difference between ARQ1 & ARQ2

ARQ1 was the original MP3 server product from Request Multimedia ( http://www.request.com ), released almost 2-1/2 years ago. Something like $899 retail, sold mostly direct online from Request. It had a nice TV/video interface, and you could easily add a bigger hard disk yourself. Sonically, though, the ARQ1 was a piece of crap. Inside it's just a generic ATX/Celeron motherboard, using its cheap onboard AC97 sound chip. It was ok for background music, but not for any critical listening.


But then after a year, Request decided they made a mistake selling to "normal" consumers. They switched gears, discontinued the ARQ1, jacked up the price 300%, and called it the ARQ2. They now sell only thru high-end, high-margin "custom A/V installers". The ARQ2 product line claims to have better sound, including digital output.


Looks like a nice solution, if you have an unlimited budget, and need a multi-zone MP3 system for your million-dollar yacht. I think their current product line starts at $2500 and goes up to $25,000.

Worth mentioning with regards to the ARQ is that Request has proven to be very supportive of existing ARQ1 users - the software is updated all the time and available free of charge to all users. Examples include two-way PocketPC control through (wireless) LAN, FLAC support and album artwork. There's a discussion forum in which Request managers and engineers participate and where users' suggestions are taken seriously.


I have an ARQ1 which I bought through eBay one year ago for about $500; I recently bought a second one at eBay for less than $200, which will allow my to play my entire MP3 collection in my bedroom to and to have a fully synchronised backup of everything without any hassle. The $200 was really lucky, average price is about 500$ - but they're hard to find.


The ARQ1 is easily upgradeable using standard PC components. Getting a speedier CPU (e.g. Celeron 700), 128MB of RAM and a quiet, larger capacity HD really make it more useful. By upgrading like this, you're basically up to ARQ2 specs - with the lack of digital audio output as the main thing missing, but at a fraction of the cost.


Request sees the ARQ1 user community as an interesting testbed for their high end products, an attitute which I really appreciate - for $1000 for two ARQ1's including all upgrades I have a multizone MP3 audio system that's very easy to use and control, regularly gains new features and lets me listen to music (again) I somehow wouldn't bother to load in my CD player.


IMO, if you don't mind opening a PC up and can handle a HD upgrade, the ARQ1 is great value - if you find one, that is. If you want a no-hassle solution and optimal sound quality, Requests current products will be more appropriate - at a price.

Don't know if it matters, but I talked to the techies at Request. They said it is pretty easy to swap out hard disks. I think one of the advantages of the ARQ1 is it is easier to do. As I recall the pricing is HD size based.


Also doesn't the ARQ2 come with the loseless reqcording?


Personally, I never bought either of these because it would be so much cheaper just to build one yourself.


JMHO

BigRed