Arcam has been Britain's most influential player in the field of high quality home cinema sound since the launch of the Xeta One Audio-Visual amplifier more than 5 years ago, but more than twenty years of producing audiophile hi-fi equipment has given us a deep understanding of the issues that affect sound quality.

The Alpha 10 amplifier's DAVE module (DAVE stands for Digital Audio Video Entertainment) provides state of the art performance at a price well below that of other specialist home cinema electronics. The sophistication of the DAVE processor design is considerable and is the result of many man years of development. The response to its sound quality and ease of use, has won high praise form experienced professionals and customers who agree DAVE represents a tour de force for Arcam. DAVE is also available in FMJ styling.

The vast majority of AV amps and receivers cope with home cinema to a reasonable level. However, they are generally extremely disappointing on music. On the other hand, Arcam's DAVE system is a stunning performer on both music and movies and continues the Arcam tradition of producing audiophile quality at sensible prices. The decoding of Dolby digital, Dolby Pro Logic and DTS soundtracks is carried out by a combination of 24 bit digital to analogue converters and a number of high performance 24 bit signal processors.

The DAVE's video performance matches its high performance audio specification and incorporates a selection of low loss buffered inputs and outputs, for use with high quality video sources and associated displays. The DAVE is remarkably easy to set up and use thanks to its simple and logical on screen graphics menu.

An Alpha 10 DAVE installation consists of the following:

1. Alpha 10 integrated amplifier with DAVE home cinema module
2. Alpha 10P3, three channel power amplifier
3. CR 9000 learning remote control (supplied as standard with DAVE module)

For the full Home Cinema experience you will need a five speaker setup, comprising the main stereo pair plus centre and rear effects speakers. A powered sub-woofer for the low frequency effects channel is an optional but worthwhile addition if you want to enjoy the full impact of home cinema. The Alpha 10 DAVE system, with its matching three channel 10P3 power amplifier, delivers five channels of 100 watts high current amplification and will work with a wide range of speakers. Your retailer will be able to advise on and demonstrate suitable speaker systems.

The DAVE module decodes Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic and DTS signals and comes with Composite, S-VHS video switching plus Component video loop through. All video outputs have on-screen graphics. DAVE has four digital audio inputs and analogue audio outputs for centre, rear left, rear right and sub-woofer in addition to the seven inputs provided by the Alpha 10 amplifier.

DAVE outline specification

Line and tape inputs

Input sensitivity	750mV
Input impedence	7.5Ohms

Preamp outputs

Nominal output level	750mV
Output impedence	600 Ohms

Video Section

Video signal type	PAL and NTSC
Nominal input/output level	1 V P-P, 75 Ohms

Digital inputs

2 SPDIF an 2 Toslink

32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz

Most Alpha 10 amplifiers that are used in home cinema set ups are delivered factory fitted with the DAVE module. Existing Alpha 10 owners can have the DAVE module retrofitted, but this is a relatively complex process. As a result it will usually be necessary for the unit to return to your national distributor or the Arcam factory in the UK for the upgrade. There will be a small labour charge for this work and you will have to pay the carriage costs involved. Please check with your supplier for exact details.

Dolby, Dolby Surround, Dolby Stereo, Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. DTS is a trademark of Digital Theater Systems Inc.