Arcam AVR100 User Manual

AVR100HANDBOOK

Arcam AVR100 surround sound receiver

Ampli-tuner audio-vidéo Arcam AVR100

Arcam AVR100 Surround-Sound-Empfängers

English

Français

Deutsch

Safety guidelines

Safety instructions

This product is designed and manufactured to meet strict
quality and safety standards. However, you should be aware of
the following installation and operation precautions:

1. Take heed of warnings and instructions

You should read all the safety and operating instructions
before operating this appliance. Retain this handbook for future
reference and adhere to all warnings in the handbook or on
the appliance.

2. Water and moisture

The presence of electricity near water can be dangerous. Do
not use the appliance near water – for example next to a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement or near a
swimming pool, etc.

3. Object or liquid entry

Take care that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into
the enclosure through any openings. Liquid fi lled objects such
as vases should not be placed on the equipment.

4. Ventilation

Do not place the equipment on a bed, sofa, rug or similar
soft surface, or in an enclosed bookcase or cabinet, since
ventilation may be impeded. We recommend a minimum

distance of 50mm (2 inches) around the sides and top of the
appliance to provide adequate ventilation.

5. Heat

Locate the appliance away from naked fl ames or heat
producing equipment such as radiators, stoves or other
appliances (including other amplifi ers) that produce heat.

6. Climate

The appliance has been designed for use in moderate climates.

7. Racks and stands

Only use a rack or stand that is recommended for use with
audio equipment. If the equipment is on a portable rack it
should be moved with great care, to avoid overturning the
combination.

8. Cleaning

Unplug the unit from the mains supply before cleaning.
The case should normally only require a wipe with a soft, damp,

lint-free cloth. Do not use paint thinners or other chemical
solvents for cleaning.

We do not advise the use of furniture cleaning sprays or
polishes as they can cause indelible white marks if the unit is
subsequently wiped with a damp cloth.

9. Power sources

Only connect the appliance to a power supply of the type
described in the operating instructions or as marked on the
appliance.

10. Power-cord protection

Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely
to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, and the
point where they exit from the appliance.

11. Grounding

Ensure that the grounding means of the appliance is not
defeated.

12. Power lines

Locate any outdoor antenna/aerial away from power lines.

13. Non-use periods

If the unit has a stand by function, a small amount of current
will continue to fl ow into the equipment in this mode. Unplug the
power cord of the appliance from the outlet if left unused for
a long period of time.

14. Abnormal smell

If an abnormal smell or smoke is detected from the appliance,
turn the power off immediately and unplug the unit from the wall
outlet. Contact your dealer immediately.

15. Servicing

You should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that
described in this handbook. All other servicing should be
referred to qualifi ed service personnel.

16. Damage requiring service

The appliance should be serviced by qualifi ed service personnel
when:

A. the power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged, or
B. objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the appliance,

or
C. the appliance has been exposed to rain, or
D. the appliance does not appear to operate normally or

exhibits a marked change in performance, or
E. the appliance has been dropped or the enclosure

damaged.

Safety compliance

This product has been designed to meet the EN60065
international electrical safety standard.

AVR100

AVR100

2

2

Using this handbook

This handbook has been designed to give you all the information
you need to install, connect, set up and use the Arcam AVR100
surround sound receiver. The remote control handset supplied
with the equipment is also described.

It may be that the AVR100 has been installed and set up as
part of your system installation by a qualifi ed Arcam dealer. In
this case, you may wish to skip the sections of this handbook
dealing with installation and setting up the unit. Use the Contents
list (on this page) to guide you to the relevant sections.

Safety

Safety guidelines are set out on the inside front cover of this
handbook.

Many of these items are common sense precautions, but for
your own safety, and to ensure that you do not damage the unit,
we strongly recommend that you read them.

Contents

Safety guidelines 2

Safety instructions 2
Safety compliance 2

Using this handbook 3

Safety 3

Installation 4

Positioning the unit 4
Setting up the aerials 4

Connecting inputs 5

AVR100 back panel connections 5
Interconnect cables 5

Connecting outputs 6

Connecting to other equipment 6

Connecting to a power supply 6
Setting up 7
Using the On Screen Display (OSD) 7

Setup page 7

Input settings page 7

Channel balance page 7

Channel delays page 8

Speaker settings page 9
Using the AVR100 10
Front panel controls 10

Input selection 10
Using the tuner 11

Tuning to a station 11

Storing a preset 11

Deleting an unused preset 11

RDS: Radio Data System 12

FM Mute/Mono 12
Using the remote control 13

CR-340 remote control 13
Reference 14
Bi-wiring and bi-amping loudspeakers 14

Before you start 14

Bi-wiring your loudspeakers 14

Bi-amping your system 14
Troubleshooting 15
Technical specifi cations 16
Guarantee 17
On line registration 17

English

Manufactured under licence from Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
‘Dolby’, ‘AC3’, ‘Pro Logic’ and the double-D symbol are trademarks of

Dolby Laboratories.
Copyright © 1992 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.

Manufactured under licence from Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
US Patent Number 5,451,942 and other world-wide patents issued and

pending. ‘DTS’ and ‘DTS Digital Surround’, are trademarks of Digital
Theater Systems, Inc.

Copyright © 1996 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

AVR100

3

Installation

Installation starts with positioning the unit where it can operate
effectively. To use the radio receiver, you will need to install an
FM and/or an AM aerial.

Other input signals – from CD, MD, tape, DAT, VCR, DVD, games
console or satellite receiver – will need to be connected to
sockets on the AVR100’s back panel.

