Arcam Amplifiers P90 User Manual

HANDBOOK/MANUEL/HANDBUCH/HANDLEIDING  
A90  
P90  
P90 /3  
English  
Français  
Deutsch  
Arcam A90, P90 and P90/3 amplifiers  
Amplificateurs Arcam A90, P90 et P90/3  
Arcam-Verstärker A90, P90 und P90/3  
Arcam-versterkers A90, P90 en P90/3  
Nederlands  
Using this handbook  
This handbook has been designed to give you all the information  
Contents  
you need to install, connect, set up and use the Arcam A90  
integrated amplifier or the P90 power amplifier. The A90  
amplifier is described first, then the P90. The CR-389 remote  
control handset supplied with the A90 integrated amplifier is  
also described.  
Safety guidelines......................................................2  
Important safety instructions ......................................2  
Safety compliance.....................................................2  
Using this handbook.................................................3  
Your amplifier(s) may have been installed and set up by an  
authorised Arcam dealer. In this case, you may wish to go  
directly to the sections describing the use of this equipment.  
Safety.......................................................................3  
Positioning the unit ....................................................4  
Connecting to loudspeakers.......................................4  
Connecting to a power supply ....................................4  
Connecting to other equipment...................................5  
Safety  
Safety guidelines are set out on the inside front cover of this  
handbook.  
Front panel controls...................................................6  
Recording .................................................................7  
Many of these items are common sense precautions, but for  
your own safety, and to ensure that you do not damage the unit,  
we strongly recommend that you read them.  
Using the remote control..........................................9  
CR-389 Remote Control .............................................9  
Installation: P90 power amplifer .............................10  
equipment...............................................................10  
Remote switching....................................................10  
Three channel option ...............................................10  
Using your P90 power amplifier..............................11  
Before you start ......................................................12  
Bi-wiring your loudspeakers......................................12  
Bi-amping your system.............................................12  
Remote-control codes ............................................13  
Service information................................................14  
Technical specifications..........................................14  
Guarantee..............................................................15  
On-line registration ................................................15  
A90/P90  
3
 
Installation: A90 integrated amplifier  
L
PHONO  
R
SP2  
TRIG  
OUT  
4 – 16 OHMS  
MM  
MC  
L
VOLTAGE  
SELECT  
L
INTEGRATED  
SP1  
REMOTE  
IN  
R
R
POWER INLET  
PRE/PWR  
R
L
+
+
RECORD  
OUT  
RECORD  
OUT  
PLAY  
IN  
PLAY  
IN  
PWR IN  
PRE OUT  
TAPE 1  
VCR/TAPE 2  
DVD  
AV  
TUNER  
CD  
AUX  
1
2
3
4
5 6 7 8 9 bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br  
Positioning the unit  
Place your amplifier on a level, firm surface.  
Arcam A90 amplifier  
+
+
+
+
L
R
Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near sources of heat  
or damp.  
Ensure adequate ventilation. Do not place the unit in an  
enclosed space such as a bookcase or cabinet as both of  
these will impede air flow through the ventilation slots.  
Right  
Left  
speaker  
speaker  
Wiring your loudspeakers  
Using spade terminals:  
1. Loosen the terminal by turning it anti-clockwise  
2. Insert the spade connecter under the terminal.  
3. Tighten by turning clockwise.  
Connecting to loudspeakers  
The red and black terminals on the back of the amplifiers  
4
are used to make the connections to the loudspeakers. You  
can connect one or two pairs of loudspeakers to your amplifier,  
provided each pair is rated between 8–16Ω. (If one or both  
pairs have an impedance of less than 8Ω, the combined load  
on the amplifier falls below 4Ω and could cause an overload.)  
The pair designated ‘speaker 1’ (SP1) are connected to the  
lower set of terminals, while the pair designated ‘speaker 2’  
(SP2) are connected to the upper set of terminals. To connect  
one pair of loudspeakers, use the SP1 terminals.  
Connecting to a power supply  
Wrong plug?  
Check that the plug supplied with the unit fits your supply and  
that your mains supply voltage agrees with the voltage setting  
(115V or 230V) indicated on the rear panel of the unit  
before plugging in.  
