bose 301 series 1 manual

The Bose 301 Series I is a bookshelf loudspeaker system renowned for its Direct/Reflecting® speaker technology, delivering a spacious stereo image. It features a 10-inch acoustic mass woofer and two 3-inch direct-radiating tweeters, with a frequency response of 45Hz to 20kHz (±3dB) and an impedance of 4-8 ohms. Rated for up to 75 watts of power handling, it is designed for stereo music reproduction in medium-sized rooms. Below are key sections for overview, placement, connection, operation, specifications, care, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Placement Guidelines 3. Connection & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Operation 6. Listening Tips 7. Care & Maintenance 8. Regulatory Information 9. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct/Reflecting® speaker design, 10-inch acoustic mass woofer, dual 3-inch tweeters, vinyl-clad wood cabinet, removable grille.

Feature	Description
Direct/Reflecting® Technology	Combines direct and reflected sound for spacious stereo imaging
10-inch Acoustic Mass Woofer	Provides deep, accurate bass response
Dual 3-inch Tweeters	One direct-radiating, one reflecting for balanced high frequencies
Impedance	4-8 ohms, compatible with most stereo receivers
Power Handling	Up to 75 watts RMS
Frequency Response	45Hz to 20kHz (±3dB)
Cabinet	Vinyl-clad wood enclosure with removable acoustic grille
Input Terminals	Spring-clip connectors for speaker wire
Dimensions	Approx. 24" H x 14" W x 11" D
Weight	Approx. 28 lbs per speaker

Placement Guidelines

Proper placement is critical for optimal Direct/Reflecting® performance.

Room Position: Place speakers along the longer wall of a rectangular room.
Distance from Walls: Keep at least 6-12 inches from rear and side walls.
Listening Position: Position speakers so they form an equilateral triangle with the primary listening seat.
Angling: Angle (toe-in) speakers slightly inward toward the listening area.
Height: Place on sturdy stands or shelves at ear level when seated.

WARNING! Ensure placement is stable to prevent tipping. Do not place in corners if excessive bass occurs.

Connection & Setup

Connect speakers to a stereo receiver or amplifier.

Power Off: Turn off and unplug all audio components.
Speaker Wire: Use 16- or 18-gauge stranded speaker wire. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation.
Polarity: Connect positive (+) terminal on amplifier to red (+) terminal on speaker. Connect negative (–) to black (–).
Spring Clip: Press clip, insert bare wire, release to secure.
Secure Wires: Ensure no stray strands touch opposite terminals.
Power On: Turn on amplifier at low volume to test.

CAUTION! Never short-circuit terminals. Match impedance with amplifier specifications.

Specifications

System Type: 2-way, 3-driver Direct/Reflecting® bookshelf loudspeaker.
Woofer: 10-inch acoustic mass.
Tweeters: Two 3-inch direct-radiating.
Frequency Response: 45Hz – 20kHz (±3dB).
Nominal Impedance: 4-8 ohms.
Power Handling: 75 watts RMS (150 watts peak).
Sensitivity: 90dB SPL at 1 watt/1 meter.
Crossover Frequency: Not specified publicly.
Dimensions (H x W x D): Approx. 24" x 14" x 11".
Weight: Approx. 28 lbs each.
Finish: Walnut vinyl wood grain.

Controls & Operation

No electronic controls on speaker. Performance is adjusted via placement and amplifier settings.

Amplifier/Receiver Controls: Volume, Balance, Tone (Bass/Treble), Loudness.

Grille Removal: Gently pull grille from corners for cleaning or inspection. Do not touch driver cones.

Break-in Period: Speakers may require up to 20 hours of play at moderate volume for optimal performance.

Listening Tips

For best results with Direct/Reflecting® technology:

Experiment with toe-in angle to balance direct and reflected sound.
Avoid placing speakers in corners or too close to walls if bass is boomy.
Use speaker stands for decoupling and proper height alignment.
Play a variety of music genres to appreciate full frequency range.

Tip: Room acoustics (carpets, curtains, furniture) significantly affect sound. Adjust placement accordingly.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug amplifier before cleaning speakers.

Cabinet: Wipe with dry, soft cloth. For stains, use damp cloth with mild detergent; dry immediately.
Grille: Remove and vacuum gently or use soft brush. Do not wash.
Drivers: Do not touch cones or tweeters. Use compressed air to remove dust if necessary.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents, abrasives, or excessive moisture. Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Regulatory Information

Complies with applicable FCC regulations for home audio equipment. Bose and Direct/Reflecting are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. This product is designed for indoor use in moderate climates. For technical support or service, contact Bose Corporation or authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from one speaker	Loose or incorrect wiring	Check connections at amplifier and speaker. Ensure polarity is correct.
Distorted sound	Overdriven amplifier or damaged voice coil	Reduce volume. Inspect driver for physical damage.
Weak bass	Improper placement or phase cancellation	Reposition speaker away from walls. Check wiring polarity.
Uneven stereo image	Incorrect balance or placement	Adjust amplifier balance control. Re-evaluate speaker placement and angling.
Rattling or buzzing	Loose grille or internal component	Secure grille. If internal, contact authorized service.

Service: For persistent issues, contact Bose Customer Service or an authorized Bose dealer. Do not attempt internal repairs.