNR of BC5 & BC7 are broadly similar @ -95dB / -96dB. Too noisy for decent audio
- ARCAM: Arcam's high-end DAC PCM5102 delivers a much more impressive 112dB, making Hi-Fi sound possible
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - Quality Power
- the power supplies (PSUs) used by Arcam are all quality linear ones, as opposed to the off-the-shelf switch-mode PSUs used by everyone else. This makes the whole unit electronically much quieter.
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - Ultra Low Jitter
- jitter is a major factor in degrading audio quality
- Arcam's high-end digital implementation delivers staggeringly low levels around sub 100pS
- most competing designs are at least 10 times worse than this, leading to poor sound
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - Build Quality
- audiophile-grade electronic components are used throughout
- audiophile-grade analogue and digital circuits designs
- the Bluetooth module uses a 4-layer board for the lowest noise
- the separate DAC is part of a double sided PCB.
- the vertically aligned antenna offers long range and optimal reception
- compact & tough aluminium case with damped rubber base
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - Experience in Audio Design
- built as an Arcam Audiophile Component from the inventors of the External DAC
- over 40 years of analogue Hi-Fi design experience
- over 25 years of high-end digital audio design
CODECS USED
- GOOD Standard SBC codec at 128 kbps from any device with Bluetooth audio - old Nokia etc
- BETTER Native AAC Streaming at 256 kbps from iDevices running iOS6 - iPad / Pod / Phone
- BEST Bluetooth apt-X at 380 kbps from Samsung, HTC phones, Latest MacBooks and more
Technical Specifications
DAC: TI PCM5102
Frequency response: 10Hz — 20kHz, ±0.1dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: + Noise 0.002%
Signal-to-noise ratio (A –Weighted): 106dB (24-bit)
Line output level: 2.15Vrms
Supported CODECs: SBC, AAC, aptX®
Power requirements: 0.7W max
Dimensions (wxdxh, mm): 75 x 100 x 26
Weight: 350g
Audio quality better than any existing Bluetooth Device
NEW from ARCAM of Cambridge UK, the rBlink High-Performance Bluetooth Streaming Micro-DAC
Just £160.00 UK / $249.00 USA
Overview
- a precision built micro-component designed to disappear in use
- stream music from any Bluetooth enabled phone, laptop or tablet
- unique new Bluetooth tech from CSR
- plus apt-X enabled
- high-end DAC and audio technology
- no wi-fi network needed use rBlink anywhere
- part of Arcam's extended rSeries of Digital Upgrades
Arcam are the first manufacturer to use the new-generation high-performance Bluetooth chipset from Cambridge UK neighbours CSR and have used the new technology and their own years of experience, to make a Streaming DAC that at last delivers seriously good Hi-Fi sound over Bluetooth. The rBlink totally restates the performance possible from Bluetooth and opens up Hi-Fi quality music streaming to millions of Android phone owners, iPhone/Pad/Pod users and even people with old Nokia and Motorola phones, not to mention most modern laptops and nearly all tablets.
The rBlink delivers
- 30db extra headroom over normal Bluetooth - a staggering improvement
- massively lower distortion that normal Bluetooth
- apt-X enabled for even higher audio quality with appropriate sources
- using audiophile digital techniques, the signal is re-clocked and de-jittered, then fed into a high-end DAC
- the unit is engineered as high-end Hi-Fi solution and not a standard audio that is normally the case
With the rBlink, Arcam are way ahead of the competition, others will follow but are unlikely to apply the audio engineering smarts that Arcam have. This is simply because most Bluetooth devices are built as audio, not Hi-Fi and most Bluetooth device makers are low-end audio or phone companies.
Incredibly simple to use
1. plug in power lead
2. plug stereo audio to hi-fi, av, dock, soundbar or any audio system
3. pair bluetooth with phone/tablet/computer
4. play music
The rBlink uses the latest CSR Blue Core 7 chipset which has much lower noise and distortion than before and Arcam have further improved performance by adding state-of-the-art jitter reduction, a fancy audiophile digital to analogue converter and high-end analogue stages based on their 35 years of experience.
Stream music from any device with Bluetooth
The rBlink Bluetooth DAC is intended for use with any music carrying Bluetooth device. Pair it with a smartphone, tablet or laptop and it will receive digital audio signals wirelessly and then output line-level analog audio through its stereo phono sockets. The rBlink supports apt-X, for optimum-quality streaming from compatible Bluetooth devices.
The rBlink
- is an Arcam audiophile micro-component with over 40 years of experience behind it
- uses audiophile-grade electronic components throughout
- has a compact & tough aluminium case with damped rubber base
- has one bluetooth streaming input
- has a stereo phono output to Hi-fi or AV system
- has a coaxial digital output to higher-end DAC or AV receiver
USAGE
- most of the world's 'Music Docks' are for iPhone or Apple Airplay
- most high-end streamers and AV receivers use Apple's Airplay
- millions of Android / Nokia / Win8 phone owners can't stream a note, or can only do so into cheap Bluetooth speakers
- now the whole world of Hi-Fi streaming is opened up to anyone with a Bluetooth Device
- no wi-fi network is needed
- on any device, battery life is longer using Bluetooth than when using Wi-fi / External dongles etc
The quality hierarchy
- GOOD Standard Bluetooth SBC codec at 128 kbps from any device with Bluetooth audio - old Nokia etc
- BETTER Native AAC Streaming at 256 kbps from iDevices running iOS6 - iPad / Pod / Phone
- BEST Bluetooth apt-X at 380 kbps from Samsung, HTC phones, MacBooks and more
Using audiophile grade components and more than 40 years of analogue and 25 years of digital audio experience, Arcam have engineered the rBlink to be a simple, "plug and play" device. Simply connect either an analogue or coaxial cable from the rBlink to your Hi-Fi or AV system, then switch on, pair your phone and enjoy!