When connecting the speaker terminals of the amplifier with  
the terminals on the speakers, make sure that like polarities  
are matched (i.e., match ‘+’ with ‘+’ (usually red) and ‘’ with ‘’  
(usually black)). Mismatching of polarities will result in a weak  
central sound, unclear orientation of the instruments and the  
sense of direction of the stereo being impaired.  
2
If your mains supply voltage or mains plug is different, consult  
your Arcam dealer or Arcam Customer Support on +44 (0)1223  
203200.  
The product must be earthed.  
There are two options for connecting the speaker cable to the  
amplifier:  
Mains lead  
The appliance is normally supplied with a moulded mains plug  
already fitted to the lead. If for any reason the plug needs to  
be removed, it must be disposed of immediately and securely,  
as it is a potential shock hazard when inserted into the mains  
socket. Should you require a new mains lead, contact your  
Arcam dealer.  
Using bare wire ended leads:  
1. Strip back the insulation on the wire to reveal about 2cm  
of conductor (the metal inside the cable).  
2. If the conductor is stranded, twist the strands together  
tightly to avoid loose strands making contact with the  
adjacent terminals or the back panel.  
3. Loosen the terminal by turning it anti-clockwise  
4. Insert the twisted wire through the hole in the terminal.  
5. Tighten by turning clockwise.  
When making connections with stranded bare ended wires, take  
great care that no individual strands of wire come into contact  
with the adjacent terminals or with the back panel. If this  
should happen, it will cause a short circuit on the output of the  
amplifier and could damage the amplifier.  
Plugging in  
Push the plug (IEC line socket) of the power cable supplied with  
the unit into the socket (POWER INLET)  
unit. Make sure it is pushed in firmly.  
in the back of the  
1
Put the plug on the other end of the cable into your power  
supply socket and switch the socket on.  
A90/P90  
4
 
Standby power  
(12V in and out) – These  
connections are intended for use in multi-room installations.  
TRIG OUT AND REMOTE IN 3  
For remote standby operation, the amplifier’s control power  
supply is kept powered up all the time the unit is connected to  
the mains supply. The front panel power switch powers down all  
other circuitry. Power consumption in this mode is less than 2W.  
TRIG OUT – This output provides a 12V signal whenever the  
unit is switched on (i.e., not off or in standby). This signal  
can be used to switch on automatically power amplifiers  
(or other equipment) connected to the A90, as they will  
come on when the A90 is activated. This is useful if the  
power amplifier is remote from the A90, or otherwise  
difficult to access.  
REMOTE IN – This allows remote control signals to be received  
by the A90 if the remote sensor is covered (or otherwise  
not ‘visible’ to the remote control). An external sensor  
is used to receive the signals from the remote control,  
which are then fed to the A90 (into this input) using a  
suitable cable. Remote control signals acceptable to the  
A90 must be in modulated RC5 format, with a voltage  
level of between 5V and 15V.  
This 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. This is perfectly normal. If the  
unit is to be left unused for an extended period, we recommend  
that it is disconnected from the mains supply by switching it off  
at the wall socket.  
Connecting to other equipment  
The use of high quality interconnect cables to and from your  
amplifier is recommended to ensure the best sound quality.  
Sockets marked L (and R) on your amplifier should only be  
connected to sockets marked L (and R) on other equipment. All  
the line inputs have the same sensitivity and may be used with  
equipment other than that labelled, if needed.  
Note that in normal use there is no need to make any  
connections to these sockets. If you would like to make use of  
these features, please contact your dealer for more advice on  
how to make the connections and on what type of cable to use.  
TAPE1/RECORD OUT 8  
– Connect these output sockets  
to the input sockets of your cassette deck (usually labelled  
RECORD).  
Pre/power amplifier connections  
TAPE1/PLAY IN 9  
– Connect these input sockets to the  
PWR IN  
To use your integrated amplifier as a power  
5
output sockets of your cassette deck (usually labelled PLAY). If  
you do not have a cassette deck you can use this input for other  
(line level) equipment, such as a CD player, tuner, VCR, etc., but  
not a turntable.  
amplifier, connect the output of your pre-amplifier to the PWR IN  
sockets.  
