Streamer DeLuxe - Arcam drDock with Apple Touch, €400

[NHL]

Today it struck me, my shoebox system will be augmented with streaming (new millenium): Arcam drDock with remote usling the display Apple Touch (wifi).

 

[NHL]

Reviewed in HiFi World, July. Verdict: 5 globes, slightly too much bass but also 3D stage and the mp3 tracks sounds sweet. Value for money.

 

[NHL]

Got hold off one.

Basically, the sound stage is too detached, it does not involve.

Me think that the rating system has suffered inflation. Far too many products receive 5 globes or 80% or 5 stars.

 

[ID.]

That's a shame. Kind of highlights the importance of auditioning. A review is just one opinion, and you can't expect to to be absolute and hold true for everyone. I personally love the Arcam soundstage, so it could well be a 5 globe/star product to me. Doesn't mean it is for everyone.

 

[NHL]

I could try and replace the interconnect shipped with the package with some €50 alternative.

 

[ID.]

You could, but I don't think it will make it into the kind of sound you are looking for (and I'm a cable believer).

I've used a $100 cable on a $30 dock. It sounded good, but the improvements were more that there was more detail, punch and bass. I don't think it will do much to unify the soundstage. If you have interconnects lying around that you can try it with, why not give it a go, but I wouldn't spend 50 pounds in hope that the cable will fix something that might be an inherent characteristic of the equipment's sound.

 

[NHL]

My Rega RP3 is so much more my kind of wine, tough competition I guess.

Anyway it was fun to experiment, no big money and the dock is undeniable solid.