Arcam release a new mini hifi system

Arcam, a manufacturer of award winning, bespoke hifi equipment, has announced the release date of a new mini hifi system. Named the 'Solo Mini' (pictured below), it aims to penetrate the competitive world of iPod compatible hifi systems.

There has been a veritable buzz around this little system, due to the enormous respect for Arcam in the English hifi press. Initial reviews have rated the system as a winner, TrustedReview giving it 10/10 for it's sound quality, value for money and an overall score.

The 'Solo Mini' will play CD's (a slide in slot loading mechanism), contain a analogue and digital radio receive/tuner (DAB/AM/FM), give twenty watts per channel of power, and provide a clear LCD display with an alarm clock. It will be easy to setup, a true plug and play hifi, with only speakers and radio aerial wires needing to be clicked into the rear of the device.

What will appeal to digital iPod fans is the three point five line-in input. Placed on the front of the system, it will allow you to connect an mp3 player into the Solo Mini. There are plenty of other connections at the rear of the device, power amp pre outs, phono stereo inputs, and a USB port for playing digital music files (like wav and mp3).

The facade is the typical brushed aluminum, made popular by Denon Systems, and par for the course these days. In some ways it's the only let down, not appearing particularly original or cutting edge. It's far from ugly however, and will satisfy most prospective owners. It's a clean design, with a minimum of buttons and controls.

Arcam have stated that they used components from more expensive Arcam hifi units, such as the CD73. This has resulted in the most impressive feature of the Solo Mini, it's sounds quality. Priced at £650, it's bound to win awards, make waves amongst other hifi brands, and give audiofans an excellent alternative to the mini hifi main stays.