Press in the PRE/PWR switch  
on the rear panel to  
7
select separate pre-amp/power amp mode. Under these  
circumstances your A90 has exactly the same specification and  
performance as a power amplifier (see page 10).  
VCR/TAPE2 RECORD OUT bk  
– These output sockets can  
be connected to the input sockets of VCR/second recorder  
(usually labelled RECORD).  
PRE OUT  
To use your integrated amplifier as a pre-  
6
VCR/TAPE2 PLAY IN bl  
– Connect these input sockets  
amplifier, connect the PRE OUT sockets to the input sockets  
of your power amplifier. With a power amplifier of the correct  
gain (e.g. the P90 power amplifier) you can bi-amplify (‘bi-amp’)  
suitable loudspeakers, giving significant improvements in sound  
quality (see page 12).  
to the output sockets of your VCR/second recorder (usually  
labelled PLAY). Alternatively, you can use this input for other  
(line level) equipment such as a CD player, tuner, etc., but not a  
turntable.  
– Connect this input to the audio outputs of a DVD  
DVD bm  
player.  
– Connect this input to audiovisual equipment such as a  
VCR, laserdisc player, satellite or Nicam tuner.  
AV bn  
– Connect this input to the audio outputs of your  
TUNER bo  
radio tuner.  
– Connect this input to the audio outputs of your CD  
player or DAC (digital to analogue converter).  
CD bp  
– Connect this input to the audio outputs of any unit  
with a line level output, e.g. tape deck, tuner etc.  
AUX bq  
NOTE: The AUX inputs must not be used if the phono module  
is fitted. When this is fitted AUX becomes an output carrying  
the equalised phono signal at line level.  
– As standard, phono inputs are blanked. Phono  
PHONO br  
inputs are provided on a separate plug-in module which your  
Arcam dealer or distributor can supply and fit. This module  
is compatible with most high output moving coil and moving  
magnet cartridges (MM) and low output moving coil cartridges  
(MC). MM or MC is selected via the MM/MC back panel switch.  
Phono earth terminal – For connecting your turntable earth  
lead (if fitted). Note that this terminal must not be used as a  
safety earth.  
A90/P90  
5
 
Using your A90 integrated amplifier  
9bk bl bm  
bnbo  
A90 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER  
RECORD MODE  
ENTER  
SELECT  
PHONES  
PHONO/AUX CD  
TUNER  
AV  
DVD  
VCR  
TAPE  
TONE  
SP1  
SP2  
POWER  
5
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
Volume control settings  
Front panel controls  
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).  
This section describes how to operate your amplifier.  
If your amplifier has not been installed for you, you should  
first read the section ‘Installation: A90 integrated amplifier’ 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).  
SP1 and SP2 7  
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.  
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!)  
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.  
PHONES 1  
Source selectors 2  
This socket accepts headphones with an impedance rating  
These buttons select the source connected to the  
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.  
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  
Remote control receiver 9  
This input is similar to the other line level inputs on the amplifier  
The remote control’s infrared receiver is positioned to the left  
and may be used with a VCR or a second recording unit (e.g.  
cassette deck).  
of the RECORD button. Ensure the receiver is in a clear line of  
sight from the remote control to allow signals to be received.  
TONE 6  
MODE, UP and DOWN blbm  
Switches the tone circuits on and off, including settings for  
These buttons are mainly for use with future optional modules,  
individual sources. Note that the tone LED does not light unless  
a tone setting has been made. (see page 8).  
however the UP and DOWN buttons are used with the basic A90  
amplifier to move the cursor when customising the ‘Welcome  
message’ (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).  
A90/P90  
6
when used in conjunction with the SELECT and ENTER  
buttons, to customise amplifier settings (see page 8).  
 
Recording  
With the Arcam A90 it is possible to listen to and record from  
one source, or to listen to one source while recording another.  
Both sets of tape sockets are identical in sensitivity and suitable  
for use with almost any type of recorder (cassette, CDR, MD,  
VCR, reel-to-reel, etc.). The record signal is sent to both the  
TAPE and VCR output sockets.  
