Manual: Argon Audio STREAM 2 MK3

Last updated on December 6, 2024 at 10:44 AM

1. Introduction

1.1 Features

This guide describes how to use the Argon Audio STREAM 2 MK3 internet radio, an advanced but easy-to-use Wi-Fi connected audio system with the following modes:

• Internet Radio with access to over 20,000 stations, 'Listen again' broadcasts
• Podcasts with access to global podcasts
• Spotify Connect playback and control via the Spotify app

STREAM 2 MK3 also provides the following features:

• Large 2.7 inch color display for easy control and clear information display
• Remote control from an Android or iOS Smart Device, using Spotify
• Sleep/snooze
• Multiple languages

1.2 Included Items

We have during production and packing carefully checked and inspected the unit. After unpacking, please check for any damage from transport. We recommend that you keep the original box and packing material for any future shipping.

In the box you will find:

• Argon Audio STREAM 2 MK3
• DC5V 1A Power Adapter
• Quick Start Guide
• RCA Connection Cable
• Remote Control

1.3 External Resources

To operate STREAM 2 MK3, the following external resources are needed:

• A power source (100-240 V mains supply)
• A wireless (Wi-Fi) network
• An iOS or Android device (for using control apps or Spotify)

2. Controls, Connectors and Display

2.1 Main Controls

The STREAM 2 MK3 is fully and only controlled from the remote control. There are no operating controls on STREAM 2 MK3 itself.

Remote Control Description: The remote control is a handheld device with numerous buttons for operating the STREAM 2 MK3. It features a power button, mute, snooze, sleep, alarm, info, repeat, preset, back, menu, dim, and mode buttons. It also includes navigation buttons (tune/select arrows) and volume controls, along with a numeric keypad (1-12) for presets.

NOTE: Some buttons have alternate functions depending on whether they are pressed quickly or held down.

2.2 Spotify Connect Control and Playback

Use your phone, tablet or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Go to spotify.com/connect to learn how.

The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here: https://www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses

NOTE: When you stop playback on your Spotify device, STREAM 2 MK3 will show "no media" in the display. To get back to Internet Radio or Podcasts, you need to press the MODE button on the STREAM 2 MK3 remote control.

2.3 Connectors

As shown below Stream 2 MK3 has connectors (from left to right) for the following:

• Power Button
• RCA/Line-out (for external amplifier)
• Optical Output for Digital Connections
• DC Power in

Rear Panel Description: The rear panel of the STREAM 2 MK3 displays the connectors. From left to right, these are labeled 'POWER', 'AUDIO OUT' (RCA connectors), 'OPTICAL OUT', and 'DC5V-1A' (power input).

2.4 Screen

The screen shows various menus, dialogues and displays, as described below. There are basically six types of displays:

• Standby (clock)
• Splash (mode)
• Now playing
• Dialogue
• Error/Information
• Menu

NOTE: When text is too long to fit on the screen, it is first shown truncated, then, after a few seconds, slowly scrolls so that you can read it all.

Standby Screen Description: Displays the current time (e.g., 10:27), date (e.g., 11/10/2008), and any active alarm times (e.g., 07:00, 18:00).

Splash Screen Description: Shown when cycling through play modes. After one second, it transitions to the selected mode, attempting to play the last station or track. If unsuccessful, it scans for stations or networks.

Now Playing Screen Description: Displays information about the audio source and track currently playing, if available.

Dialogue Screen Description: Used for changing settings, ranging from simple Yes/No options to complex inputs like network passwords. The selected item is highlighted, and the current setting is marked with an asterisk (*).

Error/Information Screen Description: Displays specific messages for a few seconds before automatically changing to another screen.

STREAM 2 MK3 has three types of menus. Use the Select control to navigate and select options. A scroll bar indicates more options are available.

Each mode has a specific Mode menu. For example, the FM mode menu has 'Scan setting' and 'Audio setting'. All modes also have 'System settings >' and 'Main menu >' options, where '>' indicates further menus.

The System settings menu provides access to network, time, language, and software update information. The Main menu accesses all modes plus sleep and timer functions.

3. Getting Started

Although the STREAM 2 MK3 is sophisticated, getting started is simple. To play Internet radio or Spotify Connect, all you need is a power source (a 100-240V mains supply) and an internet connection.

To set up the STREAM 2 MK3:

1. Place STREAM 2 MK3 on a suitable shelf or table.
2. Connect the power adaptor between STREAM 2 MK3 and the main supply.
3. The setup wizard starts.

3.1 Setup Wizard

When STREAM 2 MK3 is started for the first time, it runs through a setup wizard to configure settings for date/time and network. Once this has finished, the system is ready to use in most modes.

Note: To change these settings later, select Menu > System settings >. To run the setup wizard again, select Menu > System settings > Setup wizard.

Setup Wizard Screen Description: Shows "Setup wizard" with the prompt "Start now?" and options "YES*" and "NO".

Select Yes to start the setup wizard. If you choose No, the system will ask if you want to run the wizard next time STREAM 2 MK3 is started, then proceeds to the Main Menu without configuring time/date and network settings.

