Nuprime ARC Mini

Extracting a clean audio signal from a television’s HDMI ARC output to send it to a DAC or hi-fi amplifier is the role of an ARC extractor. Dozens of them exist on the market, often generic, sometimes imprecise. NuPrime’s ARC Mini approaches the problem differently: rather than simply extracting the audio stream, it internally reconverts it via an I²S stage driven by a master clock, before redistributing it across three digital outputs.

An internal conversion that changes the game for jitter

Most budget ARC extractors simply retrieve the digital audio signal as-is from the television’s HDMI ARC port. The ARC Mini adds an intermediate step: the ARC signal is first converted to I²S format (Inter-IC Sound), an audio communication protocol between integrated circuits, before being reclocked by an onboard master clock. This reclocking reduces jitter — those micro-timing variations in the digital signal that degrade the precision of downstream digital-to-analog conversion. The signal leaving the ARC Mini is therefore more stable and better timed than what a passive extractor would deliver.

The benefit is most noticeable when the ARC Mini feeds a quality DAC: a cleaner input signal allows the converter to operate under better conditions. The unit accepts stereo PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, covering all audio streams a television is likely to transmit via ARC (compressed multichannel formats such as Dolby Digital are not supported, in line with the limitations of the standard ARC protocol).

Three outputs to suit any system

The ARC Mini offers three simultaneous digital outputs: a coaxial S/PDIF, an optical Toslink, and a NuPrime Digital Port. The first two are universal and compatible with the vast majority of DACs, amplifiers, and soundbars on the market. The third deserves an explanation.

The NuPrime Digital Port is a proprietary connector that physically uses a USB Type-A port, but does not carry a USB signal. Instead, it transmits S/PDIF data and 5 V power over a single cable. When the ARC Mini is connected to a compatible NuPrime DAC or amplifier (IDA-8, DAC-9, AMG DAC, etc.), a single cable is all that’s needed to transmit digital audio. With a device from another brand, the coaxial and optical outputs remain fully functional, without any limitation.

A form factor that stays out of the way

At 87 × 22 × 59 mm and 80 grams, the ARC Mini is barely larger than a matchbox. It tucks behind a television or next to a DAC without cluttering the hi-fi cabinet. Power is supplied via a simple USB-C cable at 5 V, connected to a phone charger, a USB port on the television, or any other USB power source. No bulky power brick, no extra power cable.

The enclosure comes in a black finish. Setup requires no configuration: connect the HDMI cable between the television’s ARC port and the ARC Mini’s input, connect the audio output of your choice to the DAC or amplifier, power it via USB-C, and the signal is ready.

Who is it actually for?

The typical use case: a recent television whose audio you want to capture (over-the-air broadcasts, built-in streaming apps, gaming console) to play through a hi-fi system equipped with an external DAC or an amplifier with a digital input. The ARC Mini replaces the optical output that many recent televisions have dropped, while adding the benefit of master clock reclocking.

A second use case concerns owners of NuPrime equipment: thanks to the Digital Port, the ARC Mini integrates into the brand’s ecosystem with minimal cabling. It can also serve as a bridge between a television and the NuPrime Edition LP10, the brand’s compact streamer, via this same proprietary connector.

It is worth keeping in mind that the ARC Mini only handles standard ARC, not eARC. It is limited to stereo PCM: multichannel streams (Dolby Digital, DTS) are not decoded. For multichannel home theater, another solution will be needed.

Technical Specifications

Connectivity

• Input
  • 1 x HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
• Outputs
  • 1 x coaxial (S / PDIF)
  • 1 x optical (Toslink)
  • 1 x NuPrime Digital Port (proprietary S / PDIF)

Audio

• Supported formats: Stereo PCM up to 24 bits / 192 kHz
• Internal ARC to I²S conversion
• Built-in master clock
  • Jitter reduction
  • Better timing accuracy
  • Cleaner digital signal

Power Supply

• Type: 5 V DC
• Connection: USB-C

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 87 x 22 x 59 mm
• Weight: 0.08 kg

Finish

• Black

Key Features

• HDMI ARC audio conversion optimized for hi-fi
• Stable, high-precision digital signal
• Compatibility with high-end DACs and audio systems
• Ultra-compact and discreet format
• Triple digital output for easy integration