Bose 201 IV Manual

The Bose 201 IV is a bookshelf speaker system designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction, featuring Direct/Reflecting speaker technology for a spacious soundstage, a 6.5-inch woofer for enhanced bass response, a 2.5-inch tweeter for clear highs, and a front-firing port for improved low-frequency extension. Below are key sections for overview, features, placement, connection, operation, specifications, care, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Placement Guidelines 3. Connecting to Your System 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Optimizing Sound Quality 7. Care & Maintenance 8. Regulatory Information 9. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct/Reflecting speaker cabinet, 6.5-inch woofer, 2.5-inch tweeter, front-firing port, speaker terminals.

Feature	Description
Direct/Reflecting Technology	Creates a wide, spacious soundstage by combining direct and reflected sound
6.5-inch Woofer	Provides enhanced bass response and midrange clarity
2.5-inch Tweeter	Delivers clear, detailed high frequencies
Front-Firing Port	Improves low-frequency extension and reduces port noise
Speaker Terminals	Accepts bare wire, spade lugs, or banana plugs (where permitted)
Magnetic Shielding	Allows safe placement near CRT televisions (if applicable)
Sturdy Cabinet	Designed to minimize resonance and distortion
Grille	Removable fabric grille for protection and aesthetics

Placement Guidelines

Proper placement is critical for optimal sound performance.

Bookshelf Placement: Place on a sturdy, level shelf. Ensure the front of the speaker is flush with or extends slightly beyond the shelf edge.
Stand Placement: For best results, use speaker stands. Position speakers at ear level when seated.
Room Positioning: Place speakers at least 6-12 inches from walls to allow proper bass response. Angle speakers slightly inward toward the listening position.
Stereo Pair: For stereo imaging, position speakers 6-10 feet apart, forming an equilateral triangle with the primary listening position.

WARNING! Ensure shelves or stands are stable and can support the speaker's weight. Do not place in enclosed cabinets.

Connecting to Your System

Connect speakers to your amplifier or receiver.

Power off your amplifier/receiver before making connections.
Strip about 1/2 inch (12 mm) of insulation from the speaker wire ends.
Connect wires to speaker terminals: Ensure positive (+) on amplifier connects to positive (+) on speaker (typically red terminal). Repeat for negative (-).
Secure connections tightly to prevent loose wires.
Connect the second speaker following the same polarity.
Route wires safely away from foot traffic and power cords to avoid interference.

CAUTION! Do not allow bare wire strands to touch each other or the opposite terminal, as this can cause a short circuit and damage your equipment.

Specifications

Type: 2-way bookshelf speaker system.
Woofer: 6.5 inches (165 mm).
Tweeter: 2.5 inches (64 mm).
Frequency Response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB).
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms.
Recommended Amplifier Power: 10 – 100 watts per channel.
Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL (1 watt, 1 meter).
Dimensions (H x W x D): Approximately 14.5" x 8.5" x 8.25" (368 x 216 x 210 mm).
Weight: Approximately 12 lbs (5.4 kg) each.
Finish: Black or White vinyl woodgrain (model dependent).

Controls and Operation

These are passive speakers with no onboard controls. All volume, tone, and source selection is performed on your connected amplifier or receiver.

Amplifier/Receiver Settings:

Volume: Adjust to comfortable listening levels. Start low and increase gradually.
Balance: Use to adjust relative volume between left and right speakers for centered imaging.
Tone Controls (Bass/Treble): Adjust to suit your room acoustics and personal preference.
Loudness: Engages a contour circuit to boost bass at low volumes.

Speaker Grille: The fabric grille is removable for cleaning. Sound character may change slightly with grille on or off.

Optimizing Sound Quality

Fine-tune placement and system settings for best performance.

Toe-In: Angle speakers inward toward the listening seat to improve stereo focus and high-frequency detail.
Distance from Walls: Moving speakers farther from rear walls can reduce bass boominess. Experiment with 6-inch increments.
Isolation: Use foam pads or specialized speaker isolation feet under the speakers to decouple them from shelves, reducing vibration transfer.
Break-In Period: Allow new speakers 10-20 hours of play at moderate volume for drivers to loosen and sound to stabilize.
Room Treatment: Adding rugs, curtains, or upholstered furniture can reduce unwanted reflections and improve clarity.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug amplifier before cleaning speakers.

Cabinet: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn marks, use a slightly damp cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Grille: Remove gently by pulling from the edges. Vacuum with a brush attachment or tap gently to remove dust. Do not wash unless specified.
Drivers: Do not touch the woofer or tweeter cones. Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust if necessary.

CAUTION! Keep speakers away from direct heat sources, excessive moisture, and direct sunlight. Do not place liquids on top of the speakers.

Regulatory Information

Complies with applicable safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards. This product may be protected by patents and/or design registrations. Bose and the Bose medallion symbol are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. For the latest information and support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from one or both speakers	Loose connections, incorrect input selected on amp, amp off	Check all wire connections are secure and correct. Ensure amplifier is on and correct input source is selected. Check speaker fuse in amplifier (if applicable).
Distorted sound at low volume	Overdriven amplifier, damaged speaker	Reduce amplifier volume. Check for torn woofer or tweeter. Ensure amplifier power rating is compatible.
Weak or thin bass	Incorrect placement, phase issue	Move speakers closer to wall/corner. Ensure both speakers are in phase (+ to +, - to -). Check amplifier bass settings.
Sound is muddy or unclear	Reflections from nearby surfaces, grille effect	Reposition speakers away from large, flat surfaces. Try listening with grille removed. Adjust amplifier tone controls.
Buzzing or humming	Ground loop, interference from other electronics	Ensure speaker wires are not running parallel to AC power cords. Try a different outlet for amplifier. Check all connections.

Service: Do not attempt to repair speakers yourself. For service, contact Bose Authorized Service or visit www.bose.com/support.