(September 16, 2020) ARCAM has revealed its first network audio player and it looks to be a great one. The ST60 is priced at $1,499 MSRP and should begin shipping early Q4 2020.
Like most high-end network players, the ST60 houses an elite digital to analog conversion chip. In this case, it's the ESS9038 32-bit/192kHz processor from ESS Technology's heralded SABRE DAC lineup. Onboard support for Hi-Res audio is extensive, including the likes of MQA, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, and WAV. Of course, the player can also handle a wide range of compressed legacy formats.
Input options comprise Ethernet, USB, and dual Wi-Fi antennae. Owners also have access to several streaming technologies, including Google Chrome Cast, Apple AirPlay2, and ARCAM's free MusicLife app. Additionally, the ST60 is Roon Ready and compatible with UPnP sources.
The player's output options include Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analog connections, along with coaxial and digital outputs. That means the ST60 can be married with just about any amplifier on earth, including high-end models.
"ARCAM's experience with digital audio goes deep," said Nick Clarke, Senior Director, Global Engineering Luxury Audio. "We have been making CD players for almost 30 years, and ST60 design journey saw the team apply this extensive experience into creating a truly high-performance digital music source. Of course, ARCAM is also rightly recognized for its excellence with amplification and the ST60 is the perfect partner for our amplifiers, old and new."
