Single wiring
Single wiring is the conventional wiring method of running a single cable per channel between the amplifier and the speaker; this is the easiest technique.
Bi-wiring
Bi-wiring is running two separate cables between the amplifier and each speaker, with one cable carrying the low-frequency information, the other the higher- frequency signals.
Bi-wiring can improve the sound of your system because the separation of high- and low-frequency signal currents into different speaker cables avoids distortions caused by the different currents interacting with one- another within a single cable, as occurs in single-wired systems.
The A38 and P38 are designed to allow easy bi-wiring, but you will need to connect to loudspeakers that provide separate terminals for the two cables. Each speaker must have two pairs of terminals; one pair labelled HF or ‘High Frequency’, the other pair labelled LF or ‘Low Frequency’.
Bi-amping
Bi-amping is the separation of the amplification of low- and high-frequency signals over two amplifiers.
Bi-amping requires the use of two amplifiers per channel. Normally, your A38 is used to drive the high- frequency (treble) speakers, with the P38 used for the lower (bass) frequencies.
Notes on making speaker connections
<Do not make any connections to any amplifier while it is switched on. We recommend that your amplifier is completely disconnected from the mains supply before starting.
<Before switching your amplifier(s) on for the first time after connecting to speakers, please check all connections thoroughly. Ensure that bare wires or cables are not touching each other or the amplifier’s chassis (which could cause short circuits), and that you have connected positive (+) to positive and negative (–) to negative. Be sure to check the wiring for both the amplifier and the speaker.
<After making connections: switch the amplifier(s) on, select a source signal, then gradually increase the volume to the required listening level.
<If you are unsure as to how your system should be connected, or need advice on bi-wiring or bi-amping, please contact your Arcam dealer who will be happy to help you.
