Arcam A38 User Manual

A38/P38  
Handbook Integrated and power amplifiers  
ank you and congratulations for purchasing your Arcam FMJ Amplifier.  
contents  
Arcam has been producing specialist audio products of remarkable quality for over three  
decades and the new A38 and P38 amplifiers are the latest in a long line of award winning  
HiFi. e design of the FMJ range draws upon all of Arcam’s experience as one of the UK’s most  
respected audio companies, to produce Arcam’s best preforming Stereo amplifiers yet; designed  
and built to give you years of listening enjoyment.  
safety guidelines.......................................E-2  
Important safety instructions........................... E-2  
Safety compliance ................................................ E-2  
welcome......................................................E-3  
welcome  
overview .....................................................E-4  
Placing the unit ..................................................... E-5  
Power......................................................................... E-5  
Interconnect cables.............................................. E-5  
is handbook is intended to give you a detailed guide to using both the A38 Integrated  
Amplifier and P38 Power Amplifier systems. It starts by giving advice on installation, moves  
on to describe how to use the product and finishes with additional information on the more  
advanced features. Use the contents list shown on this page to guide you to the section of  
interest.  
A38 connections .......................................E-6  
Audio inputs ........................................................... E-7  
Recording loops .................................................... E-7  
Phono input............................................................ E-7  
Pre-/power-amplifier connections................. E-7  
Controlling A38 from a second room............ E-7  
We hope that your FMJ Amplifier will give you years of trouble-free operation. In the unlikely  
event of any fault, or if you simply require further information about Arcam products, our  
network of dealers will be happy to help you. Further information can also be found on the  
loudspeakers .............................................E-8  
Connecting loudspeakers to the A38/P38.. E-8  
Single wiring........................................................... E-9  
Bi-wiring ................................................................... E-9  
Bi-amping ................................................................ E-9  
e FMJ development team  
A38 operation......................................... E-10  
Switching the A38 on........................................E-10  
Changing the volume .......................................E-10  
Selecting an audio source ...............................E-10  
Recording an audio source .............................E-10  
A38 setup................................................. E-11  
Configuring your A38 amplifier.....................E-11  
remote control........................................ E-12  
The CR90 Universal remote controller........E-12  
Source keys............................................................E-12  
Amp commands..................................................E-13  
P38connections...................................... E-14  
Connecting to loudspeakers ..........................E-14  
Other connections..............................................E-14  
Remote switching...............................................E-15  
specifications.......................................... E-16  
Troubleshooting..................................................E-17  
Remote-control codes ......................................E-17  
product guarantee ................................ E-18  
e-3  
Arcam’s A38 Integrated Amplifier – and its companion  
P38 Power Amplifier – provide class-leading sound  
quality.  
with sealed reed relays from Arcam’s range-topping  
C31, deliver a wonderfully transparent signal to each  
power amplifier. A completely new volume control  
gives unprecedented linearity and noise performance,  
allowing fine details to be reproduced in startling clarity.  
e A38 Integrated Amplifier and P38 Power  
Amplifier are designed to produce a level of  
performance that will truly bring music and movies  
to life.  
e A38 features a number of new technologies  
which practically eliminate thermal modulation of  
audio signals, ensuring truly dynamic and thrilling  
reproduction. New output devices and dramatically  
improved thermal coupling results in much improved  
linearity.  
e CR90 remote control supplied with the A38 is an  
eight-page ‘universal’ learning remote control which  
is simple to use, and once set up is able to control a  
complete system. It can be programmed using a vast  
internal code library to control CD players, tuners, TVs  
and other devices.  
overview  
A massive torroid-based power supply delivers effortless  
power with low noise. A new pre-amplifier design,  
�  
 
