Good advice, to get a separate DAC/Amp combo, but you're talking about way more $. Naim? Bryston? You're talking thousands now, whereas a "budding" audiophile already owns a computer (no doubt) and the rPac is $250.00. I own a Rega/Dynaudio system, and the rPac/Macbook Pro plugged into that is a...

estreeter's comment that "its [sic] easy to approach a new product from a 'name brand' with a lot of expectation" of course still applies, to any product under consideration. Here's someone's experience in regard to another Arcam product, the FMJ D33 Digital-to-Analog Converter.    For the...

Sorry, I didn't see the following reply, you did mean the Dragonfly. Do try the Arcam rPac, it's got a grip on the rhythm that's exciting, and the detail's there.  

What is known to be congested, the Dragonfly?  

The 20 USD Belkin cable I substituted for my Arcam rPac's stock cable made an undeniable difference, louder and a sense of greater expansion. Not pushing the Belkin cable, it was just a relatively cheap way to experiment. No cable would probably be the best cable, though, if you can figure out a...

Wow, I really do need to slim down- my posts, that is. Happy listening.

Thanks for the detailed review. This product- regardless of how it actually makes music- is destined to be a success. I have one big concern that I'm sure many share who have used a thumb drive. This fragile device protruding out the side of your computer is a bit like having the car door open...

If it's convenient for you to connect your computer (Mac?) to your stereo, you may not need to buy another DAC. To make a long story short, I have a Rega Jupiter CD and bought the r-Pac exclusively for my MacBook Pro/Grado SR80i's. Dealer suggested avoiding iTunes so I experimented with about...

After a week of at home audition, I just bought the rPAC, specifically for headphone listening. (It should be pointed out that I have not compared this DAC to any other besides the MacBook Pro's built in DAC/headphone out.) Headphones- Grado SR80s, no less- through the computer, no matter hi-rez...