Bose Acoustimass 10 Subwoofer Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 10 Subwoofer is a high-performance bass module designed to work with compatible Bose speaker arrays. It features advanced acoustic design for deep, powerful bass, a compact form factor, and simple connectivity. 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 Connections 6. Connecting to Your System 7. Operation & Adjustment 8. Placement Guidelines 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustimass 10 Subwoofer unit, power cord, connection cables (if included).

FeatureDescription
Acoustimass TechnologyDelivers deep, impactful bass with minimal distortion
Compact DesignFits discreetly in room corners or under furniture
Input ConnectionsAccepts line-level or speaker-level inputs from receiver/amplifier
Phase SwitchAdjusts phase for optimal integration with main speakers
Auto Power On/OffConserves energy by powering down when no signal is detected
Protection CircuitryGuards against overload and thermal damage
Power InputStandard AC power connection
Status LEDIndicates power and signal status

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose an appropriate location.

  1. Place the subwoofer: Position in a corner or along a wall for enhanced bass response.
  2. Connect to amplifier/receiver: Use provided cable to connect subwoofer output to subwoofer input.
  3. Connect power: Plug the power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet.
  4. Power on: Switch the unit on; the status LED should illuminate.

WARNING! Ensure adequate ventilation; do not block vents. Keep away from heat sources and moisture.

First-Time Setup

Power on the subwoofer and configure your audio system.

  1. Set receiver/subwoofer settings: Configure your AV receiver to output bass to the subwoofer (usually LFE or Sub Out).
  2. Adjust crossover: Set crossover frequency on receiver (typically 80Hz) or use subwoofer's internal setting if available.
  3. Set volume level: Adjust subwoofer volume to blend seamlessly with main speakers.
  4. Phase adjustment: Use phase switch (0° or 180°) to achieve the strongest, most coherent bass.

CAUTION! Start with low volume to prevent damage to speakers or hearing.

Specifications

Controls and Connections

Rear Panel: Power switch, AC input, Line In (RCA), Speaker In/Out terminals, Phase switch, Volume control.

Status Indicators: LED indicates power (solid) and signal detection (may blink or change color).

Volume: Adjusts subwoofer output level. Phase: Aligns subwoofer sound wave with main speakers. Input Selection: Accepts line-level from receiver's LFE/Sub Out or speaker-level from amplifier outputs.

Connecting to Your System

Line-Level Connection (Recommended): Use RCA cable from receiver's LFE/Subwoofer Out to subwoofer Line In. Speaker-Level Connection: Connect speaker wires from amplifier to subwoofer's Speaker In, and from subwoofer's Speaker Out to main speakers if pass-through is used.

  1. Turn off all equipment before making connections.
  2. Use appropriate cables for your connection type.
  3. Ensure all connections are secure and polarity is correct (+, -).

Tip: For best performance, use the line-level (LFE) connection if your receiver has a dedicated subwoofer output.

Operation & Adjustment

Optimizing bass performance for your room and content.

  1. Power: Switch to ON. Auto-standby will activate after periods of no signal.
  2. Volume: Adjust to balance with main speakers—bass should be felt, not overpowering.
  3. Phase: Toggle switch to position where bass sounds fullest and most integrated.
  4. Crossover: Set on your AV receiver. The subwoofer handles frequencies below this point.
  5. Fine-tuning: Use a test tone or familiar music/movie to adjust level and phase.

WARNING! Avoid extreme volume levels for extended periods to prevent driver damage.

Placement Guidelines

Bass response is highly dependent on room placement.

Corner Placement: Maximizes output and room gain. Along a Wall: Provides strong, even bass. Near Main Speakers: Can improve integration. Experiment: Try different locations and use the "subwoofer crawl" method to find the optimal spot where bass sounds most even in your primary listening position.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug from power before cleaning. Wipe exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquids, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not open the cabinet. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to interference that may cause undesired operation. Copyright and trademarks are property of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No power (LED off)Power cord not connected / outlet issueCheck power connection and outlet; ensure power switch is ON.
No sound from subwooferIncorrect input / settings / cableCheck receiver settings (subwoofer: ON/LFE); verify input cable is secure; increase volume control on subwoofer.
Weak or distorted bassPhase setting / placement / overloadAdjust phase switch; try different placement; reduce volume to avoid clipping.
Subwoofer turns off by itselfAuto-standby functionThis is normal when no audio signal is present. Play audio to reactivate.
Hum or buzzGround loop / cable issueEnsure all components are plugged into the same AC circuit; try a different audio cable.

Reset: Power cycle the unit (unplug for 60 seconds, then reconnect).

Service: Contact Bose Customer Support or visit www.bose.com/support.

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