Arcam Alpha Integrated Stereo Amplifier - Manual (Page 3)

Front panel controls
From left to right the controls are:
1 Input
The input selector switch selects which input
signal is fed to the loudspeakers and
headphones. The selected signal is also fed to
the "tape out" sockets.
2 Volume
The volume control adjusts the sound level for
both the loudspeakers and headphones.
3 Bass
The bass control cuts low frequencies when
turned anti-clockwise and boosts them when
turned clockwise. The flattest response is
obtained when the control is in the centre
“click” position.
4 Treble
The treble control cuts high frequencies when
turned anti-clockwise and boosts them when
turned clockwise. The flattest response is
obtained when the control is in the centre
"click” position.
5 Balance
The balance control is used to move the stereo
sound image to the left or right. It can be used
to compensate for imbalances in room
acoustics or input signals.
6 Phones
The headphone socket accepts any dynamic
headphones fitted with a standard 1/4 inch
stereo jack plug. The headphones may mute
the loudspeakers, or not, as required (see
loudspeakers). The output is not suitable for
driving most electrostatic headphones. These
are normally connected to the loudspeaker
outputs.
7 Power
The amplifier is turned on by pressing the
mains power switch. The red light indicates that
the power supply in the amplifier is operating -
it will continue to glow for a short time after the
amplifier has been switched off.
Tape recording and replay
The tape input/output is designed to suit most
reel-to-reel and cassette tape recorders.
Recording:
Select the signal source to be recorded using
the selector switch (DISC, TUNER, CD or
VIDEO). Then set the correct recording levels
on your tape recorder and switch it into
"RECORD” mode.
During recording the volume and tone controls
have no effect on the signal being sent to the
TAPE OUT sockets.
DO NOT attempt to record with the
selector switch set to “TAPE”. A
feedback howl may result which could
damage your loudspeakers.
Replay;
Set the selector switch to “TAPE" and then
switch your tape recorder into "PLAY” mode.
Cartridge loading m odule (optional)
A cartridge loading module (ULM/M) is
available which is designed to allow optimum
matching between a moving magnet cartridge
and the Arcam Alpha amplifier. The module is
purely passive and incorporates a number of
different capacitive and resistive loads to suit
different cartridges. In order to install the
loading module you will need to remove the top
cover from the amplifier.
BEFORE REMOVING THE COVER, ALWAYS
SWITCH OFF THE AMPLIFIER AND UNPLUG
FROM THE WALL SOCKET.
The cover may be removed by unscrewing the
two screws indicated in the diagram and lifting
the lid out.
N.B. Most cartridges will perform satisfactorily
without any loading module. speakeriuses
Location of cartridge loading module - top view