The aesthetics of the Alpha range are hardly what you'd call cutting edge and you won't crush your foot if you drop 'em but neither are they as dull or flimsy as some would have you believe. The style is a smooth and ergonomic one that fits inconspicuously into any environment and has the look of 'serious' hi-fi and measure in at an average 430 x 290 x 85mm (w,d,h). They also feel good to the touch, with nice springy buttons and a good sized volume control. A master remote is supplied only with the tuner that will control the whole system. the other two have dedicated remotes.

AMPLIFIER
The 50W per channel (into 8ohm) 8R integrated is the only amplifier in the test to have bypassable tone controls for those that wish to tweak the sound. There's also controls for input selection, tape monitor, second 'speaker selection and a headphone socket. Ironically, like most amps, the more affordable they are, the more you seem to get for your money! 

There's a total of five inputs available, one of which is switchable from a line input into an MM phono stage. There are two sets of BFA approved 'speaker terminals found at the rear. The upper pair are for the main 'speakers and the lower pair for attaching a second pair of 'speakers, perhaps in another room. This second pair of terminals is switched on and off on the front panel and both sets of terminals are switched off when a headphone jack plug is inserted into the socket. 

In true Arcam style, upgradability is assured by a preamp output which can feed a power amp. 
On the back is a 'processor/normal' switch for an external Dolby Digital or Prologic processor. When selected, the processor will act as the master volume control.

CD PLAYER
The Alpha 7SE player has proved itself to be a market leader since its launch in July last year when it replaced the award-winning Alpha 7. Inside is a Burr-Brown 24 bit multi-level Delta-Sigma DAC and improved power supplies. The unit can be upgraded to Alpha 8SE or full Aplha 9 spec.

At the rear there are two pairs of audio outputs and two digital outputs - one coaxial and an optical for MiniDisc users. The front display is nice and clear and thereís a host of 'localised' controls on the front panel. 

TUNER
The usual Arcam fascia adorns the Alpha 8 tuner's chassis, making a change from the usual minimal facsias of most hi-fi tuners. There is no RDS function but you can receive MW and LW broadcasts. Tuning is via 'up' and 'down' buttons and between them sits a green 'on tune' LED applicable to any band. 

A total of 24 preset stations can be stored on two storage 'levels' - 16 on FM and 8 MW and/or LW. If the tuner's mains supply is disconnected its memory contents remain for one week, so keep off fortnight holidays!

For all the facilities and storage functions, it has no signal strength meter, though. It's supplied with a 'heavyweight' bootlace indoor aerial and 75ohm adaptor.

PERFORMANCE
Unusually, for more affordable hi-fi the Alpha system has a smooth and has a rich top end. The Alpha 7SE has Arcam's trademark full sound but thankfully lacks the harder edge of yesteryear. 

Here we have a well-balanced and exciting sound that was shown to the full by the classic Copland demonstration piece, 'Fanfare For The Common Man'. This Reference Recordings version has a clarity and breadth of frequency span rarely found in CD.   Notes from the brass section were smooth and the bass drum thumped with a vengeance to create an involving and exciting listen.

With Radiohead's studio rock the Arcam impressed equally. It took all the confusion of the rough mix and delivered it in a clear and dynamic manner, with rhythms and bass tight and driving.

The tuner is a tad confusing to use, so a good look at the manual is recommended but the sound is full and clean, even with the supplied indoor aerial. Spoken voice on Radio 4 is natural and unaffected and commercial stations such as Capital are played with verve and involvement but sound a tad more shrill than required. 

This system is excellent value. The CD plays discs to a standard at least twice the price and the Alpha 8R amp delivers a wide and deep sound stage that betters previous equivalent Arcam models. The system as a whole is crammed with facilities and is very, very upgradable - which gives it a big thumbs up in our book.

WORLD VERDICT
Perhaps the best system available for under £1000. a great sounding system. £