Andover Audio Songbird HR & HRA Quick-Start and Operating Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Andover Audio Songbird HR or HRA. These devices deliver high-resolution audio streams from various internet music sources, local libraries, and other compatible devices.

Songbird HR and HRA support streaming from services like Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music, and Spotify, as well as thousands of internet radio stations via v-Tuner, I-Heart Radio, and Tune-in. They are compatible with DLNA and AirPlay 2, and can be controlled via Bluetooth ? and Amazon Alexa.

Content may require subscriptions from the respective suppliers. DLNA device configuration might be necessary for sharing.

This guide covers basic connections and setup. For complete operating instructions, refer to the owner's manual, which can be accessed online via a QR code (not displayed here).

Important Note

There were unexpected delays in the certification process for Songbird HR and HRA, which affected the rollout of some app features. Devices and apps will be updated automatically once the process is complete. No performance degradation is present in the current configuration.

Songbird HRA Specifics

The Songbird HRA model includes a 75W/Ch amplifier capable of driving most home loudspeakers. It features a mono subwoofer output (replacing the HR's coaxial digital output) and a high-quality headphone output.

System Requirements

• A WiFi router ? supporting 2.4GHz or 5GHz dual/mode 802.11b/g/n/ac protocols (5GHz recommended).
• A smartphone ? or tablet connected to the same WiFi network running iOS 9.0 or Android 6.0 (or newer).
• An audio system or powered speakers with line-level analog (Aux) or digital (coaxial/optical) input.

Front Panel and Controls

Songbird HR Front Panel

Features:

• Status Indicator: Displays input source and device status via color codes:
  • White: Network Streaming mode
  • Blue: Bluetooth ? (flashes in pairing mode)
  • Green: Analog Input
  • Teal: USB device ?
  • Red: Optical
  • Yellow: Coaxial
  • Flashing White: System Booting
  • Flashing Orange: Setup Mode
  • Flashing Red/Blue: Software Updating
  • Flashing Amber: Alexa notification
• Input/Mode Switch: Short press to toggle between sources. Long press (>5 seconds) to enter setup mode.
• Play/Pause: Toggles between Play/Pause for network streaming, or Mute/Unmute for other sources.

Songbird HRA Front Panel

Features:

• Status Indicator: Same as Songbird HR.
• Volume/Play/Pause/Mute: Rotate to adjust output volume. Press to toggle Play/Pause (network streaming) or Mute/Unmute (other sources).
• Input/Mode Switch: Same as Songbird HR.
• Headphones: Output for private listening.

Rear Panel and Connections

Songbird HR Rear Panel

Connections:

• Analog Input: Connect stereo line-level sources.
• Analog Output: Main output to amplifier or powered speakers.
• Wired Network Connection: Gigabit Ethernet ? for reliable network connection.
• USB Thumb Drive Input: For music playback from a USB drive ?.
• Coaxial Digital In/Out: Digital audio connection.
• Optical Digital In/Out: Digital audio connection.
• Power Input: USB-C 5V/1A.

Songbird HRA Rear Panel

Connections:

• Analog Input: Connect stereo line-level sources.
• Analog Output: Main output to amplifier or powered speakers.
• Wired Network Connection: Gigabit Ethernet ? for reliable network connection.
• Coaxial Digital In: Digital audio input.
• USB Thumb Drive Input: For music playback from a USB drive ?.
• Subwoofer Output: Analog output for a subwoofer (replaces HR's coaxial digital output).
• Optical Digital In/Out: Digital audio connection.
• Power Input: 32V/6A. Connect adapter to HRA first, then wall outlet to avoid spark.
• Speaker Outputs: For connecting passive stereo speakers (2-8 Ohm impedance), accepts bare wire, spade lugs, or banana plugs.

Input/Output Details

Analog Input: Connect any stereo line-level source for local playback or casting to other Songbirds in Multiroom mode.

Digital Inputs: Connect any digital source for local listening or casting. Songbirds convert digital inputs to analog output.

Wired Network Connection: Gigabit Ethernet ? offers higher reliability than WiFi ? when signals are weak or subject to interference.

USB: Connect a USB thumb drive ? for music playback.

Power Input (HR): USB-C 5V/1A. Connect the supplied USB-C cable from the adapter to the device, then plug the adapter into the wall outlet.

Power Input (HRA): 32V/6A. IMPORTANT: Connect the power adapter to the Songbird HRA first, then plug the adapter into the wall outlet. Plugging the wall adapter in first may cause a spark, which is not damaging but can be startling.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Songbird HR and HRA can receive Bluetooth ? audio from local devices or transmit audio to Bluetooth speakers/headphones.

To Receive: Select Bluetooth input via the app or front panel. The blue LED will flash in pairing mode. Connect from your phone's ? Bluetooth settings.

To Transmit: In the app's Now-Playing screen, tap the Output mode icon. Ensure your Bluetooth device is discoverable and select "Connect".

Note: For best fidelity when playing music from your phone library, use the app over WiFi ? rather than Bluetooth ?.

Multiroom / Multizone Setup

Link multiple Songbird devices for synchronized audio playback of local or streamed content.

Ensure all Songbirds are on the same network. Tap the "chain link" ? icon on the volume slider in the app's device page. Select the Songbirds to link and tap "Done".

Note on Mixing Models: When mixing Songbird HR/HRA with original Songbird models on the same network, the HR/HRA should act as the originating device for local sources (Bluetooth ?, turntable, auxiliary). Original Songbird devices should act as "receivers". Sources sent from an original Songbird may have a delay (echo) in remote rooms, while sources from HR/HRA will be in sync.

There is an inherent delay in this process, meaning audio may not remain in sync with video sources.

Setup Procedures

Setup using the Classic Songbird Control App

1. Download the Songbird Control app from the App Store ? or Google Play ▶️.
2. Connect the Songbird HR's output to your audio system and select the corresponding input.
3. Apply power. After a few seconds, a voice prompt will say "ENTERING SETUP MODE", and the status LED will flash orange. If not, press and hold the INPUT button until the LED flashes orange.
4. Ensure Bluetooth ? and WiFi ? are enabled on your smartphone ?.
5. Open your smartphone's WiFi menu, find "Songbird HR-XXXX", and connect to it.
6. Open the Songbird Control app, choose "ADD DEVICE", and follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup.

Once setup is complete, your phone will revert to its original WiFi settings, and the Songbird HR will be ready for use. Setup does not need to be repeated for subsequent uses.

Setup using the New Songbird Control App

1. Open the Songbird Control app.
2. Navigate to the Device Page.
3. If the device doesn't appear automatically, tap the '+' icon in the top right corner.
4. Select the device you wish to configure.
5. Enter the correct network password.

Your Songbird HR should now be ready.

Setup with Apple Home

1. Open the Apple Home app on your iOS device ?.
2. Tap the '+' icon in the upper right corner and select "Add Accessory".
3. Press "More options...".
4. Select the device you wish to add.

Compliance Statements

FCC Statement

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 causes 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:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. It should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.

Industry Canada (IC) Statement

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

IC Warning: Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements FCC établies pour un environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et exploité avec une distance minimale de 20cm entre le radiateur et votre corps.

Contact Information

Andover Audio, L.L.C.

15 High Street North Andover, Massachusetts 01845

Website: www.andoveraudio.com

Support: www.andoveraudio.com/support | Phone: 978.775.3670

Copyright 2023, Andover Audio L.L.C.

Andover Audio subscribes to a program of continuous improvement. As a result, some product features and characteristics may change without prior notice.