Handbook

Manuel
Handbuch
Handleiding

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 CAUTION ATTENTION Class II product
RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
This equipment is a Class II or double
insulated electrical appliance. It has been
safety CAUTION:To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified service personnel.
designed in such a way that it does not
require a safety connection to electrical
guidelines WARNING:To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
earth (‘ground’ in the U.S.).

The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

CAUTION: In Canada and the USA, to prevent electric shock, match the wide blade of the plug to the wide slot
in the socket and insert the plug fully into the socket.

Many of these items are common sense precautions but, for your own safety and to ensure that you do not damage the unit, we recommend that you read them.

Important safety instructions 5. Heat 12. Non-use periods

Safety compliance
Locate the equipment away from naked flames or heat- If the equipment is not being used for an extended
This product is designed and manufactured to meet producing appliances such as radiators, stoves or other period, we recommend that you unplug the power cord This equipment has been designed to meet the IEC/EN
strict quality and safety standards. However, you should appliances that produce heat. of the equipment from the outlet, to save power. 60065 international electrical safety standard.
be aware of the following installation and operation This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
6. Climate 13. Abnormal smell
precautions. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
The equipment has been designed for use in moderate If an abnormal smell or smoke is detected from the
1.Take heed of warnings and instructions (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
climates and in domestic situations. equipment, turn the power off immediately and unplug
You should read all the safety and operating instructions (2) this device must accept any interference received,
8. Cleaning the equipment from the wall outlet. Contact your dealer
before operating this equipment. Retain this handbook including interference that may cause undesired
and do not reconnect the equipment.
for future reference and adhere to all warnings in the Unplug the unit from the mains supply before cleaning. operation.
14. Servicing
handbook or on the equipment. The case should normally only require a wipe with a soft, WARNING:
lint-free cloth. Do not use chemical solvents for cleaning. You should not attempt to service the equipment.
2. Water and moisture Due to the mains switch being located on the rear panel,
Contact your dealer to arrange servicing.
The presence of electricity near water can be dangerous. We do not advise the use of furniture cleaning sprays or the apparatus must be located in an open area without
polishes as they can cause indelible white marks. 15. Damage requiring service
Do not use the equipment near water – for example anything obstructing access to the mains switch.
next to a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet 9. Power sources The equipment should be serviced by qualified service
personnel when: Mains plug/appliance coupler is used to disconnect device
basement or near a swimming pool, etc. and it shall remain readily operable.
Only connect the equipment to a power supply of the A. the power-supply cord or the plug has been
3. Object or liquid entry type described in the operating instructions or as marked damaged, or Correct Disposal of this product
Take care that objects do not fall and liquids are not on the equipment. B. objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the
spilled into the enclosure through any openings. Liquid- The primary method of isolating Solo Mini from the equipment, or This marking indicates that this product
filled objects such as vases should not be placed on the mains supply is to use the switch on the rear of the C. the equipment has been exposed to rain, or should not be disposed with other
equipment. unit. Solo Mini must be installed in a manner that makes D. the equipment does not appear to operate household waste throughout the EU.
4. Placing the equipment disconnection possible. normally or exhibits a marked change in To prevent possible harm to the
10. Power-cord protection performance, or environment or human health from
Only use a rack or shelf that is stable and strong enough
E. the equipment has been dropped or the enclosure uncontrolled waste disposal and to
to support the weight of this equipment. Power supply cords should be routed so that they are damaged. conserve material resources, this product
5.Ventilation not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed should be recycled responsibly.
upon or against them. Pay particular attention to the
Do not place the equipment on a bed, sofa, rug or similar To dispose of your product, please use your local return
point where they exit from the equipment.
soft surface, or in an enclosed bookcase or cabinet, since and collection systems or contact the retailer where the
ventilation may be impeded. We recommend a minimum 11. Power lines product was purchased.
distance of 50mm around the sides and top of the Locate any outdoor antenna/aerial away from power
equipment to provide adequate ventilation. lines.

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 Contents
safety guidelines............................................E-2
Important safety instructions......................................E-2

English
Safety compliance..............................................................E-2
welcome… … and thank you for purchasing the Arcam Solo Mini music system. welcome….......................................................E-3
overview..........................................................E-4
Arcam has been producing high-quality audio components for nearly thirty
years. During that time we have amassed a wealth of knowledge on both top panel/ front panel................................... E-5
the design and construction of audio components in order to give the best rear panel...................................................... E-6
sound performance for the price. The design of Solo Mini is a distillation of this positioning......................................................E-7
knowledge into a compact and easy-to-use package that is intended to give you Positioning the unit...........................................................E-7
Power........................................................................................E-7
years of listening enjoyment while taking just a few minutes to learn how to use. Thermal protection..........................................................E-7
Interconnect cables...........................................................E-7
This handbook is intended to give you a detailed guide to using the Solo Mini speakers..........................................................E-8
music system. It starts by giving advice on installation, moves on to describe Speaker installation...........................................................E-8
how to use the product and finishes with additional information on the more Connecting speakers.......................................................E-8
advanced features. Use the contents list shown on the right to guide you to the other inputs.................................................... E-9
section of interest. iPod connection..................................................................E-9
USB connection..................................................................E-9
We hope that your Solo Mini music system will give you years of trouble-free radio.............................................................. E-10
operation. In the unlikely event of any fault, or if you simply require further Which radio aerial?........................................................E-10
information about Arcam products, our network of dealers will be happy playing sounds...............................................E-12
Playing a CD......................................................................E-12
to help you. Further information can be found on the Arcam web-site at Listening to radio............................................................E-12
www.arcam.co.uk. DAB........................................................................................E-13
AM/FM..................................................................................E-13
Playing tracks from a USB memory device.....E-13

The Solo Mini development team remote control................................................E-14

Inserting batteries into the remote control....E-14

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Using the remote control..........................................E-14
system menu................................................. E-16
Configuring the listening settings...........................E-16
clock/alarm.....................................................E-17
Setting the clock..............................................................E-17
Setting alarms....................................................................E-18
technical specification................................... E-19

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product guarantee........................................E-20
Worldwide Guarantee................................................E-20
Claims under guarantee..............................................E-20
Problems?.............................................................................E-20

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On-line registration.......................................................E-20

Continual improvement policy

Arcam has a policy of continual improvement for its
products. This means that designs and specifications
are subject to change without notice.

