STATUS - AVAILABLE
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Description :
The revolutionary Arcam Alpha 9 cd player uses a patented 24-bit DAC architecture developed by Arcam and DCS, a British professional audio manufacturer of international repute. The DCS Ring DAC has very low distortion and near perfect DNL (differential non-linearity) leading to a sound that is pure, detailed, dynamic and as near to the original recording as the user is ever likely to get. Coupled with painstakingly designed analogue and power supply circuitry, the Ring DAC helps the Alpha 9 cd player to outperform competitiors costing many times more. The Alpha 9 also automatically decodes HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) recordings. HDCD is the patented Pacific Microsonics mastering and playback technology, which extends the perceived dynamic range of an encoded 16 bit CD. In its July/August 1998 issue Hi-Fi Choice magazine described the revolutionary chip design of the Alpha 9, as delivering 'the best ever sound under £1,000' and 'the most ambitious and inspired digital product ever to emerge from Arcam'.

When tested, the reviewer is hesitant to list the faults he finds with the Arcam Alpha 9 cd player, because the whole is so much greater than the sum of its parts. Also, he only seems to be able to compare it to much more expensive players, which is not fair. The Alpha 9 cd slightly bests other state-of-the-art players in most areas, but this just won’t tell the whole story. The Alpha 9 cd is slightly rolled off, in both the high and the low ends. Some of the sheen that is heard from the best players is missing, but not much. Cellos, even double basses, seem to be all there, with wonderful woody timbres, even if they are not presented with quite much authority. Soundstaging is amply wide and deep, but not as monstrous as that of some of today’s best players. In description, the Alpha 9’s soundstage will be using realistic colors and style, with musicians having clearly defined outlines and details. By contrast, the Arcam Alpha 9 cd player sounds more neutral in timbre, with less ambience, but it brings prominent instruments and voices forward with more detail. Its tonal balance is considered as of the Arcam's big strengths. Music of all kinds has an evenness and coherence that is very pleasing. The music’s pace is also a pleasure to behold, whether it was a guitar strumming, a drummer flailing away, or an orchestra at full tilt. Also adding to this is the fact that the bass and midbass on this player is taut, fast, and clean, just the way most people like it.

Specifications :
Conversion system............................... 24 bit dCS Ring DAC plus HDCD
Frequency response..............................10Hz to 20kHz
Mathematical Resolution (CD)................16 Bits
Signal to noise ratio (A-weighted)............100 dB
Output level (0 dB).................................2.3 Vrms (Normal), 4.6 Vrms (HDCD)
Output impedance.................................50 Ohms
Digital output.........................................75 Ohms co-axial
Precision of digital output........................Level 1
Power consumption................................25 Watts
Weight..................................................4 kg
Dimension(w x d x h)..............................43 x 29 x 8.5 cm

Miscellaneous :
Matching...............................................Arcam Alpha 10 Integrated Amplifier
             ................................................Arcam Alpha 10P Power Amplifier
Made in.................................................UK
Manual..................................................Yes
Remote.................................................Yes
Condition...............................................9 / 10 (Good condition)

Product information :
http://www.arcam.co.uk/advice-and-support/discontinued-products/Alpha9CDPlayer (Manufacturer's Website)
http://www.arcam.co.uk/_ugc/file/acd7se_8se_9e_manual.pdf (Owner's Manual)

Reviews :
http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/digital-sources/arcam-alpha9.html
http://www.stereophile.com/cdplayers/199arcam/
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/james02.htm
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/ken02.htm
http://www.positive-feedback.com/ambackissues/arcam9.htm
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/digital-sources/cd-players/arcam/alpha-9/prd_116782_1586crx.aspx