Bose 701 Speakers Manual

The Bose 701 Speakers are high-performance floor-standing loudspeakers designed for premium home audio systems. Featuring proprietary Bose technologies for wide, spacious sound dispersion, these speakers deliver exceptional clarity and depth across a broad frequency range. Below are key sections covering safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Inspection 3. Placement and Installation 4. Specifications 5. Connecting to Your System 6. Initial Setup and Calibration 7. Operation and Controls 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory and Safety Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Proprietary driver array, high-quality cabinet construction, magnetic grilles, bi-wire/bi-amp capable binding posts, and integrated floor spikes/glides.

FeatureDescription
Driver ArrayMultiple drivers arranged for wide, uniform sound dispersion
CabinetRigid, non-resonant enclosure with elegant finish
Magnetic GrillesTool-free attachment and removal
Binding PostsGold-plated, accept banana plugs, spade lugs, or bare wire
Bi-Wire/Bi-Amp CapableDual sets of terminals for advanced connection options
Floor Spikes/GlidesAdjustable for stability on various floor surfaces
Frequency ResponseExtended low-frequency reproduction
ImpedanceCompatible with most amplifiers and receivers
Recommended Amplifier PowerSpecified range for optimal performance
Finish OptionsAvailable in selected wood veneers and finishes

Unpacking and Inspection

Carefully unpack and inspect all contents. Retain packaging for future transport or service.

  1. Remove speaker from carton and protective bags.
  2. Inspect for any shipping damage. Report damage immediately to carrier.
  3. Locate included accessories: grilles, floor spikes, glides, owner's manual.
  4. Ensure both speakers are present and undamaged.

WARNING! Speakers are heavy. Use proper lifting technique and consider assistance to avoid injury.

Placement and Installation

Optimal placement is critical for achieving the best soundstage and imaging.

  1. Choose location: Place speakers in main listening area, away from corners and walls for initial setup (adjust later for room acoustics).
  2. Attach floor spikes or glides: For carpet, use spikes. For hard floors, use glides or protective pads.
  3. Position speakers: Aim for symmetrical placement relative to primary listening position. Toe-in angle affects sound focus.
  4. Ensure stability: Verify speakers are level and cannot tip over.

CAUTION! Keep speakers away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and excessive moisture.

Specifications

Connecting to Your System

Proper connection ensures optimal performance and protects your equipment.

  1. Power off your amplifier/receiver.
  2. Prepare speaker wire: Strip insulation to expose clean wire (typically 1/2 inch / 12 mm).
  3. Connect to speaker: Loosen binding post, insert bare wire or connector, tighten firmly. Observe polarity (+ to +, - to -). For bi-wiring, remove jumper straps and connect separate cables to LF and HF terminals.
  4. Connect to amplifier: Run cables to corresponding amplifier channels, observing polarity.
  5. Secure cables: Route safely to avoid tripping or strain on terminals.

Tip: Use high-quality speaker cable of adequate gauge for your run length. Keep power cables separate from speaker cables to minimize interference.

Initial Setup and Calibration

Fine-tune speaker placement and system settings for your room.

  1. Power on system at low volume.
  2. Play familiar music with wide stereo image.
  3. Adjust toe-in: Angle speakers slightly inward toward listening position. Less toe-in often increases soundstage width; more increases focus.
  4. Adjust distance from walls: Moving speakers away from rear/side walls typically reduces bass emphasis and can improve imaging.
  5. Use room correction: If your receiver has auto-setup (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO), run it with the included microphone.
  6. Set amplifier crossover: If using with a subwoofer, set appropriate crossover frequency (e.g., 80 Hz).

Operation and Controls

These are passive speakers; primary control is via your amplifier/receiver.

Amplifier/Receiver Controls: Volume, Balance, Tone Controls (Bass/Treble), Input Selection, Listening Modes (Stereo, Direct, etc.).

Speaker Adjustments: Physical adjustments are limited to placement (distance, toe-in) and connection method (single-wire vs. bi-wire). Grilles can be left on or off; sound character may change slightly.

Bi-Wiring/Bi-Amping: Advanced configurations that can improve clarity and control. Consult your amplifier manual and ensure proper setup.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug amplifier before cleaning speakers. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to dust cabinet and grille. For stubborn marks, slightly dampen cloth with water only. Do not use solvents, abrasives, or furniture polish.

CAUTION! Never allow liquid to enter ports or driver openings. Do not attempt to disassemble the speaker. Keep grilles attached during cleaning to protect drivers.

Regulatory and Safety Information

Complies with relevant safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards. This product may be protected by patents issued and/or pending. Bose and the Bose medallion symbol are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. For the latest information and support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from one or both speakersAmplifier off, incorrect input, loose/broken connection, wires shortedCheck amplifier power and input selection. Inspect all connections for security and correct polarity. Ensure bare wires are not touching opposite terminals.
Distorted soundAmplifier clipping, damaged driver, overdriven inputReduce volume level on amplifier. Check source material. Inspect driver cone for physical damage (do not touch).
Weak or thin bassIncorrect phase, placement near room null, amplifier mismatchVerify speaker polarity (+/-). Experiment with speaker placement. Ensure amplifier is adequate for speaker impedance.
Sound imbalance (left vs. right)Balance control, placement asymmetry, room acousticsCheck amplifier balance setting. Measure distance from each speaker to listening position. Ensure speakers are identical models.
Rattling or buzzingLoose grille, object inside port, driver defectEnsure grille is securely attached. Inspect port for obstructions. If problem persists, contact Bose support.

Reset: For system issues, power cycle your amplifier/receiver.

Service: Do not attempt to service speakers yourself. For product service, contact Bose Customer Service or an authorized Bose dealer.

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