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 Solo Mini represents a new dimension in experiencing Music from iPod® can be seamlessly integrated using
music. Arcam’s rDock or rLead. Solo Mini takes over the control
Using the most advanced digital processing chipset and amplification with iPod text appearing on the front
and A/D conversion technology, together with near panel display of the unit.
silent slot-loading CD transport, Solo Mini brings the The Solo remote control supplied with Solo Mini is
performance normally associated with high-fidelity simple to use and able to control the sound from a range
overview separates to a new audience of style-conscious music
lovers. The resulting sound is simply world class, and all
of sources, from CD, radio, television, iPod/Tape or a
games console.
the more astonishing because of Solo Mini’s compact size. At last a compact but powerful two-channel
Arcam developed the world’s first DAB radio and the sound system with a level of performance that
clarity of reception will bring hours of musical enjoyment will bring your music to life.
from DAB, FM or AM (market dependent).

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IN

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 </1 (Stop/Eject) Power
Press the </1 button once to stop a disc Note that the primary power-switch for Solo Mini is on the rear of the unit. If the power

English
top panel/ playing. Press again to eject a stopped disc. light is not illuminated at all, check that the unit is receiving mains power and the rear
power switch is ‘On’.
front panel When playing a CD, pressing and holding
</1 also ejects a disc. Press the 2 button to switch Solo Mini between ‘On mode’ and ‘Clock mode’.
When Solo Mini is in clock mode, the light next to the power button on the top panel
glows red, and the front-panel display shows the current day and time. Pressing 2 when
Skip back/forward the unit is in clock mode will cause the unit to switch on and the power button light turns
blue.
To skip tracks on a CD, press / or 0. When
skipping back, the first button press takes you
Play/Pause
to the beginning of the current track. Pressing
the button again takes you to the start of the Press the 4/; button to start playing a track,
previous track. pause a playing track, or resume playing a
paused track.
When the source is Radio (DAB, FM or AM),
the buttons cycle through station presets.
Mute
When the System menu is active, the buttons
are also used to step through option settings Use this button to mute the volume. If Solo Mini is
(see page 16). muted, pressing the mute button for a second time or
changing the volume will unmute it.

Source Volume –/+

SOURCE
Press the SOURCE button to cycle Use these buttons to decrease (–) or
through the available signal sources. increase (+) the volume. The current
In Clock mode, pressing the volume setting is shown on the front
SOURCE button switches Solo Mini on. panel display.

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Front panel display ��������������������
This is a vacuum fluorescent
display with variable brightness.

USB input
IN The USB socket is suitable for an MP3
player or for playing files contained on a
USB memory device.

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CD input slot Headphone output Line-level input
Gently insert a CD (label-side up) into this This 3.5mm stereo jack socket This is a stereo analogue input,
slot and allow the disc to be drawn in by accepts headphones with an connected via a stereo 3.5mm

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motorised rollers. If ‘CD AutoPlay’ is enabled, impedance between 32Ω and jack plug. It is suitable for audio
the CD plays immediately (see page 16.) 600Ω. Sound to the speakers sources such as a portable tape
Do not insert 80 mm mini CDs or any non- is muted when headphones player, MP3 player or games
standard sized discs. are used. console.

E-5
 Controlling an iPod®
RS232 control Music or podcasts from your iPod can
This is used for controlling an iPod (see page be fully integrated with your system
9), or for control via a remote computer. using Arcam’s rDock or rLead. These
accessory units use the RS232 Control
rear panel Antennae inputs
and iPod/Tape connectors to take over
the control and amplification, with iPod
text appearing on the front panel display
These inputs can be used with the aerials of Solo Mini.
provided (DAB, if fitted, has a telescopic
aerial, FM a wire aerial, and AM a loop aerial). Information on connecting and using an
In weak signal areas, external aerials of the iPod with the Solo remote is given in
correct type may be required for optimal the rDock or rLead quick start guide
reception. supplied with these accessory units, but
Analogue inputs Speaker outputs see ‘iPod connection’ in the connectivity
section of this manual.
Solo Mini provides four pairs of analogue Connect your Muso speakers
inputs, allowing connection of other stereo here!
sources (e.g. a games console, AV, iPod/
Tape, or TV). All four inputs have the same
characteristics – the labels below the inputs
give suggested uses.
To connect a device to an input on the rear RS232 CONTROL DAB FM AM

of Solo Mini, use a stereo phono cable of a RIGHT LEFT Mains power input
suitable length. We advise you to use high- + 100V, 115V or 230V AC,
quality interconnect cables wherever possible depending on shipping region
to ensure the best possible sound quality. SPEAKER
OUTPUT
L

– 220-240V Mains switch

~
R 50–60Hz O I
GAME AV iPod/TAPE TV TAPE PRE OUT
REMOTE
PROG
250W MAX This is the main Off/On switch,
OUT
IN OUT OFF/ON though it is usual to place the
unit in low-power ‘Clock mode’
when not in use.

