CAMBRIDGE AUDIO Alva Solo Moving Magnet Phono Preamplifier Instruction Manual

: June 3, 2024
: Cambridge Audio

Table of Contents

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO Alva Solo Moving Magnet Phono Preamplifier
introduction
What’s included with the Alva Solo
Front panel controls
Rear panel
Getting connected
Auto power down (APD)
Troubleshooting
Technical speciﬁcations
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO Alva Solo Moving Magnet Phono Preamplifier

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product

introduction

Last updated: июля 13, 2022 09:20. Revision #5158
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
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What’s included with the Alva Solo

Last updated: июня 28, 2022 03:24. Revision #4965
Inside the box of your Alva Solo you will receive:

Alva Solo Moving Magnet Phono Preampliﬁer.
Safety Guide.
Quick Start Guide.
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

Last updated: июня 28, 2022 03:24. Revision #4966

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

Last updated: 28, 2022 03:24. Revision #4967

AC Power Socket.
Signal Output Sockets – RCA connections used to connect to line-level input.
Note: Do not connect to a phono-level input.
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.
MM Input Sockets – RCA connections used to connect to a turntable ﬁtted with a moving-magnet cartridge.
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

Last updated: 13, 2022 09:18. Revision #5157 Initial Setup

Firstly, connect the outputs of your turntable to the MM input sockets on the Alva Solo using high quality RCA interconnects.
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.
Connect the signal output sockets of the Alva Solo to a line-level input on your ampliﬁer.
Ensure that the balance control is set to the central position. This can be adjusted later if necessary.
Attach the mains power lead securely to the Alva Solo and power on the unit.

Auto power down (APD)

Last updated: июня 28, 2022 03:24. Revision #4969

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

Last updated: 28, 2022 03:24. Revision #4970

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.
The volume is too loud/quiet.
Conﬁrm that the cartridge used is a moving magnet cartridge suitable for use with the Alva Solo.