Bose Acoustimass 10 II Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 10 II is a premium home theater speaker system designed to deliver immersive, high-fidelity audio. It consists of five Direct/Reflecting cube speakers and an Acoustimass bass module. This manual covers safety, setup, connection, operation, and troubleshooting for optimal performance. Below are key sections for features, installation, specifications, controls, and maintenance.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Audio/Video Receivers 7. Speaker Placement Guide 8. Bass Module Adjustment 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Five Direct/Reflecting cube speakers, Acoustimass bass module, speaker cables, power cord, and user manual.

FeatureDescription
Direct/Reflecting cube speakersFive small speakers for front, center, and surround channels
Acoustimass bass moduleHandles low-frequency effects (LFE) and bass management
Speaker connectorsColor-coded plugs for easy identification
Power inputFor bass module AC power connection
Input terminalsFor connecting to AV receiver speaker outputs
Bass level controlAdjusts low-frequency output on bass module
Auto-standbyBass module enters low-power mode when no signal is detected
Magnetic shieldingPrevents interference with nearby video displays
Wall-mount capableCubes include keyhole slots for mounting
High-quality constructionDurable materials for long-term performance

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Plan speaker placement for optimal sound.

  1. Position bass module: Place near AV receiver, away from corners for balanced bass.
  2. Place cube speakers: Front left/right, center, surround left/right at ear level.
  3. Connect speaker cables: Match colored plugs to corresponding terminals on bass module.
  4. Connect to receiver: Use provided cables to connect bass module to AV receiver speaker outputs.
  5. Plug bass module into AC power.

WARNING! Bass module is heavy; lift with care. Ensure all connections are secure before powering on.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; configure AV receiver settings.

  1. Set receiver speaker settings: Configure for "Small" speakers and subwoofer "Yes".
  2. Adjust crossover: Set to 80Hz or as recommended in receiver manual.
  3. Calibrate levels: Use receiver's auto-setup or manual test tones.
  4. Fine-tune bass: Adjust bass module level control to match room acoustics.
  5. Test audio: Play content to verify all speakers are working correctly.

CAUTION! Keep bass module ventilated; do not block vents. Use two people for handling heavy components.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Primary control through connected AV receiver. Bass module features: Power switch, bass level control, auto-standby indicator.

AV Receiver Settings: Speaker size (Small), crossover frequency (80Hz recommended), channel levels, distance/delay settings.

Bass Module: Level control adjusts bass output; power switch turns module on/off; auto-standby activates when no signal is detected for 10 minutes.

Connecting to Audio/Video Receivers

Compatible with most AV receivers with 5.1 channel outputs.

  1. Turn off receiver and unplug all components.
  2. Connect bass module: Use provided cables from bass module input terminals to receiver's front, center, and surround speaker outputs.
  3. Connect cube speakers: Plug color-coded cables from bass module to corresponding cube speakers.
  4. Power sequence: Turn on bass module first, then AV receiver.

Tip: Ensure receiver is configured for external speaker system, not internal speakers.

Speaker Placement Guide

Optimal placement enhances audio performance.

  1. Front speakers: Place at ear level, equidistant from listening position, angled toward listener.
  2. Center speaker: Position above or below TV, aimed at listening area.
  3. Surround speakers: Place slightly behind and above listening position, facing each other.
  4. Bass module: Locate near front speakers, but not in corners (can cause boomy bass).
  5. Distance: Maintain 2-3 feet from walls for cube speakers.

WARNING! Do not place bass module in enclosed cabinets; ensure proper ventilation.

Bass Module Adjustment

Fine-tune bass response for your room.

  1. Initial setting: Set bass level control to 12 o'clock position.
  2. Play bass-heavy content: Use movie scenes or music with deep bass.
  3. Adjust level: Turn clockwise for more bass, counterclockwise for less.
  4. Room calibration: Use receiver's auto-setup for optimal integration.
  5. Final check: Ensure bass blends seamlessly with cube speakers.

Note: Bass perception varies with room size and furnishings; adjust to personal preference.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug bass module before cleaning. Use dry, soft cloth for all components.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, solvents, or abrasive cleaners. Keep speakers away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: Class B digital device; complies with Part 15 rules. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and Acoustimass are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from speakersPower/connectionsCheck bass module power; verify all cable connections; ensure receiver is on.
Weak or no bassSettings/placementAdjust bass level control; check receiver subwoofer settings; reposition bass module.
Distorted soundOverdriven/connectionsReduce receiver volume; check for loose cables; ensure proper impedance matching.
One speaker not workingCable/connectionCheck cable connection at both ends; test with another speaker cable.
Hum or buzzGround loop/interferenceEnsure all components share same ground; move away from electrical interference sources.
Auto-standby not workingSignal/settingsCheck for continuous signal to bass module; verify auto-standby feature is enabled.

Reset: Power cycle bass module and receiver. Re-run receiver auto-setup if issues persist.

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

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