Arcam A22, P25 Owners Manual

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PEMBROKE AVENUE, DENNY INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, WATERBEACH, CAMBRIDGE CB5 9PB, ENGLAND

TELEPHONE: 44+(0) 1223 203203 FAX: 44+ (0) 1223 863384 e-mail: support@arcam.co.uk www.arcam.co.uk

ISSUE 1

Integrated Amplifier Power Amplifier DAVE Amplifier MARC Amplifier

SH080E

Thank you for choosing ARCAM

FOUR MODELS

This Handbook covers 4 different models, as follows:

An integrated amplifier

A power amplifier

The DAVE (Digital Audio Video Entertainment) amplifier

The MARC (Multi Area Remote Control) amplifier

IMPORTANT NOTES

SAFETY

There are 19 safety items, set out on page 25 of this Handbook. For your own safety, and to ensure that your amplifier works properly, we strongly recommend that you read them.

SOUND CUTS OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON

If the temperature of the internal heatsinks rises above a safe level, then a thermal cut out inside the amplifier will operate. The POWER INDICATOR on the front panel will turn orange and the protection system will temporarily remove the power to the speakers.The system will reset itself as the heatsinks cool down.

When playing a heavily recorded CD it is possible to drive the A22 at full power despite the fact that the volume is not at maximum. This is because of the high output voltage from a CD player.

AMPLIFIER DOESN’T SWITCH BACK ON

All amplifiers have a 'protection mechanism' which will be activated if you switch the unit on again immediately after turning it off.The mechanism may stop it being turned back on. If the mechanism activates, wait 30 seconds, then try again.

CONTENTS

For ease of use, this handbook has been divided into 4 sections.

Integrated amplifier

Power amplifier

DAVE (Digital Audio Video Entertainment) amplifier

MARC (Multi Area Remote Control) amplifier

Each of the sections has a short introduction to the product, followed by an 'User Guide' which is primarily for users who have had their system installed by their dealer or supplier. Following the 'User Guide' is a section describing 'Advanced Features' (depending on the complexity of the product). Finally for customers wishing to set up their own system, a section called 'Setting Up'.

Integrated amplifier

User Guide 4 Using the Remote Control Handset 5 Advanced features 6 Setting up 7-8 Bi-wiring your speakers 9 Bi-amping 10

Power amplifier

User Guide 11 Setting up 12

Integrated and Power amplifiers - Technical Specifications 13

DAVE amplifier (HOME THEATRE MODULE)

User Guide 14 Setting up 15-19 Advanced features 20 Remote Control Handset 21

MARC amplifier (MULTI AREA MODULE)

User Guide 22-23 Advanced Features 24

Safety Guidelines 25 Guarantee 26

Integrated amplifier - User Guide

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A22 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

POWER

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Integrated amp - Using the Remote Control

Circled numbers in the text, e.g.7, refer to the numbers on the pictures. If your integrated amplifier HAS NOT been installed for you, you should read the section entitled ‘Setting up’ before using the ‘User Guide’.

INTRODUCTION

A microprocessor is at the heart of the amplifier. It performs several important functions. It switches the amplifier on or off from standby mode and mutes the two sets of speakers individually as well as the pre-amp output. It is also responsible for the remote bus and infra red remote input. Parameters can be selected, and displayed, on the built in graphic display enabling easy set up of the amplifier and simple source selection. In addition, the amplifier uses LED markers to indicate the primary source which is in use. In addition to a full suite of audio line level inputs, there is also a high quality optional MM/MC phono stage.To protect your amplifier, the microprocessor monitors the heatsink temperature and RF content of the speaker outputs. In the event of the amplifier being over driven, it can activate the automatic speaker protection circuits and it can report fault conditions to the main display.

IN USE

POWER

Switches the unit on and off.The unit can also be switched into ‘standby’ by use of the remote control handset.

POWER INDICATOR

This will initially glow amber. After a few seconds, it will glow green. When the indicator glows amber, the speakers are disconnected and an internal protection circuit is activated. The power indicator will turn red if the unit has been put into standby mode by use of the remote control. Under certain conditions the power indicator may flash and a fault condition will be shown on the display happens you should unplug the mains lead of the unit and leave the unit for a few minutes before re-connecting. If the fault condition persists unplug and contact your Arcam dealer.