 
�  
 
�  
 
 
�  
�  
�  
 
�  
�  
�  
�  
�  
�  
�  
 
 
�  
e-4  
Placing the unit  
Power  
interconnect cables  
<
Place the amplifier on a level, firm surface,  
avoiding direct sunlight and sources of heat or  
damp.  
e amplifier is supplied with a moulded mains plug  
already fitted to the lead. Check that the plug supplied  
fits your supply – should you require a new mains lead,  
please contact your Arcam dealer.  
We recommend the use of high-quality screened cables  
that are designed for the particular application. Other  
cables will have different impedance characteristics  
that will degrade the performance of your system (for  
example, do not use cabling intended for video use to  
carry audio signals). All cables should be kept as short  
as is practically possible.  
<
<
Do not place the A38 on top of a power amplifier  
or other source of heat.  
Do not place the amplifier in an enclosed space  
such as a bookcase or closed cabinet unless there  
is good provision for ventilation. e A38 and  
P38 are designed to run warm during normal  
operation.  
If your mains supply voltage or mains plug is different,  
please contact your Arcam dealer immediately  
Push the IEC plug end of the power cable into the  
socket on the back of the amplifier, making sure that it  
is pushed in firmly. Plug the other end of the cable into  
your mains socket and, if necessary, switch the socket  
on.  
It is good practice when connecting your equipment to  
make sure that the mains power-supply cabling is kept  
as far away as possible from your audio cables. Failure to  
do so may result in unwanted noise in the audio signals.  
<
<
Do not place any other component or item on  
top of the amplifier as this may obstruct airflow  
around the heat-sink, causing the amplifier to  
run hot. (e unit placed on top of the amplifier  
would become hot, too.)  
Make sure the remote-control receiver to the  
leſt of the front panel display is unobstructed,  
otherwise this will impair the use of the remote-  
control. If line-of-sight is impractical, a remote-  
control repeater can be used with the rear panel  
connector (see page 7).  
Stand-by power  
For remote stand-by operation, the amplifier’s control  
power-supply is kept powered on all the time the unit is  
connected to the mains supply. e front-panel power-  
switch powers all other circuitry down and power  
consumption in this mode is less than 2W.  
is 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. is  
is perfectly normal. However, if the unit is to be leſt  
unused for an extended period, we recommend that you  
disconnect it from the mains supply.  
<
Do not place your record deck on top of this  
unit. Record decks are very sensitive to the noise  
generated by mains power supplies which will be  
heard as a background ‘hum’ if the record deck is  
too close.  
e-5  
NOTE  
e trIG out and rEMotE In functions are only used  
in multi-room systems. ey are not required for  
normal use.  
A38  
connections  
Speaker terminals  
e A38 is equipped with two pairs of speaker  
terminals. See page 8 for information on  
connecting loudspeakers.  
Phono input  
A high quality phono input is available  
as an optional extra to the A38.  
See page 7 for more information.  
�  
 
Power inlet  
Connect the correct  
mains cable here.  
 
 
�  
 
�  
��  
 
 
�  
�  
 
Phono earth terminal  
�������  
 
�����������  
�����������  
 
�  
 
�  
�  
�  
For connecting your  
turntable earth lead (if  
required). Note that this  
terminal must not be used as  
a safety earth.  
�  
�  
 
