Bose 135 Series III Manual

The Bose 135 Series III is a premium in-wall or in-ceiling loudspeaker system designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction. It features a 5.25-inch woofer and a 1-inch pivoting tweeter for precise sound imaging, paintable grilles for seamless room integration, and a wide frequency response. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 5.25-inch woofer, 1-inch pivoting tweeter, paintable magnetic grille, integrated crossover network, and gold-plated binding posts.

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure you have necessary tools: stud finder, drywall saw, wire strippers, screwdriver.

1. Choose location: Select wall or ceiling spot free of obstructions (studs, pipes, electrical).
2. Cut opening: Use template to mark and cut drywall to specified dimensions.
3. Run speaker wire: Route wire from amplifier/receiver to speaker location.
4. Mount speaker: Secure speaker into opening using mounting clamps; tighten until snug.
5. Connect wires: Strip wire ends, connect to gold-plated binding posts (observe polarity).
6. Attach grille: Place magnetic grille over speaker frame.

WARNING! Turn off and unplug all audio equipment before installation. Ensure power is off when handling wires. If unsure, consult a professional installer.

First-Time Setup

After installation, configure with your audio system.

1. Connect to amplifier: Ensure speaker wires are connected to correct channels on receiver (e.g., Front Left, Front Right).
2. Set receiver settings: Access speaker setup menu on AV receiver; set speaker size to "Small" or "Large" based on preference; run auto-calibration if available.
3. Aim tweeters (if needed): Pivot tweeter towards primary listening area for best high-frequency performance.
4. Test audio: Play audio source to verify all speakers are working correctly.
5. Paint grille (optional): If desired, remove grille and paint to match wall/ceiling color using light, spray-based paint.

CAUTION! Do not over-tighten mounting clamps. Do not pinch or damage speaker wires during installation.

Specifications

• Driver Complement: 5.25-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter.
• Frequency Response: 55Hz - 20kHz (±3dB).
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms.
• Power Handling: 10-100 watts RMS.
• Sensitivity: 89dB SPL (1 watt @ 1 meter).
• Crossover Frequency: 2.8kHz.
• Tweeter Control: Pivoting (+/- 15 degrees).
• Enclosure Type: Infinite baffle (uses wall/ceiling cavity).
• Grille: Paintable, magnetic.
• Cutout Dimensions: Refer to template included in box.
• Mounting Depth: Approximately 3.5 inches.
• Terminals: Gold-plated binding posts.

Controls and Settings

Speaker operation is controlled by your audio/video receiver or amplifier. No physical controls are on the speaker itself.

Receiver/Amplifier Settings: Volume, Balance, Tone Controls (Bass/Treble), Speaker Size, Distance/Delay, Crossover Frequency, Channel Level.

Tweeter Pivot: Adjust tweeter angle manually by gently rotating the tweeter assembly within its housing to aim sound towards listening position.

Polarity: Ensure positive (+) terminal on speaker connects to positive terminal on amplifier for correct phase.

Connecting Devices

Connect speakers to an audio source (stereo receiver, AV receiver, amplifier).

1. Turn off and unplug all equipment.
2. Run speaker wire from amplifier's speaker output terminals to speaker location.
3. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from wire ends.
4. Connect wires to speaker binding posts: Positive (+) to positive (typically red), Negative (-) to negative (typically black).
5. Secure connections by tightening binding post caps.
6. Repeat for each speaker in system.
7. Plug in and power on amplifier. Select audio source.

Tip: Use high-quality, appropriately gauged speaker wire for best performance. Keep wire runs as short as possible.

Operation & Performance

For optimal performance, use with a quality amplifier and source material.

1. Power Sequence: Always turn on amplifier/receiver last and turn it off first to prevent pops.
2. Volume: Start at low volume and increase gradually.
3. Source Material: Play high-quality audio files, CDs, or lossless streams for best results.
4. Room Placement: For stereo pair, place speakers at ear level when seated, spaced appropriately for soundstage.
5. Break-in Period: Sound may improve after several hours of play at moderate volume.
6. Aiming: Adjust tweeter pivot to direct high frequencies toward main listening area.

WARNING! Do not exceed the recommended power handling. Excessive volume can cause permanent damage to speakers and hearing.

Accessibility Features

As a passive loudspeaker, accessibility features are dependent on the connected audio receiver or source device (e.g., volume limiters, audio description tracks).

Care & Cleaning

Unplug amplifier before cleaning speakers.

Grille: Remove magnetic grille. Dust with soft brush or use low suction vacuum with soft brush attachment. If painted, clean with dry cloth only.

Speaker Frame: Wipe with dry, soft cloth. Do not allow moisture to enter driver openings.

Drivers (Woofer/Tweeter): Do not touch speaker cones or tweeter domes. Use compressed air to gently remove dust if necessary.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, solvents, or abrasive cleaners. Do not poke objects into grille or driver openings.

Regulatory Information

Complies with applicable safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards. This product is intended for indoor residential use only. Bose and the Bose medallion are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For issues related to sound, reset your audio receiver/amplifier to factory defaults according to its manual.

Service: For product service, contact Bose Customer Support. Do not attempt to repair speakers yourself.