Arcam Solo Uno

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IF YOU WANT QUALITY

audio in your home but don’t necessarily have the space for a bulky amplifier unit then Arcam’s Solo Uno is a compact and stylish streamer with a built-in integrated amplifier that requires just a pair of speakers and a mobile device to get going.

Small in stature

Measuring just 1450x52x213mm, the Solo Uno can slot in anywhere and comes packed with functionality. It can connect to a wireless network or be wired straight to your router thanks to ethernet and USB-A ports on the back. On the reverse you will also find the speaker terminals, a wireless antenna port (the antenna is supplied), a subwoofer output and an AUX input. The front of the unit is kept relatively sparse with volume controls, a mute button, power switch and indicator LEDS for network and status.

Setting up the Solo Uno for Airplay is a quick, easy and entirely painless process that just requires powering on the unit, waiting until the Net status indicator starts flashing blue and then going to Settings>wi-fi on your IOS device and tapping the ‘Set up new Airplay speaker’ option. Before you know it you’ll be good to start streaming your music and the Solo Uno can start doing what it was created to do – utilise Arcam’s class-leading sound quality to make your music amazing.

The Class D amplifier built into the Solo Uno can push out 25W into 8 Ohms or 50W at 4 Ohms and boasts a frequency response of 10Hz to 20khz. Obviously

the quality of sound that it generates is largely dependent on the speakers that you connect, but we can attest that, when connected to the Q-acoustics 3020i speakers, the Solo Uno does a fine job of handling your audio. The system’s highend audio circuitry has been completely optimised for low noise and minimal distortion and channels your audio absurdly well.

Instant karma

Apart from an assured sound quality, what really impressed us about the Solo Uno was the sheer speed at which you can get it up and running. It’s literally just a plug-in-and-go affair and the simplicity of Airplay means that you’ll be reclined and bobbing your head just a few minutes after unboxing. The unit is also exceptionally well made. A stylish two-tone (top-half moody grey graphite, lower half shiny) cast aluminium case houses the magic and a rubber base means that it can securely sit anywhere in your home. The power button is satisfyingly clunky and it’s ready to start receiving and streaming about 30 seconds after pressing it.

The lack of optical and coaxial ports may dissuade some from favouring this item, but it’s not really aimed at audiophiles particularly, existing mainly as a great-quality plug-in-and-play amplifier for the mobile streaming generation that won’t take up much space in the home. We were certainly very impressed.

Verdict

A good quality compact amp unit that is very easy to set up and that does a fantastic job of receiving and distributing music from your preferred streaming service.

“You’ll be reclined and bobbing your head just a few minutes after unboxing the unit”