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, labeled 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 bar graph.
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.
The A85 was designed and manufactured in the UK and was available in a black or silver finish.