Any news from Arcam on an updated Solo Neo

[andrewjh]

Hi Everyone,

The Arcam Solo Neo was introduced about 4 years ago. Does anyone know whether Arcam will be updating this all-in-one unit any time soon?

Thanks.

 

[expat_mike]

I've heard nothing, and I don't think that they will.

Some parts of the neo are using old technology, like the need to update the software via the rs232 socket rather than the more convenient usb socket.

Also arcam seem to be focussing on bringing out dacs and ipad docks, that will plug into the neo, rather than update the neo itself.

Just my gut feeling

 

[ela-ted]

Or even updating the Solo Mini. I think there is a gap between the M-CR610 and the Unitiqute2, which the Solo Mini does fill, albeit lagging well behind both of these products now technology wise. Just updating it with a bit more power, better DAC and AirPlay (now they seem to have the licensing sorted with the airDAC) would do it - the form factor still looks good to me, although a better display would help.

 

[JZC]

I almost bought a Solo Mini 2-3 years ago, in fact they had brought one out of the stockroom and I had my credit card out to pay for it, but then the salesman made the mistake of saying that I should not expect it to sound as good as my old but much larger amplifier so declined to buy it.

To be honest it was difficult to really tell how good it was in the brief demo I had but I was looking for something a bit smaller than my currrent amp. I've never regretted not buying it though.

 

[manicm]

I almost bought a Solo Mini 2-3 years ago, in fact they had brought one out of the stockroom and I had my credit card out to pay for it, but then the salesman made the mistake of saying that I should not expect it to sound as good as my old but much larger amplifier so declined to buy it.

To be honest it was difficult to really tell how good it was in the brief demo I had but I was looking for something a bit smaller than my currrent amp. I've never regretted not buying it though.

In a small to medium room it's fine - its amplifier is excellent. But yes, Arcam seems to have neglected the Solo range completely with no trace or hint of new models. The Solo Mini is now 6 years old and is sorely lacking in features.

 

[ela-ted]

I almost bought a Solo Mini 2-3 years ago, in fact they had brought one out of the stockroom and I had my credit card out to pay for it, but then the salesman made the mistake of saying that I should not expect it to sound as good as my old but much larger amplifier so declined to buy it.

To be honest it was difficult to really tell how good it was in the brief demo I had but I was looking for something a bit smaller than my currrent amp. I've never regretted not buying it though.

I think that salesman did you a favour - I bought one a while ago and was underwhelmed with the sound against my old but beefier Rega set up. I sold it after a short play. The idea is great - with more power, and a DAC from the irDAC and AirPlay it would have plenty of life yet.

 

[JZC]

Yes I think he did but as he was honest enough to say so (although he probably wasn't expecting to lose the sale) I would be prepared to go back there even though it's a 120 mile round trip for me.

I can't understand why Arcam have not updated it either. It's a very neat package and many people would find it desirable but it can't compete on features or price with the similar sized Marantz M-CR610.

 

[manicm]

I almost bought a Solo Mini 2-3 years ago, in fact they had brought one out of the stockroom and I had my credit card out to pay for it, but then the salesman made the mistake of saying that I should not expect it to sound as good as my old but much larger amplifier so declined to buy it.

To be honest it was difficult to really tell how good it was in the brief demo I had but I was looking for something a bit smaller than my currrent amp. I've never regretted not buying it though.

I think that salesman did you a favour - I bought one a while ago and was underwhelmed with the sound against my old but beefier Rega set up. I sold it after a short play. The idea is great - with more power, and a DAC from the irDAC and AirPlay it would have plenty of life yet.

Which speakers did you pair it with when you bought it? I maintain that within expectations the Solo Mini's amp is a wonderful thing.

 

[JZC]

I know your question was directed at 'ele-ted' but when I nearly bought the Solo they played it though some PMC DB1's (I can't remember if it was the 'i' version). It didn't sound bad by any means but I realized when I got back home that my existing system did sound better. Maybe the Arcam would have been better with different speakers but as it's only 25w it might be a bit underpowered for larger floorstanders including my BC1's.

Although admittantly I've not done a lot of auditioning of equipment I think I'm coming round to the view, expressed elsewhere on this forum, that there is not a huge difference in the electronics and that its mainly the features that differ for amps of similar power output.

 

[ela-ted]

I almost bought a Solo Mini 2-3 years ago, in fact they had brought one out of the stockroom and I had my credit card out to pay for it, but then the salesman made the mistake of saying that I should not expect it to sound as good as my old but much larger amplifier so declined to buy it.

To be honest it was difficult to really tell how good it was in the brief demo I had but I was looking for something a bit smaller than my currrent amp. I've never regretted not buying it though.

I think that salesman did you a favour - I bought one a while ago and was underwhelmed with the sound against my old but beefier Rega set up. I sold it after a short play. The idea is great - with more power, and a DAC from the irDAC and AirPlay it would have plenty of life yet.

Which speakers did you pair it with when you bought it? I maintain that within expectations the Solo Mini's amp is a wonderful thing.

Rega Ela's (hence name)

 

[JZC]

Deleted duplicate post.

(not sure why but sometimes when I reply to a post it says I cannot post because the sujbect is too long so I simply hit save and it then accepts the reply. However I think this may result in a duplicate post)