�  
�  
�  
�  
�  
 
Remote in  
Voltage select  
Ensure the voltage selected  
matches the local power supply.  
is allows remote-control signals to  
be received by the A38 if the remote  
sensor is covered (or otherwise not  
‘visible’ to the remote-control).  
Recording loops  
e A38 is equipped with two  
recording loops, for use with  
recording devices (cassette  
decks, CD recorders, etc.).  
See page 7 for more information.  
Trig out  
See pages 7 and 10 for more  
information.  
is output provides a 12V signal whenever  
the unit is switched on (i.e., not ‘oor in  
‘stand-by’). is signal can be used to switch  
on power amplifiers (or other equipment)  
connected to the A38.  
audio inputs  
ese inputs are intended for use with your audio  
equipment. e labels above the inputs give suggested  
uses, but all 5 inputs have the same characteristics (all  
are line-level inputs) and any suitable device may be  
connected to any input. (Note, however, that the name  
of the input shown on the front-panel display cannot  
be changed.)  
Pre-/power-amplifier connections  
ese sockets are only used if you are using the A38  
as a pre-amp, for example, when using the A38 in  
conjunction with a P38 in a bi-amplified system.  
See page 9 for more information.  
NOTE  
Please read the ‘Placing the unit, ‘Power’ and  
‘Interconnect cables’ sections on page 5 before  
connecting up your A38 integrated amplifier!  
See page 7 for more information.  
e-6  
audio inputs  
Recording loops  
e A38 is equipped with two recording loops, for use  
with recording devices (such as cassette decks, CD  
recorders, DAT recorders, VCR, PVR etc.).  
Phono input  
Pre-/power-amplifier connections  
Although the inputs are labelled for specific devices, all  
have the same characteristics and each may be used with  
any line-level product. e exception is the optional  
Phono input (see page 16 for specification).  
As standard, no phono input is fitted to the A38.  
PrE out  
e phono module (or an external phono amplifier) is  
required if you wish to connect a record player to the  
A38. is is because the low-voltage output of a record  
player requires a pre-amplification stage before the signal  
can be used.  
To use your A38 as a dedicated pre-amplifier, or as part  
of a bi-amped system, connect the PrE out sockets to  
the input sockets of your power amplifier.  
AV rEcord out  
Connect these output sockets to the input sockets of  
your recording device (usually labelled rEcord or In).  
dVd  
Pwr In  
Intended for the analogue outputs from a DVD-player.  
To use your A38 as a power-amplifier, connect the  
output of your pre-amplifier to the Pwr In sockets.  
A very high quality phono input is available as an optional  
extra: please consult your dealer for price and availability.  
AV  
AV PLAy In  
Intended for the analogue outputs from general audio-  
visual equipment, such as a VCR, digital TV/satellite  
receiver, or Nicam tuner.  
Connect the output sockets of your recording device  
(usually labelled PLAy or out) to these inputs.  
If you wish to use your A38 as a dedicated pre- or  
power-amplifier (but not in the case of a bi-amped  
system), press the PrE/Pwr switch in on the rear panel.  
is separates internally the connection between the  
pre- and power-amp. stages of the A38.  
e Arcam phono module is compatible with moving-  
magnet cartridges (MM) and moving-coil cartridges  
(MC). Once the module is fitted, you should select MM  
or MC via the recessed MM/Mc back panel switch (push  
the switch in for MC).  
If you do not have a recording device, you can use this  
input for other (line-level) equipment, such as a TV,  
DVD, CD-player, radio tuner, PVR, etc.  
tunEr  
Intended for the analogue outputs from a radio tuner.  
When used as a power amplifier, your A38 has exactly  
the same specification and performance as a P38,  
described later in this handbook.  
If you have already an external phono amplifier that you  
wish to use, connect this to one of the line-level inputs,  
such as the AuX input.  
PVr rEcord out  
ese output sockets can be connected to the input  
sockets of a second recording device.  
cd  
Intended for the analogue outputs from a CD player.  
AuX  
PVr PLAy In  
is is intended for general use. Connect the analogue  
audio outputs of any unit with a line-level output (such  
as a games console or set-top box).  
Connect the output sockets of your second recording  
device to these inputs. Alternatively, this input may be  
used for other (line-level) equipment such as a games  
console, set-top box, etc.  
aV dubbing  
You can perform tape dubbing from PVr to AV, but not  
from AV to PVr.  
controlling a38 from a second room  
e A38 will require a remote pick-up device with a 12V external power supply  
(such as a Xantech Dinky Link) located in Zone 2, together with a power amplifier  
(such as an Arcam A38 or P38) to complete the system.  
For example, to copy from a cassette recorder connected  
to the PVr socket, to a cassette recorder connected to the  
AV socket, first use the rEcord button to select ‘Record  
PVR. is routes the PVR signal to the AV output.  
e diagram below shows the wiring scheme, which will also apply to other IR  
pick-up devices commonly available.  
rEMotE In  
Tip = Signal  
Sleeve = 0V  
Dinky Link, located in Zone 2  
Signal  
 
�  
�  
�  
e A38 can also provide a +12V trigger output to control devices such as the  
power amplifier in Zone 2. e +12V trigger is active when the unit is ‘On.  
e-7  
connecting loudspeakers to the A38/P38  
loudspeakers  
Single wiring  
notes on making speaker  
Single wiring is the conventional wiring method of  
connections  
running a single cable per channel between the amplifier  
and the speaker; this is the easiest technique.  
<
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.  
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.  
<
Before switching your amplifier(s) on for the  
first time aſter connecting to speakers, please  
check all connections thoroughly. Ensure  
that bare wires or cables are not touching  
each other or the amplifiers 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.  
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.  
e 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.  
<
<
Aſter 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.  
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.  
e-8  
Single wiring  
Both the A38 and P38 are designed for bi-wiring, which is why there are duplicate speaker  
terminals on the back. For single wiring, we recommend that you use the lower set of  
speaker terminals on your amplifier. If each speaker has more than one pair of connecting  
terminals, use the terminals labelled Lf or ‘Low Frequency’ for each speaker.  
�  
Connect the positive terminal of the right speaker connection on the amplifier (coloured  
red and labelled +r) to the positive terminal of your right speaker. Similarly, connect the  
negative terminal of the amplifier (coloured black and labelled with r) to the negative  
terminal of your speaker. Repeat the process for the leſt speaker, using the amplifier  
terminals labelled +L and L–.  
 