Output signals – TV, monitor, projector, preamplifi er,
loudspeakers, headphones or other audio or digital outputs –
also need to be connected to sockets on the back panel.

Positioning the unit

Place your AVR100 on a level, fi rm surface.
Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near sources of heat

or damp.
Ensure adequate ventilation. Do not place the unit in an

enclosed space such as a bookcase or cabinet as both of these
will impede air fl ow through the ventilation slots.

Setting up the aerials

FM aerial

An FM aerial is required to receive VHF radio signals. An
external FM ribbon aerial is supplied as an accessory with the
AVR100.

For optimal FM radio reception a roof or loft mounted aerial is
advised. For your own safety it is recommended that a roof top
aerial is fi tted by an experienced contractor. Your Arcam dealer
should be able to put you in contact with an aerial installer.
A contractor will be able to tune your aerial to the nearest
FM transmitter. In an apartment building an aerial system my
already be installed. If this is the case you should have sockets
in your home marked FM or VHF (do not use those marked
TV).

The ‘T’ shaped wire aerial (dipole design) supplied should give
reasonably good reception. Mount this aerial as high up as
possible on a wall with the elements positioned horizontally. Try
each usable wall of the room to see which gives best reception.
Use tacks or adhesive tape to secure the aerial in a T shape.
The tacks should not come into contact with the internal wire
of the aerial.

Whether you decide to get an aerial professionally installed or
opt to use the supplied aerial it should be connected to the FM
Antenna input on the rear of the unit.

AM aerial

An AM aerial is required to receive AM/Medium Wave radio
signals.

An external AM loop aerial is supplied as an accessory with the
AVR100. This should be attached to the AM Antenna inputs with
one end connected to AM and the other to Ground. It does not
matter which way round this aerial is fi tted. Rotate the aerial to
discover which position gives the best reception.

In areas of weak reception or when the receiver is used inside
a steel framed building (such as an apartment building) you
can use a wire between 3 and 5 metres long to strengthen
reception. Mount this high up outside the building, if possible,
and connect one end of this wire to the AM antenna input as
well as the loop aerial supplied. DO NOT DISCONNECT THE
LOOP AERIAL.

The AM tuning ‘step size’ needs to be set according to your
location. This is done using the switch on the rear panel: set it to
10kHz if you are in North America or 9kHz anywhere else.

AVR100

4

Connecting inputs

AC INLET

SURROUND

LR

+

–

CENTREFRONT

LR

+

–

OUT

VCR

IN

IN

DVD

IN

SAT

IN

AUX

OUT

(N.AM)10K

AM STEP

GROUND
LIFT

SPEAKER

IMPEDANCE

SELECTOR

4–6Ω 8Ω

GROUND

120V 230V

LOUDSPEAKER

OUTPUTS

SUB

WOOFER

CENTER

AUDIO VIDEO S-VIDEO

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

PRE-OUT

CD

TAPE 5.1 CH INPUT

SUB

WOOFER

CENTER

IN

IN

OUT

AUDIOR

(EU) 9K

L

LRLR

R L

FM

GND

AM

ANTENNA

MONITOR OUT

FRONT SURR FRONT SURR

DIGITAL

IN

VCR DVD SAT

English

Interconnect cables

The use of high quality interconnect cables to and from your
AVR100 is recommended to ensure the best sound and picture
quality. Ask your Arcam dealer’s advice on cable selection.

This product does not feature a Phono input stage. If you wish
to connect a turntable to your AVR100 you will need to use
an in-line phono pre-amp. All line level inputs have the same
sensitivity so may be used with any line level source equipment,
even components other than those labelled. If you need to do
so, your Arcam dealer can give you further advice on this.

CD input

Use audio interconnects to attach the left and right audio
outputs from your CD player to the CD inputs on the AVR100.

TAPE loop

This input can be used to connect one of many different
recording devices, for example, a tape deck, Mini-Disc or CD-R.
Use audio interconnects to attach the left and right audio
outputs from your recorder to the corresponding TAPE inputs
on the AVR100.

To complete the record loop, attach the left and right
outputs from the AVR100 to the corresponding record inputs
on your recorder.

5.1 channel input

This multi-channel input takes up to six (i.e. fi ve channels plus
one sub-woofer) discrete channels of audio from a DVD audio
player or a DVD player with an integrated decoder. Use audio
interconnects to attach the DVD’s outputs to the appropriate 5.1

CH INPUT

For optimum performance from DVD video, however, it is usually
better to use a digital connection to the AVR100’s own internal
digital surround decoder instead.

SAT input

Use audio interconnects to attach the left and right audio
outputs from your satellite or cable receiver (or digibox) to the
corresponding

Using either the composite or the S-video output from your
satellite receiver, connect it to the corresponding

S-VIDEO input on the AVR100.

If your satellite receiver provides a coaxial digital output, attach
it via the

inputs on the AVR100.

SAT inputs on the AVR100.

SAT digital input.

VIDEO or

TAPE

DVD input

In most cases you will achieve the best audio performance
from your DVD player by connecting its digital output to the

DVD digital input of the AVR100, using a suitable 75Ω digital

cable. Connect either the composite or S-video output from your
DVD player to the corresponding VIDEO or S-VIDEO inputs on
the AVR100.

If you are also using your DVD player to play CDs and prefer to
use the stereo audio outputs, connect these to the

CD inputs

of the AVR100.

