bose 321 surround sound manual

The Bose 321 Surround Sound System is a home theater solution featuring a media center, two cube satellite speakers, a hideaway Acoustimass module, and a universal remote control. It delivers immersive surround sound for movies, music, and TV. 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 Media 8. System Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Media Center, Two Cube Satellite Speakers, Hideaway Acoustimass Module, Universal Remote Control, Connection Cables.

Feature	Description
Media Center	Central unit with DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and input/output connections
Cube Satellite Speakers	Two small speakers for front left/right channels
Acoustimass Module	Hideaway bass module for low-frequency effects
Universal Remote	Controls Bose system and other AV components
Audio Inputs	For TV, cable box, gaming console, and other sources
Video Outputs	Component and composite video outputs
Dolby Digital Decoder	Provides 5.1 channel surround sound from DVDs
Bose Videostage	Creates surround sound from stereo sources
System Remote	Controls power, volume, input selection, and playback
Power Cord	For AC power connection

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place media center near TV and other components.

Connect speakers: Attach cube satellites to media center; place Acoustimass module out of sight.
Connect TV: Use component or composite video cables from media center to TV.
Connect audio sources: Connect cable box, gaming console, etc., to media center inputs.
Plug into AC power.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow on-screen prompts if available.

Set input source: Press INPUT on remote to select TV, DVD, AUX, etc.
Configure remote: Program universal remote to control TV and other devices.
Adjust audio settings: Use remote to set surround mode, bass, treble.
Test speakers: Use built-in test tone to verify all speakers are working.

CAUTION! Keep speakers away from heat sources and moisture.

Specifications

System Type: 3.1 Channel Home Theater (Two cubes + bass module).
Audio Decoding: Dolby Digital, DTS (via media center).
Inputs: Composite video, stereo audio, coaxial digital audio.
Outputs: Component video, composite video, speaker terminals.
Media Playback: DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3 CD.
Tuner: AM/FM with presets.
Remote: Universal learning remote.
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Operating Temp: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C).

Controls and Settings

Access menu via remote. Media Center Front: POWER, EJECT, VOLUME, INPUT SELECT.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, INPUT, VOLUME, MUTE, MENU, NAVIGATION arrows, PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, SKIP.

Audio Settings: Surround Mode (Auto, Movie, Music), Bass, Treble, Center Channel Level. Video Settings: TV Type (4:3, 16:9), Output Resolution. System Setup: Remote Programming, Speaker Setup, Factory Reset.

Connecting Devices

TV: Component or composite video. Audio Sources: Cable box, gaming console, Blu-ray player via audio inputs.

Turn off all devices before connecting.
Match cables to correct ports on media center.
Select input on media center using INPUT button.

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best audio/video performance.

Playing Media

Supports DVD-Video, audio CDs, MP3 CDs.

Insert disc: Press EJECT, load DVD or CD.
Play: Press PLAY; use SKIP for chapters/tracks.
Stop: Press STOP; eject with EJECT.
Pause: Press PAUSE to pause playback.
Random/Repeat: Access via MENU during playback.
Surround Modes: Select Movie, Music, or Auto via remote.
Volume Control: Use VOLUME buttons or remote.
Mute: Press MUTE to silence audio temporarily.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs; keep discs clean.

System Features

Surround Sound: Bose Videostage technology creates surround from stereo. Remote Programming: Learn codes for TV, cable box, etc. Speaker Setup: Adjust levels for optimal sound.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Wipe media center and speakers with dry cloth; no liquids.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners; avoid spraying near vents.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from speakers	Connections/power	Check speaker wires; ensure media center is on; adjust volume.
Remote not working	Batteries/obstructions	Replace batteries; point at media center IR sensor; remove obstacles.
No picture on TV	Video connections/input	Check video cables; select correct input on TV and media center.
Disc not playing	Disc format/damage	Ensure disc is compatible; clean disc; eject and reload.
Poor surround sound	Speaker placement/settings	Reposition speakers; adjust surround mode in settings.

Reset: Menu > System > Factory Reset if needed (note: erases settings).

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