Filter
Top Products
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 2-
channel/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.
Box Contents
• 5 Satellites
• Subwoofer
• AAC1 Y-adapter
• Manual
• QCC
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 front satellites to suit your listening tastes—from 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.
Making Connections
WARNING:
Do not insert the speaker system’s 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 system’s 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 set-
up easy, the input jacks on the subwoofer are color-coded to the jacks on
the subwoofer cables.
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
Various connection schemes between your audio source and the 251
are available. Determine if you’ll 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 card’s 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
soundcard’s 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 soundcard’s
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
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 other—one 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.
2
6 -Piece Amplified
Speaker System
WELCOME
251
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.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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.
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.
• 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.
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.
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.
1