VCR loop

Use audio interconnects to attach the left and right audio
outputs from your video cassette recorder to the VCR inputs
on the AVR100. For the video signal, use either the composite
or the S-video output from your VCR and attach to the
corresponding input on the AVR100. If the VCR has a digital
output, connect it to the VCR digital input on the AVR100.

To complete the record loop, attach the left and right
outputs from the AVR100 to the corresponding record inputs on
your VCR. Using the same type of video connection as for the
input, connect the VCR picture output from the AVR100 to the
corresponding input on your VCR.

AUX input and record loop

Use audio interconnects to attach the left and right audio
outputs from your auxiliary source (another item of audio
equipment or a games console) to the corresponding AUX
inputs on the AVR100. If your source produces composite video
output, connect this to the AUX composite video input.

If the auxiliary source is a recording device, complete the record
loop by attaching the left and right

AUX outputs to the record

inputs on your recording device. With a video recorder, connect
the composite video output (AUX) to the corresponding input on
your recording device.

GROUND LIFT switch

If your system only takes audio sources from CD or DVD,
set this switch to ‘GROUND’. In more complex setups which
involve satellite inputs or radio aerials, grounding the unit may
actually increase the level of background hum or buzz in the
loudspeakers, in which case set the switch to ‘GROUND LIFT’.

VCR audio

AVR100

5

Connecting outputs

Connecting to other equipment

Monitor output

Both composite and S-video monitor outputs are provided for
connection to the ‘Video line in’ of your TV, monitor, or projector.
If you have both Composite and S-video inputs connected
to your AVR100 you need only connect the S-VIDEO Monitor
Output to your TV (provided that your TV accepts an S-video
input).

Loudspeaker outputs

Before connecting loudspeakers to your AVR100 you must set
the Impedance switch on the rear to the correct position.

WARNING: Never adjust this switch with the power on
or you will damage the AVR100.

If your loudspeakers are rated at 6Ω or lower set the switch to
the 4–6Ω position. If your loudspeakers are rated higher than
6Ω, set the switch to the 8Ω position.

WARNING: This unit should only be used with
loudspeakers with an impedance rating between 4Ω
and 8Ω.

The AVR100 is fi tted with loudspeaker terminals in line with BFA
(British Federation of Audio) standard specifi cation. The terminal
will accept spades, bare wire or a BFA plug. To connect spades
or bare wires, unscrew the end of the terminal, insert the wire
or spade and screw back up. Ensure that no stray strands of
wire are allowed to touch other cables or the AVR100’s casing
as this can cause a short circuit and damage the amplifi er.

Connecting to a power supply

Wrong plug?

Check that the plug supplied with the unit fi ts your supply and
that your mains supply voltage agrees with the voltage setting
(120V or 230V) indicated on the rear panel of the unit.

If your mains supply voltage or mains plug is different, consult
your Arcam dealer or Arcam Customer Support on +44 (0)1223

203203.

Mains lead

The appliance is normally supplied with a moulded mains plug
already fi tted to the lead. If for any reason the plug needs to
be removed, it must be disposed of immediately and securely,
as it is a potential shock hazard when inserted into the mains
socket. Should you require a new mains lead, contact your
Arcam dealer.

Plugging in

Push the plug (IEC line socket) of the power cable supplied with
the unit into the socket (AC INLET) in the back of the unit. Make
sure it is pushed in fi rmly.

Put the plug on the other end of the cable into your power
supply socket and switch the socket on.

Non-use periods

If the unit is to be left unused for an extended period, we
recommend that you switch the unit off from the front panel
button, rather than use ‘stand by’ mode with the remote control.

Bi-wiring and Bi-amping loudspeakers

Notes on these techniques are given in the Reference section
of this handbook.

Preamplifi er outputs

If you wish to upgrade your system by adding a power amplifi er,
always specify an Arcam unit to ensure matching gain.

The AVR100 has six line-level pre-amp outputs that can be
connected to Arcam external power amplifi ers to bi-amplify
(‘bi-amp’) any of the channels. Alternatively, the AVR100 can be
used solely as a preamplifi er.

Depending on how your system is confi gured, the subwoofer

PRE-AMP OUT should be connected using a line level

interconnect, to either:

■ an active subwoofer, or

■ a power amplifi er used to drive a passive subwoofer.

Headphone output

A 1/4” stereo jack socket is provided on the front panel for
headphone listening. Inserting the jack socket automatically
mutes the loudspeaker and pre-amp outputs from the AVR100.

AVR100

6

Setting up

1 INPUT SETTINGS

2 CHANNEL BALANCE
3 CHANNEL DELAYS
4 SPEAKER SETTINGS
5 EXIT

SETUP

1 INPUT SETTINGS

2 CHANNEL BALANCE
3 CHANNEL DELAYS
4 SPEAKER SETTINGS
5 EXIT

SETUP

AUDIO = DVD

VIDEO = DVD
MODE = DOLBY DIGITAL
DYNAMIC RANGE = 100%

DO NOT SAVE AND EXIT
SAVE AND EXIT

INPUT SETTINGS

1 INPUT SETTINGS

2 CHANNEL BALANCE

3 CHANNEL DELAYS
4 SPEAKER SETTINGS
5 EXIT

SETUP

LEFT : 0dB

CENTER : 0dB
RIGHT : 0dB
REAR L : 0dB
REAR R : 0dB
SUB : 0dB
DO NOT SAVE AND EXIT
SAVE AND EXIT

CHANNEL BALANCE

Using the On Screen Display (OSD)

The easiest way to set up the AVR100’s multi-channel audio and
video options is through its On Screen Display (OSD).

