Fluance Ai81 - Powered Floorstanding Speakers Manual

What's Included

Front & Back Panel Layout

1. Control Knob
   • Volume
   • Input Selection
   • Power ON/OFF
2. Source LED
   • Blue (Solid) - Bluetooth Paired
   • Blue (Flashing) - Bluetooth Pairing Mode
   • Green (Solid) - RCA 1
   • Purple (Solid) - RCA 2
   • White (Solid) - Optical
   • Red (Solid) - Standby Mode
   • Red (Flashing) - Mute
3. IR Sensor
4. Speaker Input
5. Optical Input
6. RCA Input 1
7. RCA Input 2
8. Subwoofer Output
9. Bluetooth Reset Pairing
10. Left Speaker Output
11. AC Input
12. Fuse (T3.15AL 250V)
13. Power Switch

Remote Control Layout

1. Power ON/OFF
2. Volume UP/DOWN
3. Source
4. Treble UP/DOWN
5. Mute
6. Play/Pause & Bluetooth Pairing Reset*
   *To enable Bluetooth Pairing Reset, press + hold for 3 seconds.
7. Forward/Back
8. LED Brightness - (100% > 25% > OFF)
9. Bass UP/DOWN

Product Setup

1. Position the speakers with the Active Speaker on the right and the Passive Speaker on the left.
   
   NOTE: If placing the speakers near a wall, it is recommended to keep 6-12 inches away from the wall.
2. Connect one end of the speaker wire to the binding posts on the back of the Active Speaker and connect the other end of speaker wire to the binding posts on the back of the Passive Speaker.

Ensure the same color wire is connected to the same color binding posts on each speaker.

NOTE: The included speaker wire is 8ft. If placing your speakers further than 8ft apart it is recommended to use standard 18 gauge speaker wire to connect the speakers over the longer distance.

3. Connect the power cable to the back of the Active Speaker and set the power switch to the ON position.
   

Loosen the binding post

Insert speaker wire through hole

Tighten the binding post

Turning On/Off Unit

Press the Control Knob to turn on the unit. Hold to turn off the unit.
OR

Press on the remote to turn the unit on/off.

Source Selection

Press the Control Knob to cycle through the audio inputs.
OR

Press on the remote to cycle through the audio inputs.

The Source LED will show the below color for each source:

	(Blue) Bluetooth		(White) Optical
	(Green) RCA 1		(Purple) RCA 2

Adjusting Source LED Brightness

Use the LED Brightness button on the Remote to cycle between 100%, 25% and OFF brightness levels.

NOTE: When set to OFF, the LED will turn on for 5 seconds when power is turned on or new Source is selected before turning off again.

EQ Adjustment

Use the Bass/Treble buttons on the Remote to adjust each from -5 to +5.

LED Behavior:
Red (Flash 2x) - Bass/Treble Set to -5 or +5
Source Color (Flash 2x) - Bass/Treble Set to 0

Note: If using a source device, with its own EQ settings, ensure it is set to flat (0). Some apps also include an EQ that should also be set to flat.

EQ Reset

To reset the Bass and Treble levels to 0 put the speakers into Standby Mode and press and hold the Bluetooth Reset button until the red LED flashes. This will reset the speaker to default settings but will not reset Bluetooth Settings.

RCA Input

1. Connect the RCA cable to your source device (Turntable, Smartphone, Computer...).
   Note: If using a turntable an internal or external preamp is required.
   
   *RCA to RCA cable not included
2. Connect the other end of the RCA cable to back of the Active Speaker.
3. Press the Control Knob to select the RCA input (RCA 1 - Green; RCA 2 - Purple), or Press the Source button on the remote control.
   
4. Adjust volume on Ai81 as well as source device.
   

Optical Input

1. Connect the Optical cable to your source device (TV, Computer, Game Console...).
   Ensure protective caps are removed from the ends of the Optical cable.
   
   *Optical cable not included
2. Connect the other end of the Optical cable to the back of the Active Speaker.
3. Press the Control Knob to select the Optical Input (White LED).
   
   OR
   Press the Source button on the remote control.
   
4. Adjust the volume on Ai81 as well as source device.
   

Optical Audio Signal Compatibility

The Ai81 does not support Dolby Digital Audio or DTS Audio. Locate the audio output settings on your source device and ensure Dolby Digital is turned off. The correct audio output setting is commonly referred to as PCM or Stereo.
Some TVs also require that audio output be enabled. This setting may be referred to as External Speakers. Ensure this is selected as your speaker/audio output.
For instructions on a specific device, please consult the device's user manual.

Bluetooth Pairing

1. Press the Control Knob to select the Bluetooth input (Blue LED).
   
   OR
   Press the Source button on the remote control.
   
2. Pair to "Fluance Ai81" on your source device.
   
   Note: Unit will attempt to auto-pair to the last paired device.
3. Use the Remote to Play/Pause and go Forward/Backward on your source device.
   NOTE: Adjust Volume on the source device as well as the Ai81.
   
   
   Ensure any apps and devices have the EQ disabled (flat) and Volume Normalization disabled for best performance

NOTE: How you access your device's Bluetooth settings may vary from one manufacturer to another. Maximum line of sight for Bluetooth range is 33ft. Obstacles may decrease transmission distance.

