Arcam Solo Movie 2.1

[admin_exported]

I am considering replacing our current hi-fi and tv/movie set-up (these are separate at the moment) with the Arcam Solo Movie 2.1. Is this a sensible choice given that we are likely to us this primarily for music and the occassional movie? Wife is keen on something which doesn't take up loads of space so not really after a stack of separates although haven't totally ruled this out. Basically want something which is good value, is decent quality for music and which can be used to provide a resonably good movie experience. Certainly not a purist on the audio side of things but figure for that sort of money I should get something considerably better than what we have at the moment.

The advice I've had so far is not to go for Nad, Denon or Pioneer all in one systems as the music quality is not what you'd want from what will essentially be a hi fi system. Surround sound is not a priority.

Also considering using MA RS6 or B&W 684's with this set-up. Again are either/both of these a sensible choice? Have heard the Solo with the RS6's and I thought it sounded excellent although it seemed to lose a bit of quality when you cranked it up.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[chebby]

OK your mention of the RS6's suggest a speaket budget of £650 or so.

Try to find a dealer who carry both Arcam and Rega and try the new Rega RS3 speakers. (£684) Their efficiency is 89db and recommended power handling of 30watts upwards, so the 50watts per channel Solo Movie 2.1 should be fine. (I use the predecessor Rega R3's with a 25watt per channel Solo-Mini and it sounds great.)

According to 'Signals' the Arcam Solo-Movie 2.1 is the best sounding of all the Solo model range and they positively rave about the Rega RS3 speakers.

I respect what these guys say about the products they stock because - unlike most dealers - they are prepared to be openly critical, on their website, if they don't like something!

(The pertinent quote from that link for you is... "they even go respectably loud without audible compression.")

They are unfussy about positioning and can be used close to a wall or pulled out into the room. (Front ports.) The side facing bass units can be used facing out or in depending on what works best in your room and creates a big, wide sound that does not have the traditional 'sweet spot' problems. (It has a sweet-spot - like all systems - but off-axis listening is still very satisfying.)

This unfussiness and ability to perform well close to a wall is ideal for keeping your system 'footprint' down. They don't look bad either and are nicely finished. I think the R3's looked a bit better but then I would

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice. Will check out the RS3's as well.

Any comments on how suitable or unsuitable the RS6's and/or 684's might be?

 

[d_a_n1979]

The RS6's would be more suitable than the B&W 684's.

Dont get me wrong; both are superb speakers but to get the best out of them; the 684's need driving well!

The Solo Movile 2.1 would drive the RS6's easier and their soudstage is superb; more so, IMO, with Arcam powering them

I appreciate what Chebby is saying re the Rega RS3's but i know for a fact that they dont have the soundstage or depth that the M/A RS6's will offer.

Chord Carnival Silverscreen or QED Silver Anniversary speaker cable go very well with Arcam and M/A RS6 speakers as well.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply.

Are you saying that the Arcam doesn't have the power to get the best out of the 684's?

Does the Arcam Solo Movie 2.1 with RS6's meet the criteria for the system I'm looking to put together (as described in my first message)?

 

[d_a_n1979]

Yes; they would still sound good but to get the best out of them, they need to be driven well... And hard!

I would say you need to push for a demo with both as your hearing will be different to mine.

IMO the RS6's would be a spot on choice for the Arcam Solo 2.1; they have great bass depth and a superb soundstage and the Arcam's known 'warmth' will calm the M/A forward treble and make it sound sublime.

 

[Anonymous]

I have also been recommended Chord Rumour 4 speaker cable but this seems very expensive. The Chord Carnival Silver Screen seems much closer to what I was expecting to pay. I assume this will be fine for this set-up? Are you referring to the biwire or ordinary version. Cheers.

 

[Clare Newsome]

Chord Carnival Silver Screen will be fine. You may also be interested in an update to Arcam's website - more info and support on there.

 

[d_a_n1979]

Clare Newsome:Chord Carnival Silver Screen will be fine.

Fully agree; the Carnival Silverscreen cable would be sufficient; its bl**dy good!

 

[Anonymous]

I assume this is the right stuff?

http://www.petertyson.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_pages/chord_carnival_silver_sceen.shtml

Many thanks to you all for your help. Think I'll be ordering it all (Arcam & RS6's) this weekend.

 

[Clare Newsome]

If you're able to make the Bristol Show this weekend, then Arcam, Monitor Audio and Chord are all in attendance, and discounts are to be had.

 

[scubasteve]

do you reckon teh solo can drive the B&W 805s speakers. not solution forever but just until we move house