To enter the OSD, ensure that you have a TV connected and
press any of the arrows on the remote control’s cursor pad.

•

To navigate from the fi rst (i.e. Setup) page, use the

and •
arrows to highlight a line. To enter a highlighted page, press OK.
To leave the OSD, highlight ‘EXIT’ and press OK.

•

Once on a page, use the

and • arrows to move to a line
and the • and • arrows to change an option. Once you are
happy with the settings, highlight ‘SAVE AND EXIT’ and press OK
to keep them in memory. If you are unsure about the changes,
or you have entered the page accidentally, highlight ‘DO NOT
SAVE AND EXIT’ and press OK and any changes on that page
are ignored.

Setup page

The Setup page forms the index to the OSD. To navigate from
here, use the cursor pad on your remote control.

Input settings page

AUDIO Identifi es the active audio source (i.e. CD,

Tuner, SAT, VCR, etc.)

VIDEO Identifi es the active video source (SAT, DVD,

VCR or AUX)

MODE Identifi es the surround mode associated with

the current input (Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby
Pro Logic, Hall effect or Stereo)

DYNAMIC RANGE A compressed dynamic range is useful for

low level (night time) listening. For Dolby
Digital sources, the dynamic range has
options of 100%, 75%, 50% or 25%).

NOTE: In some cases you may fi nd that the OSD is not still
or that it ‘rolls over’ your screen. (You may also notice this
effect when the volume bar is shown on screen.) If this is
the case, you will need to switch the video system being
used by the AVR100.

To do this, fi rst exit the OSD by highlighting

OK. Press and hold the STORE button on the front panel of

EXIT and press

the AVR100 then toggle between the systems shown in the
display area by pressing the SAT button – NTSC (used in
North America) or PAL (used in most of Europe) – until the
correct system is selected.

English

Channel balance page

From the Channel balance page, you can trim the level of
each individual loudspeaker connected to the AVR100. Due to
the different performance characteristics or positioning of each
loudspeaker they may need to be set to different levels to
provide a balanced sound from the listening position. To help set
this balance the AVR100 can generate a test tone that plays an
identical signal through each channel in turn.

Once the channel balance page is shown in the OSD, press

TEST button on the remote control to start the test tone.

the
Make sure that the volume on the AVR100 is set suffi ciently
high for this to be heard. The test tone automatically cycles
through each speaker channel until the TEST button is pressed
a second time.

Each loudspeaker can be trimmed between +10dB and –10dB.
You can return to the Channel balance page at any time (without

fi rst entering the OSD) by pressing the
remote control. Press TEST again to exit this page.

TEST button on the

NOTE: The test tone generates a noise which may not be

heard through a subwoofer. To set your sub to a suitable
level, turn off the test tone and experiment with the trim
while playing a piece of music you are familiar with. There is
no right or wrong level for the sub: simply fi nd the balance
that is best for you.

AVR100

7

1 INPUT SETTINGS
2 CHANNEL BALANCE

3 CHANNEL DELAYS

4 SPEAKER SETTINGS
5 EXIT

SETUP

CENTER 0mS

REAR 0mS

DO NOT SAVE AND EXIT
SAVE AND EXIT

CHANNEL DELAYS

centre

e.g. 3m

(9ft)

e.g. 4m

(12ft)

e.g. 2m

(6ft)

rear

left

rear

right

front

left

front
right

CENTER 3ms

REAR 6ms

DO NOT SAVE AND EXIT
SAVE AND EXIT

CHANNEL DELAYS

CHANNEL DELAYS

CENTER N/A

REAR 21ms

DO NOT SAVE AND EXIT
SAVE AND EXIT

Channel delays page

For best results in a surround sound system, the sound from
all loudspeakers should reach the listener at the same time. To
help achieve this the AVR100 can add slight delays to certain
channels when in Dolby Digital or Dolby Pro Logic modes.

When playing a Dolby Digital source you can set a delay for
the centre channel of between 0 and 5ms and a delay for the
rear channels of between 0 and 15ms.

To calculate these delay times, fi rst measure (or estimate) the
distances from the listening position to the front, centre and
rear speakers. Keep a record of these distances by entering
them under the heading ‘Your measure’ in the table provided.
The centre channel delay is calculated by subtracting the centre
channel distance from the front left (or right) distance. The
difference represents the

The rear channels’ delay time is calculated by subtracting the
rear left (or right) distance from the front left (or right) distance.
The difference represents the
rear loudspeakers are further from the listening position than
the front loudspeakers, you should set this delay to 0ms.

CENTRE delay time.

REAR delay time. Note that if your

If you have made your measurements in feet, one foot
approximates to one millisecond (1ms) delay. If you have made
your measurements in metres, one metre approximates to three
milliseconds (3ms) delay.

When playing a Dolby Pro Logic source you can set a delay
for the rear channels between 15 and 30ms. There is no delay
setting for the centre channel.

The rear channel delay in Dolby Pro Logic is calculated by
adding 15ms to the rear channel delay calculated for Dolby
Digital. In our example, this is 15ms + 6ms = 21ms.

Distance to listening position e.g. Your measure

Front left or right 12ft or 4m ---------------------

Centre 9ft or 3m ---------------------

Rear left or right 6ft or 2m ---------------------

Difference e.g. Delay (ms)

CENTRE delay (12 – 9ft) or (4 – 3m)
= 3ft or 1m 3 milliseconds
REAR delay (12 – 6ft) or (4 – 2m)
= 6ft or 2m 6 milliseconds

AVR100

8

NOTE: It is not necessary to adjust delay times for a DTS

(Digital Theater Systems) source.

