Comparing
I wanted a serious comparison, so I connected a computer via rLink to my NAD amplifier and listened to the same track on LP, CD and via the Digital to Analog converter. Springsteen’s live version of I’m On Fire, as found in the box “Live: 1975-85”, on LP keeps sounding the best for me. Of course, nostalgia also plays an experience-determined role, however it objectively sounds warmer too. Yet, the reproduction of the mp3 through the Arcam rLink didn’t deceive me. I heard little difference with the reproduction from the CD, at most a somewhat different tone control, but it did not sound bad.
The pros and cons
Game stations, MP3 players, set-top boxes, computers or media streamers, this clever device is the perfect upgrade for those who simply and without too much cost want to improve the sound quality. With the high-end qualities that can be expected of Arcam products, presented in a high quality aluminium casing, this producer surely confirmed its promise “better sound for more people”. A point I found personally somewhat disappointing is that I cannot directly connect for example my iPhone. I think the device would make even more people happy if more possibilities were enabled in that sense. And I have another little point of critique. Maybe it is an old-fashioned thought -in times when more and more devices are never really turned off and always on standby- but I miss an on/off switch. Once the rLink is plugged in the socket, it is on and cannot be turned off. Not really sustainable and probably not so safe as well. Who wants to turn off the device will need to unplug it every time. Nevertheless, I find it highly recommendable, especially for those who like to play music on a serious digital audio set.
