TechRadar Verdict
A pricey, premium DVD package, but worth every penny we reckon
Pros
- +
Classy design
- +
Sound/picture quality
- +
Learning, backlit remote
- +
SACD/DVD-A playback
Cons
- -
Strictly stereo
- -
No 576i output
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Attractively and well-built, the DVD player in the Arcam Solo Movie 2.1 System is derived from Arcam's high-end players, and is compatible with DVD-A and Super Audio CD.
It also houses an FM/DAB radio tuner, and 50W-per-channel non-digital amplifier.
Arcam's versatile unit
I used Arcam's Muso aluminum- bookshelf speakers and Logo subwoofer.
You can use non-Arcam speakers, thanks to the company's use of 'standard' speaker connections and a line-level subwoofer output.
Cheaper systems tend to be bundled with proprietary speakers and a passive sub that can't easily be upgraded.
Although the DVD player will only upscale to 1080i, the two-port HDMI 'switcher' will pass 1080p sources, such as HD players. As with Arcam's DVD players, there are in-built test patterns for display calibration.
Refined sound
Music presentation is smooth and well-balanced - as befits the system's audiophile pedigree.
The differences between the CD and hi-res layers of an SACD are obvious. And movies?
Well, there's no virtual surround going on here - 5.1 sources are 'downmixed' to two-channel - and therefore soundtracks do lack a bit of depth. But what there is cannot be faulted; weighty, refined, and wth a good stereo spread.
Upscaled 720p pics driving a Hitachi projector via HDMI were remarkably free of noise, with superb contrast range and colour fidelity.
Premium DVD system
This system is expensive - but if your aspirations stop at 2.1 then you'll find it hard to better.