4. If your device cannot find "Fluance Ai81", you can reset Bluetooth pairing:
   • Press and hold on the Remote for 3 seconds to reset Bluetooth pairing.
     OR
   • Press the Bluetooth Pairing Reset Button on the back of the unit.
     

Subwoofer Output

When a subwoofer cable is connected, the Ai81 will automatically cut frequencies below 80Hz to optimize performance. The subwoofer cable must be removed to resume full frequency playback.

1. Connect the Subwoofer cable to your powered subwoofer.
   
2. Connect the other end of the Subwoofer cable to the back of the Active Speaker.
3. Adjust the volume on the Subwoofer for the best listening experience.

Fluance offers matching subwoofers for the ultimate audio experience.
For more information visit: Fluance.com/subwoofer

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there no sound from the Ai81 when connected to the Optical input?
Many digital audio sources feature Dolby Audio which is not supported by the Ai81. Ensure your device's audio output is set to Stereo or PCM.

What do I do if I have poor audio quality on the Optical input?
This can occur if your TV's audio output setting is on Dolby Audio or Surround Sound. Ensure your device's audio output is set to Stereo or PCM.

What do I do if audio is only coming from the active speaker?
The most common cause of no audio from one speaker is a poor connection. Ensure the metal portion of the speaker wire is in direct contact with the binding posts.

What is ˝auto-pairing˝ and how does it work?
Auto-pairing is a convenient connection feature included in all Fluance Bluetooth Speakers. If the connected Bluetooth-enabled device leaves the connection range of the Ai81 and returns at a later time, the device will automatically connect. If the device's Bluetooth © function is disabled and then enabled at a later time, the device will automatically connect as well.
*Note: The Fluance Ai81 will only auto-pair to the last device that it was connected to.

What do I do if my remote control is not working?
Replace the battery in the remote with a new one. Ensure you are pointing the remote at the IR sensor on the Active (right) Speaker and that nothing is blocking the sensor.

What is the range of my Bluetooth connection?
The Fluance Ai81 operates with Power Class 2 Bluetooth devices, which have a range of approximately 33 feet (line of sight). If you are experiencing Bluetooth connectivity issues it is recommended to position the Ai81 away from sources of interference such as wireless routers or microwaves.

Another Bluetooth device is connected to my Fluance Ai61 and I want to connect my device.
You can reset any Bluetooth connection by pressing the Bluetooth Pairing Reset button on the back of the Active Speaker. You can also press and hold "Play/Pause" on the Remote for 3 seconds.

How can I increase the volume when using the Ai81 with a turntable?
If turntable audio is too quiet you may need to add a preamplifier. Some turntables have built-in preamps which can be turned on or off. The Fluance PA10 preamplifier is a great match for Fluance powered speakers and turntables.

Why is the volume from each input different on the Ai81?
Ensure that any volume normalization and EQ settings on your source devices are disabled. The different signal types used by each input means they are processed differently by the Ai81. The Optical Input uses a digital signal while the RCA Input uses an analog signal. These differences can result in slight variances in the output volume of the Ai81.

Why are my speakers quiet when I stream music?
Confirm the volume on your source device is turned up. If the issue persists your device or app may have volume limiting settings that are affecting the overall volume of your music. It is recommended to disable any Volume/Audio Normalization settings on your device and app. These settings can adjust the volume level of all audio and negatively affect the performance of the speakers. Ensure these settings are disabled and that any EQ settings are set to flat.

What is the break-in period for Fluance speakers?
The break-in period for your Fluance Ai81 speakers is about 10 hours of playing time at normal listening volumes. After this period, the drivers will have had enough movement to perform at their peak level.

How do I clean the speakers?
To clean the speakers use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth.

Troubleshooting

No Power

• Ensure the LED Brightness is not set to OFF
• Check all connections on power adapter and ensure fully inserted

No Audio

• Check volume on Ai81 and ensure it is above 0
• Check volume on source device and ensure it is above 0
• Confirm Ai81 is set to correct source
• Ensure all cables are connected properly and fully inserted

No Audio from Passive Speaker

• Check speaker wire connections between speakers and ensure securely connected to binding posts

Poor Audio

• Ensure the colored wires are connected to the corresponding colored binding posts on each speaker
• Test with another audio source device to determine source of issue
• Adjust bass and treble settings on both Ai81 and the source device. The source device equalizer may need to be disabled or set to flat (0) to prevent audio distortion.
• Volume normalization should also be disabled on the source device for best performance.

Hissing Noise

• Ensure the colored wires are connected to the corresponding colored binding posts on each speaker
• Test using different RCA or Aux cables
• If using with a turntable, ensure the ground cable is connected properly

No Sound from Subwoofer

• Confirm the subwoofer is connected to power and is turned on
• Ensure the subwoofer cable is fully connected and secure
• Adjust the volume on the subwoofer and set the crossover to 80 Hz

Break-in Period

Our speakers have a Butyl rubber ring surrounding the cone. The break-in period allows the rubber to loosen and stretch, allowing the cone a larger range of movement, resulting in better sound reproduction. We recommend 10-12 hours of play at moderate volume to achieve this.

For additional product information, please consult the manual at: Fluance.com/resources

Need Help?
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If you have any questions please visit us at: Fluance.com/support

Documents / Resources

References

• Powered Subwoofers | Fluance
• | Fluance
• | Fluance
• Fluance Support Center
• Fluance Support Center
• Fluance Support Center
• Register your product | Fluance
• Fluance Support Center

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