Arcam P85 User Manual

HANDBOOK

A85

P85

P85 /3

Arcam A85, P85 and P85/3 amplifi ers
Amplifi cateurs Arcam A85, P85 et P85/3

Arcam-Verstärker A85, P85 und P85/3

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 standby 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.

A85/P85

2

A85/P85

3

English

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 A85 integrated amplifi er or the P85 power amplifi er.
The A85 amplifi er is described fi rst, then the P85. The CR-389
remote control handset supplied with the A85 integrated
amplifi er is also described.

Your amplifi er(s) may have been installed and set up by an
authorised Arcam dealer. In this case, you may wish to go
directly to the sections describing the use of this equipment.

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: A85 integrated amplifi er 4

Positioning the unit 4
Connecting to loudspeakers 4
Connecting to a power supply 5
Connecting to other equipment 5

Using your A85 integrated amplifi er 6

Front panel controls 6
Recording 7

Setting up your A85 integrated amplifi er 8

Using the remote control 9

CR-389 remote control 9

Installation: P85 power amplifi er 10

Connecting to power, loudspeakers and other
equipment 10
Remote switching 10
Three channel option 10

Using your P85 power amplifi er 11

Bi-wiring and bi-amping loudspeakers 12

Before you start 12
Bi-wiring your loudspeakers 12
Bi-amping your system 12

Service information 13

Technical specifi cation 13

Guarantee 14

On-line registration 14

Installation: A85 integrated amplifi er

LR

+ –

PHONO

+ –

SP1

SP2

POWER INLET

PRE OUTPWR IN

6 8 9 bk bl bm bn bo bp54 bq1

4 – 16 OHMS

L

R

L

R

L

R

VOLTAGE

SELECT

230V

RECORD

OUT

PLAY

IN

TAPE 1

RECORD

OUT

PLAY

IN

VCR/TAPE 2 DVD AV TUNER CD AUX

INTEGRATED

PRE/PWR

MM
MC

32

REMOTE

IN

TRIG
OUT

7br

Arcam A85 amplifier

R

L

+ –+ –

Right

speaker

+

–

–

+

Left
speaker

Positioning the unit

Place your amplifi er 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.

A85/P85

4

Connecting to loudspeakers

You can connect one or two pairs of loudspeakers to your
amplifi er, provided each pair is rated between 8–16Ω. If one or
both pairs have an impedance of less than 8Ω, the combined
load on the amplifi er falls below 4Ω and could cause an
overload. If so, the overload protection circuit engages and the
amplifi er will not work.

To connect one pair of loudspeakers, use the

SP1 and SP2 terminals

4

Both sets of loudspeaker terminals can be switched off by
pressing the MUTE button on the remote control. To switch SP1
and SP2 independently, use the front panel switch 7 (see
page 6) or the remote control (see page 9).

Your amplifi er is fi tted with loudspeaker terminals to BFA
(British Federation of Audio) standard specifi cation.

BFA 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 fi rst.

Insert the wire or spade terminal and screw it back up.

CAUTION: 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.

SP1 terminals.

Wiring your loudspeakers

Connect the right speaker to the terminals on the back of
your amplifi er 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 amplifi er. Your loudspeaker cables may be
marked to show polarity (negative/– and positive/+), if not, then
the positive terminal can usually be identifi ed by a ridge or
coloured marking.

Now connect your loudspeakers’ black (negative/–) terminals to
the black (negative/–) terminals on the amplifi er.

Ensure that no stray strands of inner wires are allowed to touch
another cable or the amplifi er’s casing. This can cause a short
circuit and damage your amplifi er!

A85/P85

5

English

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
(115V or 230V) indicated on the rear panel of the unit
before plugging in.

If your mains supply voltage or mains plug is different, consult
your Arcam dealer or Arcam Customer Support on +44
(0)1223 203203.

The product must be earthed.

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 (POWER INLET) 1 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.

Standby power

For remote standby operation, the amplifi er’s control power
supply is kept powered up all the time the unit is connected to
the mains supply. The front panel power switch powers down
all other circuitry. Power consumption in this mode is less than
2W.

This means that even though the power switch is off, it may be
possible to hear a slight residual hum coming from the mains
transformer inside the amplifi er. This is perfectly normal. If the
unit is to be left unused for an extended period, we recommend
that it is disconnected from the mains supply by switching it
off at the wall socket.