An A38 or P38 connected to speakers using single wiring  
If your speakers support bi-wiring, then there is a strip of conductive metal on the  
speakers connecting the low-frequency terminals to those for the higher-frequencies; this  
mUST NOT bE REmOVED in a single-wired system.  
bi-wiring  
Bi-wiring is performed in the same way as single wiring except that, for each speaker, a  
�  
pair of cables are used to connect the amplifier to each speaker.  
Follow the instructions given for single wiring; then perform the same actions, this time  
connecting the upper set of speaker terminals on your amplifier to the terminals labelled  
hf or ‘High Frequency’ for each speaker. Please refer to the illustration.  
 
Speakers that support bi-wiring have a strip of metal on the speakers connecting the low-  
frequency terminals to those for the higher-frequencies; this mUST bE REmOVED in a  
bi-wired system.  
An A38 or P38 connected to speakers using bi‑wiring  
bi-amping  
 
Bi-amping requires the use of two amplifiers per channel. Normally, your A38 is used to  
drive the high-frequency (treble) speakers, while a power-amplifier (such as a P38) is used  
for the lower (bass) frequencies.  
 
Connect your A38 to the speakers as described for single wiring, with the exception that  
the A38 should be connected to the speaker terminals labelled hf or ‘High Frequency.  
en connect the power amplifier (P38, for example) to the Lf or ‘Low Frequency’  
terminals, as in the diagram. A pair of audio interconnect cables are also required to  
connect the pre-amp outputs of the A38 to the power amp inputs of the P38.  
�  
Note that the strip of metal on the speakers connecting the lower terminals to the  
upper terminals mUST bE REmOVED. Failure to do so will result in damage to both  
amplifiers, which will not normally be covered under warranty.  
An A38 and P38 connected to speakers using bi‑amping  
e-9  
A38  
operation  
Switching the a38 on  
changing the volume  
Use the control knob to change the volume. Turn the  
knob clockwise to increase the volume, anti-clockwise  
to reduce it.  
e output of the A38 can be muted by pressing MutE.  
Press MutE for a second time (or change the volume) to  
cancel the mute.  
Selecting an audio source  
Recording an audio source  
e PowEr button switches the unit on and off;  
A source-selection button is used to select the source  
that is connected to the input corresponding to the  
button. A light above the relevant button indicates which  
input is selected and this information is also shown on  
the display.  
e A38 allows listening to and recording from the  
same source, or listening to one source whilst recording  
another. e signal to be recorded is sent to both the AV  
and PVr output sockets.  
alternatively, the unit can be switched in and out of  
stand-by mode by pressing the button on the remote  
2
control handset.  
e power light (next to the A38 Integrated Amplifier’  
text) indicates the state of the amplifier:  
1. A red light means that the amplifier is in stand-by  
mode;  
2. When you switch your amplifier on, the power  
light glows amber for a few seconds; during this  
time the outputs are muted;  
3. e light changes to green when the amplifier is  
ready for use.  
Selecting the source for recording  
e recording outputs can be configured in two ways:  
1. To allow recording of the source being listened to;  
2. To allow recording of a particular (specified)  
source, regardless of what is being listened to.  
listening using headphones  
e headphones socket (PhonEs) accepts headphones  
with an impedance rating between 8and 2k, fitted  
with a 6.5mm stereo jack plug.  
SP1 and SP2  
ese buttons allow you to switch the main speakers  
(connected to the lower set of speaker terminals) and  
secondary speakers (connected to the upper set of  
speaker terminals) on and off.  
e pre-amp. outputs and speakers are muted when  
headphones are plugged in. e headphones socket is  
always active, unless the volume has been muted.  
To record the source being listened to, press the rEcord  
button repeatedly until the display shows Record  
source. Aſter a few seconds, the display reverts to  
showing the volume level, and you are ready to record.  
In this configuration, selecting a different input changes  
the source that is routed to the recording outputs.  
e light above each button glows if the corresponding  
speakers are currently selected. If you have connected  
the A38 to the speakers using the single-wired  
configuration described on page 9, then the sP1 light  
should be illuminated; if you have used the bi-wiring  
configuration described on page 9, both sP1 and sP2  
must be switched on. Note that when both lights are out  
then the amplifier will appear not to work, as all speakers  
are switched off.  
balance  
e power light may flash if a fault has occurred –  
the fault type is shown on the display. See page 17,  
Troubleshooting, for help in resolving fault situations.  
If the fault cannot be cleared, unplug your amplifier and  
contact your Arcam dealer.  
In addition to the A38 setup menu (see page 11), you  
can also control leſt-right stereo balance directly from  
the bALAncE button on the front-panel.  
To record one source whilst listening to another, press  
rEcord until the display shows ‘Record’ followed by  
the name of an input (e.g., Aux, CD, Tuner, etc.). Now  
press the source-selector button on the front-panel for  