Tape output Programmer switch

This is the output to be used This is an override switch that allows an
for connecting to an audio Arcam dealer to install software upgrades.
recorder or for a second room The user should not access this facility.
system. It should be connected
by Phono–Phono (RCA)
cables to the amplifier in the
Remote output
second room.
This output carries all signals from the front-
panel remote-control receiver. This can be
Preamp output
used to route remote-control commands
If you require more power than Solo Mini’s 25W per to other equipment (potentially in different
channel, you can connect an external power amplifier. locations). For example, amplifier commands
Connect the PRE OUT sockets to the input sockets of could be received by Solo Mini, then routed Connecting a record deck
your power amplifier, then connect your speakers to to a power amplifier in a remote location Solo Mini is not fitted with a phono pre-
the power amplifier’s speaker terminals. using this output connector. amplifier. If you wish to connect a record
This output may also be used to provide a signal for deck to Solo Mini, then you’ll need an
a self-powered Low Frequency Effects speaker (a external pre-amplifier. Please contact
subwoofer). Arcam’s Logo speaker ideally matches the your dealer for further information and
design and output characteristics of Solo Mini. recommendations on the best option
for you.

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 English
Positioning the unit Power Thermal protection
positioning < Place Solo Mini on a level, firm surface, avoiding Solo Mini is supplied with a moulded mains plug already Make sure that the unit receives adequate ventilation at
direct sunlight and sources of heat or damp. fitted to the lead. Check that the plug supplied fits your all times (see ‘Positioning the unit’).
< Do not place Solo Mini on top of a power supply – should you require a new mains lead, please
amplifier or other source of heat. If Solo Mini gets too hot, an ‘Over Temperature’ warning
contact your Arcam dealer. is shown on the front panel and the unit shuts down to
< Do not place Solo Mini in an enclosed space such
as a bookcase or closed cabinet unless there is Push the IEC plug end of the power cable into the socket protect itself. You can restart Solo Mini after it has cooled
good provision for ventilation. Solo Mini is designed on the back of Solo Mini, making sure that it is pushed for 15 minutes without power.
to run warm during normal operation. in firmly. Plug the other end of the cable into your mains
< Do not place any other component or item on socket and, if necessary, switch the socket on.
Interconnect cables
top of Solo Mini as this may obstruct airflow Solo Mini is fitted with a power switch on the rear panel,
around and through the unit, causing Solo Mini to below the power inlet: make sure that this is switched on. We recommend the use of high-quality screened cables
overheat. that are designed for the particular application. All cables
Solo Mini is fitted with a transformer designed to accept
< Do not obstruct the vents in the top, bottom, or should be kept as short as is practically possible.
the mains voltage in the region that the product was
sides of Solo Mini. shipped to. If your mains supply voltage does not match To avoid unwanted noise in the audio signals, make sure
< Make sure the remote-control receiver on the left- the specification printed on the rear panel, or you wish that the mains power-supply cabling is kept as far away as
hand side of the display is unobstructed, otherwise to take the unit to a region with a different mains voltage, possible from your audio cables.
the remote control will not work reliably. or the mains plug is incorrect, please contact your Arcam
dealer.

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 Speaker installation Speaker setup Speaker stands
Proper speaker placement is the key to the sound from The more firmly a speaker is held, the better it will
The advice given here is a general guideline for setting your speakers. As a rough guide, speakers should be sound. We recommend the use of rigid metal stands of
up speakers. Refer to the documentation supplied with placed on rigid stands at about 15cms from the rear wall 40–60cms height. Properly damped types that do not
your speakers for more precise positioning and installation and at least 60cms from any side wall. Speakers should ‘ring’ when tapped with a pencil (either by virtue of
information.
speakers Room acoustics
never be placed on the floor (unless they are floor-
standing speakers), or in corners. The speaker drivers
construction, or because they are filled with dry silver
sand) will bring out the best in a speaker. Ensure that the
should be about ear-level height when seated. If possible, stands and/or speakers do not wobble.
Your room’s shape and how it is furnished will affect the centre your seating area between the speakers. Arcam can supply specially designed floor stands for
sound you hear. For instance, too many bare surfaces can The final sound will depend on the acoustics of Muso (and other bookshelf-sized) speakers. Arcam’s
cause reflections that may add harshness to the sound. the listening room and experimenting with speaker adjustable wall-fixing brackets are a very practical
Carpets, wall-hangings and curtains can all help. positioning is very worthwhile. alternative. Ask your dealer for details.
If you have a choice of listening rooms, avoid one that
is perfectly square or has one dimension exactly twice
another. Such a room can aggravate resonances that
colour the sound.
The closer you place a speaker to corners and the
intersection of wall and floor or wall and ceiling, the –
stronger the bass output, which may over-emphasise the 15 m
bass. Moving a speaker just a few inches can sometimes 4 0 c
make a big difference.

>6
0c
m
40
–6
0cm

Connecting speakers Speaker cables

The speakers should be

2
–
Solo Mini is designed to drive a pair of full-bandwidth connected to the amplifier

3m
speakers, rated between 4 and 8 ohms. Arcam Muso using good-quality, high-purity,
speakers ideally complement the performance and design copper cables. Solid core cables,
values of Solo Mini, but other high quality speaker units or those with surface-only
will also give good results. conductors, are particularly
Solo Mini is fitted with speaker terminals that can accept suitable. Bell wire and very
either 4mm banana plugs, spade terminals or bare wires. cheap speaker cables should
To connect the speakers, unscrew the corresponding be avoided – they are a false
terminals on the back of Solo Mini, insert the speaker
economy and can significantly
wires (or spades) and screw the terminals back up. Make
degrade the sound quality.
sure that the red (positive/+) terminal of the speaker is
connected to the red (positive/+) terminal on the back
RS232 CONTROL DAB FM AM The cable runs to the two
panel, and the black (negative/–) terminal of the speaker RIGHT LEFT
speakers should be of roughly
is connected to the black (negative/–) terminal on the + equal length and yet as short
back panel. as practicable. Connections to
SPEAKER
OUTPUT the speaker terminals should
It is important that no stray strands of wire from theseL
always be tight, whether
connections are allowed to touch another cable or the – 220-240V
~using bare wires or spade
product casing. Failure to ensure this can cause a short R 50–60Hz O I
250W connectors,
MAX but do not use
circuit and damage your Solo Mini.
GAME AV iPod/TAPE TV TAPE PRE OUT
REMOTE
OUT PROG
IN OUT tools such
OFF/ONas pliers, wrenches

Do not over-tighten the loudspeaker terminals, or use a or spanners to tighten the

wrench, pliers, etc., as this could damage the terminals and connectors as these may
this would not be covered under warranty. cause damage to the terminals.

