Arcam Alpha 8 Handbook

ENGLISH
■ Both pairs of speakers may be driven simultaneously
provided each pair is rated between 8 and 16 ohms.
To avoid overheating the combined load impedance
as seen by the amplifier should not fall below 4 ohms
per channel.
CAUTION: Your Alpha 7/8 amplifier generates heat when
in use, particularly at higher volumes. It is therefore most
important never to obstruct the ventilation slots on the unit
as this could cause overheating.
NOTE ON VOLUME CONTROL SETTINGS
It is important to point out that, when playing a heavily
recorded CD, it is possible to drive the Alpha 7/8 amplifier
at full power despite the fact that the volume control is only
at 10 or 11 o'clock. This is because of the high output level
from modem CD players.
However the Alpha 7/8 amplifier also has to be capable of
giving full power output from much lower level sources, such
as tuners and cassette decks. Using these sources, the
volume control setting will be much higher before audible
overload sets in.
CONNECTING YOUR SOURCECOMPONENTS
■ Using a suitable pair of interconnect cables to connect
each component, insert the red phono plugs into the
sockets labelled 'R' and the other phono plugs into the
sockets labelled 'L'.
All of the line inputs (except PHONO) have the same
sensitivity and may be used with equipment other than
that labelled, If you need to do so.
® TAPE RECORD OUT - Connect to your tape deck's
input (RECORD).
0 TAPE PLAY IN - Connect to your tape deck's output
(PLAY).
VIDEO - Suitable for connecting the audio outputs of
an Audio/Visual product such as a VCR, Laserdisc
player or Nicam tuner.
TUNER - For connecting your radio tuner.
® CD - For connecting your CD player or DAC.
© AUX - For connecting any unit with a line level output,
eg. tape deck, tuner etc.
© PHONO - For connecting a turntable fitted with a
moving magnet (MM) or high output moving coil (MC)
cartridge. For low output MC cartridges, ask your
dealer for a suitable MC pre-amplifier.
© PHONO / LINE SWITCH (Alpha 8 only) - Converts
the PHONO input to an extra LINE level input. Press
the button in to use as a LINE input Press and
release the button (it should then be flush with the rear
panel) to use as PHONO input
© GROUND TERMINAL - For connecting your
turntable's earth lead (if fitted).
o PREAMP OUT - To use your Alpha 7 or 8 as a pre¬
amplifier connect the PREAMP OUT sockets to the
input sockets ('power amp in’) of your power
amplifier. If your power amplifier is an Arcam Alpha
8P or 9P, or an Arcam Delta 290P, this may also be
used in conjunction with the power amplifiers in your
Alpha 7 or Alpha 8 to bi-amplify suitable
loudspeakers.
OPERATION
© REMOTE RECEIVER (Alpha 8 only) - This is housed
behind the badge in the top left hand comer of the
amplifier. Ensure the remote receiver is not obscured
or commands from the remote control handset will not
be received.
© LISTEN SELECTOR - Selects the input you wish to
listen to. The selected input signal is also sent to the
TAPE OUT sockets to allow the signal to be recorded,
assuming you have a tape deck connected.
© TAPE - For monitoring a recording on a three head
cassette deck, set LISTEN to the desired input and
press TAPE. Switching between 'TAPE' and
'SOURCE' on the cassette deck allows you to
compare the original source with the recording. To
listen to a pre-recorded tape, press TAPE. This will
override the LISTEN selector.
© VOLUME - Adjusts the volume level of the
loudspeakers and headphones.
■ On the Alpha 8 only the volume control is motorised
and can be controlled remotely with the use of a
suitable remote control handset, such as those
supplied with Arcam CD players or ttie Alpha 8
FM/AM tuner (see section on OPERATION BY
REMOTE CONTROL for more details).
© DIRECT - Bypasses bass, treble and balance controls
when the switch is depressed. This affects all inputs,
and will generally give a small improvement in sound
quality.
® BASS - Rotate clockwise to boost the bass response
and anti-clockwise to cut the bass response. For a flat
response leave in the central 'click' position.
© TREBLE - Rotate clockwise to boost the treble
response and anti-clockwise to cut the treble
response. For a flat response leave in the central
'click' position.
■ The range of the tone controls has been deliberately
limited to approximately +/- 8dB at the frequency
extremes.

Arcam Alpha 8 Specifications

General

Brand	Arcam
Model	Alpha 8
Category	Amplifier
Language	English