SP1

Selects or de-selects the main (upper) pair of speakers. Push the button in to select.

SP2

Selects or de-selects the secondary (lower) pair of speakers. Push the button in to select. Important note: If both switches are turned off the amplifier will appear not to work, as all speakers will be switched off!

. If this

VOLUME

Adjusts the volume level of the loudspeakers, pre-amp out and headphones.The volume can also be controlled with the Remote Control Handset. As the volume knob is not motorized the knob will not move when adjusted remotely. If you spin the knob quickly it will not change the volume. This is to prevent accidentally setting the volume too high.

NOTE ON VOLUME CONTROL SETTINGS

It is important to realise that the position of the volume control is not an accurate indication of the power delivered to your loudspeakers. The amplifier will often deliver its full power long before the volume control reaches its maximum position particularly when listening to heavily recorded compact discs. However the amplifier also has to be capable of giving full power output from much lower level sources, such as tuners and cassette decks. Using these sources, the volume control setting may be much higher before distortion (audible

overload) sets in.

BALANCE

Press CONTROL desired balance, then press CONTROL again to fix the balance you have selected.

CONTROL

This button cycles (or steps) through the functions that can be controlled by the volume knob.This can be either volume (the default setting) or balance. If you have a DAVE or MARC, there are several other functions. Refer to those sections of this handbook.

ENTERTAINMENT (SOURCE) SELECTORS

These buttons select the source (i.e. Radio (TUNER), Compact Disc (CD) etc. you wish to listen to.

REMOTE RECEIVER

The remote receiver is behind the FMJ badge. Make sure the remote receiver is not covered or signals from the Remote Control Handset will not be received.

HEADPHONES SOCKET

Accepts headphones rated between 8 ohms and 2k ohms fitted with a headphones only, use SPl and SP2 (if necessary) to mute the speakers.The headphone socket is always active.

/4” stereo jack plug. If you wish to listen on

, turn the volume knob to the

If you have an integrated amplifier or MARC amplifier, you will have a Remote Control similar to the one shown below. This CR-389 Remote Control gives access to all functions available on the front panel of FMJ amplifiers. It also has controls to operate Arcam CD players, AM/FM tuners andDAB tuners. The Remote Control transmits Philips RC-5 type codes.

TUNER

These buttons are used to control tuner functions. Note that the FM/DAB lights indicate into which mode you are switching the remote control.The lights only illuminate for five seconds to conserve battery power. If neither light is illuminated this does not mean that the remote control is not working!

OTHER AMPLIFIER FUNCTIONS

Note that greyed-out buttons on the remote control diagram are of use with other Arcam amplifiers.

SOURCE SELECTION BUTTONS

These operate in the same way as the source selectors on the front panel of your integrated amplifier.

Don’t forget to fit the two AAA batteries supplied and ensure they are inserted correctly into the back of the remote control before using it.

The Remote Control sends a message to an infrared receiver which is located behind the FMJ badge on the front of the amplifier. Do not place anything in front of the badge or the Remote Control may not work.

DAVE REMOTE CONTROL

If you have a DAVE amplifier, you will have the the CR9000 Remote Control as shown in the DAVE amplifier section of this handbook.That Remote Control allows you to operate the integrated amplifier plus some basic functions of an Arcam or Philips based CD player or Tuner.

POWER/STANDBY

Toggles the amplifi er between standby mode and full power mode.The power indicator light next to the power button on the front panel is red if the amplifier is in standby, amber while the amplifier is powering up (this only takes a few seconds) and green when the amplifier is powered up.

SP1 AND SP2

These buttons allow you to select and deselect the main(SP1) and secondary (SP2) sets of speakers attached to your amplifier (see page 4).

DISP

Cycles through the settings ‘Bright’, ‘Off ’ and ‘Dim’.Turning the display ‘Off ’ generally gives a slight improvement in sound quality.

VOLUME AND (MUTE)

Press ‘+’ to increase volume or ‘–’ to decrease the output volume of the amplifier.

Press ‘ ‘ to mute the speaker connections and preamp outputs. Both tape outputs and the headphone socket remain active. Mute is disabled either by pressing ‘ ‘ again, or by adjusting the volume.

CD CONTROLS

These offer basic controls of Arcam CD players, such as the FMJ CD23.

