Como Audio Solo Walnut Solo Wireless Speaker Operational Guide
- October 27, 2023
- COMO AUDIO
Table of Contents
Como Audio Solo Walnut Solo Wireless Speaker
Specifications
- MODEL NAME: Como Audio Solo
- MAX POWER OUTPUT: 30 watts RMS per channel, Digital amplifier
- POWER INPUT: 100-240V, 50-60Hz
- TRANSDUCER CONFIGURATION: ¾” Soft dome tweeter and 3” Woofer (long throw, 4-layer voice coil, paper cone, rubber surround)
- DIMENSIONS: 125mm H (132mm H with feet) x 240mm W x 120mm D (180mm D including power cord)
- WEIGHT: 2 lbs./1.91kg
Introduction
Solo by Como Audio opens up a world of musical entertainment. Let Solo be your music concierge whether you want to listen to an Internet radio station from another country, listen to one of the 30+ million songs on Spotify Connect, or stream music using Bluetooth.
The SOLO smart radio and music system from Como Audio connects you to a vast world of music with built-in Wi-Fi, push-button tuning, and the flexibility to play music and podcasts from your favorite radio and streaming sources.
Your Guide to Solo
Note: References to DAB/DAB+ apply only to models outside North America.
Front
- Power/Volume: Push in briefly to turn Solo on or off. Rotate to adjust the volume.
- Menu: Press and hold to call up the main Menu. Rotate to navigate the Menu and push in briefly to select. In DAB mode, rotate to call up the DAB station list and push in briefly to select a station. In FM mode, rotate to manually tune stations or push in briefly to auto seek to the next strongest FM station. When artwork is displayed, such as an album cover or station logo, push in briefly to expand the image to fill the display. Push in briefly again to return to the standard display. When the alarm activates, push in briefly to Snooze. Push in briefly again during Snooze to reset the Snooze timer. Push in twice in standby to turn the display off, and twice again to turn the display back on.
- Source: Rotate to call up and navigate the source menu. Push in briefly to select the highlighted source. In most individual Menu pages, push in briefly to go back one menu page with each push. Push in twice in standby to turn the display off, and twice again to turn the display back on.
- Presets: Press and hold to save a tuned station or a source. Push in briefly to recall the saved station or source. The presets are independent and are not restricted to whichever source is playing. The presets will also turn Solo on from standby if a station or source has been saved to that preset.
Back
- Power inlet: Insert the included power cord. The internal switching power supply will automatically detect the correct voltage.
- DC: For use with an external 20VDC/3A adapter (not included). Never use an adapter and the power cord simultaneously.
- Headphones: Connect a set of stereo headphones. The primary speakers will be muted.
- Line out: Fixed level output to connect Solo’s audio to a home receiver or other device with an analog audio input.
- Auxiliary 1 (Hi-Res): Connect the analog audio out from another device.
- Auxiliary 2 (Hi-Res): Connect the analog audio out from another device.
- Optical in (Hi-Res): Connect the audio from your television’s optical output using a Toslink cable (not included) to hear TV sound. You must access your television’s on-screen settings menu and turn ON the PCM output and turn your TV speakers Off. Your TV may require additional audio settings to be changed. When listening to audio from your TV, you may prefer to change Solo’s EQ from “Flat” to “TV Sound”.
- USB: Insert a USB flash drive to playback music files, then rotate the source knob and push in briefly to select ‘My Music’. This jack will also power Google’s Cast for Audio and Amazon’s Alexa (a short USB cable is included). This jack can also trickle charge many smart phones. Do not exceed the jack’s 5V/1A capacity. For connecting an MP3 player, use Bluetooth or an audio cable connected to one of the the Auxiliary inputs. Alternatively, you can can connect a CD player if it has an opical output, or use an Auxiliary input.
- Service: For use by authorized service representatives only. Do not connect anything into this input.
- Speaker: For use only with Como Audio’s optional Ambiente Speaker for stereo sound.
