Arcam r-Dock review

A very classy aluminium iPod dock from Arcam with excellent dynamics and resolution, plus intelligent charging system Tested at £150.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The best-sounding dock by miles: an iPod extra with serious hi-fi cred

Pros

  • +

    Sounds superb

  • +

    refreshingly sturdy metal finish

  • +

    useful optional charger

Cons

  • -

    Pricey

  • -

    only gives its full benefits when coupled with a Solo

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The release of the impressive rDock, a five-star product back in May 2007, signifies Arcam's first attempt to daddy-splash its way into the iPod accessory market.

No tentative steps for Arcam, oh no. The company is going all out, and has produced a dock that's closer to looking and sounding like true hi-fi than anything else we've tested. For starters, its chunky metal build is a refreshing change to the plastic finish of most docks.

Coupled with an Arcam Solo, the rDock really comes into its own. The Solo's remote gives you complete control over your iPod, while track info is displayed on the system's screen. An S-Video out means you can view pictures and video stored on the iPod through your TV.

A major benefit to owning an rDock is the intelligent charging system. This allows you to choose whether to charge your iPod or not while it's in the dock (most others charge by default). This should add useful life to your battery (and your iPod) by avoiding over-charging.

Features and sound impress

Sonically, this dock is the best we've tested by some disance, with excellent dynamics and resolution. The bass is superb, and the rDock effortlessly maintains the quality of even the highest bit-rate MP3s.

True, the lack of a remote is a pain if you don't have a Solo, and it means only Arcam owners will get the best from the unit.

The rDock comes with a weighty price tag, but it's worth overlooking for the sake of getting the best possible sound from your iPod.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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