the source you wish to record. Your selection is shown  
on the display for a few seconds, aſter which the display  
reverts to showing the volume level. You are now ready  
to record.  
display  
e dIsPLAy front panel button changes the display  
brightness. ere are three brightness levels: ‘on,  
‘dimmed’ and ‘o. If the A38 is switched off while the  
display is set to ‘o, the display is set to ‘dimmed’ when  
the A38 is switched on again.  
When listening to ‘loud’ inputs, such as CDs, the  
amplifier may reach its full power before the display  
reads Maximum, in contrast, lower-level inputs, such  
as tuners, will sound quieter for the same volume level  
shown. To compensate for this, the input levels of each  
source may be adjusted. is can be done using the A38  
setup menu (see page 11).  
Pressing a different source-selection button changes the  
source that you are listening to, but does not alter the  
source that is routed to the recording outputs.  
e-10  
configuring your A38 amplifier  
‘Power On’ state  
A38 setup  
you have found the setting that you wish to adjust (as  
adjusting listening settings  
e A38 allows you to customise various features of the  
amplifier to fit your system. Use this diagram to help you  
navigate through the available configuration options.  
shown on the front panel display), you can change the  
setting using the control knob. Press MEnu to store the  
change and return to volume display mode – or press  
oK again to move to the next setting.  
In the diagram, the control knob is shown as  
.
Note that the menu will time-out aſter a short period  
without pressing a button, with the display reverting to  
the current volume.  
Normally, the display shows the current volume and the  
control knob is used to adjust this.  
e following items can be adjusted from the setup  
menu:  
Press MEnu once to enter the setup menu, then press  
oK repeatedly to cycle through the menu items. When  
is allows you to adjust the output balance between leſt and right channels. e display is  
also available directly by pressing the front panel dIsPLAy button.  
Balance  
ere are three volume-display options to chose from: ‘Standard, ‘Fine’ or ‘Reference.  
Standard and Fine represent different levels of volume-control sensitivity; the Reference  
setting gives absolute increments in 0.5dB steps.  
Volume resolution  
Input trims are used to compensate for variations in output levels of different source  
equipment. If, for example, your CD player is louder at a given volume display value  
than other inputs, you can attenuate it by using this setting so that it matches your other  
components.  
Input trims  
Use the source-select buttons to select the input you wish to adjust, then the control knob  
to set (increase or decrease) the input volume for that source.  
is can be used to limit the maximum volume the amplifier operates at when it is first  
switched on: the A38 comes on at the (reduced) ‘Max. On Volume’ level if the last-used  
volume exceeds this value.  
If this item is set to ‘Disabled, the A38 always comes on at the last used volume, even if this  
is very loud.  
Max on volume  
Processor mode  
Processor mode enables you to fix the gain (volume setting) of your A38. e A38 (in  
combination with a power amp.) can then be used to drive the front leſt and right speakers  
of a surround-sound system, when fed from a separate processor. e volume of the entire  
system can then be controlled using the processor.  
Feed the sound from the processor into the AV input, then set the gain of the A38 to match  
the amplifiers that drive your other loudspeakers.  
Confirming ‘Yes’ restores all amplifier settings to their factory defaults.  
Reset  
e-11  
The cR90 universal remote  
Source keys  
inserting batteries into the  
remote control  
controller  
As the CR90 can control your A38 as well as a range of  
other equipment, many of the buttons have more than  
one function depending on the ‘device mode’ or ‘page’  
selected.  
is section refers only to the A38. Please note that the  
P38 Power Amplifier can only be controlled indirectly  
through a pre-amp.  
remote  
control  
e device selection keys: dVd, sAt, AV (TV), tun, AMP  
and AuX, both select the source and configure the CR90  
to control the particular source.  
e CR90 is a sophisticated ‘universal’ remote control  
that can control up to eight devices. It’s pre-programmed  
for use with the A38 and many other Arcam products  
(FM/DAB tuners, CD-players and DVD-players).  
In other words, the buttons are oſten ‘context sensitive’  
so you’ll have to tell it what sort of device you wish  
to control (press the AV button for a video display, for  
example) before you can control it.  
With its extensive built-in library of codes, it can also be  
used with thousands of other audio-visual components  
– TVs, satellite and set-top boxes, PVRs and third-party  
CD players. See the final section of the CR90 Handbook  
for a list of these.  
1. Open the battery compartment by pressing  
the button on the back of the handset.  
Select the source key first  
Remember to select a source key before pressing  
command buttons – commands vary depending on the  
source selected!  
e CR90 is a ‘learning’ remote, so you can teach it  
almost any function from an old single-device remote.  
You can also program the CR90 to issue a sequence of  
commands (‘macros’) from a single button press – see  
the CR90 Handbook for details.  
 
