Connecting to a power supply

Wrong plug?

Check that the plug supplied with the unit ﬁts your supply and that your mains supply voltage agrees with the voltage setting (115V or 230V) indicated on the rear panel of the unit 2 before plugging in.

If your mains supply voltage or mains plug is different, consult your Arcam dealer or Arcam Customer Support on +44 (0)1223 203203.

The product must be earthed.

Mains lead

The 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. Should you require a new mains lead, contact your Arcam dealer.

Plugging in

Push the plug (IEC line socket) of the power cable supplied with the unit into the socket (POWER INLET) 1 in the back of the unit. Make sure it is pushed in ﬁrmly.

Put the plug on the other end of the cable into your power supply socket and switch the socket on.

Standby power

For remote standby operation, the ampliﬁer’s control power supply 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. Power consumption in this mode is less than 2W.

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 ampliﬁer. 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.

Connecting to other equipment

The use of high quality interconnect cables to and from your ampliﬁer is recommended to ensure the best sound quality. Sockets marked L (and R) on your ampliﬁer should only be connected to sockets marked L (and R) on other equipment. All the line inputs have the same sensitivity and may be used with equipment other than that labelled, if needed.

TAPE1/RECORD OUT 8 – Connect these output sockets to the input sockets of your cassette deck (usually labelled RECORD).

TAPE1/PLAY IN 9 – Connect these input sockets to the output sockets of your cassette deck (usually labelled PLAY). If you do not have a cassette deck you can use this input for other (line level) equipment, such as a CD player, tuner, VCR, etc., but not a turntable.

VCR/TAPE2 RECORD OUT bk – These output sockets can be connected to the input sockets of VCR/second recorder (usually labelled RECORD).

VCR/TAPE2 PLAY IN bl – Connect these input sockets to the output sockets of your VCR/second recorder (usually labelled PLAY). Alternatively, you can use this input for other (line level) equipment such as a CD player, tuner, etc., but not a turntable.

DVD bm – Connect this input to the audio outputs of a DVD player.

AV bn – Connect this input to audiovisual equipment such as a VCR, laserdisc player, satellite or Nicam tuner.

TUNER bo – Connect this input to the audio outputs of your radio tuner.

CD bp – Connect this input to the audio outputs of your CD player or DAC (digital to analogue converter).

AUX bq – Connect this input to the audio outputs of any unit with a line level output, e.g. tape deck, tuner etc.

NOTE: The AUX inputs must not be used if the phono module is ﬁtted. When this is ﬁtted AUX becomes an output carrying the equalised phono signal at line level.

PHONO br – As standard, phono inputs are blanked. Phono inputs are provided on a separate plug-in module which your Arcam dealer or distributor can supply and ﬁt. This module is compatible with most high output moving coil and moving magnet cartridges (MM) and low output moving coil cartridges (MC). MM or MC is selected via the MM/MC back panel switch.

Phono earth terminal – For connecting your turntable earth lead (if ﬁtted). Note that this terminal must not be used as a safety earth.

TRIG OUT and REMOTE IN 3 (12V in and out) – These connections are for use in multi-room installations. In normal use there is no need to make any connections to these sockets. If you are bi-amping with a power ampliﬁer and wish to power both units on or off simultaneously, see page 11.

Pre/power ampliﬁer connections

PWR IN 5 – To use your integrated ampliﬁer as a power ampliﬁer, connect the output of your pre-ampliﬁer to the PWR IN sockets.

Press in the PRE/PWR switch 7 on the rear panel to select separate pre-amp/power amp mode. Under these circumstances your A85 has exactly the same speciﬁcation and performance as a power ampliﬁer (see page 8).

PRE OUT 6 – To use your integrated ampliﬁer as a pre- ampliﬁer, connect the PRE OUT sockets to the input sockets of your power ampliﬁer. With a power ampliﬁer of the correct gain (e.g. the P85 power ampliﬁer) you can bi-amplify (‘bi-amp’) suitable loudspeakers, giving signiﬁcant improvements in sound quality (see page 12).

A85/P85

E n g l i s h

A85, P85/3, P85 specifications

The Arcam P85 and A85 amplifiers are a testament to Arcam's commitment to high-quality audio performance. These components are well-known in the audiophile community for their unique blend of state-of-the-art technology and superior sound quality, catering to discerning listeners who value fidelity and craftsmanship.

The Arcam A85 is a high-performance integrated amplifier that features a robust design and advanced circuitry. It offers a powerful 85 watts per channel output, which is more than sufficient to drive a wide range of speakers with clarity and precision. The A85 incorporates a dual mono design with separate power supplies for the left and right channels, ensuring low crosstalk and high channel separation. This design choice also enhances the amplifier’s dynamic response, allowing it to handle complex musical passages with ease.

One of the standout features of the A85 is its use of high-quality components, including low-noise transistors and capacitors that are specifically chosen to minimize distortion. The amplifier exhibits an impressive signal-to-noise ratio, contributing to a clean audio signal that preserves the nuances of the music.

On the other hand, the Arcam P85 is a powerful, dedicated power amplifier that pairs perfectly with the A85. It utilizes a Class G amplification technology, which provides significant power efficiency. This means that the P85 can deliver peak power output without generating excessive heat, making it an ideal choice for long listening sessions.

The P85 offers 85 watts per channel into 8 ohms but can also deliver 140 watts into 4 ohms, allowing it to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers with authority. Its balanced XLR inputs, alongside standard RCA inputs, ensure compatibility with various audio sources, while the sturdy construction ensures durability and performance.

Both the A85 and P85 feature a simple yet elegant design, characterized by a sleek chassis that minimizes resonances and maximizes aesthetic appeal. They also come equipped with a variety of connection options, including multiple line-level inputs and outputs, making integration into an existing audio system straightforward.

In summary, the Arcam P85 and A85 amplifiers represent a harmonious fusion of innovative technology, impeccable sound quality, and user-friendly design. Their powerful performance, combined with high efficiency and low distortion, makes them a prized possession for any audiophile seeking to enhance their listening experience. Whether used in a stereo setup or as part of a more extensive home theater system, the A85 and P85 deliver exceptional audio performance that stands the test of time.