Bowers & Wilkins A7 Hi-Fi Wireless Music System User Manual

Bowers & Wilkins A7 Hi-Fi Wireless Music System

Welcome to Bowers & Wilkins and A7

Thank you for choosing Bowers & Wilkins. When John Bowers first established our company he did so in the belief that imaginative design, innovative engineering, and advanced technology were keys that could unlock the enjoyment of audio in the home. His belief is one that we continue to share and it inspires every product we design.

A7 can be used to:

• Play audio directly from iTunes® via either a cable or wireless network connection.
  Play audio stored on or streamed to your computer via USB.

• Connect and listen to an external audio source such as a TV or a portable music player.
  This manual will tell you everything you need to know to get the most out of your A7. It begins by describing the contents of the A7 carton.

A7 Carton Contents

1. A7
2. Power cable
3. Remote control
4. Document pack containing a Quick Start Guide, warranty information, and statutory safety warnings.

Environmental Information
This product complies with international directives, including but not limited to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and restriction of Chemicals (REACH), and the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance on how properly to recycle or dispose of this product.

Connecting to your A7

You can connect to your A7 by:

• Using AirPlay® to stream wirelessly from iTunes.
• Using AirPlay® to stream wirelessly from an iPod touch®, iPhone® or iPad®.
• Using the rear panel mounted connection sockets.
  Diagram 1 illustrates A7’s rear panel connection sockets.
  

AirPlay Connection

A7 is able to play audio from iTunes either wirelessly or via a wired (Ethernet) connection using AirPlay streaming technology. When connected to the same network as a computer running iTunes, A7 can appear as an output option in the pop-up AirPlay menu. See Section 5 for information on configuring A7 to join your home network and configure iTunes to play through A7.

• Note: Please ensure you have installed the latest version of iTunes.
• Note: A standard Ethernet cable is required if you wish to connect your A7 to an Ethernet network. As well as streaming audio from iTunes, AirPlay also makes it possible to stream audio directly to A7 from an iPod, iPhone or iPad. Any iPod, iPhone or iPad application that incorporates a volume control will have an additional icon that enables selection of available remote speakers for playback. Any Airplay device within wireless range will be included in the selection list.
• Note: AirPlay works with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad with iOS 4.3.3 or later, Mac with OS X Mountain Lion, or Mac and PC with iTunes 10.2.2 or later.

USB Input

If you wish to listen to audio either stored or streamed on your Mac/PC using A7 USB input, connect it using a USB cable from a spare Mac/PC USB socket.

• Note: A USB A-B cable (a USB printer cable) is required if you wish to connect your A7 to a Mac/PC for any use other than wireless AirPlay streaming. For reliable operation, the cable should not exceed 3m (10 ft) in length. A7 should be connected directly to the Mac/PC USB port and not via any intermediate USB hardware.

Auxiliary Input

If you wish to listen to an external analog or digital audio source, connect it to an A7 Aux input socket using either an analog cable terminated with a mini-jack plug or a digital cable terminated with a mini-TosLink optical plug. A7 will automatically identify the type of cable used and configure the Aux input socket appropriately.

• Note: A7 is able to play stereo digital audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. It is not compatible with surround-sound encoded 5.1 channel digital audio.

Mains Input

Connect A7 to a mains outlet socket using the supplied mains cable. When first connected to mains power A7 will automatically power up with its indicator pulsing red.

• Note: The table in Section 4 describes all A7 indicator colors and their meanings.

Using A7

A7 can be operated either from the controls on its body, illustrated in Diagram 2, or from the remote control. If the remote control is to be used, the battery-insulating tab must first be removed. This is illustrated in Diagram 3. Diagram 4 illustrates the remote control key functions.

