My Mayflower ARC MK2 arrived today -after a big delay on customs-
First impressions:
It feels heavier, same metal housing and quality components that screams homebrew handmade.
Sound dynamic range and performance, is the same, straight.
Improvements:
Microphone Performance
Mic is now suitable for streaming purposes, voice sounds with a more natural bass than before. The noise gate on the first Arc was a bit more aggressive, which was hit or miss because, my blue cherry switches were completely silenced with caveat of low quality voice sounding. Now, voice sounds more natural but cherry switches are noticeable, also it needs more volume than the first Arc, (ModMic5).
3.5mm Audio Input to connect, your phone, tablet, (mixamp) or any other analog audio is appreciated (before you need a Analog to Digital SPDIF converter).
Switching between RCA and Headphones with a button is a nice to have, however if you play in PS4 you don't need it, everytime you turn on the ARC the audio will be shut-down from the speakers. For PC or XBoX switching between sources without connecting the headphones is very welcome.
It doesn't need a splitter, its headphone is now 4 pole compatible so headsets are ready to plug.
Powered by USB it removes the DC power adapter.
Final Thoughts:
So if you have Mayflower ARC MK1, and you are OK with its mic quality (which is decent for communication, not adequate for streaming) or use the optical input, and your mic through a USB card or mic interface, don't care about analog input, or switching modes, you are completely OK, no need to upgrade.
If you don't have the ARC for $10 bucks you get a lot more functionality with MK2 even though the sound quality is the same.
I going to use the ARC MK1 for my lone PC gaming, and the ARC MK2 on my PS4 gaming/streaming.