Cambridge Audio Alva Solo - Phono Preamplifier for Moving Magnet Turntable Manual

Introduction

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.

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What's included with the Alva Solo

nside 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)

Front panel controls

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.

Rear panel

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.

Getting connected

Initial Setup

1. Firstly, connect the outputs of your turntable to the MM input sockets on the Alva Solo using high quality RCA interconnects.
2. If your turntable uses a separate ground lead, connect this to the ground screw on the Alva Solo. This reduces any potential hum or buzzing.
3. Connect the signal output sockets of the Alva Solo to a line-level input on your amplifier.
4. Ensure that the balance control is set to the central position. This can be adjusted later if necessary.
5. Attach the mains power lead securely to the Alva Solo and power on the unit.

Auto power down (APD)

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

Troubleshooting

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.

Technical specifications

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)