Switching On and Off
In addition to normal operating mode, A7 has both Standby and Sleep modes. In Standby mode, all A7 functions are switched off and the power consumption is minimized. In Sleep mode, the A7 wireless function remains connected to the network.
The A7 indicator illuminates dim red in Sleep mode and will turn off in Standby mode.
A7 can only be switched on from Standby mode by pressing the A7 Standby button.
A7 can be switched on from Sleep mode by the following actions:

• Pressing the A7 Standby button.

• Pressing remote control Standby key.
  Streaming music to A7 by Airplay.

• Play music through the AUX input.

When A7 is switched on from Standby or Sleep, the last input used will be selected if it is still connected. If the last input used is no longer connected, A7 will automatically scan its inputs AUX, USB, and AirPlay, and select the first connected one it finds. The A7 indicator will change to the color that designates the selected input. If no connected input is found, A7 will select the AirPlay input by default.

Note: If the AirPlay input has not been set up the indicator will flash Yellow.
Note : The table in Section 4 describes all the A7 indicator colors and their meanings.
To switch A7 into Sleep mode, either press the remote control Standby key or press and hold the A7 Stand by button for 2 seconds. The A7 indicator will illuminate dim red.
To switch A7 into Standby mode, press and hold the A7 Standby button for 4 seconds. The A7 indicator will turn off.
Note: It is not possible to switch A7 into Standby mode from the remote control.
Note : The A7 will automatically enter Sleep mode if left inactive for more than 30 minutes.

A7 Functions
Diagram 5 illustrates A7’s connectivity.
With A7 switched on from Standby or Sleep:

• You can connect to a wired or wireless network and listen to your iTunes audio via AirPlay.

• You can listen to other digital or analog audio sources via the AUX input.

• You can listen to audio stored or streamed on your computer via USB.
  Note: See Section 6 for more on using A7 USB input.

• You can use the remote control Volume keys or A7’s Volume buttons to control volume.

• If A7 is connected to iTunes via AirPlay, you can use the remote control Play/Pause key to play or pause audio, or the Next and Previous keys to select the next or previous track.

• You can use the remote control Input key or A7’s Standby button sequentially to select connected inputs.

Note: There is a short delay when A7 inputs are switched. This is a consequence of the need to re-establish USB or Network communication.
Adjusting the sound of A7
If A7 is connected to iTunes via AirPlay you can use one of the iTunes EQ options to tailor the sound. Any ability to adjust the sound from the USB and AUX inputs will depend on the capabilities of the source hardware or software.
A7 Automatic Input Switching
In some circumstances, A7 will automatically switch to its AirPlay input or switch on from Sleep mode:

• If iTunes streamed audio is present on the AirPlay input when the USB or (AUX)iliary input is selected but no audio playing, the AirPlay input will automatically be selected.
• If iTunes streamed audio is present on the AirPlay input when A7 is in Sleep mode, it will automatically switch on and play the streamed audio.
• When A7 has been In Sleep mode for more than one minute and an audio signal is detected through the AUX input, it will automatically switch on and play the AUX input audio.

The A7 Indicator

The A7 indicator illuminates in a range of colours to indicate different operational conditions. Table 1 describes the colours and their meanings.

Joining Wireless Networks and configuring iTunes

In order to play your iTunes music on your A7 using AirPlay, your A7 must join the same network as the computer on which iTunes is installed and running. A7 network addressing is set to DHCP which means that once it has joined the wireless network it will not require any further configuration. You will need to know your home wireless network name and password (also known as wireless key) before you start.

A7 connectivity|
---|---

Indicator Colour

|

Meaning

|

Input Selected

Off| Standby| N/A
Dim Red| Sleep| N/A
Pulsing Red| Powering up| N/A
Flash Red twice| Reset started| N/A
Green| On| USB
Fast flashing Green| Volume adjustment| USB
Orange| On| Aux
Fast flashing Orange| Volume adjustment| Aux
Slow flashing Orange| Digital audio lock error| Aux
Purple| On| AirPlay
Fast flashing purple| Volume adjustment| AirPlay
Slow flashing purple| No network connected| AirPlay
Fast flashing Red| Invalid operation| Any
Slow flashing Yellow| Wireless setup mode| N/A
White| Firmware update| N/A
Flashing white| Firmware error| N/A

Set up your A7 with your iOS device (iPod touch, iPad, or iPhone)

1. Get the ‘Bowers & Wilkins Control’ App from the App Store or by visiting www.bowers-wilkins.com/control
2. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Set up with Mac or PC

• Get ‘Bowers & Wilkins Control’ App from the App Store or by visiting www.bowers-wilkins.com/control
• Follow the onscreen instructions.