E-8
 USB connection
MP3 and WMA files may be played from a flash memory Solo Mini supplies a nominal 5V at 500mA, but not all
USB device or an MP3 player connected to this front USB devices can be guaranteed to work with the unit
�������������� panel input. due to the lack of standardisation of USB devices on the

English
market. USB hard disc drives are not supported by this
other inputs Press the top panel Source button to cycle through
the available signal sources and select USB, or press the connection.
remote control FRONT button twice. Note that USB devices are physically vulnerable when
Connect the storage device and navigate through the connected. Take care not to knock or dislodge the device
folders and files with the remote control selection keys from its socket.
IN to choose a track, then press 4 on the remote control
(or 4/; on the top panel) to play the track (see page
13).

iPod connection DC IN S-VIDEO CONTROL VID OUT LEFT RIGHT

The combination of Solo Mini and Arcam’s rDock (or +15V, 0.65A

rLead) provides a great platform for your iPod. rDock

Connect the rDock as shown, power on the rDock, slot
in your iPod and select iPod as the source.
Navigating through music and podcasts on your iPod is
simple using the Solo remote, with text appearing on the
Solo Mini display.
More information is given in the rDock quick start
guide or (rLead quick start guide) supplied with these
accessory units.

o
RS232 CONTROL DAB FM AM

RIGHT LEFT

SPEAKER

m l
OUTPUT
L
– 220-240V
~
R 50–60Hz O I
REMOTE 250W MAX
GAME AV iPod/TAPE TV TAPE PRE OUT OUT PROG

so
OFF/ON

ini
IN OUT

Solo Mini

E-9
 Which radio aerial? Radio interference
Your Solo Mini is capable of superb radio reception, but
only if it is receiving a good quality transmission signal. Solo Mini is an audio device containing
microprocessors and other digital electronics.
Solo Mini is fitted with an AM/FM receiver module and It has been designed to very high standards of
radio an optional DAB receiver, depending on the region
where it was sold. The type of aerial you need depends
electromagnetic compatibility.
If Solo Mini causes interference to radio or television
on your listening preferences and the local conditions.
reception (which can be determined by switching
Try the aerials supplied with your unit. If you are in a Solo Mini off and on), the following measures should
medium to strong signal area, these should be adequate be taken:
for good reception; if not, you should contact your local < Re-orient the receiving antenna or route the
Arcam dealer or an aerial installation expert for advice. antenna cable of the affected receiver as far as
possible from Solo Mini and its cabling.
< Relocate the receiver with respect to Solo
Mini.
< Connect the receiver and Solo Mini to
different mains outlets.
If the problem persists, please contact your Arcam
dealer.

DAB
If the transmission signal is reasonably strong in your In weak signal areas, a high-gain, externally-mounted or
area then the supplied telescopic aerial should be all you RS232 CONTROL FM AM
roof-mounted aerial is desirable in order to receive the
need. When installed and receiving DAB, check the signal highest number of services.
strength by pressing the remote control’s INFO button In Band III transmission areas (such as the UK), use a
until the signal bar graph is displayed. multi-element Yagi aerial with the elements mounted
1. Attach the telescopic aerial to the screw connector L
vertically, as the transmissions are vertically polarised.
labelled ‘DAB’ on the rear of the unit. R If you are close to more than one transmitter, use an
2. With the aerial pointing upwards, fasten the screw GAME AV iPod/TAPE TV TAPE PRE OUT
REMOTE
OUT PROG
omnidirectional or folded dipole aerial.
IN OUT
no more than finger-tight (do not use a spanner or If the DAB services in your area are transmitted on
wrench). L-band, then ask your dealer for advice for the best aerial
3. Adjust the length of the aerial for optimum to use.
reception. A fully extended aerial is likely to be best
for Band III transmissions. You may find that that a
short extension is best for L-Band transmissions.

E-10
FM VH DA
B
F/F
An FM aerial is required to receive VHF radio signals. In weak signal areas, or for optimal FM radio reception, M
In strong signal areas, the supplied FM wire aerial can be a roof- or loft-mounted aerial is advised as this will give
superior reception.

English
used with reasonable results.
Connect the supplied aerial to the centre terminal of the In some areas, cable radio may be available or, in an
FM coaxial connector input on the rear panel of the unit. apartment building, a distributed aerial system may be
Experiment with the position of the aerial to get the best installed. In either of these cases you should have sockets
reception. in your home marked FM or VHF (do not use those
marked TV); these should be connected to the FM coaxial
connector on the rear of Solo Mini.

AM
An AM aerial is required to receive AM/medium wave

lo
radio signals, so a simple loop aerial is supplied as an Assembling the AM loop aerial
accessory. Follow the assembly instructions in the
adjacent diagram.
Make sure that the aerial is positioned well away from
Solo Mini itself, TVs, computers and other sources of RF
‘noise’. Rotate the aerial to discover which position gives
the best reception.
In weak signal areas, or when Solo Mini is in use inside

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a steel-framed building (such as an apartment building),
a wire between 3 and 5 metres long can be used to
strengthen reception. Mount this high up outside the
building (if possible) and connect one end of this wire to
the ‘AM’ part of AM aerial input, in addition to the loop 3. Connect the lead wires to the AM socket
1. Release the tie-wrap and unwind the

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aerial supplied (do not disconnect the AM loop aerial). at the rear of Solo Mini (the wires are
twisted lead. Fold the plastic stand 2. Push the tab into the open slot in the not polarised). Rotate the aerial’s stand
forward through the loop frame. base of the stand. Press until the tab until you obtain the best reception.
clicks home.

