Bose Acoustimass 15 Series II 6.1 Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 15 Series II is a 6.1-channel home theater speaker system designed to deliver immersive surround sound. It features Acoustimass module technology for powerful bass, six Direct/Reflecting cube speaker arrays for spacious audio, 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. Speaker Placement Guide 8. Sound Calibration 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustimass bass module, six cube speaker arrays (Front Left/Center/Right, Surround Left/Right, Rear Center), speaker cables, power cord.

FeatureDescription
Acoustimass ModuleHandles low-frequency effects (LFE) and bass management
Cube Speaker ArraysSix speakers for 6.1-channel surround sound
Direct/Reflecting TechnologyCreates spacious, enveloping sound field
Speaker ConnectorsProprietary connectors for secure cable attachment
Power InputFor bass module AC power connection
Auto-On CircuitryBass module powers on automatically with audio signal
Magnetic ShieldingPrevents interference with nearby video displays
Wall-Mount OptionsIncludes brackets for cube speaker placement
6.1-Channel SupportCompatible with Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES formats
System RemoteOptional remote for volume control (if compatible)

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Plan speaker placement before connecting.

  1. Position bass module: Place near front wall, away from corners for balanced bass.
  2. Place cube speakers: Mount on walls or shelves at ear level when seated.
  3. Connect speakers to bass module: Match labeled connectors (FL, C, FR, SL, SR, RC).
  4. Connect bass module to receiver: Use provided cable to LFE/subwoofer output.
  5. Plug bass module into AC power.

WARNING! Speakers are heavy; use proper mounting hardware. Ensure all connections are secure before powering on.

First-Time Setup

Power on AV receiver and bass module; configure receiver settings.

  1. Set receiver speaker configuration: Specify "Small" for all speakers, subwoofer "Yes".
  2. Set crossover frequency: 80Hz recommended for optimal bass management.
  3. Calibrate speaker levels: Use receiver's auto-setup or manual test tones.
  4. Test each channel: Play test tone to verify all speakers are working.
  5. Adjust bass module level: Use knob on back to match receiver's subwoofer output.

CAUTION! Do not place bass module inside enclosed cabinet; allow ventilation.

Specifications

Controls and Connections

Bass Module Rear Panel: Power switch, AC input, LFE input (RCA), level control knob, speaker connectors (FL, C, FR, SL, SR, RC).

Cube Speakers: Single proprietary connector input. No user controls.

Receiver Settings: Speaker size (Small), crossover (80Hz), channel levels, delay/distance. Bass Module: Level control adjusts volume relative to main speakers. Auto-on: Activates when audio signal detected; powers down after no signal.

Connecting to AV Receiver

Use provided cables to connect bass module to receiver's LFE/subwoofer output.

  1. Turn off receiver and unplug bass module before connecting.
  2. Connect LFE cable: RCA from bass module "LFE IN" to receiver "SUBWOOFER OUT".
  3. Connect speaker cables: Plug each cube into corresponding bass module port.
  4. Power on bass module, then receiver.
  5. Select input on receiver (e.g., Blu-ray, cable box).

Tip: Use high-quality RCA cable for LFE connection to minimize noise.

Speaker Placement Guide

Optimal placement for 6.1-channel surround sound.

  1. Front Left/Right: Place at 22-30 degrees from center, tweeters at ear level.
  2. Center Channel: Directly above or below TV, aimed at listening position.
  3. Surround Left/Right: Place slightly behind listening area, 90-110 degrees from center.
  4. Rear Center: Directly behind listening area, centered between surrounds.
  5. Bass Module: Corner placement increases bass output; mid-wall for smoother response.
  6. Distance: Keep cube speakers at least 2 feet from walls for best reflection.
  7. Angling: Point cubes toward listening area for direct sound, away for reflected sound.
  8. Height: All cubes should be at similar height (ear level when seated).

WARNING! Do not place bass module directly on hardwood floor without isolation pads; vibration may cause distortion.

Sound Calibration

Use receiver's auto-calibration (Audyssey, YPAO, MCACC) or manual setup. Balance channel levels so all speakers sound equally loud from primary seat. Set bass module level to blend seamlessly with main speakers.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug bass module before cleaning. Wipe cube speakers with dry, soft cloth. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not expose speakers to moisture or extreme temperatures. Keep bass module vents clear of obstructions.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Bose Corporation; all rights reserved. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from bass modulePower/connectionsEnsure power is on; check LFE cable; adjust receiver subwoofer setting.
One cube speaker not workingLoose connectionCheck cable at both ends; ensure secure connection to bass module.
Distorted bassOverdriven/placementReduce bass module level; move away from corners; check receiver crossover.
Hum or buzzGround loopUse ground loop isolator; ensure all components share same power outlet.
Auto-on not workingSignal thresholdIncrease receiver subwoofer output level; check auto-on circuit.
Weak surround effectsPlacement/calibrationReposition surround speakers; rerun receiver calibration.

Reset: Power cycle bass module and receiver; rerun calibration.

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

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