2

Connecting to other equipment

The use of high quality interconnect cables to and from your
amplifi er is recommended to ensure the best sound quality.
Sockets marked
connected to sockets marked L (and R) on other equipment. All
the line inputs have the same sensitivity and may be used with
equipment other than that labelled, if needed.

TAPE1/RECORD OUT

to the input sockets of your cassette deck (usually labelled

RECORD).

TAPE1/PLAY IN

output sockets of your cassette deck (usually labelled PLAY).
If you do not have a cassette deck you can use this input for
other (line level) equipment, such as a CD player, tuner, VCR,
etc., but not a turntable.

VCR/TAPE2 RECORD OUT

be connected to the input sockets of VCR/second recorder
(usually labelled RECORD).

VCR/TAPE2 PLAY IN

to the output sockets of your VCR/second recorder (usually
labelled PLAY). Alternatively, you can use this input for other
(line level) equipment such as a CD player, tuner, etc., but not
a turntable.

DVD

bm

player.

L (and R) on your amplifi er should only be

– Connect these output sockets

8

– Connect these input sockets to the

9

– These output sockets can

bk

– Connect these input sockets

bl

– Connect this input to the audio outputs of a DVD

AV

– Connect this input to audiovisual equipment such as a

bn

VCR, laserdisc player, satellite or Nicam tuner.

TUNER

radio tuner.
CD

player or DAC (digital to analogue converter).
AUX

with a line level output, e.g. tape deck, tuner etc.

NOTE: The AUX inputs must not be used if the phono module
is fi tted. When this is fi tted AUX becomes an output carrying
the equalised phono signal at line level.

PHONO
inputs are provided on a separate plug-in module which your
Arcam dealer or distributor can supply and fi t. 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 the MM/MC back panel switch.

Phono earth terminal – For connecting your turntable earth
lead (if fi tted). Note that this terminal must not be used as a
safety earth.

TRIG OUT and REMOTE IN
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 bi-amping with a power amplifi er and wish to
power both units on or off simultaneously, see page 11.

Pre/power amplifi er connections

PWR IN 5 – To use your integrated amplifi er as a power

amplifi er, connect the output of your pre-amplifi er to the PWR IN
sockets.

Press in the
select separate pre-amp/power amp mode. Under these
circumstances your A85 has exactly the same specifi cation and
performance as a power amplifi er (see page 8).

PRE OUT

amplifi er, connect the PRE OUT sockets to the input sockets
of your power amplifi er. With a power amplifi er of the correct
gain (e.g. the P85 power amplifi er) you can bi-amplify (‘bi-amp’)
suitable loudspeakers, giving signifi cant improvements in sound
quality (see page 12).

– Connect this input to the audio outputs of your

bo

– Connect this input to the audio outputs of your CD

bp

– Connect this input to the audio outputs of any unit

bq

– As standard, phono inputs are blanked. Phono

br

(12V in and out) – These

3

PRE/PWR switch

– To use your integrated amplifi er as a pre-

6

on the rear panel to

7

Using your A85 integrated amplifi er

321678

9bk

A85 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

PHONO/AUX CD TUNER AV DVD VCR TAPE TONE SP1 SP2 POWERPHONES

RECORD MODE

ENTER

SELECT

4

5

bl bm bnbo

A85/P85

6

Front panel controls

This section describes how to operate your amplifi er.
If your amplifi er has not been installed for you, you should fi rst

read the section ‘Installation: A85’ on page 4.

POWER (and power indicator light)

Switches the unit on and off. (You can also switch the amplifi er
into standby mode with the remote control handset.)

The light indicates the status of the amplifi er. A red light means
the amplifi er is in standby mode (press the
button on the remote control, or the POWER button on the front
panel, to switch between standby and powered-up modes).

When you switch your amplifi er on, the light glows amber
for a few seconds, during which time the speakers are
disconnected. The light changes to green when the amplifi er
is ready for use.

The light may fl ash if a fault has occurred – the fault type is
shown on the display. You should unplug the amplifi er and leave
it for a few minutes before reconnecting. If the fault cannot be
cleared, unplug your amplifi er and contact your Arcam dealer.

