Totem Acoustic launches the ARC digital amplifier Kickstarter campaign

Totem Acoustic from Montreal, Canada, just launched its first Kickstarter campaign to fund production of the first series of its new ARC amplifier. Since Totem is known primarily in the HiFi technology scene for its quality high-end speakers, the ARC represents a new adventure into the realm of amplifiers. The ARC is not just another HiFi amplifier, but possibly the first in line of a new generation of digital amplifiers. Totem likes to call it “The next generation of digital amps.” This amplifier allows all digital music to be played on a HiFi system with the sound quality of any large sound system. Totem is betting many music enthusiasts have been waiting for this advance for quite some time.

The ARC is a unique and amazingly simple receiver and amplifier that provides high-resolution USB audio streaming capabilities and high quality aptX Bluetooth audio, all in a single compact unit.

The ARC is revolutionary in that it allows Bluetooth audio wireless streaming from any digital device directly to almost any 8-ohm speaker system. Small and easy to use, all that is needed is a pair of speakers and the ARC. With the integrated Bluetooth audio wireless connection, the ARC works autonomously with a set of speakers and a smart phone. It can also be hooked up to a computer via USB. The ARC will thus act as a USB audio device, but will switch automatically to Bluetooth Audio if it is connected to a smart phone.

“Today most of the music we listen to is digital; it's on our phones, our laptops or streamed from the web. But there is gap, a missing link, when it comes to listening to our online music library or internet streaming music on a good HiFi system. As music passionate, we know that high-end quality is absolutely irreplaceable when it comes to a great listening experience and immersive sound. That’s why we created the ARC,” explains Gabriel Bull, Director of Technology at Totem Acoustic.

“All you need is a set of nice speakers and the ARC. Done. Now go ahead and play your music collection from your computer, smart phone, or any internet radio streaming on your existing HiFi setup or run out and get yourself some nice sounding speakers,” says Robert Valtierra, Research and Development Engineer in the field of Electronics and Embedded Systems and inventor of the ARC.

The Arc delivers great sound and musicality that can satisfy any audiophile.

The ARC is a game-changer in the well established HiFi world, altering every perspective by supplanting the need for equipment typically used today. Adjusting to the modern taste prevalent in the compact and digital world, the ARC delivers high performance for a moderate price. As a state-of-the-art Class D amplifier, the ARC operates silently without the need of a noisy cooling fan. All you hear is music.

The ARC is ultra-compact and space-friendly. Being the size of a book, it can be placed anywhere. Just connect it to your speakers and forget about it. The ARC has no buttons or knobs; it turns on automatically when you connect to it. With a total power of 120W, it runs at high efficiency thereby providing large amounts of audio output power while requiring very little space and without need for heat sinking.

The ARC is a fully-integrated amplifier system. Amplification is provided by the latest in Class-D amplifier technology. It is designed using digital inputs: USB Audio 2.0 and Bluetooth aptX Audio. The USB audio connection delivers professional audio quality sound, with 24-bit resolution and sampling rates up to 192 kHz. The Bluetooth connection can provide a "CD-quality" connection via aptX.

“This digital amp is capable of driving nearly all types of speakers while producing amazing sound, superb balance, great tone and detailed imaging. Just connect the Arc to your speakers. You need nothing more than your music. It’s that easy,” affirms Vince Bruzzese, Founder and President of Totem Acoustic.

Although the ARC performs very well on its own initiative, it is possible to customize sound with the free and optional ARC App. The ARC App allows for optimal sound control and is available for download on the iTunes App Store or Google Play™.

FEATURES AND SPECS

Built-in, powerful digital Class-D amplifier

Class-D. Maximal rated output 120W (2 x 60W into 8-ohms, THD+N<0.05% @ 1kHz) with both channels driven, 20 Hz-20 kHZ-AES17 measurement bandwidth.

Silent operation

As the amplifier does not produce any heat, there is no need for a noisy fan — all you hear is the music.

Full range output

The Arc allows for 2.1 installation to achieve more bass power. The optional and free Arc App allows for more subtle adjustment of frequencies.

Speaker connections

Push Gold plated posts

Auxiliary output

RCA type line-level output

Audio formats supported

All audio formats supported.

Internet radio supported

All streaming radios supported

Suggested retail price: $350 US

Kickstarter

Kinmini.com

Martin Tam

Martin Tam is an editor and the Director of Video Production at [blank]’s Universe. He is also a technology enthusiast that particularly enjoys computers and photography. He enjoys breaking things and sleeping in his spare time.