A<
Cambridge
>1RCAM^LPHA
INTEGRATED STEREO AMPLIFIER
OWNERS' HANDBOOK
Intr odu ction
The Arcam Alpha integrated stereo amplifier
has been designed to provide a combination of
high quality sound reproduction and
sophisticated styling.
The amplifier has five svwitchable inputs
accepting signals from a turntable (fitted with a
moving magnet or high output moving coil
cartridge), a tuner, a compact disc player, a
video sound output and a tape recorder. It
provides outputs for a pair of loudspeakers
and for headphones, and low level signals
suitable for recording on to tape. Although
designed for simplicity of operation the Alpha
has comprehensive tone control facilities which
enable good results to be obtained with a wide
variety of programme material.
Mains con nec tion
Check that the amplifier voltage setting as
indicated on the back panel is the same as the
local mains supply.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in'
accordance with the following code:
GREEN AND YELLOW
BLUE
...................................
BROWN........................................LIVE
AS THE COLOURS OF THE WIRES IN THE
MAINS LEAD MAY NOT CORRESPOND WITH
THE COLOURED MARKINGS IDENTIFYING
THE TERMINALS IN YOUR PLUG PROCEED
AS FOLLOWS:
The wire which is coloured GREEN AND
YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in
the plug which is marked by the letter E or by
the safety earth symbol or coloured
GREEN or GREEN AND YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be
connected to the terminal which is marked by
the letter N or coloured BLACK or BLUE.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be
connected to the terminal which is marked by
the letter L or coloured RED or BROWN.
If the mains plug is fused fit a 5A fuse.
...........
NEUTRAL
EARTH
Rea r panel co nne ctions
Connect the system together as shown in the
diagram. All inputs and tape outputs are via
RCA phono connectors.
The disc input is suitable for moving magnet
and high output moving coil cartridges.
The CD input is specifically designed to match
CD players and so has a lower sensitivity than
the other line inputs.
The CD and VIDEO inputs may also be used as
general purpose inputs for sources with a
suitable line level output - e.g. a second tape
recorder.
Lou dspeaker outputs
The outputs are suitable for driving
loudspeakers in the range 4-16 ohm
impedance.
The loudspeaker sockets accept the 4mm
plugs provided. The upper three terminals are
for the left hand speaker and the lower three for
the right hand speaker. One side of the speaker
(normally the - side) should be connected to
the centre (black) terminal; the other, (the +
side) may be connected to either the direct or
the switched terminal (both red). When the
“direct” output is used, loudspeakers and
headphones may be used together; when the
"switched" output is used, insertion of the
headphones will automatically turn off the
loudspeakers.
Lou dspeaker fuses
These are 2.0 amp fast blow 20mm x 5mm
diameter fuses. They may blow if the amplifier
is:
- run continuously at very high level into the
correct loudspeaker load
- run at high level into a loudspeaker of too lo'w
an impedance (less than 4 ohms)
- run into a short circuit
They are user-replaceable and two spares are
provided. However, if they blow consistently in
the absence of any of the above conditions
please consult your dealer.
To remove a fuse from its holder simply push
in, twist 1/4 turn anticlockwise and pull the fuse
out.
DO NOT replace with a fuse of greater value
than 2.0 amps (or with a “slow blow” or “anti
surge” fuse) since this will endanger the
amplifier and your loudspeakers and invalidate
your guarantee.
Fro nt p anel controls
From left to right the controls are:
1 Input
The input selector switch selects which input
signal is fed to the loudspeakers and
headphones. The selected signal is also fed to
the "tape out" sockets.
2 Volume
The volume control adjusts the sound level for
both the loudspeakers and headphones.
3 Bass
The bass control cuts low frequencies when
turned anti-clockwise and boosts them when
turned clockwise. The flattest response is
obtained when the control is in the centre
“click” position.
4 Treble
The treble control cuts high frequencies when
turned anti-clockwise and boosts them when
turned clockwise. The flattest response is
obtained when the control is in the centre
"click” position.
5 Balance
The balance control is used to move the stereo
sound image to the left or right. It can be used
to compensate for imbalances in room
acoustics or input signals.
6 Phones
The headphone socket accepts any dynamic
headphones fitted with a standard 1/4 inch
stereo jack plug. The headphones may mute
the loudspeakers, or not, as required (see
loudspeakers). The output is not suitable for
driving most electrostatic headphones. These
are normally connected to the loudspeaker
outputs.
