Cambridge Audio Alva Solo User manual

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Alva Solo
Manual Generated: 02/11/2023 - 13:25

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Table of Contents
Alva Solo 3 .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction 4 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................
What's included with the Alva Solo? 5 ......................................................................................................................................................................
Front panel controls 6 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................
Rear panel 7 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Getting connected 8 .....................................................................................................................................................................................................
Auto power down (APD) 9 ...........................................................................................................................................................................................
Troubleshooting 10 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................
Technical specifications 11 ..........................................................................................................................................................................................

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Alva Solo
Last updated: July 14, 2022 05:59. Revision #7845
Users Manual

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Introduction
Last updated: July 13, 2022 09:20. Revision #7846
This guide is designed to make installing and using this product as easy as possible. Information in this document has been carefully checked for
accuracy at the time of printing; however, Cambridge Audio’s policy is one of continuous improvement, therefore design and specifications are
subject to change without prior notice.
This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced by any
mechanical, electronic or other means, in any form, without prior written permission of the manufacturer. All trademarks and registered trademarks
are the property of their respective owners.
© Copyright Cambridge Audio Ltd
For upcoming news on future products, software updates and exclusive offers, make sure you register your product at
http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/register

5
What's included with the Alva Solo?
Last updated: June 28, 2022 03:24. Revision #7847
Inside the box of your Alva Solo you will receive:
1. Alva Solo Moving Magnet Phono Preamplifier.
2. Safety Guide.
3. Quick Start Guide.
4. UK power cord (5A fused) (Depending on which country the Alva Solo was purchased in),
EU power cord (Depending on which country the Alva Solo was purchased in),
CU power cord (Depending on which country the Alva Solo was purchased in)

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Front panel controls
Last updated: June 28, 2022 03:24. Revision #7848
1. Standby/On - Switches the unit between Standby mode (indicated by dim LED) and On (indicated by bright LED). Standby mode is a low power
mode where the power consumption is less than 0.5 Watts.

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Rear panel
Last updated: June 28, 2022 03:24. Revision #7849
1. AC Power Socket.
2. Signal Output Sockets - RCA connections used to connect to a line-level input.
Note: Do not connect to a phono-level input.
3. Balance Control - Used to make fine adjustments to the relative output levels of the left and right channels. In the central position the output
from each channel is equal.
4. MM Input Sockets - RCA connections used to connect to a turntable fitted with a moving-magnet cartridge.
5. Ground Connection Screw - If your turntable has a separate grounding lead then connect here. This provides shielding to the tonearm and the
sensitive circuitry in the turntable.

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Getting connected
Last updated: July 13, 2022 09:18. Revision #7850
Initial Setup
Firstly, connect the outputs of your turntable to the MM input sockets on the Alva Solo using high quality RCA interconnects.1.
If your turntable uses a separate ground lead, connect this to the ground screw on the Alva Solo. This reduces any potential hum or2.
buzzing.
Connect the signal output sockets of the Alva Solo to a line-level input on your amplifier.3.
Ensure that the balance control is set to the central position. This can be adjusted later if necessary.4.
Attach the mains power lead securely to the Alva Solo and power on the unit.5.

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Auto power down (APD)
Last updated: June 28, 2022 03:24. Revision #7851
The Alva Solo comes set up with Auto Power Down (APD) enabled and will automatically switch to standby mode after 20 minutes of inactivity.
To disable Auto Power Down (APD): If you wish to disable the APD function, then press and hold the power button for 5 seconds when in
standby. This can then be reset to factory defaults by plugging in the mains lead with the standby button held down

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Troubleshooting
Last updated: June 28, 2022 03:24. Revision #7852
There is no power.
• Ensure that the AC power cord is securely connected.
• Check that the plug is fully connected to the mains and is switched on.
• Check the fuse in the mains plug.
There is no sound.
• Confirm that the unit is switched on.
• Check that the turntable is securely connected to the Alva Solo.
• Check that the connections between the Alva Solo and amplifier are securely made.
• Ensure that your speakers are properly connected.
There is no sound on one channel.
• Check speaker connections and interconnects.
• Check that the Alva Solo balance control is set centrally.
There is a loud buzz or hum.
• Check that the ground lead (if present) is securely connected to both the turntable and Alva Solo.
• Ensure all interconnects are secure and intact.
• Check that your turntable is not too close to your amplifier.
There is weak bass or diffused stereo imaging.
• Ensure that your speakers are not wired out of phase.
Volume is too loud/quiet.
• Confirm that the cartridge used is a moving magnet cartridge suitable for use with the Alva Solo.

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Technical specifications
Last updated: July 13, 2022 09:40. Revision #7853
Maximum Power Consumption
10W
Standby Consumption
<0.5W
Mains Inlet Voltage
100-240V AC
Gain @ 1kHz
39dB
Nominal Output
300mV
Sensitivity for Nominal Output
3.35mV
Equivalent Input Noise (A-Weighted)
~0.09uV
RIAA Curve Accuracy
+/- 0.65dB 30Hz - 20kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio Grounded Inputs ref. 1V Output (20Hz - 20kHz BW)
>90dB
THD+N 1kHz (20Hz - 20kHz BW)
<0.0025%
Input Impedance
47kOhm
Input Capacitance
100pF
Overload Margin
>30dB
Crosstalk @ 20kHz
>85dB
Subsonic Filter Characteristics
-3dB @ 15Hz 12dB/octave
Dimensions (H x W x D)
48 x 176 x 132 mm (1.9 x 6.9 x 5.2 ")
Weight
0.68kg (1.5lbs)