• Introduction to CD Players
• CD Players
  • Alpha 7
  • Alpha 8
  • Alpha 8SE
  • Alpha 9
• Pre-Amps
  • Alpha 9
• Integrated Amplifiers
  • Alpha 7R
  • Alpha 8R
  • Alpha 9
  • Alpha 10
• Integrated Amplifiers Technical Specs
  • Alpha 8
  • Alpha 9
  • Alpha 10

But the big story with these CD players is their upgradeability. Essentially you can convert a lower model to the full specification of a higher model, at any time, for only a little more than the difference in cost between the respective units. This is accomplished through a simple dealer assisted procedure, in which the existing (DAC) is replaced with a module containing the better DAC circuitry of the more expensive model.
For complete future proofing we've also fitted a digital co-axial output socket to every model.

All players are built with glass fibre main circuit boards, for durability and reliability. And each player uses a modern, well proven and European made Sony CD transport mechanism.
Each of these Arcam CD players has the same controls, in a simple, easy to use configuration. They include track skip, high speed search, repeat and 24 track programming. And every CD player is supplied with a comprehensive infra-red remote control handset. This adds 1-10 direct track access keys, shuffle, intro scan, A-B repeat and time remaining functions, as well as operating the remote volume controls fitted to Arcam's Alpha 8, 9 and 10 amplifiers and earlier models such as the Alpha 6, 6 Plus and Delta 290.

All in all, the Alpha range of CD players offers class leading sound quality, coupled with reliability and ease of service, to guarantee your listening pleasure both now and onwards into the future.

When Arcam's engineers designed the Alpha 7 they concentrated on producing the best possible sound for the price. The circuitry uses a single glass fibre pcb for durability and the critical digital to analogue conversion is via a bitstream DAC from Burr Brown. This feeds audiophile quality output stages, which have their own regulated power supplies, ensuring the audio signals sent to your amplifier are crisp and clear.

And just like the other CD players in our new Alpha range, the Alpha 7 uses a well proven Sony CD mechanism for fast track access and easy accessibility. The display may be dimmed or turned off for even better sound quality.

The Alpha 8SE shares the same proven CD transport mechanism and motherboard design as the 7 and 8 CD players, gaining its performance edge from an improved DAC (digital to analogue conversion) module. The module incorporates a new data reclocking circuit, to minimise digital jitter, and the highly acclaimed Pacific Microsonics PMD 100 digital filter and HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital)® decoder chip. This is carefully matched to a pulse width modulated bitstream D/A converter and audiophile quality analogue output stages similar to those used in the Alpha 8 CD player.

The main benefit of the upgraded electronics incorporated in the Alpha 8SE is the improved sound quality you will hear on all conventional CDs. There is more detail, depth and clarity than before. Music is simply more enjoyable!

In addition the Alpha 8SE brings HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital®) decoding to affordable hi-fi. HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) is the patented Pacific Microsonics mastering and playback technology, which extends the perceived dynamic range of an encoded 16 bit CD. The aim is to provide a higher fidelity of audio reproduction than has previously been available. There is a large range of compact discs available with HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) coding, including work by mainstream artists such as Mark Knopfler, Jimi Hendrix and Joni Mitchell. Whilst these discs play back perfectly well on a conventional CD player, they sound clearly better on an HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) equipped model such as the Alpha 8 SE. And because the Pacific Microsonics' digital filter helps give the Alpha 8SE superior performance even when used with conventional CDs, the overall result is great sound from all types of music CDs in your collection. So with the Alpha 8SE in your system you won't need to replace any discs or change anything except, perhaps, the way you enjoy high definition natural sound!

Whilst sound quality is usually the main reason for choosing a hi-fi component, other factors, including ease of use, good looks, reliability and upgradeability, are also important. You will be reassured to know that the Arcam Alpha 8SE is a leader in all of these areas.

The front panel controls include pause, repeat, track skip, high speed search and 24-track programming. The easy to read 8 digit display may be dimmed or even turned off, giving a small but audible improvement in sound quality. A separate red LED (Light Emitting Diode), hidden behind the Arcam badge in the top left hand corner of the player, illuminates when an HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) encoded disc is playing. The smartly styled front panel matches other Arcam hi-fi, including our award winning integrated amplifiers. The remote control handset includes useful extra functions such as 1-10 direct track access, shuffle, intro scan, A-B repeat and time remaining. It also operates the volume controls on suitable Arcam remote ready amplifiers, such as the Alpha 8, 8R, 9, 10 and AV50.

