Almando Multiplay Stereo III / Powerlink-Switch III

About Almando

In the digital world of entertainment electronics, Almando GmbH offers high-quality, technologically sophisticated devices with good design and ease of use. Almando GmbH takes new and unconventional paths, relying on many years of experience to meet user needs.

Congratulations on purchasing the Almando Multiplay Stereo / Powerlink-Switch. This unit is 100% B&O compatible, allowing connection of all active speakers from Bang & Olufsen with Powerlink input, including BeoLab 5. Various devices from Bang & Olufsen and other manufacturers can be connected to the inputs. The unit automatically detects which connected source is playing and activates the speakers accordingly. An intelligent priority circuit ensures that only the source with the highest priority is heard when multiple sources are active simultaneously.

To activate and operate connected devices, only a single remote control is needed; the Almando Multiplay Stereo / Powerlink-Switch manages the rest automatically. It features an integrated high-quality Bluetooth module for wireless music playback from smartphones or tablets (iOS and Android), automatically switching on the speakers. The Almando Multiplay Surround Switch can also be configured and operated via a free app.

almando GmbH is not affiliated with Amazon®, Bang & Olufsen®, Google®, Loewe®, Metz®, Sonos®, Sony®, TechniSat®. All names, logos, etc., are registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers.

Key Features

• Powerlink output for B&O speakers (even BeoLab 5!)
• Stereo inputs for B&O and third-party devices (via enclosed adapter, supports signal detection for RCA or headphone outputs, e.g., Sonos Connect, Sony TV)
• 2 digital inputs (OPTICAL & COAX) – exclusive to Almando Multiplay Stereo (e.g., for B&O BeoSound Core, Bluesound Node, Sonos Port)
• Multiplay Automatic: audio signal detection, source change with priority circuit, speaker on/off, Auto-Standby
• Bluetooth module for wireless audio streaming
• Configuration with the free app ALMANDO CONTROL

How it Works

The Almando Multiplay Stereo and Powerlink-Switch are designed to integrate external devices into a stereo setup with B&O speakers and audio systems. Devices with volume-controlled output can be connected, including:

• TVs from Bang & Olufsen, Loewe, Metz, Sony, TechniSat
• Audio devices from B&O (e.g., BeoSound 9000, Overture, Core, Moment)
• Audio devices from other manufacturers (e.g., Amazon Echo Dot, Apple Airport Express, Google Chromecast Audio, Sonos Port)

Connection Example: The diagram shows the Almando Multiplay Stereo unit connected to two BeoLab 5 speakers via Powerlink cables. It also illustrates connections from a BeoSound Core via Toslink, a Sony TV via a DIN to 3.5mm adapter, and a Sonos Port via COAX. A BeoSound 9000 is also shown connected via Powerlink. This visually represents how various audio sources connect to the Multiplay Stereo, which then outputs to the B&O speakers.

Powerlink signals from connected B&O devices are looped through. All other audio signals, whether digital or analog, are converted to a standard B&O Powerlink signal, including the trigger voltage required for B&O loudspeakers and the B&O data signal for specific models like BeoLab 5, BeoLab 4500, and BeoLab Penta.

The unit functions as an automatic source manager. To operate a connected device, its respective remote control is used, and volume can also be adjusted this way. Connected sources have different priorities; if multiple sources are active, only the highest priority source is heard. For example, photos can be displayed on a TV with music from the audio system.

The Almando Multiplay Stereo and Powerlink-Switch can be configured individually using a free smartphone app. This allows setting parameters such as initial volumes, operating mode (signal detection on/off), automatic data signal generation for BeoLab 5, and sound settings like treble, bass, and loudness, sometimes individually for each input. This enables precise adjustment of the audio setup.

In daily use, the Almando Control App is not required; the remote control of the desired device is sufficient. The device automatically handles recognizing active devices, switching speakers on/off, and smart switching between active sources based on predefined priorities.

Steps for Setup

Step 1: Download and Install the App

Download the free ALMANDO CONTROL app from the Apple App Store for your iPhone or iPad, or from the Google Play Store for your Android smartphone or tablet.

Step 2: Connecting the Multiplay / Powerlink-Switch to the Power Grid

Once the app is installed, connect the almando Multiplay Stereo or Powerlink switch to the mains using the provided USB power adapter. The diagram shows the rear panel of the Almando unit with a USB-PD 12V/1.25A input port, connected via an orange cable to a power source, indicated by a lightning bolt symbol ⚡.

Step 3: Establishing a Bluetooth Connection to the Smartphone / Tablet

After connecting the unit to power, open your smartphone's settings, enable Bluetooth, and search for new Bluetooth devices. When a device named "Almando..." is found, click to pair it. This discovery mode is active for two minutes after pressing the Bluetooth button on the unit. This pairing process only needs to be done once. To connect a different smartphone later, briefly disconnect the almando device from power and repeat the pairing process.

Step 4: Connecting the Speakers

The almando Multiplay Stereo and Powerlink switch offer an 8-pin DIN socket for connecting Bang & Olufsen loudspeakers. An RJ45 socket is available for newer B&O speakers (e.g., BeoLab 18).

Connecting Speakers Individually with a Y-Adapter

To connect B&O speakers individually, a Powerlink-Y-Adapter (#210111) is required, as the unit has only one output socket. The diagram illustrates connecting two BeoLab 8000 speakers to the almando Multiplay/Powerlink-Switch using a Y-adapter. Orange cables connect from the single output on the almando unit, split via the Y-adapter, to the Powerlink inputs on each BeoLab 8000 speaker.

