Arcam Alpha 7SE - Technical Notes; Alpha 7 SE CD Player; Alpha 8 SE CD Player; Alpha 9 CD Player

Technical notes
1
Alpha 7SE, 8SE & 9 CD Players
These all use the same basic chassis and mechanics and the
controls are identical. They differ in the system of digital to analogue
(D/A) conversion used in each player Lower specification Arcam
CD players can be upgraded by your dealer to higher performance
models by installing the appropriate Arcam D/A upgrade kit
Alpha 7SE CD Player
This has Delta-Sigma D/A conversion with 24 bit filtering.
Alpha 8SE CD Player
The DAC module of the 8SE utilises the Pacific microsonics PMD
100 filter and HDCD® (High Definition Compatible Digital)
decoder; coupled to the high quality PWM (Pulse width
modulated) bitstream DAC (digital to analogue convertor) used in
the Alpha 8CD player The benefits of this improved sound quality
on all conventional CDs plus the ability to reproduce the full
dynamic range of the ever increasing number of HDCD encoded
CDs now available.
Alpha 9 CD Player
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The Alpha 9 CD incorporates the unique dCS Ring DAC which
delivers state-of-the-art performance from its revolutionary 24 bit
technology.
This new DAC is the result of a three year partnership between
two British companies - Arcam and dCS (Data Conversion Systems
Ltd), the world's leading supplier of professional audio ADCs and
DACs. Ring DAC technology exhibits exceptionally linear response
when decoding digital audio data, with the ability to resolve the
finest acoustic details recorded on a compact disc.
In the Alpha 9 CD player, 24 bit digital filtering is provided by the
Pacific Microsonics PMD 100 chipset, which also performs HDCD
(High Definition Compatible Digital) decoding of suitably encoded
CDs.The sonic performance of the Alpha 9 makes it one of the
very best CD players currently available, regardless of price.
2
For optimum sonic performance, the analogue power supply of the
Alpha CD players 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.
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 CD player 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.
3
This appliance is normally supplied with a moulded mains plug
already fitted 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.The
unit is double insulated and does not require an earth.
If the plug is removed then the remaining lead must be rewired as
follows:
The blue wire
must be connected
to the terminal
which is coloured
blue or marked
with the letter N.
4
The green and yellow
wire must be connected
to the terminal which
is coloured green and
yellow, or marked with
the letter E or the
safety earth symbol.
wire must be
connected to the terminal
which is coloured brown or
marked with the letter L.
For convenience and ease of use, Alpha CD players are supplied
with an infra-red remote control handset. The handset transmits
Philips RC-5 type codes.
POSITIONING
Always place the CD player or transport on a level, firm
surface. Placing your player on a set of dedicated sorbothane
isolation feet will isolate the unit from its surroundings as well as
absorbing the vibrations created within the player itself. You will
generally hear some sonic improvements, which makes this an
extremely cost-effective upgrade.
RADIO INTERFERENCE
The Alpha 7SE/8SE/9 CD players are digital audio devices which
have been designed to very high standards of electromagnetic
compatibility.
Both CD players and digital to analogue converters (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, 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 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.
LASER RADIATION
If an Arcam Alpha CD player is operated whilst the outer casing is
removed, invisible laser radiation could cause eye damage.
I CLASS I
LASER PRODUCT
For more details about HDCD and HDCD recordings please visit
the Pacific Microsonics Website www.hdcd.com or contact them at
Pacific Microsonics Inc. 2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219. Berkeley,
CA 94710, USA