Turning to technical matters, the Alpha 8SE CD player uses the same Sony CD mechanism, power supply and casework as the Alpha 7 and 8 CD players. This not only ensures reliability (backed up by Arcam's two years parts and labour warranty) but also allows owners of either of these earlier models to have their units upgraded to full Alpha 8SE specification by any authorised Arcam dealer.

Elsewhere Arcam has, as always, paid attention to detail where it counts. The plug-in DAC module comprises a computer grade through-hole-plated fibreglass PCB, mounted on a custom aluminium extrusion to isolate it from unwanted vibration and electrical interference. Audiophile specification components are used throughout. Two pairs of gold plated phono sockets allow the Alpha 8SE to be connected simultaneously to your main hi-fi system and a multi-room distribution centre or second amplifier elsewhere in the house. A precision (class 1) co-axial digital output is also provided for added flexibility.

The dCS Ring DAC has very low distortion and near perfect DNL (differential non-linearity) leading to a sound that is pure, detailed, dynamic and as near to the original recording as you are ever likely to get. Coupled with painstakingly designed analogue and power supply circuitry, the Ring DAC helps the Alpha 9 outperform competitiors costing many times more.

The Alpha 9 also automatically decodes HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) (High Definition Compatible Digital) recordings. HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) is the patented Pacific Microsonics mastering and playback technology, which extends the perceived dynamic range of an encoded 16 bit CD.

In its July/August 1998 issue Hi-Fi Choice magazine described the revolutionary chip design of the Alpha 9, as delivering 'the best ever sound under £1,000' and 'the most ambitious and inspired digital product ever to emerge from Arcam'. We can only agree.

• Remote control of volume and muting for easy operation
• Twin loudspeaker outputs for two room use (one switchable), plus headphones socket
• Phono stage included for use with turntable and moving magnet pickup cartridge
• High specification components for improved sonic performance
• Large toroidal transformer supports 45 watts per channel power output into 8 ohms
• Pre-amp output sockets for bi-amping upgrade

Supplied with a smart remote handset that controls volume and muting, the 8R also comes with a Processor function that allows it to be used in a Home Cinema set up with greater ease. The amplifier design incorporates numerous audiophile components and gold-plated input sockets to produce a refined, sophisticated sound.

• Remote control of volume and muting (handset included)
• Can be used with Alpha 8P or 9P to bi-amplify suitable loudspeakers
• Processor switch fixes gain of front channels for use with external home cinema processor e.g. Arcam Xeta 2
• Gold plated connectors and top quality moving magnet phono stage included as standard
• Delivers over 50 watts continuous power into 8 ohms, so drives most loudspeakers easily

The amplifier delivers a continuous power output of over 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with both channels driven. The sound is clean, powerful and beautifully transparent with both digital and analogue sources, including vinyl records (note that the plug-in phono stage, which caters for both MM and low output MC cartridges, is a dealer fitted optional extra).

All the key electronic parts are of audiophile standard and are mounted on a single, through-hole-plated computer grade circuit board. All input and output sockets are gold plated.

The high current VMOSFET power amplifiers are directly coupled to remove sound compromising capacitors from the signal path. Ample reserves of power are assured by the use of a massive 400VA toroidal transformer.

The Alpha 9's flexibility makes it the ideal control centre for a sophisticated hi-fi or A/V system. Six line inputs, including two tape loops, are standard; a seventh (phono) input is an optional extra. Separate listen (source selection) and record controls allow you to listen to one source whilst recording another; alternatively the record output may be used to send line level signals to a second amplifier, to play music in another room in your home or office. Both the listen and volume controls are motorised for easy armchair operation via infra-red remote control. The supplied CR35 handset also operates most Arcam CD players and our Alpha 8 tuner.

Two independently switched pairs of loudspeaker sockets and a headphones socket are included, so you can run two sets of speakers in separate rooms if required. Finally, the bypassable limited range tone and balance controls allow you to fine tune the amplifier settings to suit your listening environment and system requirements.