Arcam ALPHA AV50 - Advice on Using the Alpha AV50; Direct Mode and Speaker Placement; Upgrade Paths and External Connections; System Upgrades and Cables

DIRECT - for the best sound quality in Stereo or Surround
modes. Pressing in Direct on the amplifier bypasses the
bass, treble and balance controls to give an overall cleaner
sound. |
As supplied from the factory the Alpha AV50 will
automatically change to STEREO mode when you select a
non-video input (e.g. tuner or CD). When switching back to
a video input it will default back to what it had been
previously set to, for example Dolby 3 Stereo. These settings
can be changed and stored during set up if required. If Dolby
Pro Logic has been stored in set up mode for that input,
pressing Restore on the remote will restore Dolby Pro Logic.
Turn your TV volume down or mute its internal speaker(s)
otherwise it will upset the balance of surround sound created
by the Alpha AV50.
When positioning your front and centre speakers aim to get
them all at roughly the same height. Ensure that the centre
loudspeaker is magnetically shielded. Check with your
dealer if in doubt.
Don't underestimate the importance of the centre speaker.
Much of the soundtrack of a film is dialogue routed through
the centre channel/loudspeaker. A poorly designed centre
speaker will result in compressed dynamics, distortion and
loss of detail. Speakers used for left, right and centre
channels should be of a similar tonal balance or come from
the same manufacturer.
VARIOUS UPGRADE PATHS ARE AVAILABLE
The Alpha AV50 can be used with an Arcam Alpha 8P or
Alpha
9P
power
amplifier
to
drive
the
front
left
and
right
speakers. For even better results you can bi-amplify the front
speakers using 2x Alpha 8P or 9Ps whilst a third Alpha 8P
or 9P could be added to bi-amp the centre speaker. You
could also add extra power amplifiers to drive the rear
loudspeakers if required.
CONNECTING THE ALPHA AV50 TO EXTERNAL
POWER AMPLIFIERS
The Alpha AV50 can be used as the control centre with
external
power
amplifiers
being
employed
for
higher
output
power or for improving the sound quality. Connect your
additional power amplifier(s) to the appropriate sockets as
described below. |
©
SURROUND
OUT
-
Provides
an
output
for
external
power
amplifiers
for
the
rear
channels
if
required.
@
SUB
OUT
-
Provides
an
output
for
an
active
(powered)
sub
woofer.
If
used
with
a
separate
power
amplifier
and
subwoofer
loudspeaker
then
a
proper
bass
crossover
filter
should
be
used
in addition.
® CENTRE OUT - Provides an output for an external
amplifier for the centre speaker(s).
@ LEFT AND RIGHT OUT - Provides an output for an
external power amplifier for the front left and right
channels if required.
CONNECTING THE ALPHA AV50 TO AN EXTERNAL
5.1 CHANNEL DECODER
To connect the AV50 to a 5.1 type decoder connect the
external processors output sockets to the appropriate
PROCESSOR INPUTS of the AV50 (marked to
inclusive) and press the front panel EXT DECODER button
. The PROCESSOR legend on the display will illuminate.
The preamp out sockets, - inc. are also available for
use with external power amplifiers if required (see previous
section).
OTHER UPGRADES TO YOUR SYSTEM
The digital output from a Laser disc player (which is normally
an optical connection) may be fed into an external digital to
analogue convertor (DAC) such as an Arcam Black Box 50
or 500, for improved sound quality.
Cables can make or break a system. The quality of
interconnects (audio, video and digital) and speaker cables
you use will be a limiting factor on the performance of your
hi-fi/home cinema system. The better the cable the better
the sound. As a guide plan to invest at least 10% of the
value of your equipment in cables.
SOURCES OF SURROUND ENCODED MATERIAL
The majority of films on video, laser discs and broadcast TV
have surround sound - look for the Dolby Surround logo.
Surround material requires a stereo source which can be any
of the following:
A stereo TV or TV tuner (NICAM), A hi-fi stereo (NICAM) video
recorder , A laser disc or DVD player, A stereo satellite receiver
or cable system
The Alpha AV50 is compatible with all of these.