RECORD bk  
To record the currently selected source, press RECORD until  
the display shows ‘RECORD SOURCE’. After a few seconds the  
display reverts to showing the volume level and you are ready  
to record.  
To listen to one source while recording another, press RECORD  
again 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, after which it reverts to showing the volume level and  
you are ready to record.  
The RECORD button can also be used as a second zone  
selector, sending a source signal at line level to a second  
amplifier operating in another room. If you need help with this,  
contact your Arcam dealer or Arcam customer support.  
Tape-to-tape copying (dubbing)  
You can perform tape dubbing from VCR to TAPE, but not from  
TAPE to VCR.  
For example, to copy from a cassette recorder connected to  
the VCR socket to a cassette recorder connected to the TAPE 1  
socket, first use the RECORD button as explained above and  
select ‘RECORD VCR’. This routes the VCR signal to the TAPE  
output.  
Set the cassette recorder connected to the TAPE socket into its  
record mode and the other to playback mode to start dubbing.  
TAPE 5  
To play back the recording from a cassette deck attached to  
the TAPE 1 input, press TAPE. ‘TAPE 1’ is shown on the display.  
Selecting this input overrides the other source selectors.  
It is also possible to monitor a recording while it is being made,  
provided your cassette deck is a 3-head type. To do this, press  
TAPE. Switching this button in/out allows an A/B comparison  
between the source signal and the recorded signal.  
A90/P90  
7
 
Setting up your A90 integrated amplifier  
Introduction  
Adjusting listening settings  
The default display mode is VOLUME, where the  
control knob is used to adjust sound level.  
ARCAM A90 ‘Switch on’ state  
The A90 allows you to adjust listening settings to  
suit your taste, and to customise various features  
of the amplifier to fit your system. Use this diagram  
to help you navigate through the settings available.  
Press SELECT to enter edit mode and cycle  
through the other sound settings: BALANCE,  
BASS and TREBLE. When a setting is selected,  
adjust it with the control knob. Press ENTER to fix  
the change you have made and return to default  
(volume) mode, or press SELECT again to move to  
the next setting.  
DOWN  
UP  
VOLUME  
BALANCE  
BASS  
The ENTER and SELECT buttons are represented  
in the diagram by the symbols  
respectively. The Control knob is shown as  
adjust  
adjust  
adjust  
and  
.
LEFT  
RIGHT  
Customising amplifier settings  
Press SELECT until the display shows  
CUSTOMISE->’. Now rotate the Control knob to  
choose which setting you wish to alter. Press  
SELECT to adjust the chosen setting with the  
Control knob.  
–dB  
–dB  
+dB  
Press ENTER to confirm the adjustment or press  
SELECT to confirm the adjustment and move on to  
the next item.  
+dB  
TREBLE  
adjust  
Press ENTER twice to leave the Customise menu.  
Customize ->  
choose  
setting  
RESTORE  
INPUT  
TRIMS  
TONE  
CONTROL  
Volume  
Resolution  
Processor  
mode  
WELCOME  
MESSAGE  
VOLUME  
DISPLAY  
PHONO/AUX  
SETTINGS  
TEXT  
edit  
edit  
edit  
edit  
edit  
edit  
edit  
edit  
STANDARD  
GRAPHIC/  
NUMERIC  
TRIM  
GAIN  
GLOBAL/  
ARCAM  
Amp  
AUX/  
PHONO  
NO/YES  
FINE  
PER  
REFERENCE  
SOURCE  
‘Switch on’  
state  
continue  
continue  
continue  
continue  
continue  
continue  
continue  
Volume  
resolution  
Volume  
display  
Input  
trims  
Tone  
control  
Processor  
mode  
Welcome  
message  
Phono/Aux  
text  
Restore  
settings  
Welcome message – You can change the  
power on Welcome message from ‘Arcam  
INTEGRATED AMP’ to display your name,  
postcode, etc. When customising the message,  
use the UP and DOWN buttons to select the cursor  
position and the Control knob to change the letter.  
