Head to head: Arcam Solo Movie vs Pioneer LX01

Overview Price: £1,80 More info: Arcam Size: 430x350x79mm Weight: 7.75kg Power rating: 250W Disc formats: DVD, DVD-R(DL)/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-A, CD, CD-R/-RW, VCD, SVCD, SACD, MP3, JPEG, WMA, DiVX, Video connections: 2x composite in/1 out, 2x component in/1 out OR 2x RGB Scart in/1out, 2x HDMI in/1 out Audio connections : 3x Analogue in/out, 2x optical digital in/1out, coaxial digital in, six-channel pre-out Other connections: rDock 3.5mm input Decoding: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II Tuner: DAB/FM Upscaling: 720p, 1080i, Progressive scan: Yes

Arcam Solo Movie 5.1
Arcam has taken the concept of its impressive Solo stereo system and applied it to home cinema. It's not the first high-end integrated system but, while rivals from the likes of Linn and Bang and Olufsen are more style-orientated, the Solo Movie offers a pragmatic approach that places picture and sound quality above all else.

It is expensively priced compared to most home cinema systems, especially since this cost only reflects the main unit and requires a separate speaker package. Arcam has designed the Muso/Logo speakers to complement the system - but you'll have to spend an extra £1,000 for the privilege of upgrading to an all-inclusive 5.1 package.

Nonetheless, there are few single systems that offer the same uncompromised performance in such a convenient and compact package.

Despite carrying far more features, the unit is similarly sized to the Solo stereo system - although it is reassuringly weighty. The understated design is superbly constructed and finished in attractive gunmetal grey with a series of stiff, responsive controls arranged across the front panel.

The fully integrated unit comprises a conservatively estimated 5x50W of amplification, DAB digital radio and universal disc player - you can play a complete range of formats including DVD-Audio and SACD multi-channel music and encoded discs carrying digital music and DiVX movie files.

There's also integrated surround processing and decoding for all standard Dolby and DTS soundtracks and the same upscaling technology used in Arcam's standalone DVD players - although images can only be upscaled as far as 720p and 1080i. There are more affordable systems that offer 1080p upscaling but Arcam claims the quality of its video processing is superior.

Another absent feature that can be found in less expensive packages is an automatic calibration system to ease installation. This might sway some lethargic users but at this level we expect most will want to customise their settings manually to extract optimum performance - and the system is still pretty easy to set up with a download available from Arcam's website.

The newly styled remote appears uninspired but is spaciously arranged and offers learning capabilities as well as backlighting for when the lights go down. Onscreen menus are boldly presented and intuitive while there is also a useful video calibration display to fine tune the picture.

All connections are arranged across the rear panel including two HDMI inputs and one output, which allows high-definition video switching between separate devices such as a Sky+ receiver. Most users will rely on these digital video connections but there are versatile analogue alternatives - including a customised choice between component connections or RGB Scart in/outs.

Audio connections are equally impressive with a variety of analogue and digital input/output options, six channel pre-outs and a front 3.5mm jack that can be connected to the optional rDock (£130) to play and control music files directly from your iPod.

It's the Solo Movie's sound quality that immediately separates it from standard home cinema systems, which typically struggle with music. Whether you're playing digital MP3 files, CDs or multi-channel music discs the beautifully detailed and cohesive sound carries far more musical timing and refinement than you would expect an all-in-one system to deliver.

And, despite its low power rating, the sound isn't compromised when it comes to film surround tracks with superb integration, agile steering and tightly controlled low frequencies that enhance excitement without overwhelming the subtle nuances elsewhere.

Even without Full HD 1080p upscaling, image quality is impressive and easily compares to any sub-£1,000 DVD player we've seen. Dense black levels give the picture solid definition and depth-defining contrast without losing detail in dimly lit scenes while colours tread a well-balanced line between vibrant and natural tones. Movement occasionally stutters when watching on a large screen display but otherwise the picture is immaculately clean and free of any digital artifacts or motion streaming.

Arcam's Solo Movie is expensive and does miss a couple of features but as far as picture and sound performance with both music and movies it stands as a single-box system class leader.