M O D E L

User's guide

The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products 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.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 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.
Object and Liquid Entry Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings. Accessories - Only use attachments/accessories specified by the mfg. 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.
WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
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. 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.
Connecting the Power Cord (AC Wall Socket)
Long slot is neutral (ground) side.

FCC Wants You to Know

Insert the wide blade into the ground side slot. Read Instructions All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. Retain Instructions The operating instructions should be retained for future reference. Heed Warning All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. Follow Instructions All operating and use instructions should be followed. 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. Outdoor Use Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Location The appliance should be installed in a stable location. 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. Heat The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 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. 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. Grounding or Polarization The precautions that should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated. 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. Non-Use Periods The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time. Lightning Storms - Unplug the appliance during lightning storms. 1 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. b) Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. d) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Warning

Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user authority to operate the equipment under FCC Rules.
One Year Limited Warranty
Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. warrants to the end user that all of its computer 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 computer 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. 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 computer speaker systems with any equipment for which they were not intended. The terms of this warranty apply only to computer speaker systems when such speakers are returned to the respective authorized Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. reseller where they were purchased. Under the terms of this warranty, the original consumer purchaser has certain legal rights and may have other rights, which vary worldwide.

WELCOME

6 -Piece Amplified

Speaker System

The RIGHT FRONT jack is an orange mini-DIN connector, connected to the right satellite, which is different from the other jacks. Notice that the DIN plug has an arrow. For easy insertion of the DIN connector, the arrow on the connector must face up. INPUTS

Headphones

To use headphones with the system, plug them into the labeled jack on the front of the right satellite. When headphones are connected, all satellites and the subwoofer are muted.
MASTER VOLUME The volume knob on the front of the right satellite is the master volume control for the speaker system. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume. SURROUND VOLUME CONTROL The SURROUND control varies the volume of the left and right surround speakers. Adjust this control as necessary to create the optimum sound.The Surround Volume Control operates in the same manner even on computers that only have stereo outputs. CENTER VOLUME CONTROL The CENTER control varies the volume of the center speaker. Adjust this speaker as necessary to achieve a balanced sound. SUBWOOFER LEVEL The Subwoofer Level is located on the back of the subwoofer. Rotating this control clockwise increases the bass while rotating the control counter-clockwise decreases the bass. Blend the subwoofer output with that of the satellites to set the correct volume.

Welcome to the extraordinary world of Altec Lansing high-fidelity sound. The 251 system features five satellites and a subwoofer, and is specially designed for PC music/PC gaming and DVD movie playback. Used with computers that have 6-channel/5.1, 4-channel gaming or 2channel/stereo sound cards, the 251 allows you to hear music, games and movies in Dolby Digital, DTS or multi-channel modes. With 90 watts of total system power, it delivers quality performance from MP3 players, CD players, cassette players, DVD players, gaming consoles, and other audio/video sources.

Powering On

1. After all other connections are made, plug the power cord (on the back of subwoofer) into an AC wall socket. The speaker system is now ready to operate. 2. Turn on the audio source. 3. Turn on the Altec Lansing 251 speaker system by pushing the On/Off button located on the front of the right satellite. A green LED will light next to the button 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.
Various connection schemes between your audio source and the 251 are available. Determine if youll be setting up the speaker system for PC audio/PC gaming, DVD playback, console gaming or with portable audio devices (such as MP3 or portable CD players), then skip to the appropriate section. PC AUDIO/PC GAMING/DVD PLAYBACK Sound cards designed for PC gaming or DVD playback have unique audio outputs. Typically, the outputs will be marked as front output, rear output and LFE/center output. In some cases, slightly different terminology may be used. The sound cards documentation should help you determine which outputs to use with your speaker system. 6-CHANNEL/5.1 SOUND CARDS 1. Locate the cable with green, black and yellow 3.5 mm stereo plugs that is connected to the rear of the subwoofer. 2. Remove the protective covers from the black and yellow plugs, which are connected to the rear of the subwoofer. 3. Insert the black, green and yellow input plugs into the computer soundcards black, green and yellow outputs. Be sure that the switch on the rear of the subwoofer is in the 6-channel position. 4-CHANNEL GAMING SOUND CARDS 1. Locate the cable with green, black and yellow 3.5 mm stereo plugs that is connected to the rear of the subwoofer. 2. Remove the protective cover from the black plug, which is connected to the rear of the subwoofer. 3. Insert the black and green input plugs into the computer soundcards black and green output. Be sure the switch on the rear of the subwoofer is in the 2/4-channel position. 2-CHANNEL/STEREO SOUND CARDS