Volume Resolution Standard, fine or  
Reference. ‘Standard’ and ‘Fine’ represent  
different levels of volume control sensitivity. The  
‘Reference’ setting gives absolute increments in  
0.5dB steps.  
Tone Control Global or Per source. This  
specifies the scope of changes for ‘Bass’ and  
‘Treble’ tone settings. The default setting is ‘Global’  
which affects all inputs equally. ‘Per source’ allows  
you to set tone controls for individual inputs: once  
set, the amplifier remembers tone settings for  
each input.  
Volume display mode graphic or numeric  
shows the volume either as a bar graph or as a  
number. If Volume resolution is set to ‘Reference’  
a numeric volume display shows the actual decibel  
figure.  
Phono/Aux Text – If you have had the optional  
Phono module added, choose ‘Phono’ so this  
word is displayed when the input is selected. The  
default is ‘Aux’.  
Processor Mode – This mode enables you to  
adjust the gain of the amplifier. The amplifier  
can then be used to drive the front left and right  
speakers in a surround sound system when  
fed from a separate processor. You can then  
control the volume of the entire system using the  
processor, feeding the sound into the TAPE input.  
Set the gain to match the amplifiers that drive your  
other loudspeakers.  
Restore Settings – this restores all amplifier  
settings, including Input trims and the Welcome  
message, to their factory defaults.  
Input Trims – use the source select buttons and  
Control knob to set input trims for each source.  
Input trims are used to compensate for variations  
in output levels of different source equipment.  
A90/P90  
8
 
Using the remote control  
CR-389 Remote Control  
The CR-389 remote control gives access to all functions  
available on the front panel of the A90. It also has controls to  
operate Arcam CD players, AM/FM tuners and DAB tuners.  
The remote control transmits Philips RC-5 type codes.  
TUNER  
These buttons are used to control tuner functions.  
Note that the FM/DAB lights indicate into which mode  
you are switching the remote control. The lights only  
TUNER  
FM DAB  
illuminate for five seconds to conserve battery power.  
If neither light is illuminated this does not mean that the  
Power/Standby  
Toggles the amplifier between standby mode and full power  
mode. The power indicator light next to the power button on  
the front panel is red if the amplifier is in standby, amber while  
the amplifier is powering up (this only takes a few seconds) and  
green when the amplifier is powered up.  
FM  
DAB  
remote control is not working!  
MENU  
2-10  
DISP  
3-11  
7-15  
1-9  
4-12  
8-16  
(UP and DOWN)  
5-13  
6-14  
Perform the same function as the  
buttons  
on the front panel (see page 6).  
MODE  
BAND  
SP1 and SP2  
These buttons allow you to select and deselect the main (SP1)  
and secondary (SP2) sets of speakers attached to your amplifier  
(see page 6).  
SP1  
SP2  
ENTER  
DISP  
ENTER  
Performs the same function as the ENTER  
button on the front panel (see page 8).  
SELECT  
DISP (display)  
Cycles through the settings ‘Bright’, ‘Off’ and ‘Dim’. Turning the  
display ‘Off’ generally gives a slight improvement in sound quality.  
SELECT  
Performs same function as the SELECT button on the front  
panel. It allows you to use the remote’s volume switch in the  
same way you use the control dial on the front panel – to  
adjust various amplifier settings (see page 8).  
Volume and (mute)  
Note that pressing + corresponds to turning the  
Control knob clockwise, to anticlockwise.  
Press + to increase volume or to decrease the output volume  
of the amplifier.  
PHONO  
AV  
AUX  
TUNER  
VCR  
CD  
Press to mute the speaker connections and preamp outputs.  
Both tape outputs and the headphone socket remain active.  
Mute is disabled either by pressing again, or by adjusting the  
volume.  
TAPE  
DVD  
Source selection buttons  
These operate in the same way as the source selectors  
on the front panel of your integrated amplifier.  
AMPLIFIER  
You can use the remote’s volume control in conjunction with the  
RPT  
SELECT button to adjust balance, tone and amplifier settings.  
