Bose 301 Series 5 Manual

The Bose 301 Series V Direct/Reflecting® speakers are designed to deliver spacious stereo sound for music and home theater. They feature a unique Direct/Reflecting design, dual angled drivers, and a ported enclosure for enhanced bass response. This manual covers setup, placement, connection, operation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Below are key sections for features, installation, setup, specifications, controls, connection, operation, care, regulatory information, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct/Reflecting speaker design, dual angled drivers (one 8-inch woofer, one 3-inch tweeter), ported enclosure, five-way binding posts, and grille.

FeatureDescription
Direct/Reflecting DesignCombines direct and reflected sound for spacious stereo imaging
Dual Angled DriversWoofer and tweeter angled to optimize sound dispersion
Ported EnclosureEnhances bass response and efficiency
Five-Way Binding PostsAccepts banana plugs, spade lugs, or bare wire up to 12-gauge
Magnetic GrilleRemovable for cleaning or aesthetic preference
Recommended Amplifier Power10-150 watts per channel
Impedance8 ohms nominal
Frequency Response48Hz - 20kHz (±3dB)
Sensitivity90dB SPL at 1 meter with 1 watt input
Dimensions (H x W x D)15.5" x 10.5" x 9.5" (394 x 267 x 241 mm)

Installation & Placement

Unpack and inspect contents. Place speakers on stable surfaces or mount securely.

  1. Choose location: Place speakers at ear level when seated, angled toward listening area.
  2. Maintain distance: Keep speakers at least 6-12 inches from walls for optimal bass.
  3. Use stands or shelves: Ensure stability to prevent tipping or vibration.
  4. Angle speakers: Point tweeters toward listening position for best stereo imaging.

WARNING! Speakers are heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure placement is secure and away from heat sources or moisture.

First-Time Setup

Connect speakers to amplifier/receiver; follow steps for optimal sound.

  1. Identify left/right speakers: Mark or note for proper stereo placement.
  2. Connect speaker wire: Use five-way binding posts; ensure polarity (red to +, black to -).
  3. Connect to amplifier: Match left/right channels to amplifier outputs.
  4. Test sound: Play audio at low volume to verify connection and balance.

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

Specifications

Controls and Connections

Speakers have no active controls; all adjustments via amplifier/receiver. Connections via five-way binding posts on rear.

Binding Posts: Accept banana plugs (U.S. style), spade lugs, or bare wire (12- to 18-gauge). Red for positive (+), black for negative (-).

Amplifier Settings: Adjust volume, balance, tone (bass/treble), and input source on amplifier/receiver. Placement: Angle speakers inward 30-45 degrees for optimal stereo imaging.

Connecting to Audio Systems

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

  1. Turn off amplifier and unplug from power before connecting.
  2. Strip speaker wire: 1/2 inch (12 mm) of insulation; twist strands tightly.
  3. Connect to binding posts: Loosen knobs, insert wire, tighten securely.
  4. Connect to amplifier: Match left/right channels to amplifier outputs.
  5. Secure wires: Route away from foot traffic to prevent tripping or damage.

Tip: Use high-quality speaker wire (16-gauge or thicker) for best performance over distances greater than 20 feet.

Operation & Listening

Optimize sound for music, movies, or multi-channel audio.

  1. Power on amplifier: Set volume to minimum before playing audio.
  2. Select source: Choose CD, tuner, or auxiliary input on amplifier.
  3. Adjust volume: Increase gradually to desired listening level.
  4. Adjust tone: Use bass/treble controls on amplifier to suit preference.
  5. For home theater: Use as front left/right speakers in 5.1 or 7.1 setup.
  6. Experiment with placement: Small adjustments can improve stereo imaging.
  7. Break-in period: Allow 10-20 hours of play at moderate volume for optimal performance.

WARNING! Do not exceed amplifier power rating (150 watts RMS) to avoid speaker damage. Avoid clipping distortion from underpowered amplifiers.

Care & Maintenance

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

Grille Care: Remove magnetic grille by pulling gently from bottom; clean with soft brush or vacuum with brush attachment.

Enclosure: Wipe with dry cloth; for stubborn stains, dampen cloth slightly with water only.

CAUTION! Do not spray liquids; keep away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight to prevent damage.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Bose Corporation; trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from one speakerLoose connection or wireCheck binding posts and amplifier connections; ensure wire is secure.
Distorted soundOverdriven amplifier or clippingReduce volume; ensure amplifier power rating matches speakers.
Weak bassPlacement too close to wall or cornerMove speaker 6-12 inches from wall; adjust angle.
Uneven stereo imagingIncorrect speaker placement or angleReposition speakers symmetrically; angle toward listening position.
Hum or buzzGround loop or interferenceCheck all connections; ensure amplifier and sources are properly grounded.

Reset: Ensure amplifier settings are neutral (tone controls flat) if sound quality issues persist.

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

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