Focal introduces the Arche headphone amplifier/DAC, the first of its kind in its catalogue. The device was developed by Micromega according to Focal specifications. The amplifier operates in class A, but has two amplification options: Voltage and Hybrid. In the first mode, the output impedance of the device is only 0.1 Ohm, which improves the dynamics, and in the second the impedance increases.
Focal Arche also has built-in special sound profiles that are customized for all Focal headphones released – not only for the new Stellia, but also for previously presented models. However, headphones from other companies are also not deprived – according to the developers, Arche can easily cope with any headphones with a resistance from 16 to 600 Ohms. For headphones with an impedance of up to 32 Ohms, it produces 1 W per channel.
A pair of AK4490 chips are responsible for signal processing: Arche is ready to work with PCM up to 32 bit/384 kHz and DSD256. Not only the DAC works in the “dual mono” format, but also the amplifier itself, with each channel receiving its own power supply.
For convenience, the front panel contains two headphone jacks (XLR and 6.3 mm jack), a screen on which menu items are displayed, and a multifunction control button. At the rear there are three digital inputs (optical, coaxial, USB), one analog, as well as balanced and unbalanced outputs, which will allow you to integrate Focal Arche into a full-size audio system as a DAC. The amplifier comes with an aluminum headphone stand that is attached to the radiator grille.
Key features of the Focal Arche:
Digital-to-analog converter with support for high-resolution DSD 256 – PCM 24-bit / 384 kHz formats
Built-in headphone amplifier with two operating modes (current and hybrid) to best match your headphone model
Individual settings profiles optimized for each Focal headphone models
Audiophile-grade “dual mono” circuitry throughout the entire signal path from digital inputs to analog headphone output
Can be used as an external DAC for a high-end home system.
Main technical characteristics of Focal Arche:
Type – DAC with headphone amplifier
Audio inputs – linear RCA stereo, digital coaxial RCA 24 bit / 192 kHz compatible with the AES3 standard, digital optical TosLink 24 bit / 192 kHz compatible with the AES3 standard, digital USB-B 2.0/ 3.0
Audio outputs – balanced XLR, linear RCA stereo
Firmware upgrade – USB-A
Maximum input power – 2 x 1 W at 1 kHz, 32 ohms
Frequency response – 10 Hz – 100 kHz
Harmonic distortion (THD) – < 0.001%
Signal /weighted noise – > 116 dB at 32 Ohm
Dimensions (H x W x D), mm – 60 x 200 x 297
Weight, kg – 4.65