Box Contents

5 Satellites Subwoofer AAC1 Y-adapter Manual QCC

System Specifications

Placing Speakers

SUBWOOFER All stereo-encoded information is heard through the satellite speakers. The subwoofer contains no stereo imaging, and its sound is nondirectional. As a result, the subwoofer doesnt 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 front satellites to suit your listening tastesfrom right next to the monitor to as far apart as the speaker cords allow. The rear satellites should be placed slightly behind you, or as far back as the cords allow. The same principle applies to wall-mounted rear speakers. Place the center satellite either on top or below the center of the monitor. For optimum sound, all satellites 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.
Total System Power: Frequency Response: Crossover Frequency: System THD (distortion): Input Impedance:
90 Watts (45 Watts RMS) 35 Hz - 18 kHz 150 Hz < 0.50 % THD @ -10 dB fullscale input voltage 10k ohms
SUBWOOFER Speaker Drivers: One 5.25 " long-throw woofer
Signal to Noise Ratio @ 1 kHz input: > 70 dB POWER REQUIREMENTS USA/Canada/and applicable Latin American countries: Europe/United Kingdom; SATELLITE AMPLIFIED SPEAKERS Drivers (per satellite): One 3" full-range driver applicable Asian countries; Argentina, Chile and Uruguay: ETL / cETL / CE / NOM / IRAM Approved 230 V AC @ 50 Hz 120 V AC @ 60 Hz
1. Locate the cable with green, black and yellow 3.5 mm stereo plugs that is connected to the rear of the subwoofer. 2. Insert the green input plug, which is connected to the rear of the subwoofer, into the computer stereo (green) output. Be sure the switch on the rear of the subwoofer is in the 2/4-channel position. CONSOLE GAMING Most console game systems feature dual-RCA outputs. Popular console systems manufacturers include Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and Sega. To connect your speakers, follow the steps below: 1. Make sure your console gaming system is turned off. 2. Locate the AAC1 Y-adapter included with your 251 speaker system. The AAC1 Y-adapter has a green 3.5 mm stereo jack on one end and two RCA jacks on the otherone red and one white. 3. Locate the red and white RCA plugs on the end of the cable connected to the back of your console gaming system. Connect them to the matching red and white RCA jacks on the AAC1 Y-adapter. 4. Locate the cable with green, black and yellow 3.5 mm stereo plugs that is connected to the rear of the subwoofer. 5. Insert the green plug on this cable into the lime green jack on the AAC1 Y-adapter. 6. Be sure that the switch on the rear of the subwoofer is in the 2/4 channel position. PORTABLE AUDIO DEVICES (MP3, PORTABLE CD PLAYERS, ETC.) 1. Locate the cable with green, black and yellow 3.5 mm stereo plugs that is connected to the rear of the subwoofer. 2. Insert the green plug into the headphone jack on your portable audio device. Be sure the switch on the rear of the subwoofer is in the 2/4-channel position. Customer service is available 7 days a week for your convenience. Our business hours are: Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight EST Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST 1-800-ALTEC-88 (1-800-258-3288) Email: csupport@alteclansing.com For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check our Web site at www.alteclansing.com. 2002 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.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

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 cant find the information you need, please call our customer service team for assistance before returning the speakers to your retailer under their return policy.

