Arcam Alpha 10 Integrated Amplifier, 100W x 2 (230V)

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Please note this unit is intended to run on 230V and will require a power converter if you have different line voltage at home.

The Phono/Aux input is a regular line-level only as the optional phono card is not installed.

From Arcam:

* Highly-acclaimed Arcam Alpha 10 integrated amplifier delivers a full 100 watts per channel (RMS into 8 Ohms) and is fully remote-controlled.

* Using the remote control handset or the front panel controls, parameters can be selected and shown on the graphic display. This enables easy set up of the amplifier and simple source selection.

* Attention to detail in construction includes vibration-dampening feet, custom

* Aluminium chassis aluminium covers. Extra bracing gives vital rigidity and supports the awesome toroidal power transformer which packs a mighty 800VA.

* With through-hole plated fibreglass PCBs, gold-plated connectors and audiophile specification components throughout, the Alpha 10 integrated amplifier is a top-quality powerful stereo amplifier.

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

SkyFi Testing Process:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

The unit is then segregated into two separate components, the amplifier section and the preamplifier section.

If the amplifier passes visual inspection, we move on to a controlled power on sequence using a Sencore safety analyzer to monitor current draw in real time. Once the amplifier is determined to be safe to operate, we connect it to full AC mains for function and power testing. We connect the speaker outputs of the amplifier to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1KHz test signal at the amplifier’s input and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping. At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. If the device under test has both balanced and single ended inputs they are both tested at this time. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1KHz square wave check and a 20Hz to 20KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment. Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it is moved to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.