Speaker settings page

1 INPUT SETTINGS
2 CHANNEL BALANCE
3 CHANNEL DELAYS

4 SPEAKER SETTINGS

5 EXIT

SETUP

SPEAKER SETTINGS

PRESET : 1

MAIN : LARGE
CENTER : LARGE
SURROUND : LARGE
SUBWOOFER : ON
DO NOT SAVE AND EXIT
SAVE AND EXIT

SPEAKER SETTINGS

PRESET : 1

MAIN : LARGE
CENTER : LARGE
SURROUND : LARGE
SUBWOOFER : ON
DO NOT SAVE AND EXIT
SAVE AND EXIT

SPEAKER SETTINGS

PRESET : 2

MAIN : LARGE
CENTER : SMALL
SURROUND : SMALL
SUBWOOFER : OFF
DO NOT SAVE AND EXIT
SAVE AND EXIT

SPEAKER SETTINGS

PRESET : 3

MAIN : SMALL
CENTER : SMALL
SURROUND : SMALL
SUBWOOFER : ON
DO NOT SAVE AND EXIT
SAVE AND EXIT

The size and number of loudspeakers are defi ned on this page
of the OSD.

– A ‘LARGE’ speaker is one that is capable of handling a full

range signal (i.e. 20Hz–20kHz).

– A ‘SMALL’ speaker is one that is not capable of

reproducing a deep bass signal (i.e. below 100Hz), for
example a satellite speaker.

– ‘ON’ is used when a speaker is active and receives the

intended audio information.

– ‘OFF’ is used when a speaker is inactive. Audio signals

intended for speakers set to OFF are redirected to the
main speakers.

Presets for typical speaker setups

To make setting up easier, the Arcam AVR100 has three factory
presets, describing three typical home theatre speaker setups.

Choose the preset that closest describes the loudspeaker
package you have.

■ PRESET 1 – all large speakers and a subwoofer.

This preset is designed to play a full range signal through

each speaker. A subwoofer supports low frequency sound
reproduction

English

■ PRESET 2 – large front left and right speakers, small

centre and small rear speakers.

This preset is designed to redirect the low frequency

information for the surround and centre channels to the
main speakers. There is no subwoofer output with this
preset.

■ PRESET 3 – all small speakers and a subwoofer.

This preset is designed for systems with fi ve small

speakers combined with a subwoofer. The bass
frequencies from all channels are redirected to the
subwoofer.

Once you have chosen the preset that best describes your
loudspeaker package you can set the centre and surround
speakers to ‘OFF’ if you do not have these in your system.

No subwoofer loudspeaker?

Regardless of the size of your main speakers, if you do not
have a subwoofer connected to your AVR100 you should select

PRESET 2, to direct low frequency information to the main

speakers.

AVR100

9

Using the AVR100

PHONES

SAT DVD VCR AUX EXT 5.1

SURROUND

MODE

TAPE

MONITOR

CD FM AM

BASS TREBLE

VOLUME

POWER

DIRECT

AVR100

DOLBY PRO LOGIC SPEAKERS

VIDEO 1

RDS INFO

FM MUTE/

MONO STORE

PRESET/

TUNE DOWN/UP

Front panel controls

POWER

Press the POWER button to turn the AVR100 on. The status LED
changes to green on powering up and the display shows the
active input. Pressing the POWER button again turns the unit and
the status LED off.

A red status LED indicates that the AVR100 is in stand by and
can be switched on by the remote handset.

Input selection

The input selection buttons are labelled to correspond with
the audio and video inputs on the rear panel of the AVR100.
To select an input, press the appropriate button on the front
panel. The audio signal for that source will then be routed to
the speakers. Any picture signal associated with that input is
switched to the monitor output.

The name of the selected input is shown in the display: SAT,
DVD, VCR or AUX, etc.

EXT 5.1

To select the source connected to the 5.1 channel input press

EXT 5.1. When this input is selected, none of the alternative

surround modes are available.

SURROUND MODE

When a selected digital input carries a Dolby Digital or DTS
signal, the AVR100 automatically detects it and processes the
signal accordingly.

For an analogue input or when no Dolby Digital or DTS signal is
detected, pressing the
the available surround sound modes: Stereo, Pro Logic and
Hall effect.

The selected mode is displayed in the main section of the
display for three seconds, before reverting to show the active
input. The surround mode continues to be shown in the left hand
side of the display.

SURROUND MODE button cycles through

Dolby Digital, DTS Both of these formats feature six

Dolby Pro Logic This format decodes the centre and

Hall effect This format decodes a normal stereo

TAPE MONITOR

The TAPE MONITOR button selects the audio output from a
cassette deck connected to the TAPE IN phono sockets of the
AVR100. It also enables you to monitor a recording being made
on a 3-head cassette deck. Tape monitor status is shown in red
on the display.

When the tape monitor is selected, pressing other source
buttons changes the signal sent to the recorder.

NOTE: TAPE MONITOR is a latching button: you will need to
press it again before selecting another source for listening.

CD

The CD button selects the source connected to the CD phono
sockets.

FM, AM

To select the integrated tuner function of the AVR100, press
the FM or AM button. See the facing page for Tuner control
instructions.

independent audio channels: Left, Centre,
Right, Surround Left, Surround Right
and a ‘Low Frequency Effects’ (LFE) or
subwoofer channel.

surround sound signals embedded in
Dolby Surround or Dolby Stereo movie
soundtracks.

signal to simulate the ambience of a
concert hall.

