Setup: Altec Lansing ADA885 User's Guide

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Setup

The ADA885 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 in Figure 1 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 (WHITE) 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.  (See Note 1)
 

• The green color-coded wire connects the FRONT INPUT on the subwoofer to the corresponding output on the computer.
• The black color-coded wire connects the SURROUND (SURRD) INPUT on the subwoofer to the corresponding output on the computer.
• The black RCA type plug is used to connect the S/PDIF INPUT on the subwoofer to a DVD player or to the corresponding output on the computer. (See Note 2).

Plug the AC power plug into the wall outlet. Your ADA885 system is now ready for use.

Note 1:  Your computer may have one of several different sound cards.  The computer system documentation will provide information on the sound card outputs used in your model.

Note2: The supplied S/PDIF connection cable is terminated with RCA type plugs.  In some instances this type of plug may not match the corresponding sound card.  A connector cable (Dongle) is provided that will match the computer output and the S/PDIF cable.  Some sound cards may not have a rear analog or S/PDIF output.  Refer to you system documentation manual for information on the sound card used in your model.

Figure 1
 
 

1) Subwoofer 2) To S/PDIF Output (Black) 3) Right Speaker 4) Right Surround 5) Speaker Stand 6) To Computer Rear Audio Output (Black) 7) To Computer Front Audio Output (Green) 8) Left Surround 9) Left Speaker 10) For PCM Data (Black) 11) For AC3 Data (Yellow) 12) To Sound Card

 Closeup view of Figure 1 connections.
 
 

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

1) Separate the left and right surround speakers from their stands by gently pulling the speaker up (See Figure 2).
2) Remove the left (WHITE) 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.
Be sure to line up tabs on the satellite and surround speakers.  Gently push down on the satellite speaker to fit into place.
(The connections to the satellite speakers are made automatically once the surround speakers are mounted)

Your ADA885 system is now ready for use.
 

Figure 2.

Figure 3.

1) Subwoofer 2) To S/PDIF Output (Black) 3) Right Speaker 4) To Computer  Rear Audio Output (Black) 5) To Computer Front Audio Output (Green) 6) Left Speaker 7) For PCM Data (Black) 8) For AC3 Data (Yellow) 9) To Sound Card

 Closeup view of Figure 3 connections
 
 
 

Placement of Speakers (See Figures 4 and 5)

Near Field 3 Piece Configuration
The satellite speakers are magnetically shielded and can be placed close to the computer monitor without distorting video images.  Best stereo effects are obtained by placing the speakers as far apart as is practical.

Enhanced Surround Sound 5 Piece Configuration
Best surround effects are obtained by placing the rear surround speakers slightly behind the user and approximately the same distance apart as the front satellite speakers.  Excellent results are obtained when the surround speakers are in line with, and slightly above the listener's ears.

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

Figure 4. 3 Piece Configuration	Figure 5. 5 Piece Configuration

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