E-11
 Playing a CD Listening to radio
With Solo Mini switched on (blue light showing), gently Switching on the radio
insert a CD (label-side up) into the disc slot on the front CD Play modes
panel. Allow the disc to be drawn in by the motorised Press the FM or DAB/AM button on the remote-control to
playing rollers.
CD Default play mode.
Disc tracks are played back in sequential
cycle between tuner inputs.
Alternatively, press Source until the radio type that you
sounds If ‘CD AutoPlay’ is enabled, the CD plays immediately; if
disabled, the CD waits for a command from the remote
order.
Repeat disc.
wish to listen to (DAB, FM or AM) is displayed on the
front panel.
or top panel. (‘CD AutoPlay’ is set in the system menu – Rpt Disc
see page 16.) All tracks on the CD are played in order. Tune mode and Preset mode
After the last track has finished, playback
In addition to audio CDs, Solo Mini can play restarts from the first track. The Mode button toggles between the two ways of
MP3 and WMA audio files on a CD-R or CD-RW. selecting a station: Tune mode and Preset mode.
Rpt Trk Repeat track. In Tune mode, you can step through the frequency of the
Playback of the current track is repeated FM or AM band, either manually or automatically (see
Basic operation until cancelled. below) using the B or C buttons on the remote
< Press 4/; (remote: 4) to start playback.
control. Found DAB stations are cycled through in
< To directly access a track, press the track number Shuffle Shuffle all.
sequence in Tune mode.
on the numeric keypad of the remote. The tracks on the CD are played in a
< Press 4/; on the top panel or ; on the remote In Preset mode, you can cycle through stations that have
random order.
control to pause playback. To resume playback, been saved as presets, either sequentially (using the B
press 4/; on the top panel or 4 on the handset. Rpt Shuf Repeat shuffle. or C buttons on the remote control, or 0 or / on the
< Press the </1 button on the top panel or < on All the tracks on the CD are played in top panel); press ok to confirm in each case. Or you can
the remote control to stop playback. a random order. After every track on go straight to a particular preset station by pressing its
< To eject a disc, press 1 on the remote control, or the CD has been played once, playback number key on the remote.
press the </1 button on the top panel. restarts from the first track. Setting station presets
Skipping tracks Solo Mini provides for 30 FM station presets, 30 AM
To skip a track forwards or back, press / or 0. station presets and 10 DAB station presets.
When skipping back, the first button press takes you to To store a preset, first tune to the radio station you wish
the beginning of the current track. Pressing the button to store. To store the station into one of the presets 1–9,
again takes you to the start of the previous track. press and hold the appropriately numbered button on
the remote control until the ‘Saved to Preset nn’ message
Repeat and Shuffle play is displayed.
To change the play mode, use the mode button on the An alternative method, giving access to presets 10–30,
remote control. is to press menu to enter the system menu (see page
Press mode again to cycle through the various repeat 16). Navigate through the menu until ‘Store Preset’ is
and shuffle options. displayed. At this point, use the F and G buttons on the
remote control (0 or / on the top panel) to select the
preset number you wish to use for the currently tuned
station. Press ok to confirm and the ‘Saved to Preset nn’
message is displayed..
Note that saving a radio station into an already occupied
preset will cause it to be overwritten by the new one.
Your presets are retained when Solo Mini is disconnected
from the power supply.

E-12
DAB Playing tracks from a USB
DAB Setup
memory device Repeat and Shuffle play Disconnecting a USB device
The first time you select DAB as the source on a new Press the FRONT button on the remote control two To change the play mode, use the mode button on the To disconnect a USB device from Solo Mini, either put

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Solo Mini, you are prompted to scan for new stations. times. Alternatively, press the top panel Source button remote control. Solo Mini into Clock mode, or select a different source
Make sure you have an aerial installed, and confirm with until ‘USB’ is shown as the source. using the remote control (or the source button on
Press mode again to cycle through the various repeat
OK. Found stations are added automatically to a list of the top panel). After a short delay to allow any read
available stations when the scan is complete. ��� ������ and shuffle options.
operation to conclude, the USB device may be safely
You can scan for new stations at any time after the initial
������������������ ����������� ������ removed from the front panel.
scan. Select DAB as the source, then press the menu
Plug the USB memory device holding the audio tracks
���������� �����
button. Navigate through the menu options (see page
16) until ‘DAB Setup’ is displayed. There are two options into the USB socket on the front panel. Solo Mini can
In the example above, ‘Repeat all’ play mode is shown.
under this menu item – ‘Scan’ and ‘Erase settings’. play MP3 or WMA file formats.
The USB play modes available are listed in the following
Selecting ‘Scan’ adds new DAB stations to the list Browsing music table:
of available stations, but stations that are no longer Navigation through the audio tracks held on the device
transmitted are not erased. Over time, or if you change USB Play modes
depends on how the audio files have been organised into
location, this may lead to you having a number of stations folders and files. We recommend a fairly ‘flat’ organisation, USB Default play mode.
in your list that cannot actually be received. In this case, to simplify navigation. Tracks are played back in sequential order.
select ‘Erase settings’, then perform a new scan; when
the scan is complete, only stations that are currently Typically, there may be folders for ‘Genre’ (Classical, Rock,
USB RPT Repeat all.
receivable are shown. Jazz, etc.), ‘Artists’ or ‘Albums’. Files that are not stored
ALL All tracks on the USB device are played
inside a folder (i.e. ‘loose’ audio files) are treated as
though they were placed in a folder entitled ‘Songs’. in order. After the last track has finished,
AM/FM To navigate through folders, use the B or C buttons
playback restarts from the first track on
the device.
on the remote control (or 0 or / on the top panel).
Tune mode: Manual tuning To select a folder to browse, press OK on the remote USB RPT Repeat folder.
Press the B or C buttons on the remote control control. FDR Tracks in the current folder are played in
(or 0 or / on the top panel) for less than one second order. After the last track in the folder has
to select the desired tuning frequency. Manual tuning ���������� finished, playback restarts from the first
is useful for tuning to a known frequency, or if you are ���������� track in the folder.
trying to select a station that is too weak to capture by
automatic tuning. Once a folder containing audio files is selected, you USB RPT Repeat track.
can navigate through the files using the the B or C TRK Playback of the current track is repeated
Tune mode: Automatic tuning buttons on the remote control (or 0 or / on the top until cancelled.
Press the B or C buttons on the remote control (or panel). Song titles and Album titles (i.e. enclosing folder

