I’ve already spent a fair chunk of text on what’s inside the Mini, especially when it comes to fancy parts and configuration. You’ll find those details in the original article. But for those more interested in overall performance than the obsessive selection of different capacitor types, what you really need to know is that the ARC6 DC4 is a high capacity, active choke filtered and cascade regulated supply (that’s double regulation within a single circuit module) littered with fancy parts, gold-plated circuit boards and carefully selected wiring. In terms of features and execution, as listed on the CHC web-site, it’s hard to identify the differences between the full-sized version and the Mini. In the flesh it’s a whole lot easier.
Apart from the fact that the ARC6 DC4 is twice the footprint and substantially taller than the Mini, it’s way heavier too. The solidly built, all-aluminium casework measures a full 450mm wide, with the same 290mm depth as the Mini. It’s also 155mm tall, height helped by the inclusion of four IsoAcoustics Gaia feet – although if space is an issue you can order the unit with standard low-profile feet, saving 20mm and some coin…
Details, details…
So, apart from the bigger box, what do you get in the ARC6 DC4 that you don’t get in the Mini? For starters, the 600VA transformer is 50% bigger than the one in the smaller unit and is built with multiple shields before being encapsulated in epoxy resin and a stainless-steel housing. Those Gaia feet are the most visible indicator of the ARC6 DC4’s obsession with mechanical isolation, both internal and external. The transformer housing is built on its own, suspended plinth, with the critical ACR6 choke, DC4 regulation and ARC6 reservoir capacitance isolated on a separate, internal structural tray. The extra footprint also allows for a more considered spacing and layout, while still keeping an ultra-short ‘signal path’. Every aspect of the design, from the physical layout of the boards to the internal mechanical arrangements and the carefully bound wiring loom has been dedicated to a single goal – delivering the quietest DC possible to your critical audio circuits.
This unit has been wired with Teflon insulated OCC copper wire throughout and delivers a single 12V DC output. Options include up to three, independent output rails and the use of Mundorf silver/gold wire inside and out. Component choices are limited as, being the flagship, they’re already top of the line. In this configuration, the ARC6 DC4 will set you back £5910 (including 20% UK sales tax). Alternative socketry, cable or footers can be had for a price, but that price will depend on exactly what’s required as well as the number of output rails, so custom orders are priced once the final details are agreed. One thing that is worth mentioning: the Mini arrived with a case that exhibited a definite ‘clank’ from its lid. I was assured that this isn’t normal and it’s worth noting that the much larger lid on the ARC6 DC4 is reassuringly rigid and responds to impact with a dull thud. I do like it and it’s also reassuring when you receive direct evidence of a manufacturer backing up its claims.
