Arcam Alpha 2 FM/AM Tuner

Here we have a vintage Alpha 2 stereo tuner from British company Arcam. It comes in good condition along with original factory packaging, mains cable, square loop antenna and our regular three month warranty. A reprint manual for the nearest model we could find is also included.
Arcam Said….
The diversity and quality of modern broadcasting is demanding new levels of performance from today’s hi-fi tuners. In particular, a natural, clear and dynamic sound from FM, coupled with the versatility of MW and LW reception of popular programmes, are the criteria most desired by serious music lovers and audiophiles.
The Arcam Alpha 2 stereo tuner from A & R Cambridge admirably fulfils these requirements at an economic price.
The tuner has been designed to provide the highest quality reception of programmes transmitted on both the FM/VHF and AM (MW/LW) broadcast bands. Although suitable for use with all quality stereo amplifiers, the Alpha 2 tuner is specifically styled to match with both Arcam’s outstandingly successful 30 watts per channel Alpha 2 amplifier and the high performance electronics in our Delta series.
The tuner’s controls have been deliberately kept to a minimum to ensure simple, fuss free operation. Three interlocked push buttons are used for selection of the wavebands (FM/MW/LW), each band using the rotary tuning control for precise tuning. Additionally, for FM reception, an AFC switch is fitted to compensate for small frequency drifts or slight
mistuning which may occur. A mono switch is provided to ensure better reception of weak stations.
A red LED beacon indicates when a stereo programme is being received. The large rotary tuning control is fly-wheel assisted to produce an excellent ‘feel’ and is coupled to an extended analogue tuning scale, featuring a unique dual role frequency pointer. On MW and LW the pointer glows green but on FM it doubles as a precise tuning indicator, changing colour in traffic light sequence as it moves onto a station and turning green when the station is exactly on tune. Station markers are provided to indicate the position of favourite programmes.
The design has been realised using high quality components selected for optimum sonic performance. Detailed theoretical analysis and extensive listening has produced exceptional results, the sound quality in particular on FM being firm, precise and without annoying sibilance. The use of a ‘birdie’ filter fitted before the stereo decoder considerably reduces the unpleasant whistles caused by closely positioned stereo broadcasts. On the long and medium wavebands careful design has improved reception, especially on the “crowded” night time airwaves, and results in a clearer, more informative sound.
Great care has also been taken in every aspect of the design, construction and alignment of the Arcaro Alpha 2 tuner to ensure years of consistent, trouble free operation. All components are operated well within their ratings. Internal wiring and connectors are all but eliminated by mounting all components (except indicators) on a single glass fibre Printed Circuit Board. Every tuner is rigorously checked at all stages of production, both for performance and appearance. All are tested and aligned using advanced custom built equipment and finally ‘burnt in’ and retested before despatch to ensure ultimate reliability.
The Arcam Alpha 2 tuner is provided with a ready-made 75 ohm dipole wire aerial for FM reception and a specially designed loop aerial for AM use. Nevertheless, for best results, in areas of anything but prime reception, it is nearly always better to add appropriate external aerials in order to provide the tuner with the best possible input signal.
Specifications:
FM Tuner Section:
Tuning Range: 87.5 to 108 MHz
Sensitivity (IHF) typically: 1.4 µV
Total Harmonic Distortion: 95 MHz reference 22.5 kHz
Deviation at 1 kHz: Mono better than 0.15%; Stereo better than 0.25%
Signal To Noise Ratio (CCIR/ARM): Mono better than 70 dB; Stereo better than 68 dB
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 12 kHz ± 0.5 dB, typically – 2 dB at 15 kHz
Channel Separation: 1 kHz better than 40 dB
Pilot Tone Suppression: Better than 50 dB
Capture Ratio: Typically 1.5 dB
Alternate Channel Selectivity: Better than 60 dB
AM Suppression: Better than 50 dB
AM Tuner Section:
Frequency Range: MW 530 – 1600 kHz; LW 160 – 270 kHz
Distortion: Typically 0.4% at 50% modulation
Signal to Noise Ratio: Typically 50 dB CCIR weighted, reference 30% modulation
Output Impedance: 1.8 kΩ
Recommended Load: 20 kΩ or greater
Output Level: 800 mV at 75 kHz deviation
Power Supply: 200 – 250 volts AC only
Dimensions: 430 (W) x 230 (D) x 84 (H) mm
Weight: 2.6 kg