PROG  
INFO  
CD controls  
These offer basic controls of Arcam CD players  
CD  
CR-389  
NOTE: Remember to install the two supplied AAA batteries  
before trying to use your remote control!  
Do not place anything in front of the IR receiver on the left  
of the A90, or the remote control may not work.  
A90/P90  
9
 
Installation: P90 power amplifer  
+
R/CH1 –  
+
L/CH2 –  
+
CTR/CH3 –  
SP2  
SP2  
SP1  
CTR/CH3  
AUDIO  
LINK  
AUDIO  
4 – 16 OHMS  
TRIG  
OUT  
4 – 16 OHMS  
IN  
L
VOLTAGE  
SELECT  
SP1  
OUT  
REMOTE  
IN  
R
+
CTR/CH3 –  
+
R/CH1 –  
+
L/CH2 –  
IN  
OUT  
POWER INLET  
Optional Third Channel Module  
– provides a third 90W channel  
suitable for Home Cinema or  
multi-channel audio use.  
Connecting to power, loudspeakers and  
other equipment  
Follow the installation instructions for the integrated amplifier on  
pages 4 and 5.  
Remote switching  
By making a connection from the REMOTE IN socket of the P90  
power amplifier to the TRIG OUT socket of the A90 integrated  
amplifier, you can use the A90 to switch the power amplifier on  
and off. If configured in this way, the front panel POWER button  
of the A90 (or the POWER/STANDBY button on the remote  
control) switches both amplifiers on and off together. This facility  
allows you to conceal the power amplifier yet still control it.  
AUDIO IN – Connect this input to the output sockets of your pre-  
amplifier or the PRE OUT sockets of an integrated amplifier.  
MONO LINK – The power amplifier can be adapted to provide  
two mono loudspeaker outputs from a single input. Pull out  
the link supplied and use it to connect the L and R AUDIO OUT  
sockets together. Using one power amplifier per loudspeaker  
will enable you to bi-amplify bi-wireable loudspeakers.  
The connecting cable required is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm jack lead  
(stereo or mono) and it is possible to connect several power  
amplifiers to an A90 by ‘daisy chaining’ from TRIG OUT of one  
P90 into the REMOTE IN of the next.  
This is particularly beneficial for top quality stereo installations  
with a separate pre-amplifier, or where amplifiers are provided  
for the left, centre and right channel loudspeakers in a five  
speaker Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Digital system.  
Three channel option  
The power amplifier can be upgraded from stereo to three  
channels by adding a Third Channel Module: in this case, the  
model is designated P90/3.  
Contact your Arcam dealer for more information.  
“Daisy chaining” – The power amplifier can be connected to  
further power amplifiers to drive more speakers (e.g. those in  
other rooms or tri-amplified speakers, etc).  
The module offers extra loudspeaker terminals together with a  
third set of AUDIO IN and OUT phono sockets and converts the  
P90 into a 3 x 90W (RMS per channel into 8Ω) amplifier suitable  
for Home Cinema or multi-channel audio use.  
Connect the extra power amplifier inputs to the AUDIO OUT  
sockets on the power amplifier, left to left, right to right.  
Contact your Arcam dealer for further details.  
A90/P90  
10  
 
Using your P90 power amplifier  
P90 POWER AMPLIFIER  
POWER  
POWER  
SP1  
SP2  
POWER (and power indicator light)  
Switches the unit on and off. The light indicates the status of the  
amplifier.  
SP1 and SP2  
These buttons allow you to select and deselect the main  
(SP1) and secondary (SP2) sets of speakers attached to your  
amplifier. An indicator light shows which set of speakers are  
currently selected.  
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.  
A red light means the amplifier is in standby mode.  
NOTE: If both lights are out the amplifier will appear not to  
work, as all speakers are switched off.  
The power light may flash if a fault has occurred, with the colour  
of the flashing light indicating the nature of the fault:  
green – a D.C. offset fault has occured  
amber – a thermal fault has occured (the amplifier is too  
hot)  
red – a short circuit fault has occured (this can happen if  
the speaker cables are not connected correctly and are  
making contact with each other or with the chassis)  
red and amber – more than one fault has occured.  