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0 or / on the top panel) for longer than one second names) are normally displayed. USB SHF Shuffle all.
to engage automatic tuning. Solo Mini searches for a ALL Tracks on the device are played in
radio station signal of sufficient strength, then stops. To ���������� random order.
skip to the next station, press one of the buttons again. �������
Automatic tuning is available for both FM and AM. USB R F Repeat folder shuffle.
SHF Tracks in the current folder are played in
Playing music
a random order. After every track in the
Press 4 on the remote control (or 4/; on the top folder has been played once, playback
panel) to start playing the track. restarts from the first track.

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The display shows the track title (scrolling if necessary)
with the elapsed time and volume setting. You can toggle
the information displayed by pressing the INFO button.
USB R A Repeat all shuffle.
To skip a track, use the 0or / buttons on the remote SHF

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All the tracks on the USB device are
control or top panel.
played in a random order. After every
track on the device has been played once,
��� ������ playback restarts from the first track.
���������� �����

E-13
 General Solo Mini commands
Inserting batteries into the
remote control 2 Switches Solo between Clock mode and
On.

remote DISP Cycles the brightness of the front-panel

display. The brightness for clock mode
control may be set to a different value from the
normal power on mode.
Source Press the appropriate button to select the
1. Open the battery compartment by pressing the selection audio source you would like to hear: CD,
button on the back of the remote control. FM, DAB/AM, FRONT, TV, AV, GAME or TAPE.
Where DAB is fitted, press DAB/AM twice
to select AM.
Press FRONT twice to select USB.

F ,G Adjusts the amplifier volume.

B, C The B and C keys are used to

F ,G navigate the System menu, F and G to
and OK adjust the settings, together with the OK
2. Insert two ‘AAA’ batteries into the battery button (see pages 16).
compartment, following the polarity indications
given inside the compartment itself. - Press once to mute the speaker and
3. Push the battery cover back into position. pre-amp outputs of Solo Mini. Press for
a second time (or adjust the volume) to
unmute the unit.
MENU In ‘Clock mode’ (red light), the menu
button enters the Alarm setting menu
(see page 18). In ‘Power on’ mode (blue
Using the remote control light) Menu enters the System menu (see
page 16). Press the menu button for a
Please keep in mind the following when using the remote second time to leave the menu.
control:
< Ensure that there are no obstacles between the
remote control and the remote sensor on Solo
Mini. The remote has a range of about seven
meters.
< Remote operation may become unreliable if
strong sunlight or fluorescent light is shining on the
remote sensor of Solo Mini.
< Replace the batteries when you notice a reduction
in the operating range of the remote control.

E-14
CD commands (source is CD) Radio commands (source is FM, DAB or iPod commands (source is iPod) USB device commands (source is USB)
(Play) Start the playback of a CD.
AM) TAPE, OK Select ‘iPod’ as source, confirm with OK. Front, Select ‘USB Device’ as source.
4
1–9, 0 Number keys for selecting a preset Front
(Stop) Stop the playback of a CD. B, C Navigate through top-level iPod menus:
< station. To select a station preset greater

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Artists, Albums, Genres, Songs, B, C Navigate through levels of folders/sound
(Pause) Pause the playback of a CD. Press than 9, press and hold the first digit of
; Composers, Audiobooks, Podcasts, files on USB Device.
again (or press play) to re-start playback. the preset (e.g. 1) until ‘1–’ is shown, then
press the second digit. Make Selection and Playlists. Select a menu item, or play an item if at
OK or G
/ (Skip/Scan forwards) Press and release Select a menu item, or play an item if at the bottom level.
to skip to the beginning of the next >, ? In Preset mode, these keys step through OK or G
valid station presets. the bottom level. Navigates up one level in the menu
track. Press and hold the button to scan B, C F
In Tune mode and with an FM or AM Navigates up one level in the menu structure
forwards. F
source, these keys step up or step down structure Navigate within a selected iteml.
0 (Skip/Scan backwards) Press and release through frequency. Press and hold one
B, C
to skip back to the start of the current B, C Navigate within a selected item.
of these keys to search for stations by 4 Play selected item.
track. Press and release again to skip to scanning up or scanning down through
the start of the previous track. Press and 4 Play selected item.
the frequency band. < Stop playback.
hold the button to scan backwards. Stop playback.
INFO For FM sources, displays the RDS station < ; Pause playback.
1 (Eject) Press to eject a CD. name and RDS text (if available), signal
; Pause playback.
strength and frequency. /, 0 Skip one item forward, back
1–9,0 Number keys for track selection – Press
the number of the track that you want For DAB sources, cycles between scrolling INFO Cycles through different information INFO Cycles through different information
to hear. To select a track greater than 9, text, programme type, bit rate and signal displays of the item currently playing.
displays of the item currently playing.
press and hold the first digit of the track strength. MODE Press the mode button to cycle through
(e.g. 1) until ‘1–’ is shown, then press the
MODE Press the mode button to cycle through
Mode Toggles between Preset mode and Tune the iPod play modes:
second digit. the USB play modes:
mode. Repeat Track, Repeat All, Shuffle
Repeat All, Repeat Folder, Repeat
INFO Toggles the track time display from a Songs, Shuffle Albums and Shuffle
Track, Shuffle All, Repeat Shuffle
count-up to a count-down timer. Songs Repeat All.
Foldr, and Repeat Shuffle All.
MODE Press the mode button to cycle through
the repeat/shuffle modes for CD playback
(Repeat disc, Repeat track, Shuffle and
Repeat shuffle).

