Arcam Alpha 3 - Manual (Page 4)

Arcam Alpha 3 handbook
Balance
The balance control is used to move the stereo sound image
to the left or right. It can be used to compensate for imbalance in room
acoustics or input signals.
Headphones socket
The headphones socket accepts any dynamic headphones
fitted with a standard 1/4 inch (6.35mm) stereo jack plug. If your headphones
are fitted with a smaller jack (usually 3.5 mm), your dealer can supply a
suitable adaptor. The headphones may mute the speakers, or not, as required
(see Operating two pairs of speakers, page 2). This output is not suitable for
driving most electrostatic headphones.
Power
The amplifier is turned on by pressing the mains power
switch. The green light indicates that the power supply in the amplifier is
operating - it will continute to glow for a short time after the amplifier has been
switched off. A gentle ’click’ or ’pop’ may sometimes be heard shortly after
turning the amplifier off. This is perfectly normal, and will not harm your
speakers.
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 leveis 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.
Replay
Depress the tape monitor switch and then switch your tape
recorder into ’PLAY’ mode.
Connecting cables
We strongly recommend the use of quality speaker and
interconnect cables with your hi-fi system. The better the components used in
your system, the more important it becomes to match them with good cable.
We have found interconnect and speaker cables from the AudioQuest range to
be particularly suitable. Detailed information on the AudioQuest range of
cables may be obtained from your dealer or the factory.
Hints and Tips
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the placement of
speakers for the best results. Generally, speakers should be mounted on
dedicated stands, and sited away from corners.
Always ensure that the speaker cable is connected securely
to the output terminals, with no loose strands of wire, and that the mains
connections are tight and fully home in their sockets.
Keep the turntable away from the speakers to avoid acoustic
pickup by the turntable from the speakers - they should not be placed on the
same piece of furniture.
The amplifier will get quite warm when being used at high
levels. This is perfectly normal. However, if it becomes too hot to touch, switch
off the amplifier at once and consult your dealer.
If there is a lot of hum with the disc input selected, check that
the earth lead from the turntable is connected to the ground terminal just
above the disc input sockets, and that the amplifier is correctly earthed via the
mains lead.
Ensure that the amplifier is not directly underneath the
turntable, or next to any unit containing a large mains transformer! (Check by
moving the unit and assessing whether the hum level changes).
If your system does not work check that:
1. The amplifier is switched on and the green LED is on.
2. The source is plugged into the correct input sockets.
3. The selector switch is switched to the correct source.
4. The speakers are connected to the amplifier correctly.
5. The tape monitor switch is not ’in’ when trying to use
another input.
6. The volume control is not set to minimum.
7. The speaker fuses have not blown.
8. The fuse in the mains plug has not blown.
If sound comes out of one speaker only check that:
1. Both speakers are connected to the amplifier correctly.
2. The balance control is not set fully clockwise or anti­
clockwise.
3. Both left and right channels of the source are connected to
the inputs correctly and the input wiring is not faulty,
(check by swapping left and right input connectors).
4. A speaker fuse has not blown.
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