AVR100

10

VOLUME control

MHz

STEREO

SPEAKERS

VIDEO 1

RDS INFO

FM MUTE/

MONO STORE

PRESET/

TUNE DOWN/UP

after 3 seconds

DOLBY PRO LOGIC SPEAKERS

VIDEO 1

CH dB

DOLBY PRO LOGIC SPEAKERS

VIDEO 1

To adjust the volume level of the loudspeakers, pre-amp outputs
and headphones use the VOLUME control. The volume level is
shown in the display while it is being adjusted. Three seconds
after the volume is adjusted, the display reverts to show the
selected input.

Note that different sources may require different settings of the

VOLUME control to achieve the same perceived volume level.

The volume can be controlled from 0dB over 80 steps.

BASS and TREBLE controls

Turn the bass and treble controls clockwise to boost response
or anticlockwise to cut response. For a fl at response leave the
controls in the 12 o’clock ‘notched’ position.

Pressing the

DIRECT button bypasses the bass and treble

controls and gives a small improvement to sound quality. If
you do not wish to alter the bass or treble controls, we
recommended that you select DIRECT.

Using the tuner

English

The AVR100’s radio tuner can be controlled from the upper row
of front panel buttons (see diagram, below) or from the remote
control handset (see ‘Using the remote control’).

Tuning to a station

Pressing the PRESET/TUNE button toggles between the two
tuning modes of the unit – ‘Preset’ or ‘Tune’. The selected mode
is briefl y shown in the display.

Preset mode

In Preset mode, press the • and • buttons on the front panel
(or P– or P+ on the remote control handset) to cycle up and
down the preset stations.

See ‘Storing a preset’ and ‘Deleting unused presets’, below.

Tune mode

In Tune mode:

■ Press the

P+ on the remote control handset) for longer than half-a-

second to engage automatic tuning. The tuner searches
for a radio station signal of suffi cient strength and stops.
To skip to the next station, press one of the buttons
again. Automatic tuning is available for both the FM and
AM bands.

■ Tapping the

can be used for tuning to a specifi c frequency. It is also
useful if you are trying to select a station that is too weak

for the auto search mode.
Regardless of the mode used to tune your AVR100, when it is
accurately tuned to a station ‘•TUNED•’ lights up in the display.

•

and • buttons on the front panel (or P– or

•

and • buttons engages manual tuning. This

Storing a preset

To store a preset, tune to the radio station you wish to store.
Press the STORE button: this causes ‘MEMORY’ to fl ash in the
display. Now select the preset number you wish to assign to
the station using the • and • buttons on the front panel (or

P– or P+ on the remote control handset). Press the STORE

button again.
Once the preset is stored, the display reverts to show the

station name (if RDS information is transmitted) or its frequency.
To quit the memory function without storing a preset, leave the

tuner controls untouched for ten seconds. It is also possible to
overwrite a stored station by saving another in its place. There
are thirty presets available for FM use and ten for AM use.

Your presets are retained for several weeks (but not indefi nitely),
when the AVR100 is disconnected from the mains supply.

Deleting an unused preset

Press the STORE button, then select the preset number you
want to delete using the • and • buttons (or P– or P+ on
the remote control handset), followed by the FM MUTE/MONO
button.

The display briefl y shows ‘DELETED’ and ‘– –’ is shown in
place of the preset number. You can reactivate a deleted preset
number by storing a station in the normal way.

AVR100

11

RDS: Radio Data System

The Arcam AVR100 supports RDS Programme Service and RDS
Radio Text on FM broadcasts.

When a station carrying RDS information is selected ‘RDS’ lights
up in the display and shortly afterwards the station’s RDS name
(e.g. ‘BBC R3’) is shown.

Press the
a station is not transmitting text information, the display briefl y
indicates ‘NO TEXT’ and reverts to show the station name).

Press
Pressing

station name.
If the

station, the display shows ‘NO NAME’ for three seconds before
reverting to the default display.

RDS INFO button to view any RDS text information (if

RDS INFO again to display the station’s frequency.

RDS INFO a third time returns you to a display of the

RDS INFO button is pressed while tuned to a non RDS

FM Mute/Mono

The AVR100’s tuner has an auto-muting circuit that, when
engaged, mutes any signal that is of insuffi cient strength for
listening. To engage this circuit press the FM MUTE/MONO
button on the front panel: ‘FM MUTE’ is shown in the display.
If a signal is muted you will hear no sound through the
loudspeakers.

Should you wish to listen to a station that is ‘auto muted’
press the
muting circuit. The tuner now switches to monoaural reception,
cancelling much of the background hiss. ‘FM MUTE’ is no longer
displayed and you are able to continue listening.

FM MUTE/MONO button again to disengage the

Radio interference

All Arcam products have been designed to very high standards of electromagnetic compatibility.
However, both CD players and DACs generate, and can radiate RF (radio frequency) energy. In some cases this can cause

interference with FM and AM radio reception. If this is the case, switch the CD player off or keep the CD player and its connecting
cables as far from the tuner and its aerials as possible. Connecting the CD player and the tuner/amplifi er to different mains
sockets can also help to reduce interference.

EC COUNTRIES -– These products have been designed to comply with directive 89/336/EEC.
USA – These products comply with FCC requirements.