7 Power
The amplifier is turned on by pressing the
mains power switch. The red light indicates that
the power supply in the amplifier is operating it will continue to glow for a short time after the
amplifier has been switched off.
Tap e recordin g and replay
The tape input/output is designed to suit most
reel-to-reel and cassette tape recorders.
Recording:
Select the signal source to be recorded using
the selector switch (DISC, TUNER, CD or
VIDEO). Then set the correct recording levels
on your tape recorder and switch it into
"RECORD” mode.
During recording the volume and tone controls
have no effect on the signal being sent to the
TAPE OUT sockets.
DO NOT attempt to record with the
selector switch set to “TAPE”. A
feedback howl may result which could
damage your loudspeakers.
Replay;
Set the selector switch to “TAPE" and then
switch your tape recorder into "PLAY” mode.
Car trid ge load ing module (optiona l)
A cartridge loading module (ULM/M) is
available which is designed to allow optimum
matching between a moving magnet cartridge
and the Arcam Alpha amplifier. The module is
purely passive and incorporates a number of
different capacitive and resistive loads to suit
different cartridges. In order to install the
loading module you will need to remove the top
cover from the amplifier.
BEFORE REMOVING THE COVER, ALWAYS
SWITCH OFF THE AMPLIFIER AND UNPLUG
FROM THE WALL SOCKET.
The cover may be removed by unscrewing the
two screws indicated in the diagram and lifting
the lid out.
N.B. Most cartridges will perform satisfactorily
without any loading module. speakeriuses
Location of cartridge loading module - top view
Hin ts a nd tips
For best results place the speakers away from
the wall, NOT in a corner, and off the floor.
Speaker stands are ideall
If the cable from the amplifier to the
loudspeakers is long, it may be worthwhile to
use thick speaker cable. Always ensure that the
cable is joined properly to the 4mm plugs.
Keep the turntable away from the speakers to
avoid acoustic pickup by the turntable from the
speakers - they should not be placed on the
same piece of furniture.
The amplifier will get quite warm when being
used at high levels. THIS IS PERFECTLY
NORMAL! However, if it becomes too hot to
touch, switch off the amplifier at once and
consult your dealer.
If there is a lot of hum with the disc input
selected check that the earthing lead from the
turntable is connected to the ground terminal
just above the disc input sockets and that the
amplifier is correctly earthed via the mains lead.
If your system does not work check that;
- the amplifier is switched on and the red light
is on
- the source is plugged into the correct input
sockets
- the selector switch is switched to the correct
source
- the speakers are plugged into the amplifier
correctly
- the volume control is not set to minimum
- the speaker fuses have not blown
- the fuse In the mains plug has not blown
If sound comes out of one speaker only check
that;
- both speakers are plugged into the amplifier
- a speaker fuse has not blown
- the balance control is not set fully clockwise
or anticlockwise
- both left and right channels of the source are
connected to the Inputs correctly and the input
wiring is not faulty (check by swapping left and
right input connectors).
Guaran tee for UK sales.
This equipment has been fully tested belore despatch from the factory.
Both the workmanship and the performance of this equipment are
(except as set out below) guaranteed against defects for a period of two
years from the date of purchase provided that it was originally purchased
new from an authorised UK dealer under a consumer sale agreement.
(The words "consumer sale” shall be construed in accordance with
Section 15 of the Supply of Goods (Implied Terms) Act 1973).
The Manufacturers can accept no responsibility for delects arising from
accident, misuse, vrear and tear, or neglect or through unauthorised
adjustment and or repair, neither can they accept responsibility lor
damage or loss occurring during transit to or from the person claiming
under this guarantee.
This guarantee covers both labour and parts but the liability of the
Manufacturers is limited to the cost of repair or replacement (at the
discretion of the Manufacturers) of the defective parts and under no
circumstances extends to consequential loss or damage.
Claims under this gu ara ntee
This equipment should be packed in the original packing and returned
to the dealer from whom It was purchased or, failing this, any other
authorised A & R Cambridge dealer. If it is not possible to return the
equipment by hand, then it should be further protected in a "transit
pack” (available from your dealer or direct from the factory) and sen)
carriage prepaid by a reputable carrier.
