M O D E L

User's guide

XA3051
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

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

One Year Limited Warranty
Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. warrants to the end user that all of its PC 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 PC 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 PC audio, TV or gaming 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

Video Gaming & TV

Audio Speaker System

connector into the "LEFT REAR" output on the rear of the subwoofer. Plug the center speakers blue connector into the "CENTER" output on the rear of the subwoofer. WIRED CONTROLLER Connect the grey-colored DIN connector from the wired controller into the grey "CONTROLLER" jack on the rear of the subwoofer. For easy insertion of the DIN connector, the arrow on the connector must face up. PRIMARY INPUTS The primary input jacks are located on the subwoofer. Using the supplied RCA cable, connect any audio source that has red (right) and white (left) RCA output jacks to the XA3051s red (right) and white (left) RCA input jacks. In some setup configurations, you may want to use the supplied composite video (yellow) RCA extender cable to allow greater separation between the TV and subwoofer. NOTE: For the clearest sound, try muting your TVs speakers when using the TV as an audio source. AUXILIARY INPUT The auxiliary or secondary input is located on the subwoofer. Connect any audio source that has a stereo 3.5mm plug (i.e. headphone style jack), including portable CD or MP3 players. CAUTION: Make sure the audio source features a line-out jack. This will ensure that the output is not amplified. Check the owners manual for your audio device for more information. NOTE: You may need a cable that has RCA plugs on one end and a 3.5 mm stereo male plug on the other or 3.5 mm stereo plugs on both ends. This plug may be purchased at most electronics stores.

MASTER VOLUME

By default, the dial on the wired controller is the master volume control for the speaker system. Turn the dial clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume. If the bass/center, treble/rear or test LED is lit, wait a few seconds for it to turn off, then adjust the master volume. NOTE: Three buttons on the wired controller have multiple functions. The primary function is written in white text. The secondary function is written in grey text. 1. Press and release a button to access its white-text feature. The LED associated with that white-text feature will light solidly for a few seconds while you use that feature and will then turn off. 2. As explained on the back of the wired controller, press and hold a button for a few seconds to access its grey-text feature. The LED associated with that grey-text feature will flash on and off for a few seconds while you use that feature and will then turn off.
represented by the treble LED. As a result, the treble/rear LED will flash on and off when you are adjusting the volume of the rear speakers. Turn the dial on the wired controller clockwise to increase the rear speaker volume and counterclockwise to decrease the rear speaker volume. After a few seconds of inactivity, the treble LED will turn off.
Welcome to the extraordinary world of Altec Lansing high-fidelity sound. The XA3051 is a 6-speaker Dolby Surround Pro Logic system that pulls you into the game. Youll be able to hear every detail and feel the intensity of the action that surrounds you! Great television sound isnt all youll experience with the XA3051 system. With 100 watts of total system power, it delivers thrilling performance from video gaming systems, DVD players, MP3 players, CD players and other audio sources.
RESET BASS, TREBLE, CENTER AND REAR
To reset the bass, treble, center and rear controls to default levels, press and hold both the bass and treble buttons down at the same time for a few seconds. NOTE: The XA3051 will remember your settings even if you turn if off or unplug it from the wall.
In the stereo mode, only the subwoofer, left-front and right-front speakers receive an audio signal. In the surround mode, the Dolby Surround Pro Logic circuitry sends an audio signal to all six speakers. By default, the XA3051 starts up in the surround listening mode. Pressing and releasing the mode/test button enables you to toggle between the stereo and surround listening modes.

Box Contents

4 Satellite Speakers 1 Center Speaker Subwoofer Wired Controller 3-Meter Stereo Audio RCA Cable, Male-to-Male 3-Meter Composite Video RCA Extender Cable, Female-to-Male AC Power Adapter Manual Quick Connect Card (QCC)

To adjust the bass level, press the bass/center button on the wired controller. The bass/center LED will light solidly. Turn the dial on the wired controller clockwise to increase the bass level and counter-clockwise to decrease the bass level. After a few seconds of inactivity, the bass LED will turn off.