AVR100

12

MODE

CD DVD

ENTER

CD

DVD

5-1

INFO

TAPE

SAT

AV

CR-340

OK

DVD VCR AUX

CD FM AM

T

MODE

P– P+

SLEEP TEST

TRIM

CD/DVD

MODE

DYN

MODE

ENTER

CD

DVD

Using the remote control

CR-340 Remote Control

The CR-340 remote control gives access to all functions
available on the front panel, plus some additional functions
only available from the remote. It also has controls to
operate Arcam CD and DVD players.

CD/DVD lights

These indicate the function of the CD/DVD button at the bottom of
the control. They are not related to any function on the AVR100.

The LED only stays on for 15 seconds to conserve battery life. If
neither LED is lit this does not mean that the remote control unit
is not working!

English

Source selection buttons

These operate in the same way as the source selection buttons

on the front panel of your AVR100 amplifi er.

RDS INFO

Displays Radio Data System (RDS) text information, if available.

Press again for station frequency, and again to show station

information (the default mode).

Selects the multi-channel output from a DVD audio player or

external decoder source connected to the 5.1 channel input.

Switches the amplifi er into stand by mode after a preset number

of minutes. Pressing

minutes. ‘SLEEP MODE’ is shown on the display panel.

Each consecutive press of

30 minutes. Sleep mode is cancelled by setting the time to 0

minutes, or by pressing the

Allows direct access to trim the centre, rear and subwoofer

speaker outputs. Press

Scrolls through the available surround sound modes (Stereo,

SLEEP once will set the sleep time to 90

SLEEP reduces the sleep time by

POWER or STANDBY button.

TRIM to cycle between channels and use

• and • arrows to adjust levels.

the

Pro Logic, and Hall effect). The selection is shown in the display

area for three seconds.

DYNAMIC RANGE

Compresses the dynamic range for low-level listening of Dolby

Digital sources. The dynamic range may be set from 100% (the

default) to 25% (maximum compression) in steps of 25%. The

reduction is shown on the display.

5.1

SLEEP

TRIM

MODE

Power/Standby

Toggles the amplifi er between stand by mode and full power
mode. The power indicator light next to the power button on the
front panel is red when the amplifi er is in stand by and green
when powered up.

P–/P+

Cycles through preset radio stations, or scans through frequency,
depending on the Tuner mode setting.

TUNER MODE

Toggles between Preset mode and Tune mode. See ‘Tuner
controls’ for details.

TEST

Engages the test signal generator so that the volume for each
channel can be balanced from your listening position. The signal
moves from Front Left to Centre, Front Right, Rear Right, Rear
Left and Subwoofer in a continuous cycle. Note that the test
signal may not be heard through a subwoofer.

See ‘Using the On Screen Display’ for full instructions on this
feature.

Cursor pad and OK button

These are used to navigate through the pages in the on screen
display (OSD). See ‘Using the On Screen Display’.

VOLUME and MUTE ( )

Press + to increase volume or – to decrease the output volume
on the amplifi er.

Press

to mute the speaker connections and pre-amp outputs.
Both tape outputs and the headphone socket remain active. In
mute mode the display fl ashes ‘MUTING’.

Mute is disabled either by pressing

again, or by adjusting the
volume. Note that the volume and mute controls have no effect
on the output levels of Arcam CD players.

The CD/DVD button toggles the remote control unit into

controlling an Arcam CD or DVD player: this setting is briefl y

confi rmed by a light at the top of the controller.

NOTE: Remember to install the two AAA batteries
supplied before trying to use your remote control!

Do not place anything in front of the display area on the
AVR100 (where the IR receiver is located), or the remote
control may not work.

CD/DVD functions

AVR100

13

Reference

R

L

Right
speaker

Left
speaker

Arcam AVR100 receiver

HF

LF

+

+

–

–

+

–

HF

LF

+

+

–

–

+

–

RL

Arcam AP85 power amplifier

+ –+ –

R

L

Arcam AVR100 receiver

+

–

+

–

Right

speaker

HF

LF

+

–

+

–

–

HF

LF

++–

–

Left
speaker

Bi-wiring and bi-amping loudspeakers

Before you start

WARNING: Do not make any connections to your
amplifi er while it is switched on or connected to the
mains supply.

Before switching on please check all connections
thoroughly, making sure bare wires or cables are
not touching the amplifi er in the wrong places (which
could cause short circuits) and you have connected
positive (+) to positive and negative (–) to negative.

Always ensure that the volume control on your
amplifi er is set to minimum before starting these
procedures.

Bi-wiring your loudspeakers

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 – with four input terminals each: these will be marked
HF (High Frequency) and LF (Low Frequency).

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

How to bi-wire loudspeakers

1. Remove the terminal links on the rear of your
loudspeakers

WARNING: This step is essential or damage to
your amplifi er may result which is not covered
under warranty.

2. Connect the cables as shown in the diagram below,
ensuring correct polarity at all times.

Bi-amping your system

The performance of your system can be further enhanced over
that achieved with bi-wiring, by extending the principle one stage
further to include separate amplifi cation for the low and high
frequency drive units in each loudspeaker enclosure.

Connect the AVR100 to the high frequency (HF) terminals
and connect your power amplifi er to the low frequency (LF)
terminals.

You will need:

Speakers – with four input terminals each (as with bi-wiring):
these will be marked HF (High Frequency) and LF (Low
Frequency).

Two amplifi ers – one of these would be the AVR100 and the
other an Arcam power amplifi er (e.g. an P75 or P85).

Loudspeaker cables – one pair of cables per loudspeaker or
a suitably terminated cable set (a loom, probably prepared by
your dealer and capable of being used for bi-amping in one
length).

