The Arcam solo has evolved into a range of products.

The system-in-a-box might not be an entirely new idea, but in this instance the quality of execution in terms of build, facilities, user interface and actual audio quality set them apart.

Let's start with the features. All models have:

CD

FM Radio

DAB Radio

iPod port

clock and alarm

site map

The (new) baby of the range. Half the size of its siblings, slot loading CD, all the features listed above.

Sounds far better than this kind of unit has any right to. Not quite as goood as the larger, and more expensive, Solo music, but not far off. Excellent value too.

read more

The original and . . . no actually, it is no longer the best. Read on for that!

Still a superb compact system with the added benefit of a second zone output (needs another power amp), to allow it to be the basis of a simple two room 4 / 5 source system.

read more

Using the dark grey casework of the Solo Movie (see below), the Movie 2.1 is also the best sounding of all the stereo Solo units. The 2.1 has two channels plus sub. Offering DVD replay (with video switching and DVD scaling) and full bass management to a sub-woofer, it is also the best equipped.

read more

The Solo Movie. The above unit but with 5 chanels (plus sub) full audio decoding, hdmi and scart (or component) video. This really is a full system-in-a-box.

read more

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 and the understated visual design is spot on whether in silver or dark grey.

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.

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!

read more

The prices: