 |
|
 |
|
 |
||
|
|
|
Hard on the heels of the Arcam Solo Movie 5.1, the 2.1 offers the same DVD, SACD replay, DAB and FM radio and video scaling through just two channels of audio (plus sub). Audio quality is potentially even better with less demands on the internal power supply. The casework is identical. The new Muso (satellite) and Logo (active sub) speaker combo is available either as invidual units or in 2.1 or 5.1 'bundles'. The Solo 2.1 with a pair of Musos and a Logo (I'm not sure about the names!) is available as a package for £1995. Somehow the speakers look far more attractive in the metal in a home environment than when seen in pictures or even at trade shows. They are strangely tactile and impresively weighty. The surpise is in how good the diminuative Musos sound both on their own as micro speakers and in conjunction with the active sub. These are perfectly viable as bookshelf speakers on their own terms with excellent clarity, refinement and dynamics. They don't sound thin or nasal and even go fairly loud without distress. The heavy damped metal enclosures evidently work and the understated visual design is spot on. Add the Logo sub-woofer (a crossover of about 80-90 Hz sounds about right) and there is some serious punch and bass extension available. The sat / sub package with the Solo 2.1 is likely to make some friends! Well worth a listen. |
||
|
|
|
 |
|||||
 |
|||||
Looking for something a little more complex to connect the rDock to? The Arcam Solo Movie 5.1 gives DVD, SACD replay, DAB and FM radio, five channels of output, two zones, video scaling (and it's rather close to the DV137 in this respect) and comprehensive audio set-up options, including cross-over frequency adjustable in 10 Hz steps up to 150Hz. It is amazingly well specified with SCART sockets, hdmi and component video connections. It offers video switching too, so can perform the function of a system 'hub'. The whole unit is designed and assembled in the UK and it is almost exactly the same size as the stereo solo. The casework is outwardly almost identical to the Solo stereo but it comes in dark grey rather than silver. Picture quality is beyond reproach and the sound very good indeed, in fact, the sound quality keeps getting better the more we use it. It really is all that many people will ever need. On demonstration, give us a call on 01473 655171. |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
After far too much deliberation we have finally modified our a/v demo room to show 'native' 2.35 : 1 projection. We were almost there at about this time last year but pulled back in the belief that we were perhaps just a little too far ahead of the curve for our lowly status in the world.
By our reckoning, now is the time to embrace the technology and add it to our portfolio. The premise is simple. Go to the cinema, watch the adverts and trailers and then, when the main feature starts, more often than not the curtains move back to reveal the full widescreen experience.
Watch the same film at home and, once you have finished with the welcome screen, black bars top and bottom squeeze a smaller picture to accommodate the wider proportions. A substantial chunk of the image potential is wasted and the "wow" effect of 2.35:1 aspect ratio is undermined.
With an anamorphic lens and some gadgetry, not to mention a really good projector, the widescreen image can use all of the projector's resources to give a brighter, cleaner more detailed picture with the right sense of scale. Do this in full 1080 hd and the potential is spectacular.
We have opted for the new Sim2 HT380, the latest vesion of which finally arrived just before Christmas.
The Panamorph anamorphic lens has now been installed in its powered Sim2 cradle and the results are extremely encouraging. We have even purchased a DVD-HD player to have some proper HD material.
Not sure I'm all that keen on the film "300" though . . .
playhaus? |
home cinema |
multi room |
smart lighting |
system control |