B, C When listening to music, the B and C

keys are used to increase or decrease the

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track number played.

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E-15
 Configuring the listening settings
Solo Mini allows you to adjust listening settings to suit ‘Power on’ mode
your taste, and to customise various system features.
Use the adjacent diagram to navigate through the items
system available.

menu With the unit switched on (blue light showing), press

Menu on the remote control. Now use the C and B
MENU

keys on the remote to move down and up the settings Right

Left
available. The F and G keys on the remote are used to ������������
adjust particular settings.
To leave the menu at any time, press Menu again. ��
–dB +dB
���������
� �
��
–dB +dB
� �����������
�
��
Balance FM Mode � �
Balance allows you to increase the volume of one (Applies only if source is FM.)
channel (left or right) relative to the other. Altering the In some weak signal areas, switching the FM tuner to � � Only if source is CD
balance may help to restore the stereo image for an off- ‘Mono’ can be of benefit, as mono requires a much lower ����������� �����������
centre listening position. signal strength to produce acceptable results. If the signal ������� ��� ��������
Bass strength in your area is good, leave FM Mode in ‘Stereo’.
� �Only if source is CD
and CD loaded
This setting increases or decreases the lower frequency DAB Setup
components of your music. (Applies only if source is DAB.)
Treble Selecting ‘Scan’ (confirm with OK) causes Solo Mini to � �Only
FM
if source is

This setting changes the relative volume of the higher search for new DAB stations. Found stations are added
frequency components of your music. automatically to the list of available stations. ���
Scanning for new stations does not erase stations that
Sleep Timer are no longer transmitted – over time, or if you change � �Only
DAB
if source is
This timer allows you to specify a listening period, after location, this may lead to you having stations in your list Erase list of stations
which the volume fades into the (silent) clock mode. (See that cannot be received. In this case, select ‘Erase settings’
page 17) (confirm with OK), then perform a new scan. When the OK ���
scan is complete, only stations that are currently available
CD AutoPlay Scan for available stations Only if source is
in your area are shown. OK
DAB, FM or AM
(Applies only if source is CD.)
Store/Erase Preset ��
This setting controls the handling of a CD inserted into –Preset +Preset
This allows you to store a radio station that you have Confirm preset
the front slot. If enabled, the CD plays immediately; if
tuned in to as a numbered preset (confirm with OK).
OK
� �
disabled, the CD waits for a command from the remote
The station can then be retrieved by pressing the preset
or top panel.
number on the remote. ��
Prog Confirm preset –Preset +Preset
In the same way, you can erase a particular numbered
(Applies only if source is CD and a CD is loaded.) preset (confirm with OK).
OK
� �
This feature allows you to programme the playing
iPod Option � � rLead only
order of CD tracks. Scroll left or right to highlight any
of the available tracks and press OK to transfer it to the (Applies to Tape input with rLead connected) �����������
�������� ��� �����������
�������
playback sequence. This allows you to Enable or Disable control of an iPod
when connected via an Arcam rLead (for rDock, this
feature is automatic).

E-16
 Setting the clock
When Solo Mini is in clock mode (Power light showing Time synchronization Sleep timer
red), press Menu to set the clock or alarms. For DAB radio with time synchronization set to ‘Auto’, This timer allows you to specify a listening period, after

English
clock/ Use the F and G buttons on the remote control to
select the item to change, then use the B and C
the clock will be synchronized to the broadcast time
when DAB radio is selected each day. The default value is
which the volume fades into the (silent) Clock mode.
The period can be set in 5-minute intervals, up to

alarm buttons to change the value.

For example, after pressing Menu to enter the clock/
‘Man’ (manual clock setting).
As clock synchronization is periodic, it is recommended
120 minutes (2 hours).
To set the sleep timer, press the Menu key on the remote
alarm setting menu, pressing up and down will change that the clock is set manually at times of daylight saving control to access the System menu (see page 16).
between setting the clock and setting one of the alarms. changes – especially if you need to use the alarm feature!

� 12hr Set 12/24 �Auto Clock � Earlier Set the hours

� 24hr hour clock �Manual synchronization � Later
�������������������� MENU
� �������������������� � �������������������� � ���������������� ����
� � ��������������������
� ��������������������
�
��������������������
�
��������������������
�
��������������������

MENU
�������������������� � �������������������� � �������������������� � �������������������� �
�������������������� �������������������� �������������������� ��������������������
� � � �
Exit to Confirm settings � Previous Set the day � Previous Set AM/PM �Earlier Set the minutes
time-of-day OK
� Next � Next (12hr only) �Later
display

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Setting the front panel clock
The procedure is shown on the diagram above, but the instructions are:
1. Power off the unit, using the top panel Power button, or the remote control 2
button. The light next to the top panel Power button glows red, showing that the

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unit is in Clock mode.
2. Press the remote control Menu button once.
3. Press B once to enter the Clock Set screen.
4. Press G to highlight 12HR or 24HR; toggle with the BC cursor keys.