Connecting Speakers in Daisy Chain

If your B&O speakers each have two Powerlink sockets, you can connect them in a daisy chain, linking one speaker to the next. The diagram shows two BeoLab 6000 speakers connected in this manner. An orange cable runs from the almando Multiplay/Powerlink-Switch to the first BeoLab 6000, and another cable connects from the first speaker to the second BeoLab 6000.

Connecting Speakers Together with a Subwoofer

A subwoofer can also be connected. The subwoofer itself has two further Powerlink sockets to which the main speakers are connected. The figure shows a BeoLab 2 subwoofer connected to the almando Multiplay/Powerlink-Switch, with two BeoLab 3 speakers then connected to the subwoofer's Powerlink sockets.

Step 5: Connecting the Sources

The rear panel of the almando unit is shown with labeled ports: OUTPUT, INPUT 1, INPUT 2, GND IN-OUT, COAX OPTICAL RESET, and USB-PD 12V/1.25A. The inputs are further detailed as INPUT 1, INPUT 2, COAX, and TOSLINK.

• INPUT 1 – POWERLINK (8pol DIN): Connect a Bang & Olufsen system (BeoSound 9000, BeoSound Overture) with a classic Powerlink cable. Newer B&O systems (BeoSound Core, BeoSound Essence, BeoSound Moment) can also be connected using the RJ45 socket.
• INPUT 2 – POWERLINK (8pol DIN): Connect Bang & Olufsen devices or other manufacturers' devices using the enclosed DIN RCA adapter. In signal detection mode, Input 2 does not require switching voltage. As soon as a signal is present, it is converted into a Powerlink signal with switching voltage. If the source no longer supplies a signal (e.g., muted or switched off), an intelligent circuit turns off the Powerlink signal, and the B&O speakers enter standby mode.
• COAX (only Multiplay Stereo): Use audio devices with a volume-controllable COAX output, such as Sonos Connect or Sonos Port.
• OPTICAL (only Multiplay Stereo): Use audio devices with a volume-controllable optical output, such as Apple Airport Express, B&O BeoSound Core, Google Chromecast Audio, or Sonos Connect. Necessary fiber optic cables are included.

The Almando Multiplay Stereo can also convert PCM stereo signals from video devices via SPDIF (e.g., Blu-ray players, televisions, AV receivers, Apple TV). However, these sources cannot be volume controlled with their own remote control; volume adjustment must be done via the Almando App.

Step 6: Starting the Almando App

If you are connected to the almando device via Bluetooth, you can start the app and navigate to its main control page.

Almando Control App

Control (Main Screen of the App)

The app's main screen is divided into sections. The top area lists available inputs in order of priority, with the currently active input shown in color. If multiple inputs are active, the highest priority takes precedence. Below this, a volume control section allows adjustment of the active input's volume via a slider and mute button, if enabled in the input settings. A bottom toolbar provides navigation to other app pages.

General Settings

This page allows general device settings, including resetting to factory defaults or updating firmware. You can determine whether data signals are sent to B&O speakers, which is only necessary for specific models like BeoLab 5, BeoLab 4500, or BeoLab Penta. For non-B&O devices on Input 2 (e.g., Sony TV, Sonos Connect), automatic audio signal detection is typically used, and the switch remains deactivated by default. Activate the switch if a device provides trigger voltage (e.g., B&O systems like BeoSound 9000), with exceptions for BeoSound Essence and BeoSound Moment, which use audio signal detection. A recommendation is to set the gain to -10 dB for Input 2 when using signal detection.

Additional options include deactivating unused inputs (they will be hidden on the main screen), establishing a direct ground connection for analog inputs, checking firmware status and updating, resetting or restarting the device, downloading the instruction manual (PDF), and visiting the Almando website.

Speaker Settings

This page is used to configure the speakers. Sliders allow individual volume adjustment for the left and right speakers, with settings configurable separately for each input (Bluetooth, SPDIF, Input 1, and Input 2). IMPORTANT: The connected device must be playing, and its corresponding input must be active for the level setting to be correct.

Input Settings

For each input, various settings can be made separately. Turn on the source player for the desired input and start playback. The active input is highlighted, and a badge on the input settings navigation icon shows its name. Sound settings allow adjusting treble and bass levels by up to 12 dB each, with an option to enable or disable loudness. Volume settings allow adjustment of channel-specific volume (gain) or start volume. Volume control via the Almando App is recommended for devices without their own volume control, such as turntables.

Technical Specifications

• Powerlink signals: 8pin DIN inputs and output, B&O compatible (also to BL 5, 28, 50, 90, 4500)
• Inputs: 2 x DIN 8pol / B&O Powerlink, 1 x COAX (only Multiplay Stereo), 1 x OPTICAL (only Multiplay Stereo)
• Output: 1 x DIN 8pin / B&O Powerlink Stereo
• Power Supply: USB-PD Power Supply (12V, 1.25A)
• Measurements: 130 x 180 x 34 mm (W x D x H)
• Weight: 0.3 kg
• Color: Plastic enclosure available in black and white
• Warranty: 3 years
• Accessories included: Adapter Cable DIN <-> 2xRCA + 3.5mm Trigger; Optical cable: Toslink <-> Toslink, length 1m (e.g., for BeoSound Core); Optical cable: Toslink <-> 3.5mm, length 1m (e.g., for Apple Airport Express, Google Chromecast Audio, etc.)
• Accessories sold separately: Optical cables (various lengths), Powerlink-Y-Adapter, Powerlink cables (various lengths), Powerlink RJ45 adapter cables (various lengths)