Acoustic Research AW826 Leaflet
Wireless audio transmitter
Signal
Power
DC IN
CHANNEL
1 2 3
R AUDIO L
IN
Power
L
M
R
DC
IN
Bass Boost
On / Off
Auto Scan
Volume +
Volume -
Introduction
AR’s Wireless Speaker System eliminates the hardest part of adding speakers to your home—
running and hiding hundreds of feet of speaker wire. The AR Wireless Speaker System’s RF
signal travels with ease through walls, floors, ceilings and other obstacles, delivering high-
quality sound virtually anywhere inside the house or out. With drift- and static-free reception
along with outstanding range—up to 150 feet*—the possibilities for enjoying your AR Wireless
Speaker System are nearly unlimited. The AR Wireless Speaker System is compatible with most
audio sources, such as A/V receivers/amps, stereos, computers, TVs, DVD players, and portable
devices (CD players, cassette players, MP3s etc.).
running and hiding hundreds of feet of speaker wire. The AR Wireless Speaker System’s RF
signal travels with ease through walls, floors, ceilings and other obstacles, delivering high-
quality sound virtually anywhere inside the house or out. With drift- and static-free reception
along with outstanding range—up to 150 feet*—the possibilities for enjoying your AR Wireless
Speaker System are nearly unlimited. The AR Wireless Speaker System is compatible with most
audio sources, such as A/V receivers/amps, stereos, computers, TVs, DVD players, and portable
devices (CD players, cassette players, MP3s etc.).
This manual covers various connection options and detailed operating instructions for making
the AR Wireless Speaker System a valued part of your lifestyle. If, after having reviewed the
instructions, you have any questions, please call toll-free 1-800-732-6866 or visit
www.araccessories.com.
the AR Wireless Speaker System a valued part of your lifestyle. If, after having reviewed the
instructions, you have any questions, please call toll-free 1-800-732-6866 or visit
www.araccessories.com.
*Range may vary according to environment.
Important Information
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN.
CAUTION
Caution:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user
serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Product Information
Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and record the
serial and model numbers in case you need them. These numbers are located on the product.
Model No.: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Purchase Date: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: __________________________________________________________________________________
serial and model numbers in case you need them. These numbers are located on the product.
Model No.: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Purchase Date: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: __________________________________________________________________________________
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Clean only with dry cloth.
6. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Clean only with dry cloth.
6. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
8. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
9. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
10. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
10. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Care and Maintenance
• Always use a soft cloth to clean the speaker and transmitter. Never use any product containing alcohol or other solvents
as they may damage the surface.
• Use caution when plugging the power transformers in an AC outlet to avoid the risk of electric shock.
• If the speaker are used outside on a deck or patio, make sure you take them indoors in the event of a rainstorm to
• If the speaker are used outside on a deck or patio, make sure you take them indoors in the event of a rainstorm to
prevent possible damage.
• Do not operate or store the system in extreme temperatures (below 32ºF/0ºC and above 122ºF/50ºC).
• To avoid electrical shock, use this product with caution near water sources if powered with the AC adapter. Never
• To avoid electrical shock, use this product with caution near water sources if powered with the AC adapter. Never
submerge in water.
Tour of the Speaker System
Transmitter AC/DC 12V
200mA adapter
200mA adapter
Speaker AC/DC 9V
1200mA adapter
1200mA adapter
3.5mm to RCA cable
Speaker
Front Panel
Power indicator blinks when the speaker is first
powered on; it turns solid blue when the speaker is
tuned to the transmitter
powered on; it turns solid blue when the speaker is
tuned to the transmitter
Side Panel
Bass Boost button turns the speaker’s bass
enhancement on and off
On/Off button turns the speaker on and off
Auto Scan button rescans for the transmitter’s
signal
Volume +/– buttons adjust the volume level
enhancement on and off
On/Off button turns the speaker on and off
Auto Scan button rescans for the transmitter’s
signal
Volume +/– buttons adjust the volume level
Bottom Panel
L/M/R switch determines if the speaker plays sound
in mono as a stand-alone speaker, or plays the left or
right track in a stereo pair with an additional AW826
DC IN receives the small round end of the included
9V 1200mA AC power adapter; remove the
protective cover to insert the adapter
Battery Compartment Cover remove to install 6
AA batteries
in mono as a stand-alone speaker, or plays the left or
right track in a stereo pair with an additional AW826
DC IN receives the small round end of the included
9V 1200mA AC power adapter; remove the
protective cover to insert the adapter
Battery Compartment Cover remove to install 6
AA batteries
Carrying handle
Transmitter
Top Panel
Signal indicator lights green when the audio is
present and the transmitter is broadcasting
Power indicator lights when the transmitter is on
present and the transmitter is broadcasting
Power indicator lights when the transmitter is on
Back Panel
CHANNEL 1 2 3 lets you find the best transmission
frequency for your environment
DC IN jack receives the small round end of the
included 12V 200mA AC power adapter
AUDIO IN (R / L) connects to your sound source
using one of the connection options shown here
frequency for your environment
DC IN jack receives the small round end of the
included 12V 200mA AC power adapter
AUDIO IN (R / L) connects to your sound source
using one of the connection options shown here
Included Accessories
Note: These power units should be
plugged in so that they stay vertical
or lie flat.
plugged in so that they stay vertical
or lie flat.
