The Arcam
Ralpha 2
This
tuner has successfully established a distinctly “British” identity, with
attractively classic ergonomics. A modest price plus sound quality comfortably
better than most are further reasons for a “best buy”
The
diversity and quality of modern broadcasting is demanding new levels of
performance from today’s hi-fi tuners. In particular, a natural, clear and
dynamic sound from FM coupled with the versatility of MW and LW reception of
popular programmes, are the criteria most desired by serious music lovers and
audiophiles. The Arcam ALPHA 2 STEREO TUNER FROM a&r Cambridge admirably
fulfills thee requirements at an economic price.
Versatility
The tuner
has been designed to provide the highest quality reception of programmes
transmitted on both the FM/VHF and AM broadcast bands. Although suitable for
use with all quality stereo amplifiers, the Alpha 2 tuner is specifically
styled to match with both Arcam’s outstandingly successful 30 watts per channel
Alpha 2 amplifier and the high performance electronics in our. Delta series
Ease of
operation
The
tuner’s controls have been
deliberately kept to a minimum to ensure simple, fuss free operation. Three
interlocked push buttons are used for selection of the wavebands, each band
using the rotary tuning control for precise tuning. Additionally, for FM
reception, an AFC switch is fitted to compensate for small frequency drifts or
slight mistuning which may occur. A mono switch is provided to ensure better
reception of weak stations. A red LED beacon indicates when a stereo programme
is being received. The large rotary tuning control is fly-wheel assisted to
produce an excellent “feel” and is coupled to an extended analogue tuning
scale, featuring a unique dual role frequency pointer. On MW and LW the pointer
glows green but on FM it doubles as a precise tuning indicator, changing colour
in traffic light sequence as it moves onto a station and turning green when the
station is exactly on tune. Station markers are provided to indicate the
position of favourite programmes.
Design
The
design has been realized using high quality components selected for optimum
sonic performance. Detailed theoretical analysis and extensive listening has
produced exceptional results, the sound quality in particular on FM being firm,
precise and without annoying sibilance. The use of a “birdie” filter fitted
before the stereo decoder considerably reduces the unpleasant whistles caused
by closely positioned stereo broadcasts. On the long and medium wvebands
careful design has improved reception especially on the “crowded” night time
airwaves, and results in a clearer, more informative sound.
Quality
and reliability
Great
care has also been taken in every aspect of the design, construction and
lignment of the Arcam Alpha 2 tuner to ensure years of consistent, trouble free
operation. All componemts are operated well within their ratings. Internal
wiring and connectors are all but eliminated by mounting all components (except
indicators) on a single glass fibre Printed Circuit Board. Every tuner is
rigorously checked at all stages of production, both for performance and
appearance. All are tested and aligned using advanced custom built equipment
and finally ‘burnt in” and retested before dispatch to ensure ultimate
reliability.
The Arcam
Alpha 2 tuner is provided with a ready made 75 ohm dipole wire aerial for FM
reception and a specially designed loop aerial for AM use. Nevertheless, for
best results, in areas of anything but prime reception, it is nearly always
better to add appropriate external aerials in order to provide the tuner with
the best possible input signal.
Specifications
FM Tuner
Section
Tuning
Range: 87,5 - 108 MHz
Sensitivity: 1,4 µV (IHF)
Total
Harmonic Distortion (95 MHz ref. 22,5 kHz dev. At 1 kHz):
Mono : better than 0,15%
Stereo
: better than 9,25%
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio:
Mono : better than 70 dB
Stereo: better than 68 dB
Frequency
Response: 20 Hz - 12 kHz ±0,5 dB;
typically -2 dB at 15 kHz
Channel
Separation (1 kHz): better than 40 dB
Pilot Tone
Syppression: better than 50 dB
Capture
Ratio: 1,5 dB
Alternate
Channel Selectivity: better than 60 dB
AM
Suppression: better than 50 dB
AM Tuner
Section
Frequency
Range:
MW range
: 530 - 1600 kHz
LW range
: 160 - 270 kHz
Distortion: 0,4% at 50% modulation
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio: 50 dB (CCIR weighted) ref. 30%
modulation
General
Section
Output
Impedance: 1,8 k Ω
Recommended
Load: 20 k Ω or greater
Output
Level: 800 mV at 75 kHz deviation
Spares
Kit: FM ribbon aerial; AM loop aerial;
phono-phono lead; station markers
Power
Supply: 200 - 250 V AC, 6 VA (100 - 120
V AC conversion possible)
Dimensions
(W x H x D): 430 x 84 x 230 mm (16,9
" x 3,3" x 9,1")
Weight:
Net : 2,6 kg (5,7 lb)
Packed
: 3,2 kg (7,0 lb)