Bose Acoustimass 15 III Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 15 III Series III is a high-performance home theater speaker system featuring proprietary Acoustimass module technology for powerful bass without distortion, Direct/Reflecting cube speaker arrays for spacious sound, and compatibility with most AV receivers. 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 AV Receiver 7. System Calibration 8. Placement Guidelines 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustimass bass module, five Direct/Reflecting cube speakers (front left/right, center, surround left/right), speaker cables, and mounting hardware.

Feature	Description
Acoustimass Module	Handles low frequencies; reduces localization for seamless bass
Direct/Reflecting Cube Speakers	Deliver a blend of direct and reflected sound for spacious audio
Magnetic Shielding	Prevents interference with nearby video displays
Wide Dispersion Design	Provides consistent sound across a broad listening area
High-Efficiency Design	Works with most AV receivers (50-200 watts per channel recommended)
Versatile Placement	Modules can be placed on floor, shelf, or mounted on wall
Color-Matched Grilles	Black or white options to blend with room decor
Proprietary Bass Port	Minimizes turbulence for cleaner, more articulate bass
5.1 Channel Ready	Designed for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats
Plug-and-Play Cables	Color-coded speaker wires for easy connection

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose optimal placement for speakers and bass module.

Position Acoustimass Module: Place along a wall, away from corners for balanced bass. Do not block ports.
Place Cube Speakers: Front left/right and center speakers near TV; surround speakers behind listening area.
Connect speaker cables: Run cables from each speaker to corresponding receiver terminals.
Connect bass module: Use provided cable to connect module to receiver's subwoofer/LFE output.
Power on receiver and test system.

WARNING! Bass module is heavy; lift with care using legs. Ensure all connections are secure and polarity is correct.

First-Time Setup

Configure your AV receiver for proper integration with the Acoustimass 15 III system.

Set receiver speaker settings: Specify "Small" for all cube speakers and "Yes" for subwoofer.
Set crossover frequency: Recommended 80Hz or 100Hz on receiver.
Calibrate levels: Use receiver's auto-setup (e.g., Audyssey) or manual SPL meter for balanced sound.
Adjust bass module: Start with volume control at midpoint; fine-tune based on room acoustics.

CAUTION! Do not place bass module inside enclosed cabinet. Allow at least 2 inches of clearance around ports.

Specifications

System Type: 5.1 channel home theater speaker system.
Bass Module: Proprietary Acoustimass technology, powered by receiver.
Cube Speakers: Direct/Reflecting design, magnetically shielded.
Recommended Amplifier Power: 50-200 watts per channel.
Nominal Impedance: 4-8 ohms (compatible with most receivers).
Frequency Response: System: 35Hz - 20kHz (±3dB).
Crossover Frequency: 80Hz-100Hz (set on AV receiver).
Dimensions (Each Cube): Approx. 4.5"H x 3.5"W x 4"D.
Dimensions (Bass Module): Approx. 19"H x 10"W x 16"D.
Weight (Bass Module): Approx. 35 lbs.
Finish Options: Black or white textured finish with matching grilles.

Controls and Connections

System is controlled via your AV receiver. Bass module features a volume control and phase switch.

Bass Module Rear Panel: Volume control (adjust to match cube speakers), Phase switch (0°/180° - set to match main speakers), Speaker-level inputs (for receivers without LFE output), Line-level/LFE input (primary connection).

Cube Speakers: Single binding post for speaker wire connection. Ensure positive/negative polarity is maintained.

Receiver Settings: Speaker size: Small. Crossover: 80Hz. Subwoofer: Yes. Level calibration: Use test tone.

Connecting to AV Receiver

Primary connection method: Line-level/LFE cable from receiver's subwoofer output to bass module.

Turn off and unplug receiver before connecting.
Connect cube speakers: Use color-coded wires to appropriate receiver terminals (FL, FR, C, SL, SR).
Connect bass module: Use RCA cable from receiver's SUBWOOFER/LFE output to bass module's LINE IN.
For receivers without LFE output: Use speaker wire from receiver's front left/right channels to bass module's speaker-level inputs, then from bass module outputs to front speakers.
Secure all connections and route cables neatly.

Tip: Keep speaker wires away from power cables to prevent hum or interference.

System Calibration

Proper calibration ensures optimal sound quality and seamless integration.

Run receiver's auto-calibration: Place included microphone at primary listening position.
Manual calibration: Use SPL meter set to C-weighting, slow response. Adjust channel levels to 75dB.
Set bass module volume: Play bass-heavy content; adjust module volume to blend seamlessly with cubes.
Adjust phase: Switch between 0° and 180°; choose position with stronger, tighter bass at listening position.
Fine-tune crossover: Experiment with 80Hz, 100Hz, or 120Hz settings based on room acoustics.

WARNING! Do not bypass receiver crossover settings. Cube speakers are not designed for full-range signals.

Placement Guidelines

Optimal placement maximizes the system's performance characteristics.

Bass Module: Place along front wall, midway between corners. Avoid placing inside furniture. Keep at least 2" from walls for port breathing.

Front Speakers: Left/right cubes at ear level, angled toward listening position. Center speaker directly above or below TV, aimed at listeners.

Surround Speakers: Place slightly above ear level, to sides or slightly behind listening area. Use mounts for optimal positioning.

General: Ensure all speakers are firmly placed or mounted. Avoid placing cubes inside closed cabinets.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug system before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for dusting. For stubborn marks, lightly dampen cloth with water only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents, abrasives, or aerosol cleaners. Never allow liquid to enter ports or speaker openings. Keep away from excessive heat and humidity.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose, Acoustimass, and Direct/Reflecting are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from bass module	Connection/power/settings	Check LFE cable; ensure receiver subwoofer output enabled; adjust module volume.
Weak or thin bass	Placement/phase/crossover	Reposition module; toggle phase switch; verify receiver crossover setting (80-100Hz).
One cube speaker not working	Wire connection	Check speaker wire connections at both ends; ensure no strands are shorting.
Hum or buzz from system	Ground loop/interference	Ensure all components plugged into same power strip; separate audio and power cables.
Sound lacks spaciousness	Speaker placement	Reposition cube speakers according to guidelines; ensure proper angling.
Distortion at high volume	Receiver clipping	Reduce receiver volume; ensure receiver is within recommended power range.

Reset: Power cycle all components. Verify all receiver settings are correctly configured.

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