Source selectors

These buttons select the source connected to the
corresponding input. A light above the relevant button indicates
which input is currently selected and it will also usually be
shown on the display.

VCR

4

This input is similar to the other line level inputs on the amplifi er
and may be used with a VCR or a second recording unit (e.g.
cassette deck).

TONE

6

Switches the tone circuits on and off, including settings for
individual sources. Note that the tone LED does not light unless
a tone setting has been made. (see page 8).

Control knob, SELECT and ENTER

The control knob has two functions:

2

■ as a volume control, to adjust the output of loudspeakers

and headphones connected to the amplifi er, and of the
pre-amp output (PRE OUT).

■ when used in conjunction with the SELECT and ENTER

buttons, to customise amplifi er settings (see page 8).

8

Power/Standby

3bobn

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 amplifi er often delivers its full power
long before the volume control reaches its maximum position,
particularly when listening to heavily recorded compact discs.
However the amplifi er 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. To compensate for this, the input levels of each source
may be individually adjusted to avoid accidental overload (see
page 8).

SP1 and SP2

These buttons allow you to select and deselect the main (SP1)
and secondary (SP2) set of speakers attached to your amplifi er.

The light above each button glows if the corresponding
speakers are currently selected. If both lights are out the
amplifi er will appear not to work, as all speakers are switched
off! If both are on, with two pairs of low impedance speakers
connected, overloads are more likely. Overloading the amplifi er
may cause it to shut down because of overheating.

PHONES

This socket accepts headphones with an impedance rating
between 8Ω and 2kΩ, fi tted with a 1/4-inch stereo jack plug.
If you wish to listen on headphones only, use the SP1 and SP2
buttons (if necessary) to mute the speakers. The headphone
socket is always active.

Remote control receiver

The remote control’s infrared receiver is positioned to the left
of the
sight from the remote control to allow signals to be received.

MODE, UP and DOWN

These buttons are mainly for use with future optional modules,
however the UP and DOWN buttons are used with the basic A85
amplifi er to move the cursor when customising the ‘Welcome
message’ (see page 8).

7

1

9

RECORD button. Ensure the receiver is in a clear line of

blbm

A85/P85

7

English

Recording

With the Arcam A85 it is possible to listen to and record from
one source, or to listen to one source while recording another.

Both sets of tape sockets are identical in sensitivity and
suitable for use with almost any type of recorder (cassette,
CDR, MD, VCR, reel-to-reel, etc.). The record signal is sent to

TAPE and VCR output sockets.

both the

RECORD

To record the currently selected source, press RECORD until
the display shows ‘
the display reverts to showing the volume level and you are
ready to record.

To listen to one source while recording another, press
again until the display shows ‘RECORD’ followed by the name
of an input (e.g. ‘AUX’, ‘CD’, ‘TUNER’, etc.). Now press the
source selector button on the front panel for the source you
wish to record. Your selection is shown on the display for a few
seconds, after which it reverts to showing the volume level and
you are ready to record.

The
selector, sending a source signal at line level to a second
amplifi er operating in another room. If you need help with this,
contact your Arcam dealer or Arcam customer support.

Tape-to-tape copying (dubbing)

You can perform tape dubbing from VCR to TAPE, but not from

TAPE to VCR.

For example, to copy from a cassette recorder connected to
the VCR socket to a cassette recorder connected to the TAPE 1
socket, fi rst use the
select ‘RECORD VCR’. This routes the VCR signal to the TAPE
output.

Set the cassette recorder connected to the
record mode and the other to playback mode to start dubbing.

bk

RECORD SOURCE’. After a few seconds

RECORD

RECORD button can also be used as a second zone

RECORD button as explained above and

TAPE socket into its

TAPE

5

To play back the recording from a cassette deck attached
to the TAPE 1 input, press TAPE. ‘TAPE 1’ is shown on
the display. Selecting this input overrides the other source
selectors.

It is also possible to monitor a recording while it is being made,
provided your cassette deck is a 3-head type. To do this, press

TAPE. Switching this button in/out allows an A/B comparison

between the source signal and the recorded signal.