Treble TEST

To adjust the treble level, press the treble/rear button on the wired controller. The treble/rear LED will light solidly. Turn the dial on the wired controller clockwise to increase the treble level and counter-clockwise to decrease the treble level. After a few seconds of inactivity, the treble LED will turn off. To verify that all speakers are correctly connected and to reset volumes, press and hold the mode/test button on the wired controller for a few seconds. The test LED will flash on and off for a few seconds while an audio signal is sent to the front left speaker. This is repeated for the center, front right and rear speakers (the two rear speakers receive the signal simultaneously). While a speaker is being tested, you may turn the dial on the wired controller to adjust its relative volume. Turn clockwise to increase the speakers volume and counterclockwise to decrease the speakers volume.

Placing Speakers

SUBWOOFER All stereo information is heard through the satellite speakers. Because low frequency sound is non-directional, you can place the subwoofer anywhere you choose. However, placing the subwoofer on the floor close to a wall or in a corner provides better bass efficiency and optimum sound. WARNING: The subwoofer is not magnetically shielded. Therefore, it SHOULD always 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, VHS or cassette tapes, etc.). SATELLITE SPEAKERS Arrange the two front satellites to suit your listening tastes from directly next to the TV to as far apart as the speaker cords allow. Arrange the two rear satellites behind and to either side of your listening position. 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. CENTER SPEAKER Position the center speaker directly in front of you as close to the TV as possible. NOTE: The center speaker IS magnetically shielded and can be placed close to video displays such as TVs and computer monitors without distorting the image.

Headphones

To use one or two headphones with the system, plug them into the labeled jacks on the end of the wired controller. When headphones are connected, the satellites and the subwoofer are muted.

Center

To adjust the center speaker volume, press and hold the bass/center button on the wired controller for a few seconds. Center volume is represented by the bass LED. As a result, the bass/center LED will flash on and off when you are adjusting the volume of the center speaker. Turn the dial on the wired controller clockwise to increase the center speaker volume and counterclockwise to decrease the center speaker volume. After a few seconds of inactivity, the bass LED will turn off.

RESET MASTER VOLUME AND ADJUST RELATIVE VOLUMES
To reset the master volume and each speakers relative volume to default levels, press and hold the mode/test button on the wired controller for a few seconds. NOTE: The XA3051 will remember your settings even if you turn if off or unplug it from the wall.

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 back of the subwoofer and into an AC wall socket. NOTE: To ensure a secure connection, the power adapter uses a locking connector. To unlock the power adapter, dont simply pull on the cable. Gently pull back the connector sleeve until it releases. 2. Turn on the audio source (TV, video gaming system, DVD player or VCR). 3. Turn on the Altec Lansing XA3051 speaker system by pressing the power button on the wired controller (see below.) A green LED on the wired controller will illuminate. NOTE: To avoid hearing a popping sound when you turn on your Altec Lansing speaker system, always turn on your audio source first.
To adjust the rear speaker volume, press and hold the treble/rear button on the wired controller for a few seconds. Rear volume is

System Specifications

Total System Power: Frequency Response: Crossover Frequency: System THD (distortion): 100 Watts (50 Watts RMS) 32 Hz - 18 kHz 150Hz < 0.2 % THD @ -10 dB fullscale input voltage 10k ohms Europe/United Kingdom; SATELLITE AMPLIFIED SPEAKERS Drivers (per satellite): Driver (per Center Speaker): One 3" full-range driver One 3" full-range driver applicable Asian countries; Argentina, Chile and Uruguay: ETL / cETL / CE / NOM / IRAM Approved 230 V AC @ 50 Hz SUBWOOFER Speaker Drivers: One 6.5" long-throw woofer
Signal to Noise Ratio @ 1 kHz input: > 76 dB POWER REQUIREMENTS USA/Canada/and applicable Latin American countries: 120 V AC @ 60 Hz
Using the Wired Controller
For your convenience, the wired controller lets you do the following:

Input Impedance:

