core, aluminum or Romex® type wire with volume controls. When running speaker wires
inside walls, most states and municipalities in the U.S. specify that you must use a special
type of speaker wire. Usually, the requirement is that the wire has a specific “CL” fire
rating, such as “CL-2” or “CL-3”. Consult your Russound dealer, building contractor, or
local building and inspection department if unsure about which type of wire is best for
your application. If you need speaker wire, we recommend you order Russound AW
series wire. These speaker cables use multi-strand copper wire and high-temperature PVC
jackets specially designed for snaking through the walls and for long speaker runs.
CAUTION
Do not install the ALTx into electrical boxes with 110 Volt devices. Some states or munici-
palities allow devices such as the ALTx to be installed into the same electrical box as 110
volt devices, provided a “low-voltage partition” is used between the devices. Russound
does not recommend this. Speaker wires can act as an “antenna” for electrical noise.
Locating speaker wires too close to a light switch or dimmer switch may cause a “hum-
ming” or “buzzing” sound to be heard through the speakers. If you must locate the vol-
ume control near electrical devices, install it in a separate metal electrical box, ground the
box to the electrical system ground, and route the speaker wires several feet away from
the electrical wiring.
OPERATION
1. Make sure the amplifier or receiver is OFF and set the volume to minimum.
2. Set the ALTx volume to maximum (fully clockwise).
3. Turn on the amplifier or receiver and select a music source, such as tuner or CD player.
4. Slowly turn up the amplifier or receiver volume and set it to a comfortable (not maxi-
mum) listening level. Be careful not to overdrive your amplifier. If the sound becomes
muddy or distorted, you have reached the limit of your amplifier’s volume capability
and should quickly reduce the volume to avoid damaging your speakers.
NOTE: 12 o’clock (50%) on most receivers is full volume. An amplifier that is being
driven beyond its potential will produce D/C voltage (clipping) which will not pass
through a transformer, resulting in improper signal transfer and possible amplifier shut-
down or damage.
5. Adjust the volume of the speakers to the desired listening level using the ALTx.
6. You can turn off the speakers in each room by turning the knob on the ALTx completely
counter-clockwise.
IMPORTANT:
If you are unsure of any of the installation procedures, the products
should be installed by a professional custom installer.
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