Connecting the Speaker System
Powering the Transmitter
Connect the small, round plug from the transmitter AC
power adapter to the transmitter’s DC IN jack. Plug the
other end of the transmitter AC power adapter into any
standard 120V AC wall outlet.
power adapter to the transmitter’s DC IN jack. Plug the
other end of the transmitter AC power adapter into any
standard 120V AC wall outlet.
Note: Be sure to use the AC power adapter rated 12V DC
200 mA (it has the smaller diameter plug).
200 mA (it has the smaller diameter plug).
Transmitter (back panel)
120V AC
wall outlet
AC Power
Adapter
DC IN
CHANNEL
1 2 3
R AUDIO L
IN
Note: There is no transmitter ON/OFF switch. The transmitter is designed to be left plugged
in and powered at all times. If you will not be using the AW826 for an extended period of time,
unplug the transmitter AC power adapter.
in and powered at all times. If you will not be using the AW826 for an extended period of time,
unplug the transmitter AC power adapter.
Connecting to an Audio Source
Connecting to an MP3 player, CD player, or computer
1. Plug the stereo plugs on the provided Y-adapter
audio cable into the AUDIO IN jacks on the back of
the transmitter (make sure to match the colors on the
plugs and jacks).
the transmitter (make sure to match the colors on the
plugs and jacks).
2. Plug the mini-plug end of the provided Y-adapter into
the headphone output of your MP3 player or CD player
(or audio output jack on your computer).
(or audio output jack on your computer).
AC Power Adapters
1. Insert the small, round plug from the speaker AC
power adapter into the DC IN jack on the bottom of
the speaker.
the speaker.
2. Plug the other end of the speaker AC power adapter
into any standard 120V AC wall outlet.
L
M
R
DC
IN
AC power
adapter
adapter
120V AC
wall outlet
Bottom of
the speaker
the speaker
Note: Be sure to use the speaker AC power adapter rated 9V DC 1200 mA.
Warning: This product is water-resistant, not waterproof. Avoid prolonged exposure to wet
environments, such as rain, mist, dew, etc. In other words, you can take it out, just don’t leave it out.
If you plan to use the speaker in a humid or wet environment, we recommend powering it with
batteries instead of with the power adapter.
Warning: This product is water-resistant, not waterproof. Avoid prolonged exposure to wet
environments, such as rain, mist, dew, etc. In other words, you can take it out, just don’t leave it out.
If you plan to use the speaker in a humid or wet environment, we recommend powering it with
batteries instead of with the power adapter.
AA Batteries
1. Remove the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the speaker.
2. Insert six (6) AA batteries (not included) into the speaker following the polarity (”+” and “-”)
2. Insert six (6) AA batteries (not included) into the speaker following the polarity (”+” and “-”)
as diagrammed inside the battery compartment.
3. Replace the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the speaker.
Note: Place the rubber cap in the speaker power input jack when using batteries.
DO NOT mix batteries with different chemistry types (for example, a zinc battery with an alkaline
battery).
DO NOT mix batteries with different chemistry types (for example, a zinc battery with an alkaline
battery).
DO NOT mix new and used batteries. DO NOT leave batteries installed in the product when
not in use for long periods. Always remove old, weak or worn-out batteries promptly and recycle or
dispose of them in accordance with local and national regulations.
dispose of them in accordance with local and national regulations.
Powering the Speaker
There are two options to power your wireless speaker: using the included AC power adapter or
using 6 AA batteries (not included).
using 6 AA batteries (not included).
Warning: This product is designed to work with line level outputs or headphone outputs only.
DO NOT connect it directly to speaker outputs as it will permanently damage the transmitter.
DO NOT connect it directly to speaker outputs as it will permanently damage the transmitter.
Connecting to an A/V Receiver
1. Plug the stereo plugs on the provided Y-adapter
audio cable into the AUDIO IN jacks on the back of
the transmitter (make sure to match the colors on the
plugs and jacks).
the transmitter (make sure to match the colors on the
plugs and jacks).
2. Plug the mini-plug end of the provided Y-adapter into
a mini-jack to RCA adapter (not included).
A
Audio
source
DC IN
CHANNEL
1 2 3
R AUDIO L
IN
Transmitter
(back panel)
Y-adapter
audio cable
A
A/V Receiver
Audio Output
DC IN
CHANNEL
1 2 3
R AUDIO L
IN
Transmitter
(back panel)
(back panel)
Mini-jack to RCA
adapter (not included)
Y-adapter
audio cable
3. Connect the stereo plugs on the mini-jack to RCA adapter to the corresponding left and right
audio outputs of your A/V receiver, amp, or other audio source.
Model AW826
Installation and Operation Manual
Wireless
Indoor/Outdoor
Speaker