Setting up A7 using a wired connection
To set up A7 to join your wireless network you should first connect it physically to the Mac/PC using an Ethernet cable. You will need to ensure that your Mac/PC wireless capabilities are disabled. Once connected you can browse to the A7 setup page. Follow the steps described below.
Note: A7 can also use a wired network for AirPlay streaming.

1. Unplug every cable from the A7.

2. Using an Ethernet cable connect the A7 rear panel Ethernet socket to an Ethernet socket on the computer.

3. Connect the power cable. A7 will switch on with the indicator pulsing red.

4. Once the A7 indicator begins to flash yellow.
   Press and hold the ‘+’ volume button on A7 for 4 seconds. A7’s indicator will show solid purple once the wired network connection is established.

5. Using an internet browser application running on the computer connected to the A7 type the A7 default network address (http://169.254.1.1) in the browser address field and press “return”. This will open the A7 setup page.

6. The setup page provides the option to change the A7 name. Changing the name is useful if more than one A7 is to be connected to the network. Enter a new name (A7 Kitchen for example) in the Name box.

7. Select your home network Name from the drop-down list and enter the Password in the appropriate box. Take care to type the password correctly.

8. When you are finished, click on the Apply button, then close the A7 setup page. Disconnect the Ethernet cable.

9. The A7 indicator will change to steady purple when the wireless network connection is established. This will take up to 3 minutes.
   Note: If A7 fails to connect to your home wireless network, the most likely fault is an incorrectly entered network password. Follow the reset instructions in Section 8 and begin the network setup procedure again.

Configuring iTunes
With A7 connected to your home network (wired or wireless), you can configure iTunes to use it as an output device. Select A7 as an output option in the pop-up AirPlay menu. iTunes will now play through the A7.
Multiple A7 units can be connected to the wireless network and used to provide audio in separate rooms. Each will be available on the iTunes devices menu, identified by either the names specified in the setup page, or by default the last three digits of their serial numbers.

Using USB Input

The USB input enables you to connect your A7 to a Mac/PC in order to play it’s stored or streamed audio.

• Playing Audio via USB
  When A7 is connected to a Mac/PC via USB and its USB input is selected, the computer will identify
  A7 is an output-only audio device. Specifying A7 in the Mac/PC audio control panel will allow it to play audio data either stored locally on the computer or streamed via a network or the internet. A7’s indicator will illuminate green when the USB input is selected.
  Note : Table 1 in Section 4 describes all A7’s indicator colors and their meanings.
  Depending on the Mac/PC audio application in use, the remote control may be used to control playback, skip tracks and adjust the volume.

A7 Firmware Update

Updated A7 firmware may from time to time be made available for download from A7’s support section of the Bowers & Wilkins website.

A7 Factory Reset
A7 has a pin-hole reset button located on its rear connection panel. The reset button is illustrated in Diagram 6. To return the A7 network settings (AirPlay input) to the factory defaults, ensure the power cable is connected, and power the A7 on. Press and hold the reset button for 2 seconds. The indicator will flash red twice.

Cleaning A7

Use a clothes brush or damp cloth to clean the grille cloth. Wipe other surfaces with a clean lint-free cloth. If you wish to use a cleaning agent, apply it onto the cleaning cloth, not directly onto A7. Test a small area first, as some cleaning products may damage some of the surfaces. Avoid products that are abrasive, or contain acid, alkali or anti-bacterial agents.

