Digital Processor Reviews

Arcam FMJ D33 D/A processor Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Remote-controlled D/A processor with user-selectable digital filters. Digital inputs: AES/EBU, 2 S/PDIF on coax, 2 S/PDIF on TosLink, asynchronous USB 1.1 Class 1, asynchronous USB 2.0 Class 2, Type A port for iPod/iPhone/iPad. Analog outputs: 1 pair balanced on XLRs, 1 pair unbalanced on RCAs. Frequency response: 10Hz–20kHz, +0.1dB/–0.5dB. Signal/noise: >110dB CCIR (unweighted). Harmonic distortion (1kHz): 0.0008% (20Hz–20kHz, unweighted). Maximum output level: 2.2V single-ended, 4.4V balanced. Output impedance: 47 ohms, single-ended; 94 ohms, balanced. Minimum load: 5k ohms. Maximum power consumption: 30W.
Dimensions: 17.5" (443mm) W by 4.33" (110mm) H by 14.6" (370mm) D. Weight: 13.6 lbs (6.2kg) net, 22 lbs (10kg) shipping.
Serial number of unit reviewed: FD33A01259.
Price: $3199.99. Approximate number of dealers: 25+.
Manufacturer: Arcam, Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, Cambridge CB25 9QR, England, UK. Web: www.arcam.co.uk. US distributor: American Audio & Video, 4325 Executive Drive, Suite 300, Southaven, MS 38672. Tel: (866) 965-6050. Fax: (877) 457-2588. Web: www.americanaudiovideo.com.

COMPANY INFO
Arcam
US distributor: American Audio & Video
4325 Executive Drive, Suite 300
Southaven, MS 38672
(866) 965-6050
www.americanaudiovideo.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Robby's picture
Submitted by Robby on February 10, 2013 - 5:11am

While the measurements look alright, can this product actually produce enjoyable music? It's called Faithful Musical Joy after all...

This device is full of way too many opamps with vanishingly low THD+N spec sheets (high negative feedback, class AB output stages anyone?) and even the reviewer has found the sound 'harsh' and 'in your face' in some cases! Even the balanced outputs are created by an opamp from a single-ended signal... is this where high-end is going?

For $3200?

How can this be 'recommended' over the dozen of other less expensive, better engineered and cheaper alternatives?

Congratulations to Arcam for being able to demonstrate the integration of so many different TI chips in a single device, they probably got a good deal on that order.

John Atkinson's picture
Submitted by John Atkinson on February 10, 2013 - 2:45pm

Quote:
This device is full of way too many opamps with vanishingly low THD+N spec sheets (high negative feedback, class AB output stages anyone?). . .

Philosophical objections like this aside, what did you think of the Arcam FMJ FD33's sound?

John Atkinson

Editor, Stereophile

Robby's picture
Submitted by Robby on February 14, 2013 - 5:29am

Generally speaking I haven't enjoyed the DACs I've recently listened to that use TI digital to analog converter chips. And by listen I mean, spent time with them in my own system. I didn't get to hear Arcam's DAC seriously hence why I appreciate reading what *you* think about it.

Fundamentally I don't believe it's a question of what the readers think about it, but rather what you guys think about that product since you have the opportunity to listen to way more DACs than us mere mortals.

What you write has the potential to influence people's decisions to a certain extent and to me 'recommending' something means that in the context of that product's price range, features, etc... you would yourself select it instead of a competitor's offering. (at least that's how I interpret the summary).

Would you pick the Arcam as a DAC for yourself if you were shopping for a DAC in that price range?

John Atkinson's picture
Submitted by John Atkinson on March 30, 2013 - 10:21am

Robby wrote:
Would you pick the Arcam as a DAC for yourself if you were shopping for a DAC in that price range?

Yes, because its F1 filter is one of the best-sounding reconstruction filters I have tried.

John Atkinson

Editor, Stereophile

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