Bose Acoustimass 15 Series 3 Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 15 Series 3 is a premium home theater speaker system featuring proprietary Acoustimass module technology for powerful, low-distortion bass, five Direct/Reflecting cube speakers for immersive surround sound, and a versatile control console. Designed for integration with compatible AV receivers, it delivers a spacious, room-filling audio experience. 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 & Sound Adjustment 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: One Acoustimass module (bass unit), Five Direct/Reflecting cube speakers (Front Left/Center/Right, Surround Left/Right), Control Console with display, Remote Control, Speaker cables, and Power cord.

Feature	Description
Acoustimass Module	Produces deep, articulate bass with minimal distortion and cabinet noise
Direct/Reflecting Cube Speakers	Deliver a balanced blend of direct and reflected sound for spacious imaging
Control Console	Central hub for power, input selection, and system status
System Remote	Controls power, volume, input selection, and test tone
Speaker Level Inputs	Accepts amplified signals from your AV receiver
Line Level Inputs	For connection to preamp outputs of an AV receiver
Test Tone Generator	Assists in balancing speaker levels with your receiver
Auto Standby	Puts system into low-power mode when no signal is detected
Protection Circuitry	Guards against overload and short circuits

Installation

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

Place the Acoustimass Module: Position along a wall, not in a corner, for balanced bass.
Place Cube Speakers: Mount or place front left, center, and right speakers near TV. Place surround speakers to sides or slightly behind listening area.
Connect Control Console: Place near your AV equipment. Connect to power and to the Acoustimass module via provided cable.
Run Speaker Cables: Connect each cube speaker to its corresponding terminal on the Acoustimass module (FL, C, FR, SL, SR).
Connect to AV Receiver: Use speaker wire from your receiver's front/surround channels to the "From Receiver" inputs on the Acoustimass module.

WARNING! Ensure all equipment is powered off before making connections. The Acoustimass module is heavy; lift with care.

First-Time Setup

Power on the system and configure with your AV receiver.

Power Sequence: Turn on Control Console, then your AV receiver.
Receiver Configuration: In your receiver's speaker setup menu, set all channels to "SMALL" and subwoofer to "NO" or "OFF".
Level Calibration: Use the system's test tone (via remote) and your receiver's built-in mic or SPL meter to balance all channel levels.
Input Selection: Use the Control Console or remote to select the correct input (e.g., LINE or SPEAKER) matching your receiver connection.

CAUTION! Do not connect the Acoustimass module outputs to your receiver's speaker terminals. This can damage equipment.

Specifications

System Type: 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System.
Acoustimass Module: Proprietary bass technology with tuned ports.
Cube Speakers: Five identical Direct/Reflecting speakers.
Recommended Amplifier Power: 10 - 200 watts per channel.
Inputs: Speaker-level and line-level (RCA).
Control Console: Power, Input Select, Status LED, IR sensor.
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz (varies by region).
Operating Temp: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C).

Controls and Connections

Control Console: POWER button, INPUT selector (SPEAKER/LINE), STATUS light. Remote: POWER, VOLUME UP/DOWN, INPUT, TEST TONE, MUTE.

Acoustimass Module Connections: "From Receiver" (Speaker Level Inputs: FL, C, FR, SL, SR, Common). "To Cube Speakers" (Outputs: FL, C, FR, SL, SR, Common). "Line In" (RCA jacks). "Control Cable" to Control Console.

Operation: Use remote or console to turn system on/off, select input, adjust volume (if using line-level input), and activate test tone.

Connecting to Your System

Two primary methods: Speaker-Level or Line-Level connection.

Speaker-Level Connection (Recommended): Connect your AV receiver's front and surround speaker outputs to the corresponding "From Receiver" terminals on the Acoustimass module. Ensures proper integration of Bose proprietary crossover.
Line-Level Connection: Connect your receiver's subwoofer/pre-out (LFE) or front pre-out RCA jacks to the "Line In" on the Acoustimass module. Set receiver crossover to 80Hz or higher.
Connect all cube speakers to the "To Cube Speakers" terminals.
Plug Control Console and Acoustimass module into AC power.

Tip: Use high-quality, equal-length speaker wire for cube speaker connections where possible.

Operation & Sound Adjustment

For daily use and fine-tuning.

Power On: Turn on Control Console, then your AV receiver and source components.
Volume Control: Primary volume should be adjusted using your AV receiver's remote. The system remote volume only affects line-level input.
Test Tone: Press TEST TONE on remote to send pink noise sequentially through each cube speaker to aid in level balancing with your receiver.
Auto Standby: System enters standby after ~15 minutes of no audio signal. Press any button on remote to wake.
Sound Character: The Direct/Reflecting design provides a wide soundstage. For more direct sound, aim cube speakers toward listening position. For more reflected sound, aim toward walls.

WARNING! Do not attempt to drive the cube speakers directly with your receiver. Always use the Acoustimass module.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug from power before cleaning. Dust cube speakers and console with a soft, dry cloth. Clean Acoustimass module cabinet with a damp cloth; do not allow moisture near driver ports or connections.

CAUTION! Never use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or sprays directly on speakers. Do not place liquids on top of any component.

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 © Bose Corporation. Bose, Acoustimass, and Direct/Reflecting are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from any speaker	Power/Input selection	Ensure Control Console and receiver are on. Check INPUT selector on console (SPEAKER/LINE). Verify all cables are secure.
No sound from one cube speaker	Connection/Wire	Check wire connection at both Acoustimass module and speaker. Swap with a working speaker's cable to isolate issue.
Weak or no bass	Receiver settings/Connection	Verify receiver speaker settings are "SMALL" and subwoofer is "OFF". Ensure speaker-level connections from receiver are correct and tight.
System in standby (amber light)	No signal/Auto standby	Play audio from receiver. The system should wake automatically, or press any button on remote.
Distorted sound	Overload/Clipping	Reduce volume on your AV receiver. Ensure receiver impedance settings are correct (typically 4-8 ohms).
Remote not working	Batteries/Obstruction	Replace remote batteries. Ensure clear path between remote and Control Console IR sensor.

Reset: Power cycle the entire system (unplug Control Console and Acoustimass module for 60 seconds, then reconnect).

Service: For persistent issues, contact Bose Customer Support. Do not open any components; no user-serviceable parts inside.