Bose 5.1 Speaker Manual

The Bose 5.1 Speaker System is a premium home theater audio solution delivering immersive surround sound. It features five satellite speakers and one Acoustimass® bass module, delivering clear dialogue, detailed effects, and powerful low-frequency performance. The system supports various audio inputs, includes a universal remote, and offers easy setup with ADAPTiQ® audio calibration technology. 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. Audio Calibration 8. Remote Control 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Five satellite speakers, Acoustimass® bass module, Media center, Universal remote control, ADAPTiQ® headset, Speaker cables, Power cords.

FeatureDescription
Satellite SpeakersFive compact speakers for front, center, and rear channels
Acoustimass® ModulePowerful bass module for low-frequency effects
Media CenterCentral control unit with audio inputs and processing
Universal RemoteControls system, TV, and other devices
ADAPTiQ® TechnologyAutomatically calibrates audio to your room
Audio InputsHDMI, Optical, Analog, Coaxial digital
PowerAuto-on/standby with signal detection
Wall MountableSatellites include brackets for wall mounting
Sound ModesMovie, Music, Dialogue enhancement
Volume ControlMaster volume and individual channel adjustment

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose optimal speaker placement.

  1. Position speakers: Front L/R beside TV, center below/above TV, rear L/R behind seating.
  2. Place bass module: Corner or along wall for optimal bass response.
  3. Connect speakers: Run cables from media center to each speaker.
  4. Connect media center: Connect to power and audio sources (TV, Blu-ray, etc.).
  5. Connect power: Plug media center and bass module into AC outlets.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation for media center and bass module. Do not block vents.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow on-screen prompts if connected via HDMI.

  1. Initial power: Press POWER on media center or remote.
  2. ADAPTiQ® calibration: Put on ADAPTiQ headset, press CALIBRATE, follow tones.
  3. Input setup: Assign names to inputs (BD, CABLE, GAME) in setup menu.
  4. Remote setup: Program remote to control TV and other devices.
  5. Test audio: Play content from each source to verify connections.

CAUTION! During calibration, ensure room is quiet for accurate results.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menu via remote or buttons on media center. Front Panel: POWER, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME, MENU.

Remote: POWER, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, MENU, NAVIGATION arrows, ENTER, SOUND MODE, TEST TONE.

Audio Settings: Bass, Treble, Center channel level, Surround level, Dialogue enhancement. System Settings: Input setup, Remote control setup, ADAPTiQ recalibration, Auto-standby, Firmware update. Sound Modes: Movie (full surround), Music (stereo enhanced), Night (compressed dynamic range).

Connecting Devices

HDMI: Recommended for best quality (supports 4K, HDR, ARC). Optical/Coaxial: For TVs or devices without HDMI. Analog: For older devices.

  1. Turn off all devices before connecting.
  2. Use HDMI cables for Blu-ray players, game consoles, streaming devices.
  3. Connect TV to media center via HDMI (ARC) for single remote control.
  4. Select input on media center or remote (BD, TV, AUX, etc.).

Tip: Label cables for easy identification during setup.

Audio Calibration

ADAPTiQ® system optimizes sound for your room.

  1. Place ADAPTiQ headset on your head in primary listening position.
  2. Press CALIBRATE on remote or media center.
  3. Remain quiet while system plays test tones through each speaker.
  4. Move to other listening positions if prompted.
  5. System saves calibration settings automatically.
  6. Recalibrate if you move speakers or furniture.

WARNING! Do not move during calibration. Remove hearing aids if worn.

Remote Control

Universal remote controls system, TV, and other devices.

  1. Initial setup: Follow on-screen prompts to program for TV.
  2. Device control: Press DEVICE (TV, CABLE, BD) then command button.
  3. Macro commands: Program sequences (e.g., “Watch TV” turns on system, TV, cable box).
  4. Volume lock: Lock volume to control only system volume.
  5. Battery: Replace CR2032 battery when range decreases.

Note: Point remote at media center, not TV, for system commands.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug system before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for speakers and media center.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, sprays, or abrasive cleaners. Keep bass module away from moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © 2023 Bose Corporation; all rights reserved. This product is protected by patents. For support, visit www.bose.com/support or contact 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from speakersPower/connectionsCheck power cords; ensure media center is on; verify input selection.
No bassBass module connectionCheck cable to bass module; ensure power is on; adjust bass level in menu.
Remote not workingBattery/obstructionsReplace battery; point at media center; remove obstacles.
HDMI no signalHDMI cable/inputTry different HDMI cable; ensure correct input selected on TV and media center.
Uneven soundCalibration/speaker placementRerun ADAPTiQ calibration; check speaker connections and placement.
System won't turn onPower outlet/standbyCheck AC outlet; press POWER on media center directly; disable auto-standby.

Reset: Unplug media center for 60 seconds, then replug.

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

Bose 5.1 Speaker Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025