Except for a thermal fault, if one of the above faults is detected  
by your amplifier the unit waits for six seconds before checking  
to see if the fault has cleared. If the fault clears within six  
seconds, then the unit continues operation; otherwise the unit  
shuts itself down. In the case of a thermal fault, the unit waits  
until its sensor temperature lowers before resuming operation.  
If the amplifier has shut itself down, 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.  
A90/P90  
11  
 
Bi-wiring and bi-amping loudspeakers  
Before you start  
Bi-amping your system  
The performance of your system can be further enhanced over  
that achieved with bi-wiring, by extending the principle one  
stage further to include separate amplification for the low and  
high frequency drive units in each loudspeaker enclosure.  
WARNING: Do not make any connections to your  
amplifier while it is switched on or connected to the  
mains supply.  
Connect the integrated amplifier to the high frequency (HF)  
terminals and connect the power amplifier to the low frequency  
(LF) terminals.  
Before switching on please check all connections  
thoroughly, making sure bare wires or cables are not  
touching the amplifier in the wrong places (which could  
cause short circuits) and you have connected positive  
(+) to positive and negative (–) to negative.  
You will need:  
Speakers – with four input terminals each (as with bi-wiring):  
these will be marked HF (High Frequency) and LF (Low  
Frequency).  
Always ensure that the volume control on your amplifier  
is set to minimum before starting these procedures.  
Two amplifiers – one of these would be the A90 and the other  
an Arcam power amplifier (e.g. P90).  
Bi-wiring your loudspeakers  
Loudspeaker cables – two pairs of cables per loudspeaker or a  
suitably terminated cable set.  
Bi-wiring improves the sound of your system because it divides  
the high and low frequency signal currents into separate  
speaker cables. This avoids signal distortions arising from the  
high and low frequency currents interacting with one another  
within a single cable, as in conventionally wired systems.  
Interconnect cables – one pair of high quality interconnect  
cables.  
How to set up a bi-amped system  
1. Remove the terminal links on the rear of your  
loudspeakers.  
You will need:  
Speakers – with four input terminals each: these will be marked  
HF (High Frequency) and LF (Low Frequency).  
WARNING: This step is essential or damage to  
your amplifier may result which is not covered  
under warranty.  
Loudspeaker cables – two pairs of cables per loudspeaker  
(which may be joined at the amplifier end if your amplifier has  
only one pair of output terminals per channel), or a suitably  
terminated cable set.  
2. Connect the cables as shown in the diagram below,  
ensuring correct polarity at all times.  
3. Use the interconnect cables to connect the PRE OUT  
sockets of the A90 to the corresponding AUDIO IN  
sockets of the power amplifier.  
How to bi-wire loudspeakers  
1. Remove the terminal links on the rear of your  
loudspeakers  
WARNING: This step is essential or damage to  
your amplifier may result which is not covered  
under warranty.  
2. Connect the cables as shown in the diagram below,  
ensuring correct polarity at all times.  
Arcam A90 amplifier  
+
+
+
+
L
R
Arcam A90 amplifier  
+
+
R
L
HF  
LF  
HF  
LF  
Right  
Left  
speaker  
speaker  
+
+
+
+
+
HF  
LF  
+
+
HF  
LF  
Right  
speaker  
Left  
speaker  
+
R
L
Arcam P90 power amplifier  
Bi-wiring using one set of connections on amplifier  
Recommended bi-amping configuration  
A90/P90  
12  
 
Remote-control codes  
The following table gives the IR-commands accepted by the  
A90.  