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A22 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

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Integrated amp - Advanced features

IN USE

TAPE RECORDING

Note:The integrated amplifier must be fully powered up in order to record. Both sets of tape sockets are identical in sensitivity and suitable for use with almost any type of recorder (cassette, hi-fi VCR, reel to reel, DAT, etc.) The entertainment source selected (i.e. Radio (TUNER), Compact Disc (CD) etc. will automatically be the signal you record (and is sent to both the VCR and PROCESSOR RECORD output sockets) unless you select another source. To select another source, press RECORD.The display will first show 'RECORD SOURCE'. Select an alternative input by pressing the appropriate button, (i.e. Radio (TUNER), Compact Disc (CD) etc.Your selected choice will show in the display.The display will indicate the selected recording option for a few seconds and then revert back to showing the volume bar graph. Press ‘RECORD’ twice to go back to 'RECORD SOURCE'. If you are using the TAPE 1 sockets in processor mode.The signal selected will not go to both the VCR and PROCESSOR RECORD output sockets but go to the VCR/TAPE 2 instead.This RECORD button can also be used as a ‘second zone’ selector, sending (a source signal at line level) to a second amplifier operating in another room in the house.

TAPE TO TAPE COPYING (DUBBING)

The integrated amplifier allows two way tape dubbing from TAPE 2 to TAPE 1 but NOT TAPE 1 to TAPE 2. For example, to copy from a cassette recorder connected to the VCR/TAPE 2 sockets to a cassette recorder connected to TAPE 1, first use the RECORD selector integrated amplifier to select 'RECORD :VCR'.This routes the TAPE 2 signal to TAPE l’s output.Then set the tape recorder connected to TAPE 1 sockets into its ‘record’ mode and the other to ‘playback’ mode to enable the transfer to take place. If you wish to monitor the transfer while it is taking place select TAPE using the TAPE1/PROCESSOR button

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MODE & CONFlRM

These buttons are only for use with optional modules such as the DAVE or MARC amplifiers. They have no function on their own in normal use on the basic integrated amplifier although MODE can be used to select processor mode, as described below.

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PROCESSOR/TAPE 1

This is tape loop to monitor a recording made on a 3 head cassette deck. It can also be used to connect to an external surround decoder such as the Arcam Xeta 2. Selecting this input overrides the other source selectors To play back or to monitor the recording from a cassette deck attached to the PROCESSOR/TAPE 1 input press the processor button For use with an external processor the A22 can be put into processor mode by first selecting PROC and then whilst holding in the MODE button button of 'TAPE'. If the processor you are using is an Arcam Xeta 2 then press the PROC button again while holding in the MODE button so that 'PRO2' is displayed.

The volume level of the integrated amplifier will now be fixed so that you can use the volume control of the external processor as a master volume control. Using the volume or mute buttons on the remote handset or the front panel control knob will have no effect whilst in processor mode.The unit will return to processor mode whenever

Once in 'PRO2' mode the AV,TAPE 1,VCR and DVD buttons on the CR235 remote control will have no effect. This is because the Xeta 2 will also respond to these Remote Control codes and switch to the wrong input. If you want to change the input back for use as a normal tape input hold the MODE button in and press the PROCESSOR button until ‘TAPE’ appears on the display.

CAUTION: Do not set the integrated amplifier in processor mode if you have a cassette deck or other line level source attached to the PROCESSOR/TAPE 1 input.This is because selecting processor mode input will send a fixed volume signal straight into the power amplifier which could damage your loudspeakers.

NOTE: If you are using the integrated amplifier with an external processor, via the PROCESSOR/TAPE 1 loop you must set the volume of the integrated amplifier so that you can see at least one segment of the volume level bar graph before switching to the PROCESSOR input. If you fail to do this you will not hear any sound from the speakers attached to the integrated amplifier.To obtain a sound again, reselect another input eg CD and turn the volume up slightly. Then reselect the PROCESSOR input.

again.The display will now show 'PRO' in place

.‘TAPE’ is shown on the display.

is pressed.

press the PROC

Integrated amp - Setting up

CONNECTING TO A POWER SUPPLY

CAUTION

Your amplifier generates heat in use. It is therefore most important to ensure adequate ventilation and not to obstruct the ventilation slots on the top of the unit as this could cause overheating.

WRONG PLUG ?

