The rCube is Arcam’s most bold product yet. The results of around 5 years ‘ research and development, it hopes to bring hi-fi quality sound to a compact and movable speaker dock. The rCube’s sealed construction augments the bass, giving it a rather more natural sound than a rear-facing bass port would permit. The woofers are positioned back-to-back so they do not shake the unit, and the tweeters are angled about 5 degrees to give the audio a breadth that disputes the dock’s comparatively little size. Available in black or white, the top and bottom sections have the same finish as an iPhone, with a material cover enwrapping all 4 sides. Metal grilles add rigidity. As well as mains power, it has got an inbuilt chargeable battery that lasts around 6 or 7 hours. A hatch covering the 30-pin dock doubles as a carry handle, and also as a back rest for your iOS device no Universal Dock Adapters are required. You may also stream your music from your Mac or iPod to up to 8 rCubes, using a discretionary 30-pin dongle or USB stick ( sold singly ). Wireless streaming is based upon the Kleer system for ‘lossless ‘ quality. For £500 you would expect a stellar sound, and the rCube delivers. It is extremely detailed and well integrated, particularly the bass, which is clear and well outlined.
Sony Mini Hi-Fi with iPod Dock
I was small distrustful when i read that it used only 50w rms for a hifi product as I needed a small punchy sound. This small player does precisely that. The sound is really clear. Good high and mids. The lows are better than anticipated that for the size. The DAB sounds great ( Perhaps i got a good reception ).
The ipods work well. I got the fourth gen ipod touch and the menus may be simply controlled by the remote. There had been one other thing, I would have liked to write about. When i started the product for the 1st time, connecting all of the parts, it staretd nicely, played the ipod, sounded great. Then i disconnected the ipod and turned the product off from the mains. After that it just wouldnt start. The single thing i could see was the red standby light flashing off and on. I attempted everything and ultimately saw that manual related that if this occurs, there might be fault and you want to contact the dealer. I couldnt believe my luck. What the heck, i open the key player ( studied out for any stickers that would void my guaranty ) and soundly pushed all of the wires ( bus interfaces ) within. There were about twelve different such points. And viola, it started. I thought there should be some interface fault and the read flashing standby light must just imply that the power-on self test failed or something.
Happy it started, that doubtless saved lots of calls and packing costs! I googled for this fault before opening the player but couldnt find anything, so wished to share this experience.
Perhaps my situation was simply an one off. I often trust sony products. Otherwise it a fantastic product, absolutely excellent value!