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5. Press G to move to the hours; adjust with the BC cursor keys.
6. Press G to move to the minutes; adjust with the BC cursor keys.
7. Press G to move to set the day; adjust with the BC cursor keys. Retaining clock settings
8. Press G to move to Set? and confirm with OK. If Solo Mini is turned off at the mains supply, clock
Press the 2 (power) button to save and exit the menu. settings are retained for approximately four days. In
Clock mode, clock settings are retained indefinitely.

E-17
 Setting alarms
Solo Mini allows up to four different alarms to be set. Stopping or pausing an alarm
In this way, different users of Solo Mini can have their
Alarm timing
To enter ‘snooze’ mode, press the power button on the
personal alarm settings, or you could set up different front-panel or remote control; the alarm will resound Remember to set the time-of-day on the clock,
alarms for different circumstances (work and holiday after the set delay. To cancel the ‘snooze’ alarm, press the otherwise alarms will not work!
periods, for example). power button a second time.
Alarms can be set to be active or disabled by pressing Alternatively, press a source button on the remote
1 to 4 on the remote control. The respective alarms are control (or the source button on the top panel) to stop
toggled on or off. the alarm and switch Solo Mini to On mode.

� Off Set alarm � Earlier Set hours � Earlier Set minutes

Clock mode
� On On or Off � Later for alarm � Later for alarm
��������������������
MENU
� ������������������� ������������������� ������������������� �������������������
� ������������������ ������������������ ������������������ ������������������

������������������� ������������������� ������������������� �������������������

MENU
�������������������� ������������������ ������������������ ������������������
Exit to
time-of-day � Earlier Set Snooze time � Off Set alarm days � Select a signal source � Previous Set AM/PM
display � Later & Sat/Sun alarm � On On or Off � (DAB only where � Next (12hr only)
On or Off Alarms go off at the scheduled time fitted)
for selected days. In this example,
alarms are set to go off on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday.

E-18
 Pre-amplifier AM receiver
Inputs RF tuning range 522–1710kHz, in steps of 9kHz (UK)
Maximum input level 2.5Vrms 530–1710kHz, in steps of 10kHz (USA)

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technical Input impedance 47kΩ
531–1629kHz, in steps of 9kHz (Japan)

specification Signal/noise ratio 105dB

Number of AM presets
Signal/noise ratio (at 200mV)
30
40dB
Co-axial outputs
Distortion (THD at 30% modulation) 1.5%
Maximum output level 2.5Vrms
Output impedance 500Ω General
Amplifier Supply voltage* 100V, 115V or 230V AC,
depending on shipping region
Continuous power output, per channel, 80kHz measurement bandwidth
Power consumption Clock mode 4W
Both channels, 8Ω, 1kHz 25Wrms, 0.1% THD+n Operational 80W (typical), 250W
Distortion, both channels 8Ω, 80% 0.036% THD+n (maximum)
power, 1kHz Size (W x D x H) W230mm x D350mm x H90mm

CD playback Weight (net) 5.31kg

Weight (packed) 6.7kg
DAC Wolfson 24-bit multilevel Delta-Sigma DAC
Supplied accessories Mains lead
Frequency response (±0.5dB) 20Hz–20kHz Solo remote control handset and two AAA
batteries
DAB receiver (where fitted) Instruction manual and registration card
DAB/FM model: DAB Telescopic aerial, FM
RF tuning range 174–240MHz (Band III) dipole aerial and AM loop aerial,
1452–1490MHz (L-band) AM/FM model: FM dipole aerial and AM loop
Number of DAB presets 10 aerial

Sensitivity (typical) –98dBm (VHF measurement to EN50248) * In Japan, the supply voltage is 100V, 50–60Hz.

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Input impedance 50Ω E&OE. All specification values are typical unless otherwise stated.

Audio data rate (maximum) 256kbits/s MPEG layer II, protection level 3

FM receiver
RF tuning range 87.5–108MHz (Europe and USA)
77.5–108MHz (Japan)

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Number of FM presets 30
Sensitivity (typical) 2µV
Signal/noise ratio (at 200mV) 58dB

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Distortion (THD at 200mV) 0.5%

E-19
 Worldwide Guarantee
This entitles you to have the unit repaired free of charge, during the first two years after
purchase, at any authorised Arcam distributor provided that it was originally purchased
from an authorised Arcam dealer or distributor. The manufacturer can take no responsibility
product for defects arising from accident, misuse, abuse, wear and tear, neglect or through
unauthorised adjustment and/or repair, neither can they accept responsibility for damage or
guarantee loss occurring during transit to or from the person claiming under the guarantee.
The warranty covers:
Parts and labour costs for two years from the purchase date. After two years you must pay
for both parts and labour costs. The warranty does not cover transportation costs at any
time.

Claims under guarantee

This equipment should be packed in the original packing and returned to the dealer from
whom it was purchased, or failing this, directly to the Arcam distributor in the country of
residence.
It should be sent carriage prepaid by a reputable carrier – not by post. No responsibility
can be accepted for the unit whilst in transit to the dealer or distributor and customers are
therefore advised to insure the unit against loss or damage whilst in transit.
For further details contact Arcam at:
Arcam Customer Support Department,
Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, CAMBRIDGE, CB25 9QR, England
or www.arcam.co.uk.

Problems?
If your Arcam dealer is unable to answer any query regarding this or any other Arcam
product please contact Arcam Customer Support at the above address and we will do our
best to help you.

On-line registration
You can register your product on-line at www.arcam.co.uk.

E-20
SH201
Issue 1 A&R Cambridge Ltd, Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, CAMBRIDGE CB25 9QR, England