If the plug supplied with the amplifier does not fit your power supply, see the section entitled ‘Safety Guidelines’ for changing a plug, or contact your dealer to obtain a suitable power cord.

Check that your mains supply voltage agrees with the voltage setting indicated on the rear panel of the amplifier at

If your mains supply voltage is different, consult your Arcam dealer or Arcam Customer Support on 01223 203203.

PLUGGING IN

Push the plug (IEC line socket) of the cable supplied with the amplifier, into the socket amplifier. Make sure it is pushed in firmly. Push the plug on other end of the cable into your power supply socket.

(POWER INLET) in the back of the

IEC LINE SOCKET

CONNECTING TO LOUDSPEAKERS

Your amplifier is fitted with loudspeaker terminals, to BFA, (British Federation of Audio) standard specification.

LOUDSPEAKER TERMINALS

The terminal will accept spade terminals, bare wires or a BFA plug. BFA plugs are available from your Arcam dealer. To connect a bare wire or spade terminal unscrew the red (or black) part of the loudspeaker terminal first. Insert the wire or spade terminal and screw it back up.

Do not over tighten the loudspeaker terminals or use a wrench, pliers, etc., as this could cause damage to the terminals which will not be covered under warranty.

Connect the right hand speaker to the terminals on the back of your amplifier marked R and the left speaker to the terminals marked L.

Connect your loudspeakers so that the red (positive/+) terminal on each loudspeaker is connected to the red (positive/+) terminal on the amplifier. Your loudspeaker cables may be marked to show polarity (negative/- and positive/+), if not, then the positive terminal can usually be identified by a ridge or coloured marking.

Now connect your loudspeaker’s black (negative/-) terminals to the black (negative/-) terminal on the amplifier.

Ensure that no stray strands of inner wires are allowed to touch another cable or the amplifier’s casing. This can cause a short circuit and damage your amplifier! Two pairs of speakers may be connected at the same time provided each pair is rated between 8 and 16 ohms. If one or both pairs have an impedance of less than 8 ohms, the combined load ‘seen’ by the amplifier will fall below 4 ohms and could cause an overload. The overload protection circuit will engage and the amplifier will not work.

RIGHT SPEAKER

LEFT SPEAKER

+ R –

+ L –

4 16 OHMS

SP2

SP1

+ R -+ L -

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POWER INLET

PHONO OPTION

PROC/TAPE1

PLAY

RECORD

OUT

RLR

PRE OUT

GAIN

NORMAL

LOW

PWR IN

VCR/TAPE2

PLAY

RECORD

OUT

DVD AV TUNER CD

AUX

CONTROL

OUT

REMOTE

Integrated amp - Setting up

+ HF –

+ LF –

+ HF –

+ LF –

–

+ HF –

+ LF –

–

+ HF –

Continued

Bi-wiring your speakers

CONNECTING TO OTHER EQUIPMENT

The use of high quality interconnect cables to and from your integrated amplifier is recommended to ensure the best sound quality (sonic performance). The sockets carrying messages from your integrated amplifier are marked L (left) and R (right), for identification. Sockets marked L on your integrated amplifier should be connected to sockets marked L on other equipment. All the line inputs (not PHONO) have the same sensitivity and may be used with equipment other than that labelled, if you need to do so.

PROCESSOR/TAPE 1 RECORD OUT

Connect this output to the input sockets of your tape deck (RECORD) or the tape or line input sockets of your AV processor.

PROCESSOR/TAPE 1 PLAY IN

Connect this input to the output sockets of your tape deck (PLAY) or the tape or line output sockets of your AV processor.

VCR/TAPE 2 RECORD OUT

Connect this output to the input sockets of your tape deck (RECORD).

VCR/TAPE 2 PLAY IN

Connect this input to the output sockets of your tape deck (PLAY).

DVD

Connect this input to the audio outputs of a DVDplayer.

Connect this input to the audio outputs of an Audio-Visual product such as a VCR, Laserdisc player or Nicam tuner.

TUNER

Connect this input to the audio outputs of your radio tuner.

Connect this input to the audio outputs of your CD player

or DAC (digital to analogue convertor).

AUX

Connect this input to the audio outputs of any unit with a line level output, eg. tape deck, tuner etc. Please note:The AUX inputs MUSTNOTbe used if the phono module is fitted.When the phono module is fitted AUX becomes an output carrying the equalised phono signal at line level.

