Manuals

Introduction: ADA880 User's Guide

Introduction

The ADA880 is a technologically advanced multimedia amplified speaker system featuring Dolby Digital AC3 and Dolby Pro-Logic surround sound and stereo reproduction. The amplifier inputs can simultaneously operate on analog and digital (S/PDIF)* audio signals.

The unit is comprised of a subwoofer and two satellite speakers. This combination provides surround sound on a desktop by utilizing side firing speakers. For enhanced surround sound the top speaker portion of each satellite can be separated and placed on a provided stand with long speaker wires. This enables the separated speakers to be placed for best surround sound performance. Equalizer circuitry automatically resets to conform to the changes that take place when the speakers are separated.

The satellite speakers are magnetically shielded and can be placed close to a monitor without disturbing images. The speaker in the subwoofer is not magnetically shielded and should not be placed close to a monitor.

Subwoofer frequencies are non directional, therefore, the subwoofer does not have to be located in any particular relationship to the satellite speakers. Placing it on the floor close to a wall, corner of a room or under a desk gives excellent results.

The main satellite speaker has status indicators to show the various conditions of operation. A master volume control is used to separately adjust bass, center, surround and treble settings. Once the individual functions are set, the control reverts back to becoming a master volume control. A remote control unit is supplied that can access all the manual functions. The remote control has a mute function that is not available when using the controls manually.

The AC3/PRO-LOGIC/STEREO decode circuits operate automatically. If the unit is in the STEREO or PRO-LOGIC mode and an AC3 signal appears at the input of the amplifier, the circuitry automatically switches over to AC3. This and other automatic features are explained under "Using the Speaker System."

If analog and digital signals appear at the input of the amplifier, the analog signal is automatically reduced in volume level.

*Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format.

Setup

Do not plug the AC power plug into the wall outlet until all connections are made.

The ADA880 can be setup in two configurations. For ENHANCED SURROUND sound a 5-piece setup is used. For near field STEREO/SURROUND sound a 3-piece setup is used. The two modes of operation are described below. The speakers are packaged and shipped in the 5-piece arrangement. Follow the instructions and pictorial view below to make the 5-piece connections.

Enhanced Surround Sound Operation (See Figure 1)

1) Connect the left and right satellite speakers. Notice that the DIN connectors from the left and right satellite speakers are color-coded and plug into the matching color indicators on the back of the subwoofer. Also note that the connectors have arrows. These arrows should face up as shown in Figure 1.

2) Connect the left and right surround speakers. The left (yellow) and right (purple) surround speaker connectors are plugged into the corresponding colored inputs on the back of the subwoofer.

3) Connect the subwoofer to the computer. The green color-coded wire connects the ANALOG INPUT on the subwoofer to the AUDIO OUTPUT on the computer. The black RCA type plug is used to connect the S/PDIF INPUT on the subwoofer to a DVD player.

4) Plug the AC power plug into the wall outlet. The ADA880 unit should be installed close to the AC power outlet so that the power plug can be readily removed from the outlet in the event of a hazardous problem. Your ADA880 system is now ready for use.

Near Field Stereo/Surround Sound Operation (see Figures 2 and 3)

If it is desired to convert to a 3-speaker system, follow the instructions and the pictorial view below.

1) Separate the left and right surround speakers from their stands by gently pulling the speaker up (See Figure 2)

2) Remove the left (yellow) and right (purple) speaker wires from the subwoofer. (Set speaker stands aside for future use)

3) Remove the supplied rubber plugs from the top of the satellite speakers.

4) Mount the surround speakers on top of the satellite speakers as shown in Figure 2. (The connections to the satellite speakers are made automatically once the surround speakers are mounted) The ADA880 unit should be installed close to the AC power outlet so that the power plug can be readily removed from the outlet in the event of a hazardous problem. Your ADA880 system is now ready for use.

Fig 2:

Fig 3:

Placement of Speakers (See Figures 4 and 5)

All stereo information is heard from the satellite and surround speakers. The subwoofer contains no stereo information and its sound is non-directional. As a result, the subwoofer does not necessarily have to be placed in any particular relationship to the satellites. Placing the subwoofer on the floor close to a wall or corner of a room provides maximum bass efficiency. The subwoofer is not magnetically shielded and should not be placed near video displays.*

Near Field

The satellite and surround speakers are magnetically shielded and can be placed close to the computer monitor without distorting video images. Best stereo effect is obtained by placing the speakers as far apart as practical.

Enhanced Surround Sound

Best surround effect is obtained by placing the surround speakers forward of the monitor and approximately the same distance apart as the satellite speakers. Excellent results are obtained when the surround speakers are in line with, and slightly above the listeners ears.

Note: Care should be taken not to place diskettes or other magnetic media on the subwoofer.

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