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Denafrips Arce Streamer
Package Content : Includes only the ARCE STREAMER and power cable.
ARCE Streamer
- Proprietary Streamer Module developed by DENAFRIPS
- Tailored Operating System (OS) optimized for sound quality
- UPOCC O-Core Transformer, Low Noise LDO Power Supply
- TCXO Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillators 45.1548MHz, 49.152Mhz
Limitation(s):
- The Android-exclusive app is currently under development and lacks the responsiveness and user-friendliness seen in popular streaming platforms on the market. Consequently, the playback experience for local files is basic and rudimentary.
- The DLNA streaming capability is presently restricted to 16-bit/44.1kHz. There are intentions to enhance this feature, but a specific date for this update has not been confirmed yet.
- As a result, we strongly suggest the Arce streamer for individuals using Roon.
Streaming Services Supported
- roon Bridge (roon Ready pending)
- HQPlayer NAA
- AirPlay (16/44.1kHz)
- DLNA (16/44.1kHz)
DSD
- DSD64 / 2.8224MHz (DoP) on All Outputs
- DSD256 on I²S Output
PCM
- 24bits / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192KHz on All Outputs
- 384kHz on I²S Output
Digital Output
- Coax x 1
- AES/EBU x 1
- TOSLink x 1
- I²S LVDS over HDMI Connector x 1
Internet Connection
- Ethernet RJ45
Storage Files Playback
- USB Storage, SD Card, Network shared folder NAS
AC Power Requirement: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz (Worldwide Voltage, Manual Selector)
Fuse: T2A/250VAC, 5x20mm 2A Slow Blow x 2
Power Consumption: ≤20W
Dimension: 215W x 230D x 45H mm (Feet +18mm)
Package Dim: 375 x 330 x 115 mm
Package Content: ARCE Streamer & Power Cord. No remote control.
Weight: 3.5 Kg
Color: Black / Silver
Warranty: 12 Months
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Usability
85/100
Value for Money
88/100
The Arce delivers a neutral, open digital presentation with impressive transparency, detail and musical flow. HiFiMedia found its I²S output especially dynamic, natural and spacious, while The Hans Beekhuyzen praised its clean, musically engaging performance. With galvanic isolation, versatile outputs and clock-link capability, it is a compelling partner for a serious external DAC.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Transparent, musical and detailed sound, with a clean and open presentation.
I²S output was judged noticeably faster, more dynamic, cleaner and more natural than AES/EBU, with deeper bass and airier treble.
Stable streaming performance: testing found no errors, stalling, signal loss or dropouts across the software and protocols used.
Robust anodised-aluminium chassis, broad digital-output selection and external clock synchronisation support.
&
Cons
DLNA playback is limited to 16-bit/44.1kHz, restricting high-resolution use outside Roon or HQPlayer.
The Android app and local-file playback are comparatively rudimentary, while initial setup can be confusing without the instructions.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
Reviewers describe the Arce as transparent, musical, detailed and open, with a neutral, clean presentation that does not call attention to itself. Comparisons suggest subtle system-dependent differences rather than a strong imposed character: it was slightly faster and more open than the Allo USBridge, while sounding a touch brighter than a Magna Mano in one setup.
Overall Sound
90/100
HiFiMedia found it as musical and detailed as the Metrum Ambre, with a high degree of transparency, and somewhat faster, more open and more detailed than the Allo USBridge. Hans Beekhuyzen heard a neutral, clean, open and musical delivery, with performance he considered impressive for the money.
Digital Signal Integrity
91/100
The Arce reportedly operated flawlessly across the tested software and protocols, with no errors, dropouts, signal loss or stalling. Its galvanic isolation is intended to deliver a clean digital output, and the reviewer found it effectively disappeared from the signal path rather than obstructing the music.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 85/100
The Arce provides broad digital-output and protocol support for a compact network bridge, including I²S and clock synchronisation with compatible Denafrips DACs. Its strongest fit is a Roon or HQPlayer-based system, while the in-development Android app and restricted DLNA implementation make local-file operation less polished.
Streaming Software
82/100
Roon Bridge, HQPlayer NAA, AirPlay and DLNA support give the Arce several routes into a streaming system, and reviewers found operation stable in use. However, the manufacturer acknowledges that its Android app remains less responsive and user-friendly than established alternatives, with rudimentary local playback and DLNA limited to 16-bit/44.1kHz; it is best suited to listeners using Roon.
Features Connectivity
91/100
Connection options are unusually comprehensive for the format, with coaxial, optical, AES/EBU and I²S digital outputs, plus BNC clock connectivity for compatible Denafrips DACs. It also supports Ethernet networking and playback from USB storage, SD card and network shares, alongside Roon, HQPlayer NAA, AirPlay and DLNA.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
Reviewers describe a sturdy, robust anodized-aluminium enclosure that feels substantial as well as looking smart. The compact 3.5kg chassis and reported construction quality inspire confidence, though there is little direct commentary on longer-term ownership durability.
Value for Money
88/100
At the approximately €1,000 price cited by HiFiMedia, the Arce was considered a non-excessive, plug-and-play proposition given its facilities and performance. Another reviewer regarded a roughly €70 price difference against a competing option as too small to be purchase-deciding, although quoted regional pricing varies.
Reviews
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Authorized dealers for Denafrips Arce Streamer
- Audeos — online and in-store — Żywiec, Województwo śląskie (website)
- Audio essence — online and in-store — Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland (website)
- Audio Extreme — in-store — Kowloon, China (website)
- Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
- AUDIOPHONICS — in-store — Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France (website)
- Headphone Zone — online and in-store — Laxmi Industrial Estate, Maharashtra, India (website)
- Lyric Audio — online and in-store — Valladolid, Castilla y León, Spain (website)
- Magic Sound — online and in-store — Italy (website)
- Mister Hifi — online and in-store — Raamsdonksveer, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands (website)
- Musicraft — in-store — Derby, England, United Kingdom (website)
and 5 more verified dealers