Bose 141 Manual

The Bose 141 is a compact bookshelf speaker system designed for high-quality stereo sound reproduction. Featuring a 4.5-inch woofer and 0.75-inch tweeter, these speakers deliver balanced audio with clear highs and defined bass. Below are key sections for setup, features, operation, care, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 4.5-inch woofer, 0.75-inch tweeter, magnetic shielding, gold-plated binding posts, ported enclosure design.

Feature	Description
Woofer	4.5-inch high-excursion driver for mid-range and bass
Tweeter	0.75-inch ferrofluid-cooled tweeter for clear highs
Magnetic Shielding	Prevents interference with nearby video displays
Binding Posts	Gold-plated for secure wire connections
Enclosure	Ported design for enhanced bass response
Frequency Response	65Hz - 20kHz (±3dB)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Power Handling	10-75 watts per channel
Sensitivity	88dB SPL at 1 meter with 1 watt input
Dimensions	9.5" H × 6.5" W × 7.5" D (24.1 × 16.5 × 19.1 cm)

Installation & Placement

Unpack and inspect contents. Place speakers on stable surfaces.

1. Choose location: Place speakers at ear level when seated, ideally on stands or shelves.
2. Maintain distance: Position speakers 6-10 feet apart for optimal stereo imaging.
3. Angle speakers: Point tweeters toward listening position for best sound.
4. Keep clear: Allow at least 2 inches of space around port for proper airflow.

WARNING! Do not place speakers near heat sources or in direct sunlight. Ensure surfaces are stable to prevent tipping.

First-Time Setup

Connect speakers to audio receiver or amplifier.

1. Identify terminals: Locate red (+) and black (-) binding posts on each speaker.
2. Prepare speaker wire: Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from wire ends.
3. Connect wires: Insert bare wire into binding posts, ensuring positive/negative match on both amplifier and speakers.
4. Secure connections: Tighten binding post caps to hold wires firmly.
5. Power on: Turn on amplifier and test speakers at low volume.

CAUTION! Ensure amplifier is turned off during connection to prevent damage.

Specifications

• Driver Complement: 4.5" woofer, 0.75" tweeter.
• Frequency Response: 65Hz - 20kHz (±3dB).
• Impedance: 8 ohms nominal.
• Power Handling: 10-75 watts per channel.
• Sensitivity: 88dB SPL at 1 meter with 1 watt input.
• Enclosure Type: Ported bass reflex design.
• Magnetic Shielding: Yes, for placement near video displays.
• Terminals: Gold-plated binding posts.
• Dimensions: 9.5" H × 6.5" W × 7.5" D (24.1 × 16.5 × 19.1 cm).
• Weight: 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) each.

Controls and Connections

Speakers have no onboard controls; all adjustments are made through connected amplifier/receiver.

Binding Posts: Red (+) and black (-) terminals accept bare wire, spade lugs, or banana plugs (where permitted).

Amplifier Controls: Volume, balance, tone controls (bass/treble), input selection on connected receiver.

Placement Adjustments: Use speaker stands or isolation pads to optimize positioning and reduce vibration.

Connecting to Audio Sources

Connect speakers to stereo receiver, amplifier, or home theater system.

1. Turn off all equipment before making connections.
2. Connect left speaker to amplifier's left channel outputs (typically white or L).
3. Connect right speaker to amplifier's right channel outputs (typically red or R).
4. Ensure polarity is maintained (+ to +, - to -) for proper phase alignment.
5. For home theater: Use as front left/right channels in 2.0 or larger configurations.

Tip: Use high-quality speaker wire (16-14 gauge recommended) for best performance.

Optimal Listening Setup

For best sound quality, follow these guidelines:

1. Positioning: Place speakers at ear level, forming an equilateral triangle with listening position.
2. Distance from walls: Keep speakers 1-2 feet from rear wall for balanced bass response.
3. Toe-in: Angle speakers slightly inward (15-30 degrees) toward listening area.
4. Isolation: Use foam pads or stands to decouple speakers from surfaces, reducing vibration.
5. Break-in: Allow 20-30 hours of play at moderate volume for drivers to reach optimal performance.

WARNING! Do not exceed amplifier's power rating to prevent speaker damage.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug amplifier before cleaning speakers. Use dry, soft cloth only; no liquids or chemicals.

1. Dust regularly with microfiber cloth.
2. For grille cleaning: Remove gently, vacuum with brush attachment, replace carefully.
3. Avoid moisture: Keep speakers away from humid areas and liquids.
4. Protect drivers: Do not touch or push on woofer or tweeter diaphragms.

CAUTION! Never use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or water on speaker surfaces.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: Class B digital 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 support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from one speaker	Loose connection	Check wire connections at both speaker and amplifier; ensure secure contact.
Distorted sound	Overdriven amplifier	Reduce volume on amplifier; check amplifier power rating matches speakers.
Weak bass response	Placement near walls	Move speakers further from walls; adjust positioning for room acoustics.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop or interference	Ensure proper grounding of audio equipment; separate speaker wires from power cables.
One speaker quieter	Balance control or phase issue	Check amplifier balance setting; verify speaker polarity (+/-) is correct.

Reset: Check all connections and amplifier settings.

Service: 1-800-999-2673; www.bose.com