Bose Acoustimass 15 Service Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 15 is a premium home theater speaker system featuring proprietary waveguide technology, a powered Acoustimass module (bass unit), five Direct/Reflecting cube speakers, and advanced signal processing for immersive surround sound. This service manual covers technical specifications, system setup, wiring diagrams, component replacement, troubleshooting procedures, and safety information for qualified service personnel.

1. System Overview 2. Technical Specifications 3. Installation & Wiring 4. Acoustimass Module Setup 5. Cube Speaker Placement 6. Control Console Operation 7. Diagnostic Procedures 8. Component Replacement 9. Wiring Diagrams 10. Safety & Compliance 11. Troubleshooting Guide

System Overview

Key components: Powered Acoustimass bass module, Five cube speakers (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R), System control console, Remote control, Speaker cables, Power cords.

Component	Description
Acoustimass Module	Powered bass unit with dual drivers and built-in amplifier
Cube Speakers	Direct/Reflecting satellite speakers with 2.25" drivers
Control Console	Central hub for input selection, volume, and system status
Remote Control	Infrared remote for system operation
Speaker Cables	Color-coded 50-foot cables for cube speaker connections
Power Supply	AC adapter for control console and module
INPUT SELECT	Switches between audio sources (DVD, TV, AUX)
TEST TONE	Generates pink noise for speaker balancing
VOLUME	Master volume control for entire system
POWER	Turns system on/standby

Technical Specifications

System Type: 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System.
Frequency Response: 35Hz - 16kHz (±3dB).
Amplification: Built-in 200W amplifier for bass module.
Inputs: 6-channel direct input (L, R, C, SL, SR, SUB), Stereo line-level.
Outputs: Speaker-level outputs to cube speakers.
Cube Speakers: 2.25" full-range drivers, 8 ohms impedance.
Bass Module: Dual 5.25" drivers, ported enclosure.
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 2.5A.
Operating Temperature: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C).

Installation & Wiring

Unpack all components and verify contents. Plan speaker placement before installation.

Connect control console: Use provided cables to connect console to bass module and audio source.
Connect cube speakers: Match color-coded cables to labeled terminals on bass module (FL, FR, C, SL, SR).
Connect audio source: Use 6-channel direct input or stereo RCA cables from AV receiver.
Connect power: Plug bass module and control console into AC outlets.

WARNING! Ensure all power is disconnected before making connections. Use proper cable management to avoid tripping hazards.

Acoustimass Module Setup

Proper placement is critical for optimal bass performance.

Position module: Place along front wall, at least 6 inches from corners for balanced response.
Connect power: Use dedicated outlet; avoid power strips with other high-current devices.
Adjust crossover: Factory set at 120Hz; adjustable via internal DIP switches (see wiring diagrams).
Phase adjustment: Switch on rear panel for proper integration with cube speakers.

CAUTION! Bass module is heavy (45 lbs); use two people for placement. Ensure ventilation space around amplifier heatsink.

Cube Speaker Placement

Follow Bose Direct/Reflecting speaker placement guidelines.

Front Left/Right: Place at ear level, 2-3 feet from side walls, angled toward listening position.
Center Channel: Position directly above or below display, aimed at primary listening position.
Surround Left/Right: Mount on side or rear walls, 2-3 feet above ear level.
Distance: Maintain equal distance from primary listening position where possible.

Tip: Use included mounting brackets for wall installation. Ensure secure mounting to support speaker weight.

Control Console Operation

Access all system functions via control console or remote.

Front Panel: POWER, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME, TEST TONE, STATUS LED.

Remote: POWER, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME UP/DOWN, MUTE, TEST TONE, SLEEP TIMER.

Source Selection: Rotate INPUT SELECT to choose between DVD, TV, AUX, or 6-CH DIRECT. Volume Control: Adjusts all speakers simultaneously; range: -80dB to +10dB. Test Tone: Generates sequential pink noise for balancing speaker levels. Status Indicators: LED shows power state (green=on, amber=standby, red=fault).

Diagnostic Procedures

Systematic approach to identifying issues.

Power check: Verify AC power to both module and console.
Signal path test: Use TEST TONE to verify each speaker channel.
Input verification: Test each audio source independently.
Cable continuity: Check all speaker cables for proper connection.
Fault LED interpretation: Red flash patterns indicate specific issues (see troubleshooting).

Note: Always begin diagnostics with simplest solutions before component replacement.

Component Replacement

For qualified service personnel only. Disconnect power before servicing.

Component	Part Number	Replacement Procedure
Cube Speaker Driver	145892	Remove front grille, unscrew driver, disconnect leads, install new driver
Bass Module Driver	145893	Remove rear panel, disconnect amplifier leads, replace driver
Amplifier Board	145894	Disconnect all cables, remove mounting screws, replace entire board
Power Supply	145895	Disconnect AC input and DC output, replace unit
Control Console PCB	145896	Remove console housing, disconnect ribbon cables, replace PCB

WARNING! High voltages present in amplifier section. Discharge capacitors before handling.

Wiring Diagrams

Refer to diagrams for proper cable routing and connections.

System Block Diagram: Shows signal flow from inputs to outputs.
Amplifier Schematic: Detailed circuit diagram of bass module amplifier.
Cable Routing: Proper path for speaker cables to avoid interference.
Terminal Identification: Color-coded connections for all components.

Tip: Use cable ties to secure wiring and prevent strain on connections.

Safety & Compliance

UL, cUL listed. FCC Part 15 Class B compliant. CE marked for European markets.

Safety Precautions: Service should only be performed by qualified personnel. Disconnect AC power before opening any enclosure. Use proper ESD protection when handling circuit boards. Ensure proper ventilation around amplifier heatsinks.

Disposal: Comply with local regulations for electronic waste disposal. Do not incinerate batteries.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from any speaker	Power issue/input selection	Check AC power; verify input source selected; test with different source.
No bass output	Module power/cables	Ensure bass module powered; check line-level connection; verify phase setting.
One cube speaker silent	Cable/connection issue	Swap speaker with working one; check cable continuity; clean connections.
Distorted sound	Overload/clipping	Reduce volume level; check source material; verify proper impedance matching.
System won't power on	Power supply/fuse	Check AC outlet; inspect fuse in bass module; test power supply output.
Intermittent operation	Loose connections/thermal	Secure all cables; check for overheating; ensure proper ventilation.

Reset Procedure: Disconnect power for 60 seconds, then reconnect to reset protection circuits.

Service Contact: For technical support, contact Bose Corporation at 1-800-999-2673 or visit www.bose.com/service