Bose 301 MusicMonitor 2 Manual

The Bose 301 MusicMonitor 2 is a compact, high-performance bookshelf speaker system designed for accurate stereo reproduction. It features Bose's proprietary Direct/Reflecting® speaker technology, a 6.5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter, front-firing bass port, magnetic shielding, and a frequency response of 55Hz - 20kHz. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Connections 6. Connecting to Audio Sources 7. Optimizing Sound Performance 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Left and Right speakers, speaker wire, user manual. The system utilizes Bose's Direct/Reflecting® technology for a spacious soundstage.

Feature	Description
Direct/Reflecting® Technology	Combines direct and reflected sound for realistic stereo imaging
6.5-inch Woofer	Delivers deep, accurate bass response
1-inch Tweeter	Provides clear, detailed high frequencies
Front-Firing Bass Port	Enhances low-frequency output; allows flexible placement
Magnetic Shielding	Prevents interference when placed near video displays
Speaker Terminals	5-way binding posts accept bare wire, banana plugs, or spade connectors
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Recommended Amplifier Power	10-150 watts per channel

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose a stable, level surface for placement.

Position speakers: Place left and right speakers at ear level, angled slightly inward toward the listening position. Ensure at least 2 inches of clearance from rear wall for optimal bass.
Connect speaker wire: Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire end. Connect positive (+) terminal on amplifier to positive (+) terminal on speaker (red). Repeat for negative (-) terminals (black). Ensure connections are secure and not touching.
Placement options: Can be placed on shelves, stands, or wall-mounted using optional brackets (sold separately).

WARNING! Speakers are heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure all connections are secure before powering on amplifier.

First-Time Setup

After installation, power on your audio system and test speakers.

Check connections: Verify all wire connections are correct and tight.
Power sequence: Turn amplifier volume to minimum, then power on amplifier.
Test sound: Play audio source at low volume; ensure sound comes from both speakers clearly.
Fine-tune placement: Adjust speaker angle and distance from walls to achieve desired soundstage.

CAUTION! Do not connect speakers to amplifier outputs exceeding 150 watts per channel. Always turn amplifier off when making connections.

Specifications

Speaker Type: 2-way bass reflex bookshelf speaker.
Woofer: 6.5-inch (165mm).
Tweeter: 1-inch (25mm).
Frequency Response: 55Hz - 20kHz (±3dB).
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms.
Recommended Amplifier Power: 10-150 watts per channel.
Sensitivity: 90dB SPL at 1 meter with 1 watt input.
Dimensions (H x W x D): Approximately 14.5" x 8.5" x 8.5" (368mm x 216mm x 216mm).
Weight: Approximately 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each.
Finish: Black vinyl woodgrain.

Controls and Connections

Speakers have no onboard controls; all volume, tone, and source selection is managed by your amplifier or receiver.

Speaker Terminals: 5-way binding posts (red = positive, black = negative). Accepts bare wire (up to 12 AWG), banana plugs, or spade connectors.

Amplifier/Receiver: Use speaker outputs labeled for Front Left and Front Right. Ensure amplifier power matches speaker recommendations.

Connecting to Audio Sources

Connect speakers to an amplifier, receiver, or powered source.

Turn off and unplug amplifier before connecting.
Identify amplifier's speaker outputs (Front L/R).
Connect left speaker to amplifier's left channel, right speaker to right channel, observing polarity.
Connect audio sources (CD player, turntable, streamer) to amplifier inputs.
Power on amplifier and test.

Tip: Use high-quality speaker wire (16-12 AWG) for best performance. Keep wire runs as short as possible.

Optimizing Sound Performance

Maximize performance through proper placement and room acoustics.

Listening triangle: Position speakers and listening seat to form an equilateral triangle.
Angling: Angle speakers inward so they point just behind the listening position.
Distance from walls: Experiment with distance from rear and side walls to balance bass response and imaging.
Room treatment: Use rugs, curtains, and furniture to reduce unwanted reflections.
Break-in period: Allow up to 20 hours of play at moderate volume for drivers to reach optimal performance.

WARNING! Do not place speakers in enclosed cabinets or directly against walls without ventilation. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or moisture.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug amplifier before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth to wipe speaker cabinets. For stubborn marks, use mild soap and water on cloth; do not apply directly to speaker.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents, abrasives, or sprays. Keep liquids away from drivers and terminals. Do not attempt to disassemble speakers.

Regulatory Information

Complies with applicable safety and EMC regulations. This product may be protected by one or more patents. 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/both speakers	Loose connections, incorrect polarity, amplifier off	Check all wire connections; ensure amplifier is on and volume up; verify source is playing.
Distorted sound	Overdriven amplifier, damaged wire, clipping	Reduce volume on amplifier; check for damaged speaker wire; ensure amplifier power is within recommended range.
Intermittent sound	Loose wire connection, faulty amplifier output	Secure all connections; test with another known-working speaker to isolate issue.
Weak bass	Incorrect placement, phase issue	Move speakers closer to wall/corner; check that both speakers are in phase (+ to +, - to -).
Hum or buzz	Ground loop, interference from other electronics	Ensure all audio components are plugged into same power strip; move speakers away from power transformers or monitors.

Service: Do not attempt to repair speakers yourself. For service, contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673 or visit www.bose.com.