 
�  
 
As the CR90 is a system remote controller, some of  
the keys are not used with the A38. For instance, the  
PVr and cd keys can still be programmed to control  
products, so if you have a PVR connected directly to  
your TV or SAT box, you can use the CR90 to control it  
as part of your system.  
 
 
�  
�  
2. Insert four AAAbatteries into the battery  
compartment – two facing the top of the unit,  
and two facing the end, as in the diagram.  
3. Lower the end cap onto the plastic locating  
plate in the handset. is acts as a hinge, and  
you can now push the end cap firmly into its  
locked position with a click.  
dVd  
sAt  
AV  
DVD player  
Satellite set-top box  
Audio-visual sound input (use with TV)  
DAB, FM or AM tuner  
tun  
AMP  
Controls the Amplifier features of the  
A38 (and indirectly, of a P38 connected  
to the A38)  
AuX  
Auxiliary input, or an iPod via an rDock  
or rLead  
PVr  
Personal Video Recorder  
Compact Disc player  
cd  
e-12  
amp commands  
 
PowEr – Switches A38 between stand-by  
2
and on  
1–9  
Some number keys can be used for source  
selection:  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
DVD input  
Not used for A38  
AV (television sound input)  
AUX Auxiliary line input  
Not used for A38  
SAT Satellite decoder input  
TUN DAB/FM/AM tuner input  
CD input  
 
 
�����  
 
��  
 
�  
 
�  
Not used for A38  
 
 
�  
 
shIft  
Modifies many keys (see individual key  
descriptions, below)  
 
 
�  
�  
Navigate the menus on Arcam surround  
BC  
D E  
amplifiers. oK confirms a selection.  
shIft +  
to Power on  
to Power off  
B
C
shIft +  
oK  
Confirms a setting (equivalent to ‘Enter’ or  
‘Select’ on some remote controls)  
ModE  
MEnu  
dIsP  
Cycles through Display modes on the front  
panel  
Displays the Amplifier menu on the front  
panel  
Cycles through Display panel brightness  
options (dim to bright, off)  
 
 
 
�  
�  
Press once to mute the speaker and pre-amp  
outputs. Press for a second time (or change  
the volume) to unmute the unit.  
-
�  
��  
�  
Decrease () and increase (+) amplifier  
volume  
– /+  
�  
�  
�  
�  
�  
�  
�  
�  
�  
�  
�  
 
e-13  
����������  
�����������  
 
 
P38  
connections  
 
 
 
�  
 
�  
�  
�  
 
�������  
 
�����������  
������������  
�  
�  
daisy chaining more amplifiers  
connecting to loudspeakers  
other connections  
e P38 can be connected to further power amplifiers  
to drive more speakers (e.g., those in other rooms,  
tri-amplified speakers, etc). is technique is called  
‘Daisy chaining.  
e P38 amplifier may be connected by simple wiring,  
bi-wiring or bi-amping – see page 9 for details. In  
addition, see the following section on the Mono Link  
(and the diagram below) for another way of bi-amping  
loudspeakers using a pair of P38s.  
e P38 amplifier provides the following connections:  
audio in  
Connect the output sockets of your pre-amp. (or the  
PrE out sockets of an integrated amplifier, such as the  
A38) to one of these inputs.  
Connect the AudIo out sockets on the P38 to the  
pre-amp input of the next amplifier in series, leſt to leſt,  
right to right.  
Mono link  
Note that daisy-chaining cannot be used if the Mono  
Link (previously described) is in use.  
e P38 can be adapted to provide two mono  
loudspeaker outputs from a single input. Using a pair of  
P38s (i.e. one power amplifier per loudspeaker) enables  
you to bi-amplify a pair of compatible loudspeakers,  
reducing the amount of cross-talk between channels  
compared with using the P38 in a more conventional  
tereo configuration.  
1. Connect the rIGht channel from your pre-amp  
(or PrE out r from an A38) to the socket labelled  
AudIo In r on your first P38.  
 
