Bose 321 Series I Manual

The Bose 321 Series I is a premium home theater system featuring a DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and integrated media center with Bose proprietary speaker technology. It includes a hideaway Acoustimass module, two cube satellite speakers, a media console with built-in amplification, universal remote control, and support for Dolby Digital and DTS decoding. 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 Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Playing DVD/CD Media 8. Audio Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Media Console, Hideaway Acoustimass Module, Two Cube Satellite Speakers, Universal Remote Control, Antenna inputs, Audio/Video inputs and outputs.

FeatureDescription
Media ConsoleIntegrated DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and amplification
Acoustimass ModuleHideaway bass module for low-frequency effects
Cube Satellite SpeakersTwo small speakers for left/right channels
Universal RemoteControls system and compatible TV/Cable devices
Audio InputsRCA and optical digital inputs for external sources
Video OutputsComposite and S-Video outputs to TV
POWERTurns system on/off
VOLUMEAdjusts master volume level
INPUT SELECTChooses source (DVD, FM, AM, AUX)
OPEN/CLOSEEjects disc from DVD player

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place media console near TV.

  1. Connect speakers: Attach cube satellites to media console; place Acoustimass module out of sight.
  2. Connect to TV: Use composite or S-Video cable from media console to TV video input.
  3. Connect antenna: Attach AM loop and FM wire antennas to rear terminals.
  4. Connect power: Plug media console and Acoustimass module into AC outlets.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around media console; do not block vents.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow on-screen prompts if connected to TV.

  1. Set language: In SETUP menu, select preferred language (default ENGLISH).
  2. Tune radio: Use auto-tune to scan and store AM/FM stations.
  3. Adjust audio: Use TEST TONE feature to balance speaker levels.
  4. Program remote: Follow codes in manual to control TV and cable box.

CAUTION! Handle cube speakers with care; avoid placing near heat sources.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menu via remote SETUP button. Front Panel: POWER, OPEN/CLOSE, VOLUME, INPUT SELECT.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, OPEN/CLOSE, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, MENU, SETUP, NAVIGATION arrows.

Audio: Bass, Treble, Balance, Dialogue enhancement. Video: TV Type (4:3, 16:9), Screen Saver. Tuner: Auto-scan, Manual tune, Presets. System: Language, Remote codes, Factory reset. DVD: Parental controls (default password 0000), Audio track, Subtitle.

Connecting Devices

External audio: AUX input for CD player, etc. Digital audio: Optical input for surround sound sources.

  1. Turn off system and external device before connecting.
  2. Use appropriate cables (RCA for analog, optical for digital).
  3. Select input via INPUT SELECT (DVD, FM, AM, AUX).

Tip: For best audio quality, use optical digital connection when available.

Playing DVD/CD Media

Supports DVD-Video, audio CDs, MP3 CDs.

  1. Insert disc: Press OPEN/CLOSE, load disc label-side up.
  2. Play: Press PLAY; use numeric buttons for direct track access.
  3. Stop: Press STOP; system remembers stop point for resume.
  4. Skip: PREV/NEXT for tracks/chapters.
  5. Repeat: REPEAT button for track/disc repeat modes.
  6. Audio options: AUDIO button to select language/track.
  7. Subtitle: SUBTITLE button to enable/select.
  8. MP3 CD: Navigate folders using navigation arrows.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular-shaped discs.

Audio Features

Dialogue Enhancement: Adjusts vocal clarity in movies. ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration: Optional system for room optimization (sold separately). Night Mode: Compresses dynamic range for late-night viewing.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug system before cleaning. Wipe media console with dry, soft cloth. Clean disc lens with approved CD/DVD lens cleaner only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners on speakers or console.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from speakersConnections/volumeCheck speaker wire connections; ensure volume not muted or too low.
Remote not workingBatteries/obstructionsReplace batteries; ensure clear path to media console IR sensor.
Disc not playingDisc format/damageEnsure disc is compatible format (DVD, CD); check for scratches.
No picture on TVVideo connection/inputVerify video cable connection; ensure TV is on correct input source.
Poor radio receptionAntenna placementReposition AM loop and FM wire antennas; keep away from metal objects.

Reset: Unplug system for 1 minute, then reconnect power.

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

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