Setting up your A85 integrated amplifi er

Choose

setting

Adjust

BALANCE

Adjust

BASS

Adjust

TREBLE

Adjust

LEFT RIGHT

–dB +dB

–dB +dB

Customize ->

DOWN UP

edit

STANDARD
FINE
REFERENCE

continue

Volume
Resolution

GRAPHIC/
NUMERIC

edit

GLOBAL/
PER
SOURCE

continue

edit

ARCAM A85

continue

edit

AUX/
PHONO

continue

edit

NO/YES

RESTORE
SETTINGS

PHONO/AUX
TEXT

WELCOME
MESSAGE

TONE
CONTROL

edit

continue

edit

continue

TRIM

VOLUME
DISPLAY

INPUT
TRIMS

Welcome Message Phono/Aux Text Restore SettingsVolume Resolution Volume Display Input Trims Tone Control

‘Switch on’

state

‘Switch on’

state

VOLUME

Introduction

The A85 allows you to adjust listening settings to
suit your taste, and to customize various features
of the amplifi er to fi t your system. Use this
diagram to help you navigate through the settings
available.

ENTER and SELECT buttons are represented

The
in the diagram by the symbols and
respectively. The Control knob is shown as .

Adjusting listening settings

The default display mode is VOLUME, where the
control knob is used to adjust sound level.

Press

SELECT to enter edit mode and cycle

through the other sound settings: BALANCE,

BASS and TREBLE. When a setting is selected,

adjust it with the control knob. Press ENTER to fi x
the change you have made and return to default
(volume) mode, or press SELECT again to move to
the next setting.

Customising amplifi er settings

Press SELECT until the display shows
‘CUSTOMIZE->’. Now rotate the Control knob to
choose which setting you wish to alter. Press

SELECT to adjust the chosen setting with the

Control knob.

ENTER to confi rm the adjustment or press

Press

SELECT to confi rm the adjustment and move on to

the next item.

ENTER twice to leave the Customize menu.

Press

Volume Resolution –

Standard, fine or

Reference. ‘Standard’ and ‘Fine’ represent

different levels of volume control sensitivity. The
‘Reference’ setting gives absolute increments in

0.5dB steps.
Volume display mode –

shows the volume either as a bar graph or as a
number. If Volume resolution is set to ‘Reference’
a numeric volume display shows the actual decibel
fi gure.

A85/P85

8

graphic or numeric

Input Trims – use the source select buttons and
Control knob to set input trims for each source.
Input trims are used to compensate for variations
in output levels of different source equipment.

Tone Control –

Global or Per source. This

specifi es the scope of changes for ‘Bass’ and
‘Treble’ tone settings. The default setting is ‘Global’

which affects all inputs equally. ‘Per source’ allows
you to set tone controls for individual inputs: once
set, the amplifi er remembers tone settings for
each input.

Welcome message – You can change the
power on Welcome message from ‘
to display your name, postcode, etc. When
customising the message, use the UP and DOWN
buttons to select the cursor position and the
Control knob to change the letter.

Arcam A85’

Phono/Aux Text – If you have had the optional
Phono module added, choose ‘

Phono’ so this

word is displayed when the input is selected. The
default is ‘

Aux’.

Restore Settings – this restores all amplifi er
settings, including Input trims and the Welcome
message, to their factory defaults.

A85/P85

9

English

Using the remote control

FM DAB

PROG DISP

RPT

MODE BAND

1-9 2-10 3-11

FM

DAB

SEL

TUNER

CR-389

CD

AMPLIFIER

VCRDVD TAPEAV

TUNERCDAUXPHONO

ENTER

SP1

SP2

DISP

MENU DISP

4-12

5-13 6-14 7-15 8-16

CR-389 Remote Control

The CR-389 remote control gives access to all functions
available on the front panel of the A85. It also has controls
to operate Arcam CD players, AM/FM tuners and DAB
tuners. The remote control transmits Philips RC-5 type
codes.

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 fi ve seconds to conserve battery power.

If neither light is illuminated this does not mean that the

buttons on the front panel (see page 6).

Performs the same function as the ENTER

Performs same function as the SELECT button on the front

panel. It allows you to use the remote’s volume switch in the

same way you use the control dial on the front panel – to

adjust various amplifi er settings (see page 8).

Note that pressing + corresponds to turning the

Control knob clockwise, – to anticlockwise.

These operate in the same way as the source selectors

on the front panel of your integrated amplifi er.

remote control is not working!

(UP and DOWN)

Perform the same function as the

button on the front panel (see page 8).