NOTE: If power is removed while the wizard is in progress, the wizard will run again next time STREAM 2 MK3 is started.

3.1.1 12/24-hour Display

To change between 12 and 24 hour display, select Set 12/24 hour and then select your preference.

3.1.2 Auto-Update (Time)

Auto-update works with data sent over the Internet. Network uses a time signal sent from the Airable radio when in any network-connected mode.

1. Select Update from Network or No update.
2. If you are updating from the network, set your time zone.
3. If your country uses daylight saving, the automatically updated time from the network may be wrong by one hour. When daylight savings are in effect (during the winter), turn on the Daylight savings option to rectify this.

STREAM 2 MK3 will auto-update from the selected source when time information is available.

Manual Setup: If you set "No update", the wizard prompts you to set the time and date manually. The date and time are displayed as dd-mm-yyyy and hh:mm AM/PM, with the first value (dd) active (flashing). Adjust each value with the Select control.

Set Time/Date Screen Description: Shows the date format "-01-01-2007" and time "11:42".

3.1.3 Network

STREAM 2 MK3 is compatible with all common network protocols and encryption methods. To connect STREAM 2 MK3 to your network, you need a Wi-Fi wireless router, together with the password key (if set).

Network Selection Screen Description: Displays a list of available Wi-Fi networks (SSIDs) such as "Buffalo-1", "[WPS]Linksys-1", "Company WAP-1", with options like "[Rescan]" and "[Wired]".

Select WLAN region/country > Wi-Fi network (SSID), and then select a network from the list.

If the network is open (non-encrypted), STREAM 2 MK3 connects without any further ado; see Completion below.

Standard Encrypted Network Description: For encrypted networks, a password (key) entry screen is shown. The screen displays "Key: POS5W" and a keyboard layout with characters, numbers, and symbols. Options include Backspace, OK, and Cancel.

To enter the network's key (password), use the Select control to move the cursor through the characters and select. As each character is selected, the key is built up near the top of the display. There are three options accessible by turning Select back before the first characters: Backspace, OK and Cancel.

Completion Screen Description: Shows "Network settings Please wait Processing..." indicating the device is attempting to connect.

STREAM 2 MK3 tries to connect to the selected network. If connecting fails, STREAM 2 MK3 returns to a previous screen to try again. If the network connection is lost, STREAM 2 MK3 automatically tries to reconnect.

4. Setup

4.1 Equalizer

Several preset EQ modes are available, including a user-defined setting. To adjust the EQ, select Menu > System settings > Equalizer or press the eq-button.

Equaliser Screen Description: Displays EQ options such as "Classic", "Pop", "News", "My EQ", and "My EQ profile setup".

You can then choose from a variety of preset modes or create your own, with custom bass, treble and loudness settings.

4.2 Streaming Audio Quality

• Low Quality
• Normal Quality
• High Quality

Select the required level of audio quality for the available streaming services. The actual bit rate for each level depends on the service being used. The currently set quality level is indicated with an asterisk.

4.3 Network

STREAM 2 MK3 remembers the last four wireless networks it has connected to, and automatically tries to connect to whichever one of them it can find.

You can see the list of registered networks through Menu > System settings > Network > Network profile >. From here you can delete unwanted networks by turning and pressing Select then confirming delete with Yes.

There are also other options for viewing and manually altering network settings from Menu > System settings > Network. Users experienced with networking may find these options useful for diagnosing and fixing network problems.

4.4 Language

The default language is English. To change, select Menu > System settings > Language > then select your preferred language. Please restart the radio after changing languages.

4.5 Factory Reset

A factory reset resets all user settings to default values, so time/date, network configuration and presets are lost. However, the radio's current software version is maintained.

To perform a factory reset, select Menu > System settings > Factory reset Proceed > Yes.

4.6 Software Update

From time to time, Argon Audio may make software upgrades available with bug fixes and/or additional features. You can either check manually, or set STREAM 2 MK3 to check periodically automatically (this is the default). If STREAM 2 MK3 detects that newer software is available, it asks if you want to go ahead with an update. If you agree, the new software is then downloaded and installed. After a software upgrade, all user settings are maintained.

CAUTION: Before starting a software upgrade, ensure that STREAM 2 MK3 is plugged into a stable mains power connection. Disconnecting power during a software update may permanently damage the unit.

To turn automatic checking on or off, select Auto-check setting.

4.7 Setup Wizard

This allows you to run the Setup Wizard at any time. The wizard guides you through the essential settings in the following order:

1. Date/Time – Set format
2. Auto update – select clock update source or No Update
3. Set Time/Date (this step is only needed if the 'No Update' option is selected in Auto update)
4. Network wizard automatically runs

Once you are connected to a network the wizard is completed.

4.8 Info

Shows details of the current system including:

• SW Version: Software version number
• Radio ID: Unique code used to identify this particular radio device
• Friendly name: (The name by which the radio is identified on a network).

