DENAFRIPS ARCAS Streamer

The DENAFRIPS ARCAS Streamer is a reference-grade network music streamer engineered for listeners who demand exceptional digital signal integrity and uncompromising streaming performance. Designed as a dedicated digital transport, the ARCAS focuses exclusively on delivering an accurate, low-noise digital signal to an external DAC, allowing every downstream component to perform at its highest level.

Building upon the foundation established by the ARCE, the ARCAS introduces several significant engineering enhancements. A hand-selected oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) provides greater timing precision than conventional clock designs, while an oversized 80VA UPOCC O-Core transformer supplies abundant clean power to its multi-stage linear power supply. Combined with FPGA-based digital signal processing, galvanic isolation and a proprietary streaming platform developed entirely by DENAFRIPS, the ARCAS has been engineered to preserve digital signal integrity throughout the playback chain.

The ARCAS supports popular playback platforms including Roon Bridge, HQPlayer NAA, AirPlay and DLNA, while also allowing playback from USB storage, SD cards and network-attached storage. Expanded digital connectivity—including dual I²S outputs, dual AES/EBU outputs, coaxial and optical connections—provides exceptional flexibility for integrating with premium DACs. Dual external master clock inputs further allow synchronization with compatible master clocks such as the DENAFRIPS TERRA and AETHER MCLK for even greater timing precision.

Rather than combining streaming and digital-to-analogue conversion into a single component, the ARCAS is dedicated entirely to high-quality digital transport duties. This focused design allows compatible DACs to receive a cleaner, more stable digital signal, contributing to improved imaging, greater transparency and a more natural musical presentation.

Highlights

Reference Digital Streaming Performance

The ARCAS has been engineered as a dedicated network music streamer, providing a stable, low-noise digital source for high-performance external DACs. By concentrating solely on digital transport, it allows the connected DAC to perform at its full capability.

Proprietary Streaming Platform

The streaming platform has been developed entirely in-house by DENAFRIPS, combining dedicated hardware with a purpose-built operating system designed specifically for high-quality music playback.

Precision OCXO Clock Architecture

Unlike the ARCE, which utilises a TCXO, the ARCAS incorporates a hand-selected oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO). This premium clock technology provides greater long-term frequency stability and lower phase noise for improved digital timing accuracy.

Expanded Digital Connectivity

With dual I²S outputs, dual AES/EBU outputs, coaxial and optical connections, the ARCAS integrates seamlessly with a broad range of premium DACs while providing greater installation flexibility.

External Master Clock Compatibility

Dual external master clock inputs allow the ARCAS to synchronise with compatible master clocks such as the DENAFRIPS TERRA and AETHER MCLK, creating a unified timing reference throughout the digital playback system.

Design & Engineering

Dedicated Digital Transport

The ARCAS has been engineered exclusively as a digital transport without an internal DAC. This dedicated architecture minimises internal interference while delivering a clean digital signal to external digital-to-analogue converters.

Proprietary Hardware Architecture

A Quad-Core ARM Cortex processor, FPGA-based digital processing and proprietary streaming software work together to provide reliable playback while preserving digital signal integrity.

Reference OCXO Timing

A premium oven-controlled crystal oscillator provides highly stable clock generation for digital signal processing and reclocking. The result is improved timing precision throughout the digital playback chain.

High-Performance Linear Power Supply

An oversized 80VA UPOCC O-Core transformer supplies the multi-stage linear power supply with clean, stable energy. This carefully engineered power architecture supports the sensitive clock and digital processing circuits.

Precision Aluminium Chassis

The anodised aluminium enclosure provides excellent structural rigidity while shielding sensitive circuitry from external electrical interference. Its premium construction complements the rest of the DENAFRIPS reference component range.

RockOnAV's Take

The ARCAS is a purpose-built streamer for listeners who already appreciate the benefits of a dedicated digital front end. Rather than competing with all-in-one streaming products, it focuses entirely on delivering the highest possible quality digital signal to an external DAC.

The move from TCXO to OCXO clocking, together with the upgraded power supply and expanded connectivity, positions the ARCAS firmly as DENAFRIPS' reference streamer. For systems built around premium external DACs, these refinements contribute to greater timing accuracy, improved image stability and a more effortless presentation of complex musical recordings.

For customers building a complete DENAFRIPS digital ecosystem, the ARCAS pairs exceptionally well with the company's DACs and can be further enhanced through integration with the TERRA or AETHER MCLK. At the same time, its comprehensive digital outputs make it equally attractive for use with many other high-end DACs.

Who It's For

The DENAFRIPS ARCAS Streamer is designed for audiophiles seeking a dedicated reference-quality network music streamer to partner with a high-performance external DAC. It is ideally suited to listeners who value precision digital timing, flexible connectivity and uncompromising streaming performance.