- Audio switch: When using Solo independently, set to Mono. When the optional Ambient Speaker is connected, set to ST (Stereo). When using two Solos together as a wireless stereo dedicated left and right pair, set one Solo to L (Left) and the other to R (Right) when using the Como Connect app.
- Antenna: Expand and adjust for best FM or DAB reception. This antenna has no effect on WiFi reception.
Remote Control (install the included AAA batteries)
- Power = Power
- “i” = Info: Press repeatedly to see more info about the current source.
- Speaker X = Mute, and Snooze when alarm sounds.
- Up = Navigate up when in the menu. Also acts as seek up when in FM mode. Also shows station list in DAB mode (use up/down/enter to navigate and select).
- Left arrow = Track back.
- Down = Navigate down when in menu. Also acts as seek down when in FM mode. Also shows station list in DAB mode (use up/down/enter to navigate and select).
- Play/Pause= Track Play/Pause. Long press brings up menu; Brief press within menu acts as Select; Brief press in Internet radio mode saves tuned station to Favorites.
- Right arrow = Next track; Hold to fast forward through track.
- 3 Lines = Source icon menu (use up/down/enter to navigate/select source).
- Clock = Alarm menu (use up/down/enter to navigate and select); Toggle alarms 1 & 2 on and off in standby.
- Vol +/Vol- = Volume up/down
Display Off: Press any remote key twice except Power and Alarm in standby to toggle the display off/on. When the display is off, press any key (except Power and Alarm) once to turn the display on for 7 seconds. Once Solo is turned on, the display will reset to the previous Backlight Menu setting when placed in standby again.
Set Up Wizard
After turning Solo on for the first time, the Como Audio logo will be displayed, followed by the Set Up Wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions for each step. Rotate the Menu knob and push in briefly to select, or use the track, arrow, and Play (which doubles as “Select”) keys on the included remote control.
If your WiFi network requires a password, select “skip WPS” when prompted and use the keypad to enter your password, then select “OK” to the right. You may find the remote keys handier for entering a password than using the menu knob.
When prompted, we highly recommend you choose “keep network connected” to maintain accurate time, receive prompt notification of software updates, and to access Spotify Connect.
If you make a mistake and need to start over again from the beginning, press and hold the Menu knob, select System Settings, Network, and Network Wizard. If your WiFi network is not shown, press and hold the Menu knob, select System Settings, then Factory Reset, and start the Set Up Wizard again.
For more detailed information, visit www.comoaudio.com to view the latest, comprehensive user manual, FAQs, and “how-to” videos.
How to use Spotify Connect
Use your phone, tablet or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Go to spotify.com/connect to learn how.
Alarms:
With Solo on, press the alarm key on the remote control, or press and hold the Menu knob. Select Main Menu, then Alarms, then select Alarm 1 or 2. Set each category as desired and be sure to select “Save” when you are done or else none of your settings will be saved and the alarm will not be set. If you choose to wake to one of the Aux inputs, you must have your Aux device playing, such as an MP3 player, as Solo cannot activate your source device. In standby, press the remote’s alarm key to toggle the alarms on or off without having to go into the Menu.
To Snooze, press the Menu knob or the Snooze key on the remote. Snooze will re-set each time it is pressed.
To stop the alarm, press Solo’s power button or the Alarm button on the remote.
Sleep:
To set the Sleep timer, press and hold the Menu knob, rotate to “Main menu” and select it by pressing in the Menu knob, then rotate to and select “Sleep”. Rotate the Menu knob to scroll through the sleep time options and select a Sleep period by briefly pushing in the Menu knob. The display will eventually time out to the “Now playing” screen and the Sleep icon and time will be displayed at the bottom of the display.
