ARC Intros Second New DSP and Top-Line Amps

By James Chevrette

ARC Audio recently debuted a new Copper Series amplifier line that replaces its Signature Edition amplifiers and a new top-of-the-line digital signal processor (DSP).

We reported on a new Arc 12-channel PS12-Pro DSP February, which is now followed by a 16-channel model.

Called the PS16-Pro, it is Maestro AR compatible. It offers 8 channel differential inputs and 16 channel output.  It uses twin AKM Velvet Sound DACs and has a 32-bit end-to-end bit rate and 96kHz sample rate.

“The PS16 now enables enthusiasts to now experiment with a component center channel or even 3-way rear fill, any configuration is possible. We took this even further, within our software you can link up to 99 channels of processing using multiple processors,” said Arc Audio’s Brian Mitchell.

 The new processor, engineered in the US, pairs with Arc’s DNA Tuning Software. See below for more features.

In amplifiers, Arc Audio released its Copper Series, marking a return to Class AB design from the previous high end line’s Class G design.

Class G amplifiers save power by switching between different power supplies based on how loud the sound needs to be. Class AB amplifiers use one fixed power supply and waste energy because they’re always partly on.

“We learned a lot from the Class G design, especially thermal management. The data we learned from Class G, we have applied to the Copper Series,” said Arc Audio’s Fred Lynch.

He added, “We are one of the few manufacturers that comply to the CTA 2016 standard for our ratings and produce this kind of power. Not only have we developed an efficient amplifier, we incorporated cosmetic customizable features, copper or silver end plates and cosmetically matching copper chassis for our processors. We have not forgotten about our sound quality purists; we have a ‘bypass’ switch, to bypass any internal processing.”

The Copper Series includes three models:

Cu4. – 2 x 225 watts

CU4.4 – 4 x 110 watts

CU6.2 – 2 x 375 watts

For more information, please click here.

Additional PS16-Pro DSP features include:

Dual-Footprint Op-Amp Layout

Input Sensitivity- .5V – 32V RMS S/PDIF Inputs (Toslink & Coaxial)

8 Volt output

Coaxial input up to 192kHz (adapter sold separately)

Reinforced USB-C Connection

Hardware Selectable Preset

DC Jack For Home Use

USB Linkable Design (expand with multiple processors)

Wireless Connectivity (AXP sold separately)

PSC Compatible (PSC sold separately) LR1 Compatible (LRI sold separately)