Single Wiring; Bi-Wiring; Bi-Amping - Arcam A38 Handbook

Single wiring

Both the A38 and P38 are designed for bi-wiring, which is why there are duplicate speaker
terminals on the back. For single wiring, we recommend that you use the lower set of
speaker terminals on your amplifier. If each speaker has more than one pair of connecting
terminals, use the terminals labelled or 'Low Frequency' for each speaker.
Lf
Connect the positive terminal of the right speaker connection on the amplifier (coloured
red and labelled ) to the positive terminal of your right speaker. Similarly, connect the
+r
negative terminal of the amplifier (coloured black and labelled with
terminal of your speaker. Repeat the process for the left speaker, using the amplifier
terminals labelled and .
+L L–
If your speakers support bi-wiring, then there is a strip of conductive metal on the
speakers connecting the low-frequency terminals to those for the higher-frequencies; this
mUST NOT bE REmOVED in a single-wired system.

bi-wiring

Bi-wiring is performed in the same way as single wiring except that, for each speaker, a
pair of cables are used to connect the amplifier to each speaker.
Follow the instructions given for single wiring; then perform the same actions, this time
connecting the upper set of speaker terminals on your amplifier to the terminals labelled
or 'High Frequency' for each speaker. Please refer to the illustration.
hf
Speakers that support bi-wiring have a strip of metal on the speakers connecting the low-
frequency terminals to those for the higher-frequencies; this mUST bE REmOVED in a
bi-wired system.

bi-amping

Bi-amping requires the use of two amplifiers per channel. Normally, your A38 is used to
drive the high-frequency (treble) speakers, while a power-amplifier (such as a P38) is used
for the lower (bass) frequencies.
Connect your A38 to the speakers as described for single wiring, with the exception that
the A38 should be connected to the speaker terminals labelled
Then connect the power amplifier (P38, for example) to the
terminals, as in the diagram. A pair of audio interconnect cables are also required to
connect the pre-amp outputs of the A38 to the power amp inputs of the P38.
Note that the strip of metal on the speakers connecting the lower terminals to the
upper terminals mUST bE REmOVED. Failure to do so will result in damage to both
amplifiers, which will not normally be covered under warranty.
) to the negative
r–
or 'High Frequency' .
hf
or 'Low Frequency'
Lf
An A38 or P38 connected to speakers using single wiring
An A38 or P38 connected to speakers using bi‑wiring
An A38 and P38 connected to speakers using bi‑amping
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