Altec Lansing XA2021 User Manual

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1

The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Caution: To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not
remove cover (or back). No user-serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be
read before the appliance is operated.

2. Retain Instructions — The operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.

3. Heed Warning — All warnings on the appliance and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should
be followed.

5. Water and Moisture — The appliance should not be used near water —
for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a
wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.

6. Outdoor Use — Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do
not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

7. Location — The appliance should be installed in a stable location.

8. Ventilation — The appliance should be situated so that its location or
position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the
appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface
that may block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in
installation, such as a closed bookcase or cabinet that may impede the
flow of air through the ventilation openings.

9. Heat — The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.

10. Power Sources — The appliance should be connected to a power supply
only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked
on the appliance.

11. Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should be routed so that
they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them. Pay particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.

12. Grounding or Polarization — The precautions that should be taken
so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is
not defeated.

13. Cleaning — The appliance should be cleaned only with a polishing
cloth or a soft dry cloth. Never clean with furniture wax, benzene,
insecticides or other volatile liquids since they may corrode the cabinet.

14. Non-Use Periods — The power cord of the appliance should be
unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

15. Lightning Storms — Unplug the apparatus during lightining storms.

16. Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that objects do not
fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.

17. Accessories — Only use attachment acessories specified by Altec Lansing
Technolgies, Inc.

18. Damage Requiring Service — The appliance should be serviced by
qualified service personnel when:

• The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged.

• Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance.

• The appliance has been exposed to rain.

• The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a

marked change in performance.

• The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.

19. Servicing — The user should not attempt to service the appliance.
Servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel or returned
to the dealer or call the Altec Lansing service line for assistance.

one-Year Limited Warranty

Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. warrants to the end user that all of its
powered audio, PC audio, portable audio, TV or gaming speaker systems
are free from defects in material and workmanship in the course of normal
and reasonable use for a term of one year from the date of purchase.

This warranty is the exclusive and only warranty in effect relative to Altec
Lansing powered audio, PC audio, portable audio, TV or gaming speaker
systems and any other warranties, either expressed or implied, are invalid.
Neither Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. nor any authorized Altec Lansing
Technologies, Inc. reseller is responsible for any incidental damages incurred
in the use of the speakers. (This limitation of incidental or consequential
damage is not applicable where prohibited.)

Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc.’s obligation under this warranty does not
apply to any defect, malfunction or failure as a result of misuse, abuse,
improper installation, use with faulty or improper equipment or the use of
the speaker systems with any equipment for which they were not intended.

The terms of this warranty apply only to powered audio, PC audio, portable
audio, TV or gaming speaker systems when such speakers are returned to
the respective authorized Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. reseller where
they were purchased.

Customer Service

The answers to most setup and performance questions can be found in
the Troubleshooting guide. You can also consult the FAQs in the customer
support section of our Web site at www.alteclansing.com. If you still can’t
find the information you need, please call our customer service team for
assistance before returning the speakers to your retailer under their
return policy.

1-800-ALTEC-88 (1-800-258-3288)
Email: [e-mail]
For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check our Web site at

www.alteclansing.com.
© 2003 Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc.
Designed and engineered in the USA and manufactured in our ISO9002

certified factory. United States Patents 4429181 and 4625328 plus other
patents pending.

International Distribution

International customers: For information regarding the distribution of Altec
Lansing products in your country, please visit www.alteclansing.com and
click on “International.”

CAUTION

To prevent electric shock do not use this (polarized) plug with an
extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully
inserted to prevent blade exposure.

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Connecting the Power Cord (AC Wall Socket)

Long slot is neutral
(ground) side.

Insert the wide blade
into the ground side slot.

2

Thank you for purchasing this Altec Lansing product. For generations, Altec
Lansing has been first in audio innovation. Today, our line of powered
speakers has received more performance awards than any other brand. In
all kinds of desktop environments, in every price range, Altec Lansing offers
sound of distinction — giving even the most demanding customers the
audio enjoyment they seek. Just listen to this!

Box Contents

• 2 Speakers

• Subwoofer

• 3.5 mm stereo cable

• AC Adapter

• Wall-mounting brackets

• User’s Guide

• Quick Connect Instructions (may be located on internal box flaps)

Placing Speakers

Subwoofer

All stereo-encoded information is heard through the satellite speakers.
The subwoofer contains no stereo imaging, and its sound is non-directional.
As a result, the subwoofer doesn’t have to be placed in any particular
relationship to the satellites. However, placing the subwoofer on the
floor close to a wall or room corner provides better bass efficiency and
optimum sound.