Troubleshooting

If you need help troubleshooting a specific problem, or have a question you’d like answered, please consult A7’s support section of the Bowers & Wilkins website www.bowers-wilkins.com.

Technical Specifications

• Model A7

• Description Wireless Music System

• Technical features Apple®

  • AirPlay® technology
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
  • High-Quality Class-D amplifier
  • Switch mode power supply
  • USB streaming from PC / Mac®
  • Flowport™
  • Remote control

• Drive units 2x 25mm (1.0 in) Nautilus™ tube aluminium tweet
  2x 75mm (3.0 in) Midrange
  1x 150mm (6.0 in) Subwoofer

• Frequency response 40Hz – 36kHz ±3dB on reference axis

• Frequency range -6dB at 36Hz and 42kHz

• Amplifier power output 2x 25W (tweeter)

• 2x 25W (midrange)

• 1x 50W (subwoofer)

• Input voltage 100V – 240V ~ 50/60Hz

• Rated power consumption 100W

• Standby power consumption <0.5W

• Operating temperature This product is only designed to work at an ambient temperature of up to 45°C

• Inputs Network (RJ45 Ethernet or Wi-Fi)

• Auxiliary – analogue / optical digital (3.5mm mini jack)

• Streaming & firmware upgrades (USB 2.0)

• Height 220mm

• Width 360mm

• Depth 160mm

• Net weight 5.7kg

• Enclosure Glass filed ABS

• Grilles Black cloth

• Apple compatibility AirPlay works with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad with iOS 4.3.3 or later, Mac with OS X Mountain Lion, or Mac and PC with iTunes 10.2.2 or later

FAQs

What is the Bowers & Wilkins A7 Hi-Fi Wireless Music System?

The Bowers & Wilkins A7 is a high-fidelity wireless music system that delivers exceptional audio quality and allows you to stream music wirelessly from various devices.

What sets the A7 apart in terms of audio quality?

The A7 is known for its outstanding audio performance, featuring advanced technology and high-quality components to reproduce rich, detailed sound.

What types of devices can I connect to the A7 for wireless streaming?

You can connect a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and more, to the A7 via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for wireless music streaming.

Does it support multiple wireless streaming protocols?

Yes, the A7 supports various streaming protocols, including AirPlay, Bluetooth, and DLNA, allowing you to choose your preferred method of wireless connectivity.

Is there an app for controlling the A7 and managing music playback?

Yes, Bowers & Wilkins provides a dedicated app that allows you to control the A7, adjust settings, and manage your music library conveniently from your smartphone or tablet.

What is the maximum audio output power of the A7?

The A7 typically has a maximum audio output power of 100W, ensuring room- filling sound with clarity and depth.

Can I connect multiple A7 units for a multi-room audio setup?

Yes, you can create a multi-room audio system by connecting multiple A7 units, giving you the flexibility to play music in different rooms simultaneously or independently.

What audio formats are supported by the A7 for playback?

The A7 supports a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and more, ensuring compatibility with various music files.

Does the A7 have built-in voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant?

The A7 does not have built-in voice assistants, but you can use voice assistants on your connected devices, such as smartphones, for voice commands.

What is the design and build quality of the A7?

The A7 features a sleek and stylish design with high-quality materials, making it a visually appealing addition to any room while ensuring durability.

Is there a warranty for the Bowers & Wilkins A7?

Yes, it often comes with a manufacturer's warranty to cover potential defects and issues. Be sure to check the warranty terms when you purchase it.

Can I use the A7 with non-Bowers & Wilkins speakers or other audio equipment?

Yes, you can use the A7 with non-Bowers & Wilkins speakers and audio equipment. It's compatible with a wide range of audio setups for added versatility.

What is the recommended use case for the A7 Hi-Fi Wireless Music System?

The A7 is ideal for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who seek exceptional audio quality and the convenience of wireless streaming in their home audio setup.

Video- Introducing the Bowers & Wilkins A7

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