Well, I’m sure others will have things to say about the heat issue, but I personally did not find it to be excessive. On the other hand, I don't like to leave my devices on when not in use so I can’t tell you what the long term effects might be. Obviously my headphones are on my head when using the Arche so I haven’t noticed any heat issues since I’m not slow roasting them by leaving the device on. I haven’t found heat to be an issue after 1-2 hour listening sessions. The device is warm but I wouldn’t characterize it as “hot”.
Asto the Arche itself, I also wish it had a remote but it wasn’t a deal killer for me. I also wish it simply remembered my last setting rather than returning to the default setting and the single dial as a multiple controller is tedious to be honest. I am currently using the Arche As a DAC in conjunction with my SPL Phonitor 2 (a phenomenal combination) but it is a very capable amp as a stand alone and plays well with my Utopia, Stellia and Clear. I purchased the Arche/Clear package and wish I’d waited a few weeks when Focal began offering the $1000 discount for which I would have qualified. I’m still deciding what to do with the Clear but I will probably just keep them.
i believe the Arche is worth having and the $1000 savings makes It a sweet deal. Here’s my current listening set up.