Adastra AB-5 Background Music Bookshelf Speakers

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Adastra AB-5 bookshelf speakers for your background music system. These speaker cabinets are designed to blend into their surroundings, with an understated appearance and domestic styling, yet with industrial quality Adastra drivers. Each cabinet has a nominal 4Ω impedance to deliver the optimum output from matching Adastra amplifiers, such as A22, IWA230B or S260-WIFI.

Please read this manual and follow the instructions to achieve the best results with your new purchase and to avoid damage through misuse.

Safety Information

Safety Symbol and Message Conventions

⚡️ CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN (English) / AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR (French)
This symbol indicates a risk of electric shock ⚡️.

? This symbol indicates important operating and maintenance information ?.

Safety Notice

1. Prior to use, read through this manual.
2. Keep the manual in good condition.
3. Pay attention to safety warnings.
4. Observe all operating requirements.
5. Do not use the device near water or wet areas.
6. For cleaning, only use a lint-free, dry cloth.
7. Install according to the specifications.
8. Place away from heat sources or heating appliances.
9. In case of malfunction, water ingress, or other damage, consult qualified service personnel.
10. Do not place in damp areas or near liquids or moisture. Do not spill liquids on the housing.

Warning

To prevent damage, do not expose any components to rain or moisture. If liquids are spilled on the casing, stop using immediately, allow the unit to dry out, and have it checked by qualified personnel before further use.

General Safety Guidelines

Safety

• Use the speaker wire supplied or equivalent rated cable.
• Do not allow any foreign objects to enter the cabinet.

Placement

• Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
• Keep away from damp or dusty environments.
• For free-standing installation, place on a level and secure surface.
• For wall-hanging, use the keyhole brackets included.
• For bracket mounting, there are 2 x M6 threaded inserts on the rear panel for fixing a wall bracket.

Cleaning

• Use a soft cloth with a neutral detergent to clean the casing as required.
• Use a vacuum cleaner to clear the grille cloth and drivers of any dust or debris build-ups.
• Do not use strong solvents for cleaning the cabinet or components.

Installation

Free Standing Operation

The AB-5 speaker cabinets share design standards with Adastra wall-mounted background speakers but are shaped as bookshelf cabinets for a more familiar appearance. These cabinets are ideal for free-standing operation, offering an alternative to permanent installation and simplifying setup. Ensure they are positioned on a level and stable surface capable of supporting their weight. Apply the self-adhesive foam feet to each corner of the bottom of the cabinet to help reduce rattling and improve grip on the support area.

Wall Mounting

For wall hanging, a keyhole bracket and screws are included with each AB-5 bookshelf speaker. If hanging from a wall, these brackets should be fixed to the rear panel, aligned centrally below the top edge of the cabinet. This allows the cabinet to be hung from a single screw firmly fixed into the wall. Ensure the screw fixing is secure and can bear the weight of the cabinet, using appropriate wall plugs if necessary. A secondary "drop-wire" fixing is recommended, especially where there is a risk of failure of the single screw fixing.

Alternatively, the AB-5 cabinets can be mounted using a speaker bracket attached to the 2 x M6 threaded inserts on the rear panel. These inserts can be used to attach speaker brackets (such as Adastra 103.015UK). Due to their 75mm centre spacing, VESA 75 brackets, commonly used for display screens, can also be adapted. When fitting brackets, ensure the rear speaker terminal connectors and port hole are not obstructed.

Connection

Connecting Speakers

Each AB-5 bookshelf speaker features a red (+) and black (-) screw terminal on the rear panel. Connect these terminals to the corresponding "+" and "-" outputs from your amplifier. The amplifier must have a minimum load impedance of 4 Ohms (4Ω) or below, typically indicated on the amplifier or in its user manual.

Each pair of AB-5 speakers is supplied with a single 5m length of cable, which should be cut into two parts depending on the distance of each speaker from the amplifier. If longer runs are needed, this cable can be extended or replaced with an equivalent type that can handle the current (3A min. recommended).

Note: Always connect to the speakers before connecting to the amplifier.

To prepare the cable, strip back the "+" and "-" wires at the speaker end and twist the copper conductor strands on each core to prevent fraying. Unscrew the respective terminal, insert the bare wires into the hole in the terminal post, and screw the terminal firmly closed onto the wire.

When the amplifier's minimum load impedance is 4Ω, connect one AB-5 speaker to each left or right output of the amplifier. This configuration allows the amplifier to deliver its maximum possible output into the AB-5 speakers. Ensure the AB-5 speakers can handle this output, measured in Watts RMS (Wrms).

Series Wiring

If the amplifier's minimum load impedance is 8Ω, do not connect the AB-5 speakers directly unless using series wiring. Series wiring involves connecting two AB-5 speakers together to create one 8Ω load. This is achieved by connecting the amplifier's positive (+) output to the first speaker's positive (+) terminal, the first speaker's negative (-) terminal to the second speaker's positive (+) terminal, and the second speaker's negative (-) terminal back to the amplifier's ground (-).

The front grille cloth frames can be removed for cleaning by gently pulling the edges forward, starting with the corners, and moving around the frame. Take care not to bend the frame to the point of damage.

Ensure that the speakers are not overloaded and that the signal from the amplifier is not clipping, as both can lead to damage of the amplifier and/or speakers.

After use, turn down the volume control of the amplifier before powering down to avoid any loud pops or sudden noises through the speakers.

Specifications

Disposal

The "Crossed Wheelie Bin" symbol on the product indicates that it is classified as Electrical or Electronic equipment. It should not be disposed of with other household or commercial waste at the end of its useful life. The goods must be disposed of according to your local council guidelines.