ARCAM is no stranger in the streaming world. I first had experience with ARCAM steaming was with the R-PLAY back in 2017 followed by their SACD/Streaming unit CDS50 in 2018. This unit I believe was the simplest way for me to get TIDAL playback albeit without full MQA. To me, at that price point (RM2000 to RM4000), the CDS50 was a decent SACD player and streaming unit. So, when the ST60 full streaming unit came out, I really wanted to see how much more ARCAM can deliver int he streaming world.
BUILT AND SPEC
Built was as expected given the price point and also ARCAM typical built quality. It does not feel cheap with a large screen and very intuitive selector knob and soft touch buttons. Simple front fascia with a power button and 3 function buttons for play/pause, menu and input.
The specs are quite impressive:
- 4 digital inputs (2 coax, 2 optical)
- Balance XLR and RCS output
- Optical and coaxial digital outputs
- GoogleCast, Airplay2, uPnP
- Roon Ready certified
- MQA supported
- 32-bit ESS9038Q2M Sabre DAC
The unit also comes with a full functioning remote control.
SETTING UP
Setting it up is a straight forward process. I opted for a wired connection as I had an extra network cable. ARCAM uses MusicLife app to allow user to control several off their products over the network. It took about 1 minute from booting the unit to get it appeared on the app.
Connecting to online music platforms such as TIDAL is a breeze. Just log in to your account and it will appear on the app as well. I did have an issue with my Western Digital MyCloud NAS as it cannot be detected via the app. However, it was ok via Roon app. This is isolated to my set up as the unit can easily detect NAS in the AV Designs showroom.
My Roon Core also had no issue recognizing the ARCAM ST60 as one of the players to control via its App.
I tried connecting the ST60 via both XLR and RCA and I do find they make a different.
THE SESSION
The Remembering Song
With Aubrey Logan's The Remembering Song, the ST60 propels its ability to surface up those deep basslines even though the recording was done to sound subtle. There was still that bodied sound to the bassline. The ST60 again able to deliver an airy but at the same time energized sound especially during the trombone solo by her and also when she started to hit those high pitch sections. On the percussion side, the snare and hi hat can easily be heard despite of its soft recording.
Easy On Me
Playing Easy on Me by Adele via TIDAL MQA, the overall presentation was full of body as Adele's vocal came out to be energetic, accompanied by a strong presence of the piano. At the same time, it still sounded airy and huge, filling up my living room without any sign of high frequencies causing listening fatigue. The overall listening experience was really fulfilling as the ST60 able to easily deliver Adele's emotions in which I felt really connected to the music.
Take Five
This piece by Dave Brubeck has always been one of my reference music to test out hifi equipment. Mainly to see how well the equipment can deliver its low frequencies through my PMC speakers. The ST60 is not shy in delivering the bass line character that I like. The toms sounded bold and 'full' and the snare sharpness and ghost notes can easily be heard. The double bass also sounded very deep but did not muddle into the overall musical presentation.
Take Five Upbeat
This upbeat version of Take Five by Kenichi Tsunoda was the real test for the ARCAM ST60. It happily belted out the energy that I have been raving about on the slower tempos above. If there was one character to bestow upon the ST60 is its ability to deliver high precision, note to note musicality with high energy. Playing this track on the ST60 made my feet and arms move to the beat, trying to drum along to the track played. The saxophone sound was not to be belittled as well. It sounded so melodic and still have that airy ambience to it. The percussion sounded sharp with the snare sounded full of body and the ride cymbal also sounded clean.
THE CONCLUSION
There you go folks. ARCAM ST60 is another decent streamer that can deliver good sound quality, flexibility of modern lifestyle with Roon, Chromecast, Airplay2 and uPnP. It shines in delivering the energy needed for music to be alive. Music sounds lively and natural, giving listeners the opportunity to connect to the music. Comparing it to my SONY HAP Z1ES, it is one of the more recent contenders to replace the SONY as it incorporates TIDAL and Qobuz as well.
For a demo, do contact Audio Visual Designs.
