Focal Arche Review

Comparisons

vs Questyle CMA600i

Aside from the whole ‘arche’ headphone stand thing and the tweakable amplifier modes, these units are remarkably similar units in terms of their features and overall offering: they’re both Class-A balanced amps featuring the AK4490 (1 x fewer in the Questyle), with similar power output, and the exact same input and outputs. Now, I’m not shy about the fact the Questyle has long been (and remains to be) my reference desktop amp, as A) it sounds terrific and B) has the exact form-factor that I’m after. It does have a remote and motorised volume pot going for it, but also doesn’t have the Arche’s LED display. The Questyle’s aircraft-grade aluminium chassis does look and feel far more solid than the Focal, and yet it was almost half the price when it was last on sale – $1,295 USD. So in the value stakes, it’s feeling a bit out-of-kilter, but that wouldn’t matter if the Arche stomped the Questyle in the audio-stakes, right? Yes, but the thing is – it doesn’t – depending on your preferences, anyhow. They certainly do sound different – the CMA600i gives a more airy tone to the Clears, with Thom Yorke giving a breath-y, ethereal rendition of ‘Bullet Proof‘. Switch to the Arche, and his voice (along with other instruments) sounds thicker, with overall greater tonal mass. Ultimately the CMA600i has more attack and air, whereas the Arche has a more syrupy vibe.

vs Schiit Audio Asgard 3

It might seem a little unfair putting the $199 USD Asgard 3 up against the Arche, but as an over-achieving (mostly) Class-A desktop amp that happens to be in my review room at the moment it feels appropriate to see how a purist amp fares against the feature-laden Focal. And as it turns out, it fares very well indeed. But, this is more an indictment of the excellent performance of the Schiit amp than it is a criticism of the Focal. Frequency-response-wise they’re almost impossible to tell apart, only after a while was I able to note a little more tonal richness in the Arche that left some dynamics and mid-range textures feeling ever so slightly flat in the Asgard when listening via the Clears. By this time, I’ve really learned just how excellent (and enjoyable) a tool the Clears are – they really are scalpel-like in their ability to reveal detail and nuances in music.

Conclusions

Truth be told, I was ever so slightly skeptical before I had the opportunity to listen to the Arche. Like the Stellia, I thought it might have been an exercise in conspicuous consumption for those who could afford something to perch their nice new expensive headphones on while packaging everything in an easy-to-use non-offensive box. However, like the Stellia, I have to say that the Arche is one over-engineered piece of equipment that is both packaged brilliantly, and terrific-sounding. It impressed me with its entirely musical presentation that is wide, powerful and offers great richness with a real sense of body. 

Should you buy one if you already have a pair of Focals? If you can afford it and it fits with your lifestyle and your desktop circumstances, then go nuts. It has more power than you’ll ever need, looks terrific, and might just happen to turn your headphones from a 9.1/10 to a 9.2/10…depending on your preferred sound signature. Right now Focal are running an offer whereby existing Stellia/Utopia/Clear owners can order the Arche for a not inconsiderable €800/$1,000 discount which does make it a lot more compelling as a value proposition.

Should you buy one if you don’t have a pair of Focals? Well, it’s honestly a tough recommendation at this price. That’s not to say that the Arche doesn’t perform up to scratch, but you can buy a lot of DAC+amp for this kinda money – either together, or separate. As always, auditioning is key and it might float your boat. It has plenty of power and the ‘voltage’ mode does sound terrific on a wide range of headphones, which does seem to make an audible difference. Plus, you might happen to love how it sounds along with its form factor. I will admit that I think it’s a terrific desktop all-in-one package and when I consider that it’s Focal’s first-ever headphone/amplifier + DAC, well then it’s a pretty bloody great first go. 

So, if you’re a Focal owner or if you’re on the fence about becoming a Focal owner and you’re concerned about the prospect of ‘upgrade-itis’, then you can buy the Arche and sleep easy knowing that you’re certainly extracting the best out of your nice new headphones. So then all you need to worry about is what music to play next, which is nice. Or, whether to eat baked beans or ramen for a few months. Either way, you’ll have fun.