Warning: The subwoofer is not magnetically shielded. As such, it SHOULD
be placed at least 2 feet (0.6m) from TVs, computer monitors, computer
hard drives or any other magnetic media (e.g. floppy disks, Zip disks,
computer or audio tapes, etc.).

Satellite Speakers

Arrange the satellite speakers to suit your listening tastes — from right next
to the monitor to as far apart as the speaker cords allow. The pivoting
stands allow you to tilt the satellites forward or backward as needed. If you
choose to mount the satellites on the wall, pivot the stands all the way back
and use the wall-mounting brackets.

For optimum sound, satellite speakers should be placed at or slightly above
ear level, and in an arrangement that offers the most satisfying results.

Note: The satellite speakers ARE magnetically shielded and can be placed
close to video displays such as TVs and computer monitors without
distorting the image.

Making Connections

Warning: Do not insert the speaker system’s power plug into a wall outlet
until all connections are made. Also, turn off audio source (i.e., your PC,
MP3 player, Sony PlayStation, etc.) before connecting the outputs to the
speaker system’s inputs.

To ensure first-time operation as expected, please carefully follow the
connection sequences described below in the order indicated.

Speaker System

To set-up the speaker system:
Connect each satellite to the subwoofer by plugging each color-coded RCA

connector into the corresponding input on the subwoofer.

Inputs

Various connection schemes between your audio source and the speaker
system are available. Determine if you’ll be setting up the speaker system
for console gaming, PC audio/PC gaming, DVD playback, or with portable
audio devices (such as MP3 or portable CD players), then skip to the
appropriate section.

Console Gaming

Most console game systems feature dual-RCA outputs. To connect your
speaker system, follow the steps below:

1. Make sure the power to your console gaming system is turned off.

2. Connect the RCA cable (hardwired into the subwoofer) to the matching

red and white RCA cable connected to your console gaming system.

PC Audio/PC Gaming/DVD Playback

All PC sound cards have audio outputs. Typically, the outputs will be marked
as “front output” and “rear output.” In some cases, slightly different
terminology may be used. The sound card’s documentation should help you
determine which outputs to use with your speaker system.

1. Make sure the power to your computer is turned off.

2. Locate the lime green 3.5 mm stereo cable provided with your speaker

system.

3. Connect one end of the lime green 3.5 mm stereo cable to the matching

jack on the subwoofer, and the other end to the lime green input labeled
“FRONT” on your sound card.

Portable Audio Devices (MP3, Portable CD Players, etc.)

1. Make sure the power to your portable audio device is turned off.

2. Locate the lime green 3.5 mm stereo cable provided with this system.

3. Connect one end of the lime green 3.5 mm stereo cable to the matching

jack on the subwoofer, and the other end to the headphone jack on your
portable audio device.

Powering On

Note: You must first remove the protective plastic sleeves on both ends of
the power adapter before you plug in the system.

1. After all other connections are made, plug the power adapter into the

side of the subwoofer and into an AC wall outlet. The speaker system is
now ready to operate.

2. Turn on the audio source.

3. Turn on the speaker system by turning the VOLUME knob on the

subwoofer until you hear a click sound. An LED will light on the
subwoofer when the power is ON.

Note: To avoid hearing a popping sound when you turn on your Altec
Lansing speaker system, always turn on your audio source first.

Volume

The VOLUME knob on the subwoofer controls the master volume. Turn the
knob clockwise to increase the volume and counterclockwise to decrease
the volume.

Subwoofer Volume

The SUB LEVEL knob on the subwoofer controls the volume of the
subwoofer. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the subwoofer volume and
counterclockwise to decrease the subwoofer volume.

Headphones

To use headphones with the system, plug them into the labeled jack
on the subwoofer. When headphones are connected, the speaker system is
muted.

Three-Piece Powered
Audio System

XA2021

3

Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 95 dB
Total Continuous Power: 17 Watts RMS

• Front Speakers: 3.5 Watts/channel @ 8 ohms
@ 10% THD @ 165 – 20,000 Hz
2 Channels Loaded

• Subwoofer: 10 Watts @ 8 ohms
@ 10% THD @ 20 – 200 Hz
Single Channel Loaded

System Response: 40 Hz – 18 kHz (-10 dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio

@ 1 kHz input: > 70 dB
Drivers (per satellite): One 3" full-range driver
Subwoofer: One 5.25" woofer

POWER REQUIREMENTS

USA, Canada and applicable
Latin American countries: 120 V AC @ 60 Hz

Europe, United Kingdom,
applicable Asian countries,
Argentina, Chile and Uruguay: 230 V AC @ 50 Hz

ETL/cETL/CE/NOM Approved

System Specifications*

No LEDs are lit.