Power commands  
Command  
Power toggle  
Power-on  
Decimal Code  
16–12  
16–123  
Power-off  
16–124  
Source selection commands  
Command  
PHONO select  
AV select  
Decimal Code  
16–1  
16–2  
TUNER select  
DVD select  
TAPE select  
VCR select  
CD select  
16–3  
16–4  
16–5  
16–6  
16–7  
AUX select  
16–8  
Volume control commands  
Command  
Mute  
Decimal Code  
16–13  
Volume up  
Volume down  
16–16  
16–17  
Menu navigation commands  
Command  
UP  
Decimal Code  
16-32  
DOWN  
SELECT  
ENTER  
16-33  
16–37  
16–87  
Speaker control commands  
Command  
Decimal Code  
16–35  
Speaker 1 toggle  
Speaker 2 toggle  
Speaker 1 on  
Speaker 1 off  
Speaker 2 on  
Speaker 2 off  
16–39  
16–43  
16–44  
16–45  
16–46  
Display control commands  
Command  
Display  
Decimal Code  
16–59  
Note that the A90 also responds to code 20–53 (the Play  
command for an Arcam CD player). The A90 swiches  
automatically to CD input on receiving this command.  
A90/P90  
13  
 
Service information  
Before returning your amplifier for service, please check the  
following:  
With two pairs of low impedance speakers connected,  
overloads are more likely. Overloading the amplifier may  
cause it to shut down because of overheating.  
Note that because of the high output voltage from a CD  
player, it is possible to drive the A90 at full power even  
though the volume is not set at maximum.  
Sound cuts out for no reason  
If the temperature of the internal heatsink rises above a safe  
level, then a thermal cutout inside the amplifier will operate.  
The power indicator on the front panel flashes and the  
protection system temporarily removes the power to the  
speakers. The system resets itself as the heatsink cools down.  
Amplifier does not switch back on  
The A90 and P90 amplifiers have a protection mechanism  
which is activated if you switch the unit on immediately after  
turning it off. If this mechanism activates, wait 30 seconds then  
try again.  
Technical specifications  
A90  
P90  
Continuous power output, per channel  
Both channels, 8Ω, 20Hz–20kHz  
Single channel, 4Ω, 1kHz  
Distortion, 8Ω, 80% power, 1kHz  
Inputs  
90W  
90W  
150W  
0.005%  
150W  
0.005%  
Phono cartridge (optional module)  
input sensitivity, MM  
2.5mV  
250µV  
input sensitivity, MC  
Line and tape inputs  
Nominal sensitivity  
250mV  
22kΩ  
700mV  
22kΩ  
Input impedance  
Signal/noise ratio (CCIR)  
Tone controls, max. boost/cut  
Preamplifier outputs  
Nominal output level  
105dB  
±12dB  
112dB  
700mV  
Output impedance  
<50Ω  
General  
Power consumption (maximum)  
Dimensions W x D x H (including feet)  
Weight (net)  
800VA  
800VA (950VA for P90/3)  
435 x 340 x 100mm  
435 x 320 x 100mm  
9.5kg (10.5kg for P90/3)  
11kg (12kg for P90/3)  
mains lead  
9kg  
Weight (packed)  
10.5kg  
Supplied accessories  
mains lead  
CR-389 remote control  
2 x AAA batteries  
E&OE  
Continual improvement policy  
NOTE: All specification values are typical unless otherwise  
Arcam has a policy of continual improvement for its products.  
This means that designs and specifications are subject to  
change without notice.  
stated.  
A90/P90  
14  
 
Guarantee  
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.  
Worldwide Guarantee  
This entitles you to have the unit repaired free of charge, during  
the first two years after purchase, at any authorised Arcam  
distributor provided that it was originally purchased from an  
authorised Arcam dealer or distributor. The manufacturer  
can take no responsibility for defects arising from accident,  
misuse, abuse, wear and tear, neglect or through unauthorised  
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.  
For further details contact Arcam at:  
Arcam Customer Support Department,  
Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, CAMBRIDGE  
CB5 9QR, England.  
Telephone:  
Fax:  
Email:  
+44 (0)1223 203200  
+44 (0)1223 863384  
The warranty covers:  
Parts and labour costs for two years from the purchase date.  
After two years you must pay for both parts and labour costs.  
The warranty does not cover transportation costs at any  
time.  
Problems?  
If your dealer is unable to answer any query regarding this  
or any other Arcam product please contact Arcam Customer  
Support on +44 (0) 1223 203200 or write to us at the above  
address and we will do our best to help you.  
Claims under guarantee  
This 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.  
On-line registration  
You can register your Arcam product on line at:  
A90/P90  
15  
 

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