 
2. Pull out the link supplied on the back panel  
(labelled ‘link’), and use it to connect the leſt and  
right AudIo out sockets together.  
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 on your second P38, but  
this time connect the LEft channel from your  
pre-amp (or PrE out L from an A38) to the socket  
labelled AudIo In L.  
�  
�  
 
�  
4. Follow the diagram (leſt) for bi-wiring each  
speaker, using the sP2 connections of the P38  
for the high-frequency speaker and the sP1  
connections for the low-frequencies in each case.  
Using a pair of P38s with the Mono Link to bi‑amplify a pair of speakers  
e-14  
Remote switching  
By making a connection from the trIG out socket of  
the A38 Integrated Amplifier to the rEMotE In socket  
of your P38, you can use the A38 to switch the power  
amplifier on and off.  
If configured in this way, the front panel PowEr button  
of the A38 (or the button on the remote control)  
2
switches both amplifiers on and off together. is facility  
allows you to position your power amplifier in a remote  
location (such as close to the speaker it is amplifying),  
yet still control it.  
e connecting cable to use is a 3.5mm jack lead. It is  
possible to remotely switch several power amplifiers  
from an A38 by ‘daisy chaining’ from the trIG out of  
one power amplifier into the rEMotE In of the next.  
e-15  
a38  
P38  
continual improvement policy  
Arcam has a policy of continual improvement for its  
products. is means that designs and specifications  
are subject to change without notice.  
Continuous power output (20Hz—20kHz at 0.5% THD), per channel  
Both channels, 8, 20Hz—20kHz  
Single channel, 8, 20Hz—20kHz  
Both channels, 4, 20Hz—20kHz  
Single channel, 4, at 1kHz  
100W  
150W  
140W  
200W  
0.005%  
100W  
150W  
140W  
200W  
0.005%  
specifications  
Harmonic distortion, 80% power, 8at 1kHz  
Inputs  
Phono input (optional module):  
Input sensitivity  
Input impedance  
Signal/noise ratio (CCIR)  
Overload margin  
Line inputs:  
2.7mV (MM); 270µV (MC)  
47k(MM); 300(MC)  
–79dB (MM); –73dB (MC)  
35dB  
Nominal sensitivity  
Input impedance  
250mV—2V  
10kΩ  
800mV (pre-amp. in)  
10kΩ  
THD+n (1kHz, 0dB signal, measured 20Hz to  
20kHz unweighted)  
–104dB  
–104dB  
Power amplifier input  
Nominal sensitivity  
Input impedance  
800mV  
22kΩ  
800mV  
22kΩ  
Gain  
31.5dB  
31.5dB  
Preamplifier output  
Nominal output level  
Maximum output level  
Output impedance  
700mV  
2.6V RMS  
<50Ω  
Headphone output  
Maximum output level into 600Ω  
Output impedance  
1.6V rms  
4.7Ω  
General  
Mains voltage  
115V or 230V  
800VA  
115V or 230V  
800VA  
Power consumption (maximum)  
Power consumption (standby)  
Dimensions W x D x H (including feet)  
Weight (net)  
2VA  
2VA  
430 x 370 x 110mm  
9.3kg  
430 x 350 x 110mm  
9.5kg  
Weight (packed)  
12.2kg  
12.5kg  
Supplied accessories  
mains lead  
CR90 remote control  
4 x AAA batteries  
mains lead  
E&OE  
NOTE: All specification values are typical unless otherwise stated.  
e-16  
troubleshooting  
remote-control codes  
If you are having trouble with your amplifier, check the  
following items.  
e following tables give the infrared commands accepted by the A38.  
Power commands  
menu navigation commands  
Command  
Decimal Code  
Command  
Decimal Code  
no sound  
uP  
Power toggle  
Power-on  
Power-off  
16–12  
16–123  
16–124  
16–32  
16–33  
16–37  
16–87  
Check the following:  
down  
sELEct  
EntEr  
<
<
<
<
Both the A38 and (if applicable) P38 power-  
amplifiers are switched on.  
e amplifier is not muted (indicated on the A38  
by Mutedbeing shown on the front-panel).  
e selected source is generating audio (e.g., if CD  
is selected, then the CD is playing).  
e AV input is not selected on the A38  
Source selection commands  
Command  
Decimal Code  
Display control commands  
sAt select  
Phono select  
AV select  
tunEr select  
dVd select  
PVr select  
cd select  
16–0  
16–1  
16–2  
16–3  
16–4  
16–6  
16–7  
16–8  
Command  
Display  
Decimal Code  
16–59  
(indicated by the light above the AV button being  