Bluetooth:
Rotate the source knob to Bluetooth and push in briefly to select. Open Bluetooth on your enabled device and search/scan for the “Como Solo” name, then pair and connect. Once you’ve paired you shouldn’t need to do it again. If your device prompts you to enter a passcode, enter “0000”. Set your smart device’s volume at 100% and adjust Solo’s volume as needed. If you use other Apps for music streaming, you can connect your smart device via Bluetooth to stream them to Solo.
Backlight (in Menu > System settings):
The On Level affects the backlight level whenever the unit is on.
The Dim Level affects the backlight level whenever the unit is in standby. You must select a Timeout value in the Backlight menu in addition to the Dim Level in order for the Dim Level to take effect in standby.
Works with Alexa:
Your Musica does not contain any built-in microphones, but will work with your Amazon Alexa device in certain countries to provide basic hands-free operation of the Musica via spoken commands. Please see our “how to video” on our website under “Support” for step-by-step setup instructions: https://www.comoaudio.com/pages/how-to-videos#works-with-alexa-1
My Music: UPnP
If you have music on other devices on your WiFi network you wish to stream to Solo (most commonly using Windows Media Player (WMP), open Windows Media Player on your device and make it the default player. Under the “Stream” tab, select “Turn on media streaming”, and next to “CA Solo”, tic “Allowed”.
On your Solo, Press and hold the menu knob and select System Settings, then select Music player, and Shared media. Be sure your device and Solo are both connected to the same WiFi network.
Solo will scan your network and present a list of device names. Select the device you wish to play music from.
Use the track and play/pause keys on the included remote control to control the audio tracks.
Note Solo’s display cannot play videos or show pictures from another device.
If you are streaming from a MAC, you will need to use a third party UPnP server app.
DLNA:
You can stream audio from a DLNA media server.
Multi-room:
Set up and control of multi-room is primarily done through Como Audio’s Como Control app.
Download the free Como Control iOS or Android app from iTunes or the Google Play store. The Como Control app will allow you to control many functions along with multi-room.
Re-set:
In the rare event you experience a problem or atypical behavior, unplug the power cord for 10 seconds and plug it back in. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, use the Factory re-set in the System Settings menu. Take note of your settings, WiFi password, and Presets, as the Factory reset will erase your settings.
Warranty
Como Audio, Inc. provides a two year parts and labor warranty to the original owner from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover accidental damage, cosmetic damage, normal wear and tear, improper installation, negligence, commercial applications, acts of God, lightening/power surges, unauthorized modifications, or service by unauthorized facilities.
Como Audio will repair or replace the defective product at its discretion. Please retain the original receipt and packing materials.
Contact your point of purchase for warranty service.
Please contact Como Audio for an authorization number before returning any product to us at: [email protected]
This document, as well as all specifications and features, are subject to change without notice.
Como Audio, Inc. is not liable for technical or editorial errors/omissions.
Como Audio, the Como Audio logo, Solo, Duetto, Ambiente, and Como Control are trademarks or registered trademarks of Como Audio, Inc.
Thompson Licensing: MP3 audio decoder
MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.
Fraunhofer: MPEG-4 HE AAC Audio decoder
MPEG-4 HE-AAC audio coding technology licensed by Fraunhofer IIS.
http://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/amm/
The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here:
https://www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Como Audio, LLC is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.
Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries, used with permission. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries, used with permission.
This product is protected by certain intellectual property rights of Microsoft. Use or distribution of such technology outside of this product is prohibited without a license from Microsoft.
Important Safety Instructions
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- CAUTION- Danger of explosion if remote control’s batteries are incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.
- Warning: Batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire, or the like.
- WARNING- To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
- Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifies) that produce heat.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table, specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- Operate this product only from the type of power source indicated on the rear panel. For products using an external power supply, use an exact replacement if lost or damaged.
- For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent damage to the product from lightning storms and power line surges.
- Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified personnel under the following conditions:
- When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
- If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the product.
- If the product has been exposed to water or rain.
- If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions.
- If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
- When the product exhibits a distinctive change in performance.
