ARCAM announces that its SA30 and Solo Uno models deliver comprehensive support for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated). The SA30 is the flagship two-channel engine and comes equipped with incredible levels of specification, including 120W of Class G amplification, Dirac Live room correction technology, HDMI ARC, and wireless music streaming. The Solo Uno enables support for popular streaming systems, including Apple AirPlay2, Google Chromecast, Roon, and UPnP, as well as the compact build, sleek looks and ‘just add speakers’ convenience that the Solo range is known for delivering – in spades.
Both the SA30 and Solo Uno feature a full MQA decoder, enabling the user to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording in the highest possible quality. At this level of playback, the ARCAM machines fully unfold the MQA file, performing precise file and platform-specific DAC compensation and management, and unveil precisely what the artists created in the studio. SA30 and Solo Uno owners can subscribe to streaming services, including TIDAL HiFI and its Masters recordings, to fully utilise the MQA decoding ability and maximise audio performance.
Commenting on the announcement, Scott Campbell, Director of Sales and Marketing at ARCAM, said: “At ARCAM we take care to only implement features that will genuinely enhance the user experience – we’re don’t look to ‘tick a spec box’. The ability to fully decode MQA files, including TIDAL Masters recordings, means that music fans get the chance to hear music just as the artist intended, and we’re fully on-board with that.”
“It’s great to see MQA’s technology being implemented into ARCAM’s line-up,” said Bob Stuart, MQA Founder. “ARCAM is one of the world’s most respected makers of hi-fi and home cinema systems and has a history of expertly integrating technologies to benefit its customers, so this feels like a natural fit.”
To deliver the latest level of MQA decoding, the SA30 should be running Software V705 and the Solo Uno should be running V643 Unit Software.