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The A85 is among the latest in a long line of successful
Arcam amplifier designs and represents a combination of technical
excellence, flexibility, ease of use and superb sound quality
that should deliver classic status in the future.
The A85 sees the introduction of totally new circuit designs
in both the pre-amplifier and power amplifier sections. The
levels of distortion and noise are significantly lower than
before. The sound is more precise and open and the whole design
is ready to reproduce the latest high definition audio sources,
such as DVD-Audio and SACD, to the highest standards. The
large toroidal transformer and heavy duty power supply ensure
the amplifier has more than enough drive for a wide range
of speakers.
Although the A85's roots are in purist audio design, we have
used sophisticated microprocessor-based control systems to
provide a host of thoughtful features which enhance flexibility
and ease of use. For example, the front panel provides access
to a menu driven system which can preset the sensitivity and
even tone controls settings for each input. Switching between
CD and radio sources, for instance, doesn't result in the
level differences you can get in less advanced designs.
The dot matrix fluorescent display can show the volume level
in graphic or numerical form and, for those who use the equipment
far away from the listening position, we have included double
height volume display characters. The amplifier offers full
remote switching for two pairs of speakers and a high quality
feed for use with headphones.
Many music lovers still cherish their vinyl record collections;
indeed this is still the preferred form for much of today's
dance music. Although the A85's design looks to future formats
with confidence, we have also designed our best ever phono
module to match the amplifier. This can be added to the A85
by your dealer as an optional extra. The amplifier platform
is designed to accommodate an additional future module which
could, for example, extend its capability to multi-channel
audio applications such as DVD-Audio when used with a suitable
matching Arcam power amplifier.
A phono stage for the A85 comes as an optional extra - this
is of very high quality and may be switched to work with either
MM or low output MC pickup cartridges.
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Arcam started making hi-fi amplifiers in the mid seventies.
We believe the amplifier is the heart of every system
and have spent the last 25 years developing an expertise
which is recognised as world class. We have become the
UK's largest manufacturer of amplifiers and have been
number one in amplification for the last four years
in our home market
Arcam amplification is used and recommended by many
of the top speaker companies around the world. We pride
ourselves in producing amplifiers that combine stunning
sound quality with reliability and ease of use. The
DiVA amplifier series products incorporate much of the
latest thinking from our talented team of electronic
engineers and are set to continue the Arcam tradition
for performance and value in the 21st century.
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AMPLIFIER
- DESIGN DETAILS
Arcam's
new DiVA amplifier range represents a major and radical revision
of Arcam's amplifier design philosophy. We have developed
three completely new integrated models; the A65, A75 and A85
which, together with matching power amplifiers, transform
the performance of our amplifier range. Lower noise and distortion,
together with a wider audio bandwidth mean they are DVD-Audio
ready; dynamic range on the A85 is over 105dB. All three amplifiers
feature electronic input switching for ease of use and consistent
performance over time.
The
flagship A85 is unquestionably a class leading integrated
amplifier. Its circuit design is elegant and innovative and
uses plated through circuit boards with surface mounted components.
The whole amplifier is dc coupled from input to output with
absolutely no capacitors in the signal path. The power supply
is built around a substantial toroidal transformer, giving
a continuous output power of more than 85 watts per channel
into 8 ohms and 130 watts into 4 ohms. The power amplifiers
incorporate fully symmetrical high current output stages and
novel current feedback loops which dramatically reduce harmonic
distortion. Put simply, the A85's technical specification
is state of the art and the clever control electronics give
it a supremely versatile user interface.
Each of the A85's seven inputs has adjustable sensitivity
and can be assigned its own bypassable tone control settings.
The precision electronic volume control has three modes, labelled
normal, fine (with more sensitive adjustments for late night
listening) and reference, the latter offering a 72 dB range
in 0.5 dB steps. The volume setting may be displayed on the
A85's easy-to-read fluorescent display either numerically
or as a bargraph.
The
modular design allows for a degree of expansion in the future
to help address the issues of product obsolescence in this
fast moving, ever-changing world. An optional phono pre-amplifier
board is available which suits both MM and MC cartridges and
a DVD-Audio multi-channel input module is already in the planning
stages.
The
A85 has a headphones socket and twin speaker outlets, plus
a remote control bus in its rear panel for receiving and passing
through RC-5 commands. The speakers are switchable from the
front panel or by remote control. Pre-amp outputs are available
for bi-amping with the P85 power amplifier, which additionally
can be supplied in a 3 channel version for multi-channel use.
The A85 includes Arcam's latest and beautifully styled "Handi
Remote" handset which also incorporates the main command buttons
for Arcam's CD players and tuners.
The
A65 and A75 also feature all new electronic circuitry. Lower
distortion and noise performance ensures compatibility with
new sources such as DVD-Audio. More sophisticated protection
circuits and improved audiophile quality capacitors also improve
the sound quality of these new designs which include MM phono
stages, bypassable limited range tone controls and pre-amp
outputs for bi-amping. Remote input selection using studio
quality electronic switching ensures long term consistency
of operation compared with commonly used mechanical switches.
All inputs are protected against static damage. The A75 has
more output power than the A65 and additionally comes with
a processor switch on the front panel to fix the gain of the
front channels when used with an external home cinema processor.
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Technical
Specification
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