Should the original packing not be available, replacement packing can
be purchased from the Manufacturers. The equipment should not be
sent by post.
DO NOT CONSIGN THE EOUIPMENT TO A & R CAMBRIDGE UNLESS
YOU HAVE FIRST BEEN SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED TO DO SO BY
THE MANUFACTURER'S TECHNICAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT. DO
NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE
THE EQUIPMENT BEFORE DESPATCH.
If you have any difficulty complying with these requirements, please
contact the Manufacturers at the following address;-
A & R Cambridge Limited,
Denny Industrial Centre,
Waterbeach,
Cambridge CBS 9PB.
Tel: (0223) 861550
Telex: 81 7345 (ARCAM G)
In either case you should state clearly your name and address, the date
and place of purchase, together with a brie) description of the fault
experienced.
In the event of equipment being returned which on test is found to
comply with the published specification the Manufacturers reserve the
right to charge a reasonable fee for testing the equipment and for return
carriage.
Enq uiries
The Manufacturers are happy to ansv/er any queries you may have
regarding the use of this equipment on the condition that this enquiry is
by letter and a stamped addressed envelope is provided. You should
slate clearly the serial number of the unit, the dealer from whom it was
purchased and the date of purchase.
THIS GUARANTEE IN NO WAY VARIES OR REMOVES A
PURCHASER'S STATUTORY RIGHTS.
With the loudspeakers connected to the “SWITCHED” outputs, plugging in the headphones
automatically switches the loudspeakers off.
With the loudspeakers connected to the “DIRECT” outputs the switch in the headphone socket is
bypassed to give better sound quality but the headphones will not switch the loudspeakers off.
Con nectio n diagram
Spe cifications
(Noise and sensitivities ret. 30W into 8ohm at 1 kHz. Noise figures are
CCIR/ARM weighted)
Output power
Both channels into 8chms SOW
(20Hz-20kHz at 0.5% THD)
Single channel at 1 kHz into 8ohm
This amplifier is suitable for use with loudspeakers of 4ohm or higher
nommal impedance.
Harmonic distortion
At 25W into 8ohm at 1 kHz
Frequency response
Disc input
Other inputs
Crosstalk at 1 kHz
Low frequency damping factor
Tone controls
Bass at 50Hz
Treble at 15kHz
Inputs
Disc (suitable tor MM and ‘'high-outpuf MC cartridges)
Sensitivity 2.5mV
Noise <-70dB
Input impedance 47kohm
Switchable loading module (ULM/M) available - provides 30kohm,
8kohm, 200pF, 320pF, 420pF and user programmable option.
Tuner, tape and video
Sensitivity 200mV
Noise <-90dB
Input impedance 25kohm
Specifications and design subject to possible modification without
notice
into 4ohm
typ ±0.5dB 60Hz-20kHz. -3dB at 20Hz
typ ±0.5dB 30Hz-20kHz, -IdB at 20Hz
40W typ.
SOW typ.
0.02% typ.
<-60dB
200 typ.
±8dB
±8dB
in parallel with t OOpF
Sensitivity
Noise
Input impedance
Outputs
Tape output
Nominal output level
Output impedance
Headphones
Maximum output level into 600ohms
Output impedance
Suitable lor headphones oi 8ohm to 2kohm impedance
Loudspeakers
Nominal output level 30W per channel
Suitable lor speakers of 4ohm or higher nominal impedance.
Power supply
240V nominal. May be dealer adjusted to 120V nominal.
(220/110V model to special order).
Power consumption
120VA
Internal mains fuse
The internal mams fuse is NOT user replaceable'
Spares kit
Dimensions
Width 400mm (15.8")
Depth 231 mm
Height 95mm
Weight Net 4kg (8.8lb)
SOOmAT (slov/ blow) for 240V or 220V operation
1 AT (slow blow for 120V or 110V operation
Two loudspeaker fuses (2.0A fast blow)
Tv/o black 4mm plugs
(9.1 ••)
(3.8")
450mV
<-90dB
tOkohm
200mV
2kohm
t OV rms
330ohm
Two red 4mm plugs
A< Cambridge
A & R Cambridge Ltd.
Denny Industrial Centre,
Waterbeach,
Cambridge CBS 9PB,
England.
Tel: (0223) 861550
Telex 81 7345 (ARCAM G)
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