Bose 321 GS Series 3 Manual

The Bose 321 GS Series 3 is a premium home entertainment system featuring a 2.1-channel speaker configuration with Acoustimass module technology, a media center with integrated DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and compatibility with various audio/video sources. It includes a universal remote control, on-screen display menu system, and is designed for easy setup and operation. Below are key sections for overview, setup, operation, features, and troubleshooting.

1. System Overview 2. Package Contents 3. Initial Setup & Connection 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Remote Functions 6. Connecting External Devices 7. Playing Media 8. Audio Settings & Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory & Support 11. Troubleshooting

System Overview

Key components: Media Center (DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner), Two Direct/Reflecting cube speakers, Acoustimass bass module, Universal Remote Control, and necessary cables.

Component	Description
Media Center	Main control unit with DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and input/output ports
Cube Speakers (2)	Direct/Reflecting speaker technology for wide sound dispersion
Acoustimass Module	Handles low-frequency sounds; connects to media center
Universal Remote	Controls system, TV, and other connected devices
AC Power Adapter	Powers the media center and bass module
Audio/Video Cables	For connecting to TV and other sources
POWER	Turns system on/off (standby)
OPEN/CLOSE	Ejects disc from media center
VOLUME	Adjusts master volume level
INPUT SELECT	Cycles through available audio/video sources

Package Contents

Unpack and verify all items are present before setup.

Media Center (main unit)
Two Cube Speakers
Acoustimass Bass Module
Universal Remote Control (with batteries)
AC Power Adapter
Speaker Connection Cables
Audio/Video Cables (RCA composite)
AM Loop Antenna & FM Wire Antenna
Quick Start Guide & Safety Information

NOTE: Contact Bose support if any item is missing or damaged.

Initial Setup & Connection

Follow these steps for initial installation and power-on.

Place Components: Position media center near TV. Place cube speakers at ear level, 6-15 feet apart. Place bass module along a wall or in a corner.
Connect Speakers: Use provided cables to connect cube speakers and bass module to media center terminals (color-coded).
Connect to TV: Use RCA composite cables (video yellow, audio red/white) from media center VIDEO OUT to TV VIDEO IN.
Connect Power: Plug AC adapter into media center, then into wall outlet.
Antenna Connection: Attach AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna to corresponding terminals on media center.
Power On: Press POWER on media center or remote.

CAUTION: Ensure all connections are secure before powering on. Do not place bass module inside enclosed cabinet.

Specifications

Audio System: 2.1-channel with Acoustimass technology.
Media Playback: DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3 CD.
Tuner: AM/FM with 30 station presets.
Inputs: Auxiliary audio input (3.5mm), Composite video input.
Outputs: Composite video output, Speaker terminals.
Remote Control: Universal learning remote (pre-programmed for major brands).
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz (via included adapter).
Dimensions (Media Center): Approx. 14.5" W x 3.1" H x 10.5" D.

Controls & Remote Functions

Primary controls are on the media center front panel and universal remote.

Media Center Front Panel: POWER, OPEN/CLOSE, PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, SKIP (PREV/NEXT), VOLUME, INPUT SELECT.

Remote Control: POWER, Numeric keypad, MENU, NAVIGATION arrows, SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, INPUT, DVD transport controls (PLAY, STOP, etc.), TV control section (power, volume, input).

On-Screen Menu: Accessed via MENU button. Navigate using arrow keys and SELECT. Options include Source Select, Audio Settings (Bass, Treble, Balance), Tuner Setup, System Setup (Language, Display), and Remote Programming.

Connecting External Devices

Connect additional audio/video sources to expand functionality.

Auxiliary Audio Device (e.g., MP3 player): Use 3.5mm to RCA cable from device headphone jack to media center AUX IN (red/white). Select "AUX" input.
Additional Video Source (e.g., cable box): Connect cable box VIDEO OUT (composite) to media center VIDEO IN. Select "VIDEO" input.
TV Audio Return (if TV has audio output): Connect TV audio output to media center AUX IN to play TV sound through Bose speakers.

Tip: Power off all devices before making connections. Use INPUT button on remote to cycle between sources (DVD, TUNER, AUX, VIDEO).

Playing Media

Supports DVD-Video, audio CDs, and MP3 CDs.

Insert Disc: Press OPEN/CLOSE, place disc label-side up in tray, press OPEN/CLOSE again to close.
Play Disc: Press PLAY. Use SKIP buttons for next/previous chapter or track.
Menu Navigation: Press MENU to access DVD title menu. Use arrow keys and SELECT.
Pause/Stop: Press PAUSE to pause; press STOP once to stop (resume later) or twice to clear memory.
Random/Repeat: Press P.MODE (Play Mode) during CD/MP3 playback to cycle through Repeat One, Repeat All, Shuffle.
Fast Search: Press and hold SKIP forward or backward during playback.
Tuner Operation: Press INPUT to select TUNER. Use TUNER +/- to seek stations. Press and hold a number (1-6) to store a preset.

WARNING: Do not move media center during disc playback. Use only standard-sized discs.

Audio Settings & Features

Access audio settings via on-screen menu (MENU > Audio Settings).

Bass/Treble: Adjust low and high-frequency response.
Balance: Adjust sound balance between left and right speakers.
Loudness: Automatically boosts bass at low volume levels (On/Off).
Audio DRC (Dynamic Range Control): Compresses audio dynamic range for nighttime viewing (DVD only).
Digital Output Format: If using digital connection (not standard), set to PCM or Bitstream.
Tuner Presets: Store up to 30 AM/FM stations.

Acoustimass Technology: Delivers full, spatial sound from small speakers and a hidden bass module.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug system from power before cleaning.

Cabinet: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn marks, dampen cloth slightly with water. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Speaker Grilles: Use a soft brush or vacuum with brush attachment gently.
Discs: Handle by edges. Clean with soft, lint-free cloth from center outward.
Ventilation: Ensure media center and bass module vents are not blocked.

CAUTION: Never allow liquid to enter any openings. Do not place heavy objects on components.

Regulatory & Support

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to interference that may cause undesired operation. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and Acoustimass are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation.

For technical support, product information, or service:
Visit: www.bose.com/support
Call: 1-800-999-2673 (USA)
Refer to model number: 321 GS Series 3

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power adapter not connected	Check AC adapter connections at wall and media center. Ensure outlet is live.
No sound from speakers	Incorrect input selected; volume low/muted; loose speaker wires	Select correct input (DVD, TUNER, etc.). Check volume level and MUTE. Verify speaker wire connections are secure and correct polarity (+/-).
Remote not working	Batteries dead; obstructed path; incorrect mode	Replace batteries. Point remote at media center IR sensor (front). Ensure remote is in correct device mode (e.g., "BOSE" for system control).
Disc will not play	Disc dirty/damaged; incompatible format; inserted incorrectly	Clean disc. Ensure disc is DVD-Video, CD-DA, or MP3 CD. Insert label-side up.
Poor radio reception	Antenna not connected/positioned	Ensure AM loop and FM wire antennas are connected fully. Reposition antennas for better signal.
No picture on TV	Incorrect TV input; loose video cable	Set TV to correct video input (e.g., VIDEO 1). Ensure yellow video cable is secure at both TV and media center.

System Reset: If system behaves unexpectedly, unplug AC adapter from wall for 60 seconds, then reconnect.

Service: Do not open media center or speakers. Refer servicing to qualified Bose service personnel.