Music Hall Trio / Arcam Solo / etc.?

Hi Quidnunc,

Since you like NAD, they also have an all-in-one device. They call it either the L53 or L54, if memory serves me right. Check it out...it never hurts to have more options.

Personally I have only played with an Arcam Solo--I can't comment on the other units. The Solo has a lot of functionality packed into it and is very simple to setup and operate. If you are looking to hide the electronics in your room, these type of systems are a good choice.

-Sam

FWIW, NAD also has an L-70 all in one.

Thanks for the responses. I would still be curious to hear from anyone who is able to comment on the sound quality of these units.

The Music Hall is a pretty good deal. Nice sound on a par with good entry level electronics (e.g. currently available NAD, Cambridge and Music Hall's own gear), and all in one box. It will not knock you out, but might sound a little smoother, more detailed and with better bass definition than your older NAD gear. I listened to this through little Epos speakers and liked it.

The Arcam Solo is a very classy little rig, better sounding than the Music Hall, but in this case the sound probably not exceeding the level of its looks or list cost. I would say the performance is closer to mid level NAD or Cambridge gear (that would cost about the same as the Arcam for a new stack of integrated amp, CDP and tuner). For example, I listened to a Solo at length with the very good B&W 705's and it sounded great, clear highs and smooth midrange. Bass was adequate. But played through the more expensive and revealing B&W 805's the unit started to show some rough edges and it had trouble driving these excellent speakers to their full capacity. Good speaker matching could provide a very enjoyable system for about $2k-$3k.

I listened to the NAD L53 (2.1 home theater system) and it sounded like NAD entry level electronics, which is pretty good. It was playing through Era Design 5's and B&W CM1's which are both probably too much speaker for this little amp to drive properly - so I would not call this a fair listen. This unit or its successor can be found online used or as a discontinued model for less than $400. It has now been replaced by the VISO TWO DVD/CD Receiver which is super slick looking and probably sounds at least as good as the L53.

Hope that helps.