Making Connections

WARNING: Do not insert the speaker systems power plug into an AC 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 251 systems inputs. To ensure first-time operation as expected, carefully follow the connection sequences described below in the order indicated for your particular application. Setup is fast and easy: Simply connect the audio source inputs and the satellite speakers to the rear of the subwoofer. SATELLITE SPEAKERS The satellite speakers must be connected to the subwoofer. To make setup easy, the input jacks on the subwoofer are color-coded to the jacks on the subwoofer cables.
SYMPTOM No LEDs are lit. POSSIBLE PROBLEM Power is not turned on. AC cord is not connected to wall outlet. SOLUTION Press Power button on the front of the right satellite. Check to see if the Power On LED is illuminated on the rear of the subwoofer. If not, connect AC power. If the subwoofers AC 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 outlet is working. Verify the subwoofers AC power cord is plugged into the wall outlet. Verify the Power button has been pressed and the green LED is illuminated. Volume setting is too low. 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. Audio cable isnt connected to audio source. Check plug connections on both the subwoofer and source. Make sure the signal cables are inserted firmly into the correct jacks. Make sure the green 3.5 mm stereo cable is connected and fully inserted into the line-out jack of the audio source. Test the speakers on another audio device. Remove the green audio cable from the audio source device and connect it to the line-out or headphone jack of another audio source. Change the position of the switch.

Surge suppressor (if used) is not powered on.
Wall outlet not functioning. No sound from one or more speakers. Power isnt turned on.
Audio cable is connected to wrong output on audio source.
Problem with audio source device.
No sound from center or rear satellites.
Switch on the rear of the subwoofer is not in the proper position. Rear or center level is set too low.
Increase the rear or center speaker volume level. Check all cables. Make sure they are connected to line-out or audio-out jack on your sound card or other audio source NOT speaker-out. Check the Windows volume control and decrease 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). Decrease master volume level. Adjust the Windows volume and balance controls 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 to see if the interference goes away. If not, you may be able to purchase a shielded stereo cable from your local electronics store. Adjust the bass level on the rear of the subwoofer. Many.WAV and.MID files often have little low-frequency content and sound flat when you listen to them on a computer. Try a song with more bass something from your CD collection. 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 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.
Crackling sound from speakers.

Bad connection.

Volume control in Windows is set too high. A problem with your audio source device.

Sound is distorted.

Volume level set too high. Windows volume control is set too high.
Sound source is distorted.
Radio interference. No sound from subwoofer.
Too close to a radio tower.
Subwoofer volume set too low. Sound source has little low-frequency content.

Low hum from subwoofer. Loud hum from subwoofer.
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 set too high.
Disconnect your green stereo cable from the audio source. If the loud hum goes away, lower the volume on the audio source. Lower the master volume or bass level on your computer, portable device, etc.
Not enough bass from subwoofer.
Bass setting is too low. Bad connection.
Adjust the bass level on the subwoofer. Check to make sure that all cables are connected properly and are making a clear connection. Decrease the bass level on the subwoofer.
Too much bass from subwoofer. Distorted monitor.
Bass setting is too high.
Subwoofer too close to monitor.
Because the subwoofer is not magnetically shielded, it can cause distortion if its too close to your monitor. Move the subwoofer so its at least 2 feet from your monitor.
Corporate Headquarters Asia/Pacific Rte. 6 & 209, Milford, PA 18337-0277, USA 25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong 800-ALTEC-88 570-296-4434 Fax 570-296-6887 (852) 2735-7331 Fax (852) 2317-7937

A7852 REV03

ILAB America Inc.
Market Data on Multi-Media 4.1 , 5.1 and 6.1 Systems Current and Discontinued Models
(Some non-PC systems included for comparison)
Contains Public Domain Information Only

