Arcam Delta Black Box DAC

Arcam Alpha Black Box DAC (Original) Specifications:

• Type: Standalone Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)
• Digital Inputs:
  • 1 x Coaxial SPDIF (RCA)
  • 1 x Optical TOSLINK
  • (Some versions had only coaxial input)
• Analog Output:
  • 1 x RCA stereo pair (unbalanced output)
• DAC Chip:
  • TDA1541A (16-bit, non-oversampling) — Philips’ legendary DAC chip known for its musical and smooth character.
• Digital Filter:
  • 4x oversampling digital filter (early versions used SAA7220P/B filter)
• Frequency Response:
  • 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N):
  • < 0.005%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio:

  • 100 dB (A-weighted)

• Dynamic Range:
  • Approximately 96 dB
• Output Level:
  • Around 2V RMS
• Power Supply:
  • Built-in linear PSU with toroidal transformer (one of the key selling points for sound quality at the time).
• Weight:
  • Approx. 3.5 kg
• Chassis:
  • Classic black metal "shoe box" style case, matching other Black Box series units.

Sound signature:

• Very analog-like, smooth and rich mids (thanks to the TDA1541A).
• Often described as more "musical" than analytical, with a touch of warmth.

Legacy:

• Considered a classic "vintage British DAC", especially valued today by collectors and enthusiasts who like the classic Philips DAC sound.
• It was commonly paired with transports like Arcam’s Alpha CD players or other early digital sources.