4.9 Backlight

You can adjust the backlight of the radio to your liking, with settings for when the radio is on and in operation (Operation Mode) and when the radio is off (Standby Mode). For Standby Mode, you can also adjust Timeout, meaning the time it will take before the LED display will dim to the selected Standby Level.

5. Internet Radio / Podcast Mode

STREAM 2 MK3 can play thousands of radio stations and podcasts from around the world through a broadband Internet connection.

Internet Radio Screen Description: Displays "Internet radio" with station details like "Absolute Radio", "The Cure - Friday I'm in love", and the time "13:22".

When you select Internet radio mode, STREAM 2 MK3 contacts the Internet radio portal to get a list of stations, organized into different categories like Country, Popular and Genre. Once you select a station, STREAM 2 MK3 connects directly to that station.

To enter Internet Radio mode, either press Mode until the display shows Internet Radio or select Menu > Main menu > Internet Radio.

5.1 Last Listened

Presents a list of (up to) the last ten Internet Radio stations that have been selected.

5.2 Station List

The Station list is organized into various categories and search facilities:

• <Local area> - dependent on radio device's location, for example: Denmark
• Search
• Location
• Popular
• Discover

5.2.1 <Local area> - dependent on radio device's location, for example: Denmark

Presents a sub-menu for local area stations. The names and types of categories are dependent on local network information, for example a radio located in Denmark would have a main title 'Denmark' and display local stations, DR stations, Genres and/or stations from a specific city. Choose the required category and either a further list of sub-categories is shown, or (if there are no further sub-categories) the available stations for the chosen category are listed.

5.2.2 Search

You can also search through Internet broadcasts for stations or podcasts with particular keywords in their title.

To search, select Menu > Search. Enter a keyword by selecting characters in turn, then OK. The search entry screens are similar in operation to the Wi-Fi passphrase entry screen.

5.2.3 Location

To select an Internet broadcast from a particular location, select Menu > Location >.

Select a continent from the menu and a list of countries available is presented, select a country and the available internet radio stations are presented. Choose a radio station from the list to tune to that station.

5.2.4 Popular

Presents a list of the most popular internet radio stations from around the world.

5.2.5 Discover

Allows you to select from a list of stations defined by either their origin (Country), Genre (style of music) or language. Navigate through the category options, once you have made your selection a screen confirms your selected category and the number of stations within that category. To see the list, select the option showing the number of available stations.

5.3 Now Playing Information

While the stream is playing, the screen shows its name and description. If artist and track information is available, this is also shown. To view further information, press Info.

Each time you press Info, another set of information is displayed, cycling through the following details:

• Slogan (default; where available)
• Language/Location
• Codec and Sampling Rate
• Playback Buffer
• Today's Date

5.4 Presets

Presets are stored in the radio and cannot be accessed from other radios. To store an Internet radio preset, press and hold Preset until the display shows the Save preset screen. Select one of the presets to save the currently playing station. Up to 40 presets are possible.

To select a preset, press Preset briefly, then select one of the listed preset stations. When a preset station is playing, it shows (e.g., *1, *2 etc.) in the bottom of the screen.

6. Alarms and Sleep

As well as a clock/calendar, there are two versatile wake-up alarms with snooze facility, and a sleep function to turn the system off after a set period. Each alarm can be set to start in a particular mode.

6.1 Alarms

To set or change an alarm, either press: Alarm or select Menu > Main menu > Alarms.

Alarm Setting Screen Description: Shows "Alarm 1" with details like "Enable: Daily", "Time: 7:30AM", "Mode: Internet radio", "Preset: Last listened", "Volume: 6".

Select the alarm number (1 or 2) then configure the following parameters:

• Enable: on/off > Frequency: Daily, Once, Weekends or Weekdays,
• Time
• Mode: Buzzer, Internet radio
• Preset: Last listened or 1-40,
• Volume: 0 – max.

To activate the new settings, scroll down and select Save. The screen shows active alarms with an icon at the bottom left.

Set Snooze Screen Description: Shows "Set snooze" with "5 MINS" displayed.

At the set time, the alarm will sound. To temporarily silence it, press Snooze. You can change the snooze period with the Select control if you like. The radio returns to standby for the set period, with the silenced alarm icon flashing.

6.2 Sleep

To set the sleep timer, select Menu > Main menu > Sleep then choose from Sleep OFF, 15 MINS, 30 MINS, 45 MINS or 60 MINS.

Once you select a sleep period, the system returns to the main menu. Press Menu to return to the Now playing screen.

7. Inactive Standby

STREAM 2 MK3 comes with an automatic standby function. If the product is not operated for a set amount of hours, it can automatically go into standby. This applies also if the product is playing music.

To activate or change this feature, do the following:

1. Choose "Menu"
2. Go to "System settings"
3. Scroll down to "inactive standby" and press select
4. Choose your preferred setting and press select

8. Troubleshooting and Error Messages

8.1 Error Messages

8.2 Troubleshooting

9. Color

Black

Product Image: A final image shows the Argon Audio STREAM 2 MK3 unit in black.

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