Bose Acoustimass 123 Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 123 is a premium home theater speaker system designed to deliver immersive, high-fidelity audio. It features proprietary Bose technologies for deep bass and clear, spacious sound from compact enclosures. The system includes Acoustimass module bass units and Virtually Invisible cube speakers, designed for easy setup and integration into various room environments. 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 Audio/Video Receivers 7. Speaker Placement Guide 8. Audio Calibration 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustimass bass module, Virtually Invisible cube speakers (front left/right, center, surround left/right), speaker cables, power cord, remote control (if applicable).

Feature	Description
Acoustimass Bass Module	Produces deep, impactful low frequencies without distortion
Virtually Invisible Cube Speakers	Compact design for discreet placement; deliver clear mid and high frequencies
Proprietary Bose Technology	Delivers spacious, room-filling sound from small speaker enclosures
Speaker Cable Connections	Color-coded or labeled cables for easy identification (e.g., Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R)
Power Input	For connecting the bass module to AC power
Input Terminals	On bass module: For connecting to A/V receiver speaker outputs (may use proprietary connector or standard binding posts)
Protection Circuitry	Guards against overload and thermal damage
Wall-Mount Options	Optional brackets available for cube speaker placement

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose a stable location for the bass module and planned positions for cube speakers.

Position the Bass Module: Place on floor against a wall or in a corner (not enclosed) for optimal bass response.
Place Cube Speakers: Mount or place front left/right and center speakers near TV/screen; surround speakers to sides or behind listening area.
Connect Speaker Cables: Run cables from each cube speaker to corresponding terminals on bass module. Ensure polarity (positive/negative) matches.
Connect to A/V Receiver: Use the provided cable harness or individual wires to connect bass module inputs to receiver's speaker output terminals (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R).
Plug Bass Module into AC power.

WARNING! Ensure all equipment is powered off before making connections. Do not place bass module in an enclosed cabinet.

First-Time Setup

After physical installation, configure your A/V receiver for proper operation.

Power on your A/V receiver and set it to a surround sound mode (e.g., Dolby Digital, DTS).
Run receiver's speaker setup/calibration (if available) to set channel levels and distances.
Test each speaker: Use receiver's test tone to verify all speakers are working and correctly connected.
Adjust bass module level: Use receiver's subwoofer level control or the module's own control (if present) to blend bass with main speakers.

CAUTION! Do not exceed the maximum power rating of the speakers as specified by your receiver's manual.

Specifications

System Type: 5.1 channel home theater speaker system.
Bass Module: Proprietary Acoustimass design with built-in amplifier (passive or powered depending on model variant).
Cube Speakers: Full-range drivers in compact enclosures.
Recommended Amplifier Power: 10-200 watts per channel (compatible with most A/V receivers).
Impedance: 4-8 ohms (compatible with standard receivers).
Frequency Response: Optimized for home theater, with bass module handling low frequencies.
Dimensions (Typical): Bass module: Varies; Cube speakers: Approximately 4" H x 4" W x 4" D.
Power Requirements: Bass module (if powered): 120V AC, 60Hz.

Controls and Connections

Primary control is through your A/V receiver. The bass module may have a power switch and level control.

Bass Module: Power switch, input terminals (for harness from receiver), possibly a level/volume knob, status LED. Cube Speakers: No user controls; connection terminals only.

Receiver Settings: Volume, balance, tone controls, surround mode, channel level trims, crossover frequency (set to "Small" for cube speakers, crossover typically 80-120Hz).

Connecting to Audio/Video Receivers

Use the provided connection harness or individual speaker wires.

Turn off and unplug the A/V receiver.
Identify the receiver's speaker output terminals (Front Left, Front Right, Center, Surround Left, Surround Right, and possibly a subwoofer/center channel output for the harness).
Connect the harness plug or individual wires from the bass module inputs to the corresponding receiver terminals. Ensure secure connections and correct polarity.
For the cube speakers, ensure their cables are firmly connected to the bass module's speaker output terminals.

Tip: Label cables during installation for easier identification later.

Speaker Placement Guide

Optimal placement is key to achieving the intended surround sound experience.

Front Left/Right Speakers: Place on either side of TV/screen, at ear level when seated, angled slightly toward the main listening position.
Center Speaker: Place directly above or below the TV/screen, aimed at the listening area for clear dialogue.
Surround Left/Right Speakers: Place to the sides or slightly behind the listening area, at or slightly above ear level.
Bass Module: Place on floor near a wall or corner. Experiment with placement to minimize room resonances and achieve even bass.

WARNING! Keep speakers away from heat sources and moisture. Do not block ventilation on the bass module if present.

Audio Calibration

Fine-tune the system for your room.

Use your A/V receiver's auto-setup (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO) or manual calibration: - Set all cube speakers to "Small" in receiver menu. - Set crossover frequency to 80Hz, 100Hz, or 120Hz (start with 100Hz). - Run test tones and adjust channel levels so all speakers sound equally loud from the main seat. - Adjust bass module level to taste, ensuring it blends seamlessly without being boomy or localized.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the bass module from power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe exterior surfaces of speakers and module. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Never open any speaker enclosure. Keep magnets away from electronic devices and media.

Regulatory Information

Complies with applicable FCC regulations for home use. Copyright and trademarks owned by Bose Corporation. For technical support, product information, or service, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service. Model Acoustimass 123.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from any speaker	Power/receiver settings	Ensure bass module and receiver are powered on. Check receiver volume and input selection. Verify all cable connections are secure.
No sound from one speaker	Loose cable	Check connections at both the bass module and the speaker end for that channel. Swap speaker with a working one to isolate issue.
Weak or no bass	Crossover/settings	Ensure receiver's subwoofer/output is enabled. Check bass module power and level control. Verify receiver speaker settings are "Small" with proper crossover.
Distorted sound	Overload	Reduce receiver volume. Ensure receiver's impedance setting matches speaker compatibility.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop/interference	Check all connections. Try plugging bass module into a different outlet. Ensure audio cables are away from power cords.

Reset: Power cycle the bass module and receiver. Re-run receiver calibration.

Service: Contact Bose Customer Support for authorized service.