What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
15 APR 2008
Arcam Solo Mini
Separates will always offer a little more, but for an all-in-one, the Arcam is near-perfect
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Launched when £500-£1000 all-in-ones were rare, the Solo Mini offered a performance and style proposition that more than justified its premium over standard micros.
So, how does it stand after a recent £100 price-hike?
Even at £750, the
Arcam's build and styling impress. The high quality of materials used, minimalist fascia, large, detailed display, and compact dimensions leave you in no doubt that this is a premium system.
For example, the slick slot-loading mechanism is flawless, offering no resistance whatsoever and taking the disc at precisely the right time.
Mozart's
Minuet & Trio quickly proves that the Arcam is much more than just a pretty face.
There's superb precision to the timing, ensuring notes start and stop at precisely the right moments, but without making the presentation sound cold or clinical.
In fact, this is a presentation with plenty of organic richness and enticing dynamic fluidity. The track ebbs and flows dramatically, but always remains playful and sweet.
An all-together pleasing soundSwitch to the schizo-pop of
Rubber Lover by Marmaduke Duke and the praise continues.
The challenging tap of the high-hat is snappy and sparkly but never harsh, while the bassline is deep, weighty and taut.
The track's strands are independently identifiable, but the level of instrumental integration means this is never anything but a cohesive, unified presentation.
This inherent listenability extends to the tuner. DAB stations are detailed, solid and balanced, while FM is admirably clear and refined.
Connectivity includes six stereo inputs, five of them the standard phono type.
Arcam's rDock is an ideal companion, though iPhone/iPod Touch fans will enjoy only control of their players, not charging.
The Mini's front-mounted USB port, meanwhile, only supports WMAs and MP3s at bitrates up to 192/320kbps respectively.
Still, neither these connectivity quibbles nor its elevated price stop the Solo Mini from being the one to beat.