Source selection buttons

TUNER

ENTER

SELECT

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 amplifi er is in standby, amber while
the amplifi er is powering up (this only takes a few seconds) and
green when the amplifi er 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
amplifi er (see page 6).

DISP (display)

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 amplifi er.

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.
You can use the remote’s volume control in conjunction with the

SELECT button to adjust balance, tone and amplifi er settings.

NOTE: Remember to install the two supplied AAA batteries

before trying to use your remote control!
Do not place anything in front of the IR receiver on the left

of the A85, or the remote control may not work.

CD controls

These offer basic controls of Arcam CD players

Installation: P85 power amplifer

+ R/CH1 –

CTR/CH3

SP1

SP2

POWER INLET

OUTIN

L

R

VOLTAGE

SELECT

230V

4 – 16 OHMS

+

L/CH2 –

+

R/CH1 –

+

L/CH2 –

AUDIO

SP1

SP2

4 – 16 OHMS

+ CTR/CH3 –

+

CTR/CH3 –

AUDIO

IN

OUT

LINK

REMOTE

IN

TRIG
OUT

Optional Third Channel Module
– provides a third 85W channel
suitable for Home Cinema or
multi-channel audio use.

Connecting to power, loudspeakers and
other equipment

Follow the installation instructions for the integrated amplifi er
on pages 4–6.

AUDIO IN – Connect this input to the output sockets of your pre-

amplifi er or the PRE OUT sockets of an integrated amplifi er.

MONO LINK – The power amplifi er can be adapted to provide

two mono loudspeaker outputs from a single input. Pull out the
link supplied and use it to connect the
sockets together. Using one power amplifi er per loudspeaker
will enable you to bi-amplify bi-wireable loudspeakers.

This is particularly benefi cial for top quality stereo installations
with a separate pre-amplifi er, or where amplifi ers are provided
for the left, centre and right channel loudspeakers in a fi ve
speaker Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Digital system.

Contact your Arcam dealer for more information.
“Daisy chaining” – The power amplifi er can be connected to

further power amplifi ers to drive more speakers (e.g. those in
other rooms or tri-amplifi ed speakers, etc).

Connect the extra power amplifi er inputs to the
sockets on the power amplifi er, left to left, right to right.

L and R AUDIO OUT

AUDIO OUT

Remote switching

By making a connection from the REMOTE IN socket of the P85
power amplifi er to the TRIG OUT socket of the A85 integrated
amplifi er, you can use the A85 to switch the power amplifi er on
and off. If confi gured in this way, the front panel POWER button
of the A85 (or the Power/Standby button on the remote control)
switches both amplifi ers on and off together. This facility allows
you to conceal the power amplifi er yet still control it.

The connecting cable required is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm jack lead
(stereo or mono) and it is possible to connect several power
amplifi ers to an A85 by ‘daisy chaining’ from

TRIG OUT of one

P85 into the REMOTE IN of the next.

Three channel option

The power amplifi er can be upgraded from stereo to three
channels by adding a Third Channel Module: in this case, the
model is designated P85/3.

The module offers extra loudspeaker terminals together with
a third set of
the P85 into a 3 x 85W (RMS per channel into 8Ω) amplifi er
suitable for Home Cinema or multi-channel audio use.

Contact your Arcam dealer for further details.

AUDIO IN and OUT phono sockets and converts

A85/P85

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A85/P85

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English

Using your P85 power amplifi er

POWER

P85 POWER AMPLIFIER

POWER

SP1 SP2 POWER

POWER (and power indicator light)

Switches the unit on and off. The light indicates the status of
the amplifi er.

When you switch your amplifi er on, the light glows amber for a
few seconds, during which time the speakers are disconnected.
The light changes to green when the amplifi er is ready for use.
A red light means the amplifi er is in standby mode.

The light may fl ash if a fault has occurred – the fault type is
shown on the display. You should unplug the amplifi er and leave
it for a few minutes before reconnecting. If the fault cannot be
cleared, unplug your amplifi er and contact your Arcam dealer.

SP1 and SP2

These buttons allow you to select and deselect the main
(SP1) and secondary (SP2) sets of speakers attached to your
amplifi er. An indicator light shows which set of speakers are
currently selected.