January 2003 Revision 1

Table of Contents COMPARISON CHART: MSRP / STREET PRICE / SPEAKERS / STATUS / SYSTEM POWER / PROCESSOR..... 4 ABIT SP-60........ 6 ALTEC LANSING 251........ 11 ALTEC LANSING ACS54........ 12 ALTEC LANSING ACS56........ 13 ALTEC LANSING ADA880R........ 14 ALTEC LANSING ADA890....... 15 ALTEC LANSING ATP4....... 16 ALTEC LANSING AVS500........ 18 ALTEC LANSING 641........ 19 ALTEC LANSING 4100....... 20 ALTEC LANSING 5100....... 21 ALTEC LANSING XA3051........ 22 BOSTON ACOUSTICS BA-4800....... 23 BOSTON ACOUSTICS BA-7500....... 24 CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS MEGAWORKS 510D....... 25 CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS MOVIEWORKS 56....... 26 CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS MOVIEWORKS 108....... 27 CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS MOVIEWORKS 408....... 28 CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS MOVIEWORKS II 5.1....... 29 CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS NEWTON THEATER MC200....... 30 CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS NEWTON THEATER T300...... 31 CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS DESKTOP THEATER 5.1 DTT2500 DIGITAL..... 32 CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS DTT3500....... 33 CREATIVE LABS INSPIRE 4.1 (4400)........ 39 CREATIVE LABS INSPIRE 5.1 (5200)........ 40 CREATIVE LABS INSPIRE 4.1 (5300)........ 41 CREATIVE LABS INSPIRE 4.1 (5700)........ 42 CREATIVE LABS PCWORKS FPS-1000...... 43 CREATIVE LABS FPS 1600....... 44 CREATIVE LABS MEGAWORKS 510D....... 45 CREATIVE LABS MEGAWORKS THX 5.1 (550)....... 55 CREATIVE LABS INSPIRE 6.1 (6600)........ 56 CREATIVE LABS INSPIRE 6.1 (6700)........ 57 CYBER ACOUSTICS CA-4100........ 61 CYBER ACOUSTICS CA-4400........ 62 CYBER ACOUSTICS CA-5001........ 63 CYBER ACOUSTICS CA-5150........ 64 GALLANT AUDIOSTORM PST....... 65 GLOBAL MARKETING PARTNERS DML220....... 66 HERCULES XPS 510........ 68 INGRAM FPS-1000....... 74 KINYO TA927........ 75
KLH HTA-400....... 76 KLH HTA-409....... 77 KLH HTA-809....... 78 KLH HTA-9005........ 79 KLH HTA-9006........ 80 KLIPSCH PROMEDIA V.2 - 400....... 82 KLIPSCH PROMEDIA DD 5.1....... 83 KLIPSCH PROMEDIA 4.1....... 87 KLIPSCH PROMEDIA 4.2........ 88 KLIPSCH PROMEDIA 5.1 THX....... 89 KOSS LEI SW/500........ 90 LABTEC LCS-2514........ 91 LABTEC ARENA 530........ 92 LOGITECH/LABTEC SOUNDMAN XTRUSIO DSR-100....... 93 LOGITECH SOUNDMAN SR-30....... 94 LOGITECH Z-540........ 95 LOGITECH Z-560........ 96 LOGITECH Z-640........ 98 LOGITECH Z-680........ 99 MIDILAND ADS-2000 DECODER....... 100 MIDILAND MLI-452....... 102 MIDILAND SPLUS....... 103 MONSOON/LEVEL 9 MH-505....... 104 MONSOON/LEVEL 9 MM2000 3-D....... 105 PHILIPS A3600........ 106 PHILIPS MMS20517........ 107 PHILIPS MMS206....... 108 PHILIPS MMS305....... 109 PHILIPS MMS30617........ 110 TEAC POWERMAX 2000....... 111 TELEX EV SONICXJR 4.1....... 115 VIDEOLOGIC ZXR-500........ 116 VIDEOLOGIC DIGITHEATRE DTS....... 117 VIDEOLOGIC DIGITHEATRE LC....... 118 VIDEOLOGIC SIROCCO CROSSFIRE........ 121 YAMAHA NS-U40P........ 123 YAMAHA TSS-1........ 124