illuminated), instead of the expected source. In  
this case, press AV again to de-select the AV input.  
Volume control commands  
Mute  
Volume up  
<
e speaker outputs are enabled on the A38/P38,  
as indicated by the lights above the sP1 and/or sP2  
buttons (as appropriate) being illuminated.  
16–13  
16–16  
16–17  
AuX select  
Volume down  
Sound cuts-out unexpectedly  
If the temperature of the internal heatsink rises above  
a safe level, then a thermal cut-out inside the amplifier  
operates to protect the unit. During this time, the power  
indicator on the front panel flashes and the protection  
system temporarily removes power to the speakers. e  
system will reset itself as the heatsink cools down.  
e following tables give commands accepted by the P38.  
Power commands  
Speaker control commands  
Command  
Command  
Power toggle  
Power-on  
Decimal Code  
16–12  
16–123  
Decimal Code  
16–35  
<
With two pairs of low-impedance speakers  
connected (6or less), overloads are more likely.  
Overloading the amplifier may cause it to shut  
down because of overheating.  
Speaker 1 toggle  
Speaker 2 toggle  
Speaker 1 on  
16–39  
16–43  
Power-off  
16–124  
<
Note that, due to the high output voltage from a  
CD player, it is possible to drive your amplifier at  
full power even though the volume is not set at  
maximum. See page 11 to adjust the input trim of  
a CD player or other input device.  
Speaker 1 off  
Speaker 2 on  
Speaker 2 off  
16–44  
16–45  
16–46  
Note that the A38 also responds to code 20–53 (the PLAy command for an Arcam CD player). e A38 switches  
automatically to CD input on receiving this command.  
amplifier does not switch back on  
Both the amplifiers detailed in this handbook have a  
protection mechanism which is activated if you switch  
the unit on immediately aſter turning it off. If this  
mechanism activates, wait 30 seconds before switching  
the unit on again.  
e-17  
Worldwide guarantee  
is entitles you to have the unit repaired free of charge, during the first two years  
aſter purchase, at any authorised Arcam distributor provided that it was originally  
purchased from an authorised Arcam dealer or distributor. e manufacturer can take  
no responsibility for defects arising from accident, misuse, abuse, wear and tear, neglect  
or through unauthorized adjustment and/or repair, neither can they accept responsibility  
for damage or loss occurring during transit to or from the person claiming under the  
guarantee.  
product  
guarantee  
The warranty covers:  
Parts and labour costs for two years from the purchase date. Aſter two years you must pay  
for both parts and labour costs. e warranty does not cover transportation costs at any  
time.  
claims under guarantee  
is equipment should be packed in the original packing and returned to the dealer from  
whom it was purchased, or failing this, directly to the Arcam distributor in the country of  
residence.  
It should be sent carriage prepaid by a reputable carrier – not by post. No responsibility  
can be accepted for the unit whilst in transit to the dealer or distributor and customers are  
therefore advised to insure the unit against loss or damage whilst in transit.  
For further details contact Arcam at:  
Arcam Customer Support Department,  
Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, CAMBRIDGE, CB25 9QR, England  
or via www.arcam.co.uk.  
Problems?  
If your Arcam dealer is unable to answer any query regarding this or any other Arcam  
product please contact Arcam Customer Support at the above address and we will do our  
best to help you.  
on-line registration  
You can register your product on-line at www.arcam.co.uk.  
e-18  

Marantz CD5400 User Manual
LG Electronics Rumor 2 User Manual
LG Electronics LG Lifes Good Cell Phone P880 User Manual
LG Electronics LG Lifes Good Cell Phone MC 8083MLR User Manual
Gemini CDX 01 User Manual
Fujitsu MHK2090AT User Manual
Fujitsu Computer Drive MPC3084AT User Manual
DeLonghi Coffee Maker EC5 User Manual
Creek Audio Destiny User Manual
Barracuda Networks ST328040A User Manual