Arcam Alpha 9 Handbook

INTRODUCTION
The Arcam Alpha 9 integrated amplifier, is derived from the
highly successful Arcam Delta 290 model. It is rated at 70 watts
per channel into 8 ohms. The Alpha 9 is extremely versatile and
suitable for both conventional and Audio Visual (home cinema)
based systems.
It can be used as an integrated amplifier or as a preamplifier to
drive external power amplifiers. The preamp out sockets also
allow the addition of an Alpha 9P power amplifier to give a true
bi-amplified system. In this configuration the power amplifiers
within the Alpha 9 integrated amplifier are retained to drive the
loudspeakers’ treble units whilst using the Alpha 9P to drive
their bass/midrange units.
In addition to this the Alpha 9 integrated amplifier can also be
used as a stand alone power amplifier via its “power amp in”
sockets or combined with suitable loudspeakers and an AV
processor, such as the Arcam Xeta 2, to form a very high
performance home cinema system.
The Alpha 9P is a matching 70 watts per channel power
amplifier designed to complement the Alpha 9 integrated
amplifier. It offers an easy upgrade path for owners of the
Alpha 9 integrated amplifier (or the Delta 290 integrated
amplifier) to provide a bi-amplified system.
It may also be used with Arcam’s Alpha 7 and 8 integrated
amplifiers, either as a simple power booster or as part of a high
performance bi-amplified system.
It can be used with almost any preamplifier and is ideal for
upgrading both hi-fi and Audio Visual systems.
This manual is in four parts:
A. This section has information relevant to both the Alpha
9 and Alpha 9P.
B. Alpha 9 integrated amplifier operating instructions.
C. Alpha 9P power amplifier operating instructions.
D. Instructions on how to bi-wire or to bi-amplify (“bi-amp”)
your loudspeakers.
N.B. Circled numbers e.g. refer to items on the diagrams
inside the flap of the front cover.
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INSTALLATION
O Check that your mains supply voltage agrees with the
voltage setting indicated on the rear panel of the unit.
■ If your mains supply voltage is different, consult your
Arcam dealer.
MAINS SAFETY
■ This product 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 a mains socket.
NOTICE FOR U.K, OWNERS ONLY
■ 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.
■ The brown wire must be connected to the terminal
which is coloured brown or marked with the letter L.
■ 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.
■ When replacing the fuse in the supplied moulded mains
plug, the integral fuse holder/cover must always be
refitted. Use a 5 amp fuse.
SAFETY STANDARD
■ This product has been designed to meet the I EC 6i
international electrical safety standard.
MAINS SUPPLY CONNECTIONS
® Insert the lEC line socket of the mains lead fully into the
power inlet on the rear panel. Connect the other end to
your mains supply.
CAUTION: Your Alpha 9 and Alpha 9P generate heat when in
use, particularly at higher volumes. It is therefore most
important never to obstruct the ventilation slots on the top and
bottom of the unit as this will cause overheating.
If the temperature of the internal heatsinks rises above a safe
level, then a thermal cut out inside the amplifier will operate.
The POWER LED on the front panel will turn amber and the
output protection relays will temporarily remove the feed to the
loudspeakers. The system will reset itself as the heatsinks cool
down.
Please note that under certain conditions it is possible for the
Alpha 9 or Alpha 9P's thermal cut out to operate when playing
music at very high levels.
This might for example happen when continuously playing
heavily compressed rock music "flat out" into low impedance
(4-6 ohm) speakers. If this happens to you, the cure is to turn
the volume down slightly and ensure the amplifier is properly
ventilated.
It is Important to point out that when playing a heavily recorded
CD it is possible to drive the Alpha 9 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 voltage from a CD player. However
the Alpha 9 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 overload sets In.
Warning: This apparatus must be earthed.

Arcam Alpha 9 Specifications

General

Brand	Arcam
Model	Alpha 9
Category	Amplifier
Language	English