Making Connections
WARNING: Do not insert the speaker systems power adapter plug into an AC outlet until all connections are made. Also, turn off your audio source (i.e., TV, video gaming system, DVD player or VCR) before connecting its outputs to the XA3051s inputs. To ensure first-time operation as expected, please carefully follow the connection sequence described below. SATELLITE AND CENTER SPEAKERS To set-up the XA3051 system, plug the right satellites orange connector into the "RIGHT" output on the rear of the subwoofer and the left satellites brown connector into the "LEFT" output on the rear of the subwoofer. Plug the right rear satellites purple connector into the "RIGHT REAR" output on the rear of the subwoofer and the left rear satellites yellow 2

Power the system on or off. Control master, left, right, center and rear volumes. Adjust bass and treble levels. Select listening mode. Reset volumes, bass and treble to default levels. Test all six speakers to verify their operation.

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. 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.
Press the "Power" button on the wired controller to turn on the speaker system. A green LED on the wired controller will illuminate, indicating power is on. Push the "Power" button again to turn off the system.
SYMPTOM Cant insert the wired controllers DIN connector into the subwoofer. No LEDs are lit. POSSIBLE PROBLEM Some of the pins are bent. SOLUTION Try to gently straighten the pins with tweezers or very small pliers. If this does not work, contact the Altec Lansing Consumer Support Department for further instructions.
Power isnt turned on. Power adapter isnt connected to the wall outlet and subwoofer. Surge protector (if used) isnt powered on.
Press the Power button on the wired controller. Disconnect and then reconnect the power adapter to both the wall outlet and the subwoofer. If the power adapter is plugged into a surge protector, make sure the surge protector is switched on. Connect the wired controller to the subwoofer.
Plug another device into the same jack on the wall outlet to ensure the outlet is working.
Wired controller isnt connected to the subwoofer. Wall outlet not functioning. Controller doesnt work. DIN connector not inserted in subwoofer jack.
Verify that the grey-colored DIN connector is firmly inserted into the DIN connector jack on the subwoofer. Ensure the pins are aligned between the plug and jack. Remember, the arrow should be facing up.
No sound from one or more speakers.

Power isnt turned on.

Verify that the subwoofers AC power cord is plugged into both the wall outlet and subwoofer. Verify that the Power button has been pressed and that an EQ LED is illuminated.

Volume is set too low.

Turn the rotary knob to the right to raise the system master volume. Check volume level on the video gaming system or alternate audio source device, and set at mid-level.
Audio cable isnt connected to audio source.
Connect audio cable from the audio source. Check plug connections on both the subwoofer and audio source. Make sure these signal cables are inserted firmly into the correct jacks. Make sure that a cable connects the output jacks on the audio source to the input jacks on the XA3051s subwoofer. Test the speakers with another audio source. Check all cables. Make sure they are connected to the line-out or audio-out jacks on your audio source device. Test the speakers using another audio source (e.g., VCR, DVD, portable CD player, cassette player or FM radio). Decrease the volume level on your XA3051s wired controller or the volume level on your audio source (if possible.) Try a different sound source like 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 shop. Adjust the bass level on the wired digital controller or subwoofer. Try a game, movie or song - anything with more prominent bass levels. 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. If you are using a surge protector with your XA3051 speaker system, disconnect and plug the power adapter directly into an AC wall outlet. Move your cables. Check to ensure they are making a clear connection.
Audio cable is connected to wrong output on audio source. Problem with audio source device. Crackling sound from speakers. Bad connection.
Problem with your audio source device.

Sound is distorted.

Volume level 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 stereo cable from the audio source. If the loud hum goes away, lower the volume on the audio source. Adjust the bass level on the wired digital controller or subwoofer. Verify that all cables are connected properly and are making a clear connection. Decrease the bass level on the wired digital controller or subwoofer.

Not enough bass from subwoofer.
Bass setting is too low. Bad connection.
Too much bass from subwoofer. Distorted monitor/TV.
Bass setting is too high.
Subwoofer too close to monitor/TV.
Because the subwoofer IS NOT magnetically shielded, it may cause distortion if it is placed too close to your monitor/TV. Move the subwoofer so its at least 2 feet from your monitor/TV.
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

A8092 REV02

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