Comprehensive Guide to the Arcam A85 and P85 Amplifiers

Using your A85 integrated ampliﬁer

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A85 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

RECORD MODE	ENTER
	ENTER
	SELECT

PHONES

PHONO/AUX CD TUNER AV DVD

VCR TAPE TONE

SP1 SP2

POWER

4 5 6

A85/P85

Front panel controls

This section describes how to operate your ampliﬁer.

If your ampliﬁer has not been installed for you, you should ﬁrst read the section ‘Installation: A85’ on page 4.

POWER (and power indicator light) 8

Switches the unit on and off. (You can also switch the ampliﬁer into standby mode with the remote control handset.)

The light indicates the status of the ampliﬁer. A red light means the ampliﬁer is in standby mode (press the Power/Standby button on the remote control, or the POWER button on the front panel, to switch between standby and powered-up modes).

When you switch your ampliﬁer on, the light glows amber for a few seconds, during which time the speakers are disconnected. The light changes to green when the ampliﬁer is ready for use.

The light may ﬂash if a fault has occurred – the fault type is shown on the display. You should unplug the ampliﬁer and leave it for a few minutes before reconnecting. If the fault cannot be cleared, unplug your ampliﬁer and contact your Arcam dealer.

Source selectors 2

These buttons select the source connected to the corresponding input. A light above the relevant button indicates which input is currently selected and it will also usually be shown on the display.

VCR 4

This input is similar to the other line level inputs on the ampliﬁer and may be used with a VCR or a second recording unit (e.g. cassette deck).

TONE 6

Switches the tone circuits on and off, including settings for individual sources. Note that the tone LED does not light unless a tone setting has been made. (see page 8).

Control knob, SELECT and ENTER 3bobn

The control knob has two functions:

■as a volume control, to adjust the output of loudspeakers and headphones connected to the ampliﬁer, and of the pre-amp output (PRE OUT).

■when used in conjunction with the SELECT and ENTER buttons, to customise ampliﬁer settings (see page 8).

Volume control settings

It is important to realise that the position of the volume control is not an accurate indication of the power delivered to your loudspeakers. The ampliﬁer often delivers its full power long before the volume control reaches its maximum position, particularly when listening to heavily recorded compact discs. However the ampliﬁer 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 may be much higher before distortion (audible overload) sets in. To compensate for this, the input levels of each source may be individually adjusted to avoid accidental overload (see page 8).

SP1 and SP2 7

These buttons allow you to select and deselect the main (SP1) and secondary (SP2) set of speakers attached to your ampliﬁer.

The light above each button glows if the corresponding speakers are currently selected. If both lights are out the ampliﬁer will appear not to work, as all speakers are switched off! If both are on, with two pairs of low impedance speakers connected, overloads are more likely. Overloading the ampliﬁer may cause it to shut down because of overheating.

PHONES 1

This socket accepts headphones with an impedance rating between 8Ω and 2kΩ, ﬁtted with a 1/4-inch stereo jack plug. If you wish to listen on headphones only, use the SP1 and SP2 buttons (if necessary) to mute the speakers. The headphone socket is always active.

Remote control receiver 9

The remote control’s infrared receiver is positioned to the left of the RECORD button. Ensure the receiver is in a clear line of sight from the remote control to allow signals to be received.

MODE, UP and DOWN blbm

These buttons are mainly for use with future optional modules, however the UP and DOWN buttons are used with the basic A85 ampliﬁer to move the cursor when customising the ‘Welcome message’ (see page 8).

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.