No sound from
one or more
speakers.

Crackling sound
from speakers.

Power isn’t turned on.

Power cord isn’t connected to the wall outlet.

Surge protector (if used) isn’t powered on.

Wall outlet not functioning.

Power isn’t turned on.

Volume is set too low.

RCA Cable isn’t connected to audio source.

3.5mm stereo cable isn’t connected to audio source or
speaker system.

3.5mm stereo cable is connected to wrong output on
audio source.

Problem with audio source device.

Bad connection.

Volume level in computer operating system is set
too high.

A problem with your audio source device.

Turn the VOLUME knob on the subwoofer until you hear a click sound. An LED
will light on the subwoofer when the power is ON.

Check to see if the “Power On” LED is illuminated on the subwoofer. If not,
connect power.

If the power cord is plugged into a surge protector, make sure the surge
protector is switched on.

Plug another device into the wall outlet (same jack) to verify the wall outlet
is working.

Verify the power cord is plugged into the wall outlet and the subwoofer.

Turn the VOLUME knob on the subwoofer until you hear a click sound. An LED
will light on the subwoofer when the power is ON.

Turn the VOLUME knob clockwise to raise the volume.

Check volume level on the computer sound card or alternate audio source
device, and set at mid-level.

Check plug connections on the audio source. Make sure the signal cables are
inserted firmly into the correct jacks.

Check plug connections on the audio source and speaker system. Make sure the
signal cables are inserted firmly into the correct jacks.

Make sure the 3.5mm stereo cable is connected and fully inserted into the
“line-out,” “audio-out,” or the headphone jack of the audio source.

Test the speakers on another audio device. Remove the 3.5mm stereo cable
from the audio source device and connect it to the “line-out,” “audio-out,”
or the headphone jack of another audio source.

Check all cables. Make sure they are connected to the “line-out” or “audio-out”
jack on your sound card or other audio source — NOT “speaker-out.”

Check the computer operating system volume level and decrease it if necessary.

Unplug the stereo cable from the audio source. Then plug it into the
headphone jack of an alternate audio source (e.g., Walkman, Discman or
FM radio).

Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Problem Solution

Altec Lansing’s superior sound comes from our patented Dynamic EQ technology,
which utilizes custom-built, high-fidelity drivers, state-of-the-art equalization circuitry,
and a harmonious mix of the following specifications:

*Power rating conforms to FTC Amplifier Rule #16 C.F.R. Part 432.

4

Sound is
distorted.

Radio
interference.

No sound from
subwoofer.

Low hum from
subwoofer.

Loud hum from
subwoofer.

Too much bass
from subwoofer.

Distorted monitor.

Volume level set too high.

Computer operating system volume level is set
too high.

Sound source is distorted.

Too close to a radio tower.

Subwoofer volume is too low.

Bad connection.

The AC in your house is at 60 cycles per second, which is
within the audio frequency of the subwoofer.

Bad connection.

Volume on your audio source device is set too high.

Subwoofer volume is too high.

Subwoofer too close to monitor.

Turn the VOLUME knob counterclockwise to lower the volume.

Adjust the computer operating system volume and balance levels to the
center as a starting point, then adjust the level on the speaker using the
volume control.

WAV files are often of poor quality. So distortion and noise are easily noticed
with high-powered speakers. Try a different sound source such as a music CD.

Move your speakers until the interference goes away.

Turn the SUB LEVEL knob clockwise to raise the subwoofer volume.

Check to make sure that all cables are connected properly and are making
a clear connection.

Some low hum may be detected when your speaker system is powered on
without an audio source playing, or when the volume is set at an extremely
low level.

Unplug the AC power cord from the surge protector (if used), and plug directly
into an AC wall outlet.

Move your cables. Check to ensure they are making a clear connection.

Disconnect your 3.5mm stereo cable from the audio source. If the loud hum
goes away, lower the volume on the audio source.

Lower the master volume or subwoofer volume on your computer, portable
device, etc.

Turn the SUB LEVEL knob counterclockwise to lower the subwoofer volume.

Because the subwoofer is not magnetically shielded, it can cause distortion if
it’s too close to your monitor. Move the subwoofer so it’s at least 2 feet from
your monitor.

Symptom Possible Problem Solution