Bi-wiring improves the sound of your system because it divides the high and low frequency signal currents into separate speaker cables.This avoids signal distortions arising from the high and low frequency currents interacting with one another within a single cable, as in conventionally wired systems.

YOU WILL NEED Speakers which have four terminals (connection points for

wires) on the back of each one. That’s eight in total. If you have four terminals on each speaker they will be marked HF (High frequency) and LF (Low Frequency).

Loudspeaker cables

PHONO OPTION - Please note:The phono inputs are on a separate plug-in module which your Arcam dealer or distributor can supply and fit.This module is compatible with most high output moving coil and moving magnet cartridges (MM) and low output moving coil cartridges (MC). MM or MC is selected via an internal switch.Your cartridge type should be specified when the module is fitted.

For connecting a turntable fitted with a high output moving coil or a moving magnet (MM) cartridge.

For connecting a turntable fitted with a low output moving coil (MC) cartridge.

GROUND TERMINAL

For connecting your turntable earth lead (if fitted).

REMOTE CONNECTION

These connections are for use in multi-room installations. In normal use there is no need to make any connections to these sockets. If you are biamping with an Arcam power amplifier see section ‘Remote Switching’ for details of how to power both units on/off simultaneously.

GAIN

This switch allows you to change the sensitivity of the amplifier to match the gain when biamping to external power amp.The normal position is suitable for use when biamping with Arcam power amplifiers. The low gain position is suitable for certain specialist home theatre systems. Before making any connections ensure that all equipment is switched off at the mains wall socket.

PRE/POWER CONNECTIONS

PWR AMP IN - To use your integrated amplifier just as a power amplifier, connect the output of your pre-amplifier to the PWR AMP IN sockets.The integrated amplifier’s internal selector switch must be changed to disconnect the pre-amp stages of the unit. Contact your dealer or Arcam for more details. Under these circumstances it has exactly the same specification and performance as an Arcam power amplifier. PRE-AMP OUT - To use your integrated amplifier as a preamplifier, connect the PRE-AMP OUT sockets to the input sockets of your power amplifier.With a power amplifier of the correct gain (e.g. An Arcam P25) this allows you to bi-amplify ('bi-amp') suitable loudspeakers,

giving significant improvements in sound quality (see section on BI-WIRING/ BI-AMPING).

Two pairs of loudspeaker cables per loudspeaker (which may be joined at the amplifier end if your amplifier only has one pair of output terminals per channel). Or, a suitably terminated cable set (group of bound cables, probably prepared by your dealer) capable of being used for bi-wiring in one length.

WARNING

Do not make any connections to your amplifier while it is switched on or connected to the mains supply. Please check all connections thoroughly, make sure bare wires or cables are not touching the amplifier in the wrong places (shorts) and you have connected positive (+) to positive (+) and negative (-) to negative (-)before attempting to re-connect the mains power supply. Always ensure that the volume control on your amplifier is set to a minimum before switching on.

HOW TO BI-WIRE LOUDSPEAKERS

1. Remove the wire clips or bars which connect the pairs of terminals together (terminal links) on each of the red and black terminals on the rear of your loudspeakers.

THIS IS ESSENTIAL OR DAMAGE TO YOUR AMPLIFIERS MAY RESULT WHICH IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.

2. Connect the cables as shown in one of the pictures opposite, dependant on the cables and the number of free amplifier terminals you have, ensuring correct polarity at all times. The positive (+) terminals on the right loudspeaker must go to the positive (+) terminals on the right of the amplifier and the negative (-) terminals on the right loudspeaker must go to the negative (-) terminals on the right of the amplifier etc.

SHOWN BELOW IS THE BI-WIRING CONFIGURATION USING ONE SET OF SPEAKER CONNECTIONS ON THE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER.

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

RIGHT SPEAKER

If you are using one pair of bi-wireable speakers and another pair that is not, you should connect your bi-wireable speakers as shown above, to just one set of the amplifier terminals. This leaves the second set of terminals to connect the non bi-wireable speakers to.

SHOWN BELOW IS THE BI-WIRING CONFIGURATION USING BOTH SETS OF SPEAKER CONNECTIONS ON THE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER.

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

RIGHT SPEAKER

LEFT SPEAKER

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