- When replacement parts are required, be sure your service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
- Upon completion of any service, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to confirm the product is in proper operating condition.
- Keep this product a safe distance away from naked flame.
- The recommended operating temperature range is 5C – 40 C (41 F – 104 F).
- Complies with Canadian ICES-003 & RSS-210.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- The power cord plug serves as the disconnect device and should remain readily accessible.
- WARNING- The mains are not disconnected in the standby position, but the circuits are de-powered.
WEEE
Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE): This directive mandates the collection and recycling of electronics and component materials in order to reduce the amount going to landfills. Outside North America, when the user decides to discard this product, it must be sent to a separate collection facility for recycling. Please contact your point of purchase for more details.
Solo and Duetto comply with the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive.
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Interference Statement
FCC Part 15: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.
Note: The wood veneers we apply to our nearly ½” thick MDF cabinets are indeed real wood. They are quite literally products of nature, and as such, have their own color and grain characteristics which can vary from tree to tree, often times greatly so. It is exactly these naturally occurring variations that result in each wood cabinet being truly unique. Also, the wood veneer can darken over time, particular when exposed to sunlight.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will Pandora be accessible as well?****
The Solo will indeed be able to access Pandora. However, you’ll need to use Bluetooth on your device to connect to it. Similar to how Spotify is integrated into the radio, Pandora is not. You can throw your phone into the water and still listen to your favorite playlists thanks to Spotify Connect.
What lies beneath the surface? Do you mean particle board?****
No, it is almost 1/2″ thick MDF, which is frequently used to make loudspeaker cabinets and is excellent for acoustics.
Is it feasible to use Spotify to play music without a smartphone or laptop? (just by itself when one wishes to step away from technology?)****
By setting any preset to your preferred Spotify playlist, you can play that music with only the press of a button. However, I must point out that using a computer or a smart device is necessary to join up to the playlist for the first time using Spotify Connect. Once connected, the gadget is no longer required.
Can it directly play the HLS streams and BBC’s MPEG-Dash?****
Yes, it can play them directly.
Does it have a battery or does it require a plug-in all the time?****
There are no batteries inside the Solo and Duetto. They cannot be utilized unless they are plugged in constantly.
Does the power button need to be pressed before the unit may be turned on by pressing a preset button (and tuning into that channel)?****
Yes, the device will turn on when you press a preset; the power button need not be pressed first.
Is voice control available for this?****
No, however you can use Bluetooth or an audio cord to connect an Alexa device wirelessly to the Aux in and listen to it through our speakers. However, you cannot presently voice-control our equipment.
Does the Como Solo have an Amazon Music connection?****
You won’t be able to “share” Amazon Music with other Como Audio systems on the same network, but we do plan to integrate it to our Musica model in the first half of 2018.
Does it have a SiriusXM connection?****
Yes, you can ask Alexa to play SiriusXM by logging into your SiriusXM account, pairing your Alexa device with a cable or Bluetooth, and streaming content via the SiriusXM app.
Does this have Chromecast functionality?****
Yes, the device’s rear contains both a USB port for power and a high- resolution audio input for Chromecast.
Can I listen to AM talk radio stations that are streaming online?****
More than 80,000 free stations are available in our database. An AM station is most likely on the list if it streams online. Stations operated by iHeart are an exception because they don’t share their streams with services like ours. Their app must be used through Bluetooth. Send us an email if you have a specific station in mind, and we can check to see if it’s included in the database.
Can I connect this to an existing stereo and use a paid Spotify subscription?****
Yes. All of our models have stereo headphone and 3.5mm (1/8″) line outputs so you can connect them to another audio device with an auxiliary input and playback audio from another system.
Is V240 supported by it?****
Yes, 240 Volt is supported by Como Audio products.
Does this gadget automatically connect to Google Play Music?****
At the moment, Spotify Connect is the only integrated music streaming service. A Google Chromecast for audio dongle or Bluetooth can be used to stream Google Play wirelessly (not included).