Bose 123 Series II Manual

The Bose 123 Series II is a high-performance environmental loudspeaker designed for both indoor and outdoor use, featuring weather-resistant construction, wide dispersion sound, and versatile mounting options. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Weather-resistant enclosure, high-excursion woofer, pivoting tweeter, integrated mounting bracket, and gold-plated binding posts.

Feature	Description
Weather-resistant design	UV-resistant polypropylene enclosure for indoor/outdoor use
Wide dispersion sound	Pivoting tweeter for optimal sound direction
High-excursion woofer	Delivers deep, accurate bass response
Integrated mounting bracket	Allows for wall, ceiling, or pole mounting
Gold-plated binding posts	For secure, corrosion-resistant wire connections
Impedance switch	Selectable 70V/100V or 8-ohm operation
Power handling	Handles up to 120 watts continuous power
Frequency response	55Hz - 16kHz (±3dB)
Dispersion	120° horizontal, 90° vertical
Dimensions	12.5" H x 9.5" W x 10.5" D (318 x 241 x 267 mm)

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose appropriate mounting location.

1. Select mounting location: Ensure surface can support speaker weight (15 lbs/6.8 kg).
2. Prepare mounting surface: Use appropriate anchors for wall/ceiling mounting.
3. Attach mounting bracket: Secure bracket using provided hardware.
4. Connect speaker wires: Strip 1/2 inch insulation, connect to binding posts.
5. Secure speaker to bracket: Lock speaker into place on mounting bracket.

WARNING! Speaker is heavy; use proper lifting technique. Ensure all connections are secure before applying power.

First-Time Setup

Configure speaker for your specific application.

1. Set impedance switch: Choose 70V/100V for distributed systems or 8-ohm for direct connection.
2. Adjust tweeter angle: Pivot tweeter to direct sound toward listening area.
3. Connect to amplifier: Match speaker impedance to amplifier specifications.
4. Test system: Play audio at low volume to verify proper operation.
5. Fine-tune positioning: Adjust speaker angle for optimal sound coverage.

CAUTION! Turn off amplifier before making any connections. Ensure proper ventilation around speaker.

Specifications

• Type: 2-way environmental loudspeaker
• Woofer: 6.5-inch high-excursion
• Tweeter: 1-inch pivoting
• Power Handling: 120 watts continuous, 480 watts peak
• Impedance: Selectable 70V/100V or 8 ohms
• Sensitivity: 90dB SPL (1W/1m)
• Frequency Response: 55Hz - 16kHz (±3dB)
• Crossover Frequency: 2.2kHz
• Enclosure: UV-resistant polypropylene
• Grille: Powder-coated steel with foam backing
• Mounting: Integrated bracket for wall, ceiling, or pole
• Weight: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)

Controls and Connections

Rear panel features: Binding posts, impedance switch, tweeter pivot mechanism.

Binding Posts: Accept bare wire, spade lugs, or banana plugs (gold-plated for corrosion resistance).

Impedance Switch: Select 70V/100V for distributed audio systems with transformers, or 8-ohm for direct connection to amplifier.

Tweeter Pivot: Allows 180° rotation for optimal sound direction. Loosen screw, adjust angle, retighten.

Mounting Bracket: Integrated bracket with multiple mounting positions for flexible installation.

Connecting to Audio Systems

Compatible with various audio systems: Home stereo, commercial sound, background music.

1. Turn off amplifier before making connections.
2. Strip speaker wire: Remove 1/2 inch insulation from each conductor.
3. Connect to binding posts: Positive (+) to red terminal, negative (-) to black terminal.
4. Set impedance: Match speaker setting to amplifier requirements.
5. Secure connections: Ensure wires are tightly connected and not touching each other.

Tip: Use weather-resistant speaker wire for outdoor installations. Keep wire runs as short as possible.

Operation and Sound Adjustment

Optimize speaker performance for your environment.

1. Position speaker: Mount at ear level for optimal sound quality.
2. Adjust tweeter angle: Point tweeter toward primary listening area.
3. Set amplifier volume: Start at low volume, gradually increase to desired level.
4. Balance multiple speakers: Adjust individual speaker volumes for even coverage.
5. Test frequency response: Play various music types to ensure full-range reproduction.
6. Fine-tune EQ: Use amplifier equalization to compensate for room acoustics.

WARNING! Do not exceed maximum power rating. Distorted sound may damage speaker.

Mounting Options

Versatile mounting for various applications.

Mounting Type	Instructions
Wall Mount	Use included bracket; secure to studs or use appropriate anchors
Ceiling Mount	Mount bracket to ceiling joists; ensure secure attachment
Pole Mount	Use optional pole mount adapter (sold separately)
Corner Mount	Angle bracket for corner installation; adjust tweeter accordingly

Note: For outdoor mounting, ensure all hardware is corrosion-resistant.

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures long-term performance.

1. Cleaning: Use mild soap and water on enclosure; dry thoroughly.
2. Grille cleaning: Remove dust with soft brush or compressed air.
3. Connection check: Periodically inspect binding posts for corrosion.
4. Weather seal: Check integrity of gaskets and seals annually.
5. Storage: If storing, keep in dry, temperature-controlled environment.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Never spray water directly into speaker ports.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and the Bose logo are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. For technical support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound	Amplifier off/connections	Check amplifier power; verify wire connections; test with another speaker
Distorted sound	Overdriven amplifier	Reduce volume; check amplifier clipping indicators
Intermittent sound	Loose connections	Tighten binding posts; check wire integrity
Uneven frequency response	Poor placement	Reposition speaker; adjust tweeter angle
Hum or buzz	Ground loop	Check ground connections; use ground lift if available
Reduced bass	Mounting surface resonance	Add isolation pads; remount with damping material

Service: For service information, contact Bose Professional Products Division. Do not attempt to repair speaker yourself as this voids warranty.

Warranty: Limited warranty coverage. Refer to original purchase documentation for details.