BASE SPECS
- bluetooth streaming input
- stereo phono output to Hi-fi or AV system
- coaxial digital output to higher-end DAC or AV receiver
- high-performance long range antennae
- Dimensions (wxdxh, mm): 75 x 100 x 26
- Weight: 350g
IN THE BOX
All analogue cables required, high-performance antennae and a compact global power supply
APRIL 2013: Get it from the UK ONLY rShop
From the Multi-Award-Winning rCube, to the Five-Star rPAC, to the Arcam wireless dongles, the whole rSeries range of digital of upgrades is now available on the UK rShop for direct delivery with a two year guarantee and a 30-day no quibble return policy (UK Only currently)
- Fast UK delivery
- Two year guarantee
- 30-day no quibble return policy
Arcam's New rSeries
The rBlink is fifth in a series of affordable Digital Micro Components for Mac/PC and iPhone/Smartphone use. All come from a high-end audio background and are serious performance components.
The first universal personal streamer
- connect the rBlink to any stereo / dock and very simply and cheaply join the streaming world
- most of the world's 'Music Docks' are for iPhone or Apple Airplay
- most high-end streamers and AV receivers use Apple's Airplay
- millions of Android owners can't stream a note, or can only do so into cheap Bluetooth speakers
- now the whole world of Hi-Fi streaming is opened up to anyone with a Bluetooth Device
- no wi-fi network is needed
- on devices like the iPhone, battery life is longer using Bluetooth than when using Wi-fi
Technical Background
Arcam are the first manufacturer to use the the latest CSR Blue Core 7 chipset, which has much lower noise and distortion than before, and of course Arcam have further improved performance by adding state-of-the-art jitter reduction, a fancy audiophile digital to analogue converter and high-end analogue stages based on their 35 years of experience.
The rBlink delivers
- 30db extra headroom over normal Bluetooth - a staggering improvement
- massively lower distortion that normal Bluetooth
- apt-X enabled for even higher audio quality with appropriate sources
- using audiophile digital techniques, the signal is re-clocked and de-jittered, then fed into a high-end DAC
- the unit is engineered as high-end Hi-Fi solution and not a standard audio that is normally the case
With the rBlink, Arcam are way ahead of the competition, others will follow but are unlikely to apply the audio engineering smarts that Arcam have. Most Bluetooth devices are built as audio, not Hi-Fi and most Bluetooth device makers are low-end audio or phone companies.
Using the rBlink
- One-button pairing of the unit with mobile device
- Multi-pairing for multiple users
- Connect the stereo outputs of the rBlink to any audio product with standard phono inputs
- Connect the digital output of the rBlink to any high-end DAC or AV receiver to get even better sound
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - Consistently Stable & Low Noise and Distortion
- OLD: The ultimate THD+N performance of the BC5 onboard DAC is between -60db & -80dB depending on how it’s treated. That's poor.
- NEW: The latest BC7 is -88dB to -94dB for the same parameter. Not bad but very variable
- ARCAM: Arcam's high-end DAC PCM5102 delivers a stable -93dB under all conditions.
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - 18dB better Signal To Noise
- OLD/NEW SNR of BC5 & BC7 are broadly similar @ -95dB / -96dB. Too noisy for decent audio
- ARCAM: Arcam's high-end DAC PCM5102 delivers a much more impressive 112dB, making Hi-Fi sound possible
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - Quality Power
- the power supplies (PSUs) used by Arcam are all quality linear ones, as opposed to the off-the-shelf switch-mode PSUs used by everyone else. This makes the whole unit electronically much quieter.
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - Ultra Low Jitter
- jitter is a major factor in degrading audio quality
- Arcam's high-end digital implementation delivers staggeringly low levels around sub 100pS
- most competing designs are at least 10 times worse than this, leading to poor sound
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - Build Quality
- audiophile-grade electronic components are used throughout
- audiophile-grade analogue and digital circuits designs
- the Bluetooth module uses a 4-layer board for the lowest noise
- the separate DAC is part of a double sided PCB.
- the vertically aligned antenna offers long range and optimal reception
- compact & tough aluminium case with damped rubber base
ADVANTAGE ARCAM - Experience in Audio Design
- built as an Arcam Audiophile Component from the inventors of the External DAC
- over 40 years of analogue Hi-Fi design experience
- over 25 years of high-end digital audio design
CODECS USED
- GOOD Standard SBC codec at 128 kbps from any device with Bluetooth audio - old Nokia etc
- BETTER Native AAC Streaming at 256 kbps from iDevices running iOS6 - iPad / Pod / Phone
- BEST Bluetooth apt-X at 380 kbps from Samsung, HTC phones, Latest MacBooks and more
Technical Specifications
DAC: TI PCM5102
Frequency response: 10Hz — 20kHz, ±0.1dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: + Noise 0.002%
Signal-to-noise ratio (A –Weighted): 106dB (24-bit)
Line output level: 2.15Vrms
Supported CODECs: SBC, AAC, aptX®
Power requirements: 0.7W max
Dimensions (wxdxh, mm): 75 x 100 x 26
Weight: 350g
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