What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
15 APR 2008
Arcam Solo Mini
Separates might outgun the Solo Mini sonically, but it's still great considering the convenience and style factors
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It's surprising there aren’t more hi-fi all-in-one systems like Arcam’s Solo Mini. In an age when convenience is primary and style essential, you’d think the micro system might have come on leaps and bounds. Take a look in our Buyer’s Guide: other than this unit’s sibling, the Solo, there are only two five-star buys over £500. The words ‘gap’ and ‘in the market’ spring readily to mind, and there’s no doubt Arcam is filling that gap with considerable style.
From the box, the Solo Mini impresses with its compact casework, sturdy build quality and smart, attractive design. The Mini is very much the ‘little brother’ of the well-established Solo: its many functions are fitted into a much smaller box, containing a CD player – with a stylish and effective slot-loading mechanism – a stereo amplifier delivering 25w per channel, plus both DAB and FM radio tuners.
There are a generous six additional inputs for external sources, five of which are standard stereo phono ins, with one 3.5mm ‘mini-jack’ input for an MP3 player, laptop or similar device. There’s also a USB port on the front, allowing easy access to more of your digital media.
Punchy and refined sound
So, in terms of specification, the Solo Mini already makes a case for itself, especially given the relative kudos of its brand name and the almost total lack of rival kit at this price. But things start to get really interesting when you listen to the system after a couple of days of running in.
The Mini uses a number of components from more expensive Arcam products – including the DACs and high-precision clock from the CD73 – and, sonically, it delivers a highly assured, detailed and solid performance. Regardless of musical genre it offers a precise, punchy and refined presentation, with a degree of midrange depth and insight that makes it a great all-round listen.
Radio holds its end up
The radio section is also very impressive. DAB stations ring out with useful midrange solidity, and the Arcam’s sense of control never lets the treble get out of hand. FM stations also sound good, rounding off a comprehensively assured sonic performance from the Mini.
Don’t get us wrong, the Arcam isn’t the absolute last word in detail and realism. But its style, functionality and performance earn it five stars. The lack of competition at the price point, frankly, gives this Arcam a free run: if you want a micro system, but you want something better, classier and nicer-looking than the Award winning £300 Onkyo, you know where to look.