Interconnect cables – one pair of high quality interconnect
cables.

How to set up a bi-amped system

1. Remove the terminal links on the rear of your
loudspeakers.

WARNING: This step is essential or damage to
your amplifi er may result which is not covered
under warranty.

2. Connect the cables as shown in the diagram below,
ensuring correct polarity at all times.

3. Use the interconnect cables to connect the AUDIO PRE­OUT sockets of the AVR100 to the corresponding PWR
AMP IN sockets of the power amplifi er.

AVR100

14

Bi-wiring using one set of connections on amplifi er

Recommended bi-amping confi guration

Troubleshooting

The following table should help you diagnose most problems that may arise when using the AVR100.

Problem

No audio

No sound on one
channel

Dolby Digital or DTS
not auto detected

Lack of bass or poor
stereo image

No sound from tuner

Remote control not
working

Cause

1. Power Lead unplugged or not switched on

2. In stand by mode

3. Mute on

4. Tape monitor selected

1. Loudspeaker not connected or not connected properly

2. Input not connected or not connected properly

3. Speaker described as ‘OFF’ in set up page

4. Channel level set too low

Digital input not connected

1. Speakers wired out of phase (i.e. + connected to –, or red
to black in error – a polarity error in one speaker)

2. Speakers set as SMALL

1. Aerial not connected properly

2. Weak signal muted by FM Mute

1. Batteries in handset fi tted the wrong way round or fl at

2. IR receiver window on AVR100 is obscured

3. IR receiver window fl ooded with light

Solution

1. Check mains lead is connected to AVR100 and that the
wall switch is on

2. Press the POWER/STANDBY button on remote handset

3. Switch mute off

4. Press the TAPE MONITOR button

1. Check connections to AVR100 and to loudspeaker

2. Check connections to AVR100 and at source

3. Re-assign speaker settings in on-screen display

4. Re-assign channel balance in on-screen display

Connect digital output of source to appropriate input on

AVR100

1. Check all connections to AVR100 and to loudspeakers

2. Re-select preset speaker settings in on-screen display

1. Check aerial connections to AVR100’s back panel

2. Switch FM MUTE/MONO off or re-tune station

1. Check orientation of batteries/ replace discharged
batteries

2. Remove obstruction

3. Move AVR100 away from light source or shade from
intense light source

English

Picture scrolls around
screen, or picture is
only in black and white

No picture on monitor
when video source is
selected

Sound and picture
come from different
sources

AVR100 switches itself
to stand by mode

The red status LED
fl ashes and the
AVR100 appears not to
work.

Wrong video system selected

1. Source is not playing

2. Video connection between the source and AVR100 is not
been made

System connections made to wrong inputs of AVR100

Circuits have overheated and unit has been switched into
protection mode. This may be because airfl ow around the
unit is restricted.

The AVR100 has gone into protection mode. This is
probably caused by an overload or short circuit on the
loudspeaker outputs.

To toggle between PAL and NTSC video systems, press

and hold the STORE button and click the SAT button.

1. Check and play source

2. Check system wiring: ensure connection between source

Check system wiring: ensure all connections are made to

correct input on AVR100

Switch unit off. Remove any restrictions to good airfl ow.

Allow unit to cool down before switching on again.

1. Turn the AVR100 off and disconnect the mains cable.

2. Check all the wiring, making sure that no bare
loudspeaker cables are touching each other or the
chassis.

3. Reconnect the mains cable and switch back on.

If this does not cure the problem or the problem persists

contact your Arcam dealer.

AVR100

15

Technical specifi cations

AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATION

Output power (20Hz–20kHz at 0.5%THD)

8Ω, fi ve channels 70W
8Ω, two channels 90W
8Ω, single channel 100W

Harmonic distortion, 1W, 8Ω at 1kHz 0.02% typical
Left/right crosstalk > 60dB at 1kHz
Frequency response ±1.0dB 20Hz to 20kHz

Inputs

Line inputs:
sensitivity 200mV
input impedance > 10kΩ
overload margin > 20dB

Power amplifi er input sensitivity 740mV (normal gain)

Outputs

Preamplifi er
nominal output level 200mV
maximum output level 3V

Headphones
output impedance 390Ω

Physical

Dimensions W x D x H 430 x 425 x 150mm
Weight net 11.9kg
Weight packed 14.1kg
Mains voltage 230V ±12%

120V ±12%
Power consumption (maximum) 500VA

RADIO SPECIFICATION

FM section

30 preset stations available
RDS Station Identifi cation, Radio Data Display

FM tuning range 87.5 to 108MHz
FM sensitivity < 6µV
THD: mono < 0.25%

stereo < 0.35%
Signal/noise ratio:

mono > 72dB
stereo > 66dB

Pilot tone suppression > 60dB
Alternate channel selectivity IHF > 60dB
Capture ratio < 3dB

AM section

10 preset stations available
AM tuning range

10kHz step 530 to 1710kHz
9kHz step 531 to 1602kHz

Usable sensitivity < 30µV
IF rejection > 36dB
Signal/noise ratio, 5mV input > 38dB
THD, 5mV input < 3%

AVR100

16

Accessories supplied Mains lead

CR-340 remote control
2 x AAA batteries
AM loop aerial
FM ribbon aerial

NOTE: All specifi cation values are typical unless otherwise
stated.

E&OE

Continual improvement policy

Arcam has a policy of continual improvement for its products.
This means that designs and specifi cations are subject to
change without notice.