Arcam's Solo Mini music system follows in the footsteps of other hi-fi manufacturers' offerings, embracing USB and iPod connectivity. The additions work well and do not detract from the high standard of CD and radio reproduction. The system recently won a Sunday Times poll for best lifestyle hi-fi product.
A minimalist fascia includes a slot-loading CD drive, 3.5mm input and output jacks and a USB host port. Just above the player's screen are the control buttons. But the best thing about the Solo Mini is that all its features, including an integrated power amplifier, are stuffed inside a chassis half the width of a standard hi-fi component.
Despite a few front connectors, the rear of the receiver is where the action is. Four pairs of stereo RCA inputs mean other devices can be connected and fed out through the Solo Mini's amplifier. The binding posts for speaker connections are proper banana plug connectors. There is also a set of pre-outs for connecting an active subwoofer or routing the signal to an external power amplifier and speakers.
The Solo Mini can output 25 watts to each channel, so you'll be able to connect a wide range of speakers as long as they are not too power-hungry.
Sound quality from the integrated amplifier is excellent. When matched up with Arcam's Muso speakers (sold separately) we were able to find a lot of detail in complex orchestral recordings.
If you can justify paying HK$9,400, Arcam's Solo Mini is a great all-in-one CD and radio playback unit when teamed up with some efficient, high-quality speakers.