Thinking of getting a new hi fi but as I haven't bought any equipment in over 12 years need some suggestions. Anyone got an Arcam Solo and think it's any good? What about something which stores music on a hard drive or is an ipod (got) + dock (not got) best?

I would sugest going into a hi-fi specialist shop that is trustworthy, usually an independant & getting advice from them. posssibly doing a search on internet for recomendations too. (Past) Freelander 2 HSE 2010 MY In Rimini Red.
(Past) RR Evoque Dynamic Lux Si4 In Firenze Red.
(Past) RR Evouque Pure Tech in Barollo Black with bespoke Firenze Red colour coding.
(Present) Freelander Metropolis 2015 MY In Santorini Black with Ivory Premium Leather.

Have a look at www.jkavonline.co.uk/

Owned by Kaine over on RRSport Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Cant go wrong with Technics HI Fi equipment, i have had my set up for over 5 years and it still sounds the dogs . Not cheap but you get what you pay for

Buy British!! Still amongst the best in the World. The Japanese love our stuff.

I've got an Arcam, i think their CD players are really good value for money.

As regards music storage, i use my Sony Hard Disk recorder that i also use for TV, photo's etc.
It doesn't have the 'bite' of my Arcam CD player so i don't use it for really serious listening but for general use it's fine.
My mate went out and bought some Technics stuff before he heard mine. Says his is going in the bin since he heard mine!
My Mum has a Leak tuner, made in the late 50's (not my Mum!). It sounds superb, wonderful.
You don't have to spend a fortune getting a good sound; plenty of good British stuff around and in my experaince it'll last for years. My pre/power amps are a good 25 years old and i wouldn't change 'em for the World.