Arcam's Alpha 9 integrated amplifier rivals the best separate pre and power amplifier packages and set new standards in sound quality, aesthetics and flexibility.

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 - please discuss wth your dealer for further details. 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. It is easy to add Audio-Video capability systems using the Alpha 9. It has properly buffered pre-amp out and power-amp in sockets, as well as two tape loops.

The last Alpha 9 was made in Autumn 2000, having been in production for a hugely successful 4 years.

"...after only a few chords, the Alpha 9 demonstrates very high potential..." Audio (Germany) March 1999
"Cultured, yet able to kick up its heels, the Alpha 9 is a great value amp." What Hi-Fi? August 1999