Bose Acoustic Wave System II Manual

The Bose Acoustic Wave System II is a premium all-in-one music system featuring proprietary waveguide speaker technology, a built-in AM/FM tuner, and a CD player. It delivers room-filling sound from a compact enclosure. Key elements include system controls, remote operation, audio input connections, radio tuning/presets, CD playback functions, troubleshooting, and care instructions. Below are essential sections covering setup, operation, features, and maintenance.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Placement 3. Initial Setup and Power 4. System Specifications 5. Controls and Remote 6. Connecting Audio Sources 7. Playing CDs 8. Using the Radio 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Core components: Acoustic Waveguide speaker array, CD transport, AM/FM tuner, Remote Control, Auxiliary input, Headphone jack, Power cord.

FeatureDescription
Acoustic WaveguideProprietary technology for full, natural sound from a compact enclosure
CD PlayerPlays standard audio CDs; supports track programming
AM/FM TunerDigital tuner with 6 AM and 6 FM presets
Auxiliary InputFor connecting external audio sources (tape deck, MP3 player)
Headphone Jack3.5mm stereo jack for private listening
Power SwitchMain system power on/off
Volume ControlRotary knob or remote adjustment
Bass AdjustmentControl for low-frequency enhancement
DisplayShows source, track/time, radio frequency, settings
Remote SensorInfrared receiver for remote control operation

Unpacking and Placement

Remove all packaging materials. Choose a stable, level surface away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

  1. Inspect contents: System unit, remote control, batteries, power cord, antenna wires, user manual.
  2. Place system: Allow at least 4 inches of clearance on all sides for proper ventilation and sound dispersion.
  3. Connect antennas: Attach AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna to rear terminals.
  4. Position antennas: For best reception, extend FM wire fully and orient AM loop.

WARNING! Do not place heavy objects on top of the system. Avoid locations with excessive dust or humidity.

Initial Setup and Power

Connect power and perform initial configuration.

  1. Plug in power cord: Connect to a standard 120V AC, 60Hz outlet.
  2. Power on: Press POWER switch on front panel or remote. System will beep and display will illuminate.
  3. Insert remote batteries: Install two AA batteries (included) into remote control.
  4. Select source: Press CD, TUNER, or AUX button to choose playback mode.
  5. Set clock (if applicable): Some models feature a clock set via function button.

CAUTION! Use only the provided power cord. Ensure outlet is easily accessible.

System Specifications

Controls and Remote

Front Panel: POWER, VOLUME, BASS, SOURCE (CD/TUNER/AUX), TUNING/TRACK buttons, OPEN/CLOSE (CD).

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons (0-9), CD controls (PLAY, PAUSE, STOP, PREV/NEXT, OPEN/CLOSE), TUNER controls (BAND, TUNE UP/DOWN, PRESET), VOLUME UP/DOWN, MUTE, BASS +/-.

Display Indicators: Shows selected source (CD, TUNER, AUX), track number, elapsed time, radio frequency, preset number, volume level, bass setting. Settings: Bass can be adjusted to preference (+/-). Clock set (if available) via holding FUNCTION button.

Connecting Audio Sources

Auxiliary Input: Connect external devices like smartphones, tablets, or tape decks.

  1. Turn system and external device off before connecting.
  2. Use a 3.5mm stereo cable (not included) to connect device's headphone/line-out to AUX IN jack on rear.
  3. Turn devices on. Press AUX button on system or remote to select auxiliary source.
  4. Start playback on external device and adjust system volume as needed.

Tip: For best audio quality, set the external device's volume to about 75% and use the system's volume control for final adjustment.

Playing CDs

Supports standard 12cm and 8cm audio CDs. Does not support CD-RW, MP3 CDs, or video DVDs.

  1. Open tray: Press OPEN/CLOSE. Place CD label-side up in tray.
  2. Close tray: Press OPEN/CLOSE again or gently push tray.
  3. Play: Press PLAY. Display shows track number and elapsed time.
  4. Skip tracks: Press NEXT or PREV to advance or go back.
  5. Pause: Press PAUSE; press again or PLAY to resume.
  6. Stop: Press STOP. Press PLAY to resume from beginning, or OPEN/CLOSE to eject.
  7. Program play: Press PROGRAM, then use numeric keys to enter track numbers in desired order.
  8. Repeat: Press REPEAT for continuous play of a track or entire disc.
  9. Random: Press RANDOM to play tracks in random order.

WARNING! Do not touch laser lens. Keep CDs clean and free of scratches. Do not use irregularly shaped CDs.

Using the Radio

AM/FM tuning with 6 presets per band.

  1. Select band: Press TUNER, then BAND to toggle between AM and FM.
  2. Manual tune: Press TUNE UP or TUNE DOWN to scan frequencies.
  3. Auto-scan: Press and hold TUNE UP or DOWN to scan and stop at next strong station.
  4. Set a preset: Tune to desired station. Press and hold a numbered button (1-6) for 2 seconds until display confirms.
  5. Recall a preset: Press TUNER, then press the numbered button of the saved preset.

Note: For optimal FM reception, fully extend the wire antenna and position it vertically. For AM, rotate the loop antenna for best signal.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug from power outlet before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe cabinet. For stubborn marks, dampen cloth slightly with water. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

CD Lens Cleaning: Use a commercial CD lens cleaning disc if playback becomes unreliable. Do not attempt to clean lens manually.

CAUTION! Never allow liquid to enter vents or openings. Do not block ventilation slots.

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. Acoustic Waveguide is a trademark of Bose Corporation. For product support, service information, or to locate an authorized dealer, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord disconnectedEnsure power cord is firmly plugged into outlet and system.
Remote not workingBatteries/obstructionReplace batteries; ensure clear path to remote sensor on system.
No sound from CDWrong source/volumePress CD button; check volume level; ensure disc is inserted correctly.
CD won't playDisc dirty/damagedClean CD with soft cloth; try a different, known-good audio CD.
Poor radio receptionAntenna not connected/positionedCheck antenna connections; reposition FM wire; rotate AM loop.
Distorted soundBass set too high/overloadReduce BASS control; ensure auxiliary source volume is not too high.
System beeps repeatedlyFault conditionUnplug power for 60 seconds, then reconnect. If persists, contact service.

Reset: Unplug system for 2 minutes to reset microprocessor.

Service: For repairs, contact Bose authorized service center. Do not open cabinet.

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