NOTE: If both lights are out the amplifi er will appear not to
work, as all speakers are switched off. If both are on, and
low impedance speakers are connected, overloads are more
likely.

Bi-wiring and bi-amping loudspeakers

Arcam A85 amplifier

RL

Right
speaker

HF

LF

+

+

+ –

HF

LF

+

+

–

–

+ –

Left
speaker

–

–

RL

Amplificateur de puissance Arcam P85

+ –+ –

R

L

+ –+ –

HF

LF

+

–

+

–

–

HF

LF

+––

+

Amplificateur Arcam A85

Enciente

droite

Enciente
gauche

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 integrated amplifi er to the high frequency (HF)
terminals and connect the 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 A85 and the other
an Arcam power amplifi er (e.g. P85).

Loudspeaker cables – two pairs 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
sockets of the A85 to the corresponding AUDIO IN
sockets of the power amplifi er.

PRE OUT

A85/P85

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Bi-wiring using one set of connections on amplifi er Recommended bi-amping confi guration

A85/P85

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English

Service information

Before returning your amplifi er for service, please check the
following:

Sound cuts out for no reason

If the temperature of the internal heatsink rises above a safe
level, then a thermal cutout inside the amplifi er will operate.

The power indicator on the front panel fl ashes and the
protection system temporarily removes the power to the
speakers. The system resets itself as the heatsink cools down.

Technical specifi cations

A85 P85

Continuous power output, per channel

Both channels, 8Ω, 20Hz–20kHz 85W 85W
Single channel, 4Ω, 1kHz 140W 140W
Distortion, 8Ω, 80% power, 1kHz 0.005% 0.005%

Inputs

Phono cartridge (optional module):
input sensitivity, MM 2.5mV
input sensitivity, MC 250µV
Line and tape inputs:
Nominal sensitivity 250mV 700mV
Input impedance 22kΩ 22kΩ
Signal/noise ratio (CCIR) 105dB 112dB
Tone controls, max. boost/cut ±12dB

Note that because of the high output voltage from a CD player,
it is possible to drive the A85 at full power even though the
volume is not set at maximum.

Amplifi er does not switch back on

The A85 and P85 amplifi ers have a protection mechanism
which is activated if you switch the unit on immediately after
turning it off. If this mechanism activates, wait 30 seconds
then try again.

Preamplifi er outputs

Nominal output level 700mV
Output impedance <3Ω

General

Power consumption (maximum) 800VA 800VA (950VA for P85/3)
Dimensions W x D x H (including feet) 435 x 340 x 100mm 435 x 320 x 100mm
Weight (net) 9kg 9.5kg (10.5kg for P85/3)
Weight (packed) 10.5kg 11kg (12kg for P85/3)
Supplied accessories mains lead mains lead
CR-389 remote control
2 x AAA batteries

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.

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

Guarantee

Worldwide Guarantee

This entitles you to have the unit repaired free of charge,
during the fi rst two years after purchase, at any authorised
Arcam distributor provided that it was originally purchased from
an authorised Arcam dealer or distributor. The manufacturer
can take no responsibility for defects arising from accident,
misuse, abuse, wear and tear, neglect or through unauthorised
adjustment and/or repair, neither can they accept responsibility
for damage or loss occurring during transit to or from the
person claiming under the guarantee.

The warranty covers:

Parts and labour costs for two years from the purchase date.
After two years you must pay for both parts and labour costs.
The warranty does not cover transportation costs at any time.

Claims under guarantee

This equipment should be packed in the original packing
and returned to the dealer from whom it was purchased, or
failing this, directly to the Arcam distributor in the country of
residence.

It should be sent carriage prepaid by a reputable carrier -–
NOT by post. No responsibility can be accepted for the unit
whilst in transit to the dealer or distributor and customers are
therefore advised to insure the unit against loss or damage
whilst in transit.

For further details contact Arcam at:

Arcam Customer Support Department,
Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, CAMBRIDGE
CB5 9PB, England.

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Problems!

If your dealer is unable to answer any query regarding this
or any other Arcam product please contact Arcam Customer
Support on [phone] or write to us at the above
address and we will do our best to help you.

On-line registration

You can register your Arcam product on line at:

www.arcam.co.uk/reg

A85/P85

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Other languages

Check the Arcam website (www.arcam.co.uk) for further
languages.