Bose Acoustimass 3 Speaker System Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 3 Speaker System is a compact, high-performance home theater speaker system featuring Acoustimass module technology for deep bass, two direct/reflecting cube speakers for spacious sound, and simple setup for use with TVs, stereos, or home theater 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 Audio Sources 7. Operation and Sound Adjustment 8. Placement Guidelines 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustimass bass module, two cube speakers, speaker cables, power cord, user manual.

Feature	Description
Acoustimass Module	Produces deep, low-frequency bass without distortion
Direct/Reflecting Cube Speakers	Two small speakers for clear, spacious stereo sound
Speaker Inputs	Color-coded terminals for easy connection (red/black)
Line Input	For connecting to receiver/amplifier line-level output
Power Input	For AC power connection
Power Switch	Turns system on/off
Status LED	Indicates power and protection mode
Auto-On Circuitry	Automatically powers on when audio signal is detected
Protection Circuitry	Guards against overload and overheating
Compact Design	Discreet placement options for room integration

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose appropriate location.

Place Acoustimass module: Position against wall or in corner for enhanced bass.
Place cube speakers: Mount on walls, shelves, or use optional stands.
Connect speakers: Attach cube speaker cables to module terminals (red to red, black to black).
Connect audio source: Use provided cable to connect module line input to receiver/amplifier.
Plug into AC power.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around module. Do not block vents.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; verify connections.

Check power: Ensure module LED lights (green for normal operation).
Test sound: Play audio from connected source at moderate volume.
Adjust bass: Use receiver/amplifier bass controls or module placement to tune.
Balance speakers: Use receiver balance controls to ensure equal output.

CAUTION! Use only recommended speaker wire gauge. Avoid pinching cables.

Specifications

System Type: 2.1 channel speaker system.
Bass Module: Acoustimass technology, built-in amplifier.
Cube Speakers: Full-range drivers, direct/reflecting design.
Power Handling: Compatible with 10-100 watts per channel amplifiers.
Impedance: 4-8 ohms per cube speaker.
Frequency Response: 45Hz - 20kHz.
Inputs: Line-level (RCA), speaker-level (for passive use with some models).
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Dimensions (Module): Approx. 14" H x 10" W x 10" D.
Weight: Module: ~15 lbs; Each Cube: ~2 lbs.

Controls and Connections

Module rear panel: Power switch, line input (RCA), speaker terminals, AC input.

Operation: Power switch ON/OFF, auto-on when signal detected. Status LED: Green (on), Amber (standby/protection), Off (no power).

Connection types: Line-level from receiver pre-out; speaker-level from receiver speaker outputs (if compatible). Use included cables or 18-gauge speaker wire for extensions.

Connecting to Audio Sources

For stereo receivers, home theater receivers, or integrated amplifiers.

Turn off all equipment before connecting.
Line-level connection: Connect RCA cable from receiver PRE-OUT or SUBWOOFER OUT to module LINE INPUT.
Speaker-level connection (if applicable): Connect receiver speaker outputs to module speaker inputs, then cube speakers to module outputs.
Power on receiver, then module.

Tip: For home theater, set receiver to "Small" speakers and crossover to 80Hz for optimal performance.

Operation and Sound Adjustment

System operates automatically when audio signal is present.

Power: Switch ON; LED green indicates ready.
Volume: Control via connected receiver/amplifier.
Bass adjustment: Adjust using receiver bass/woofer level control or reposition module.
Speaker balance: Use receiver balance control to center sound.
Auto standby: System enters low-power mode after no signal for ~15 minutes.

WARNING! Do not exceed recommended amplifier power. Avoid continuous high-volume operation.

Placement Guidelines

For optimal sound quality:

Bass module: Place near wall or corner for reinforced bass. Avoid completely enclosed spaces.
Cube speakers: Place at ear level, 6-10 feet apart, angled toward listening area.
Keep speakers away from heat sources and moisture.

Note: Experiment with placement to achieve desired soundstage and bass response.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Wipe surfaces with dry, soft cloth. For stubborn stains, dampen cloth with water only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents, abrasives, or sprays. Keep liquids away from module and speakers.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and Acoustimass are registered 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 system	Power/connections	Check power switch, LED status; verify audio source and cables are connected properly.
LED amber or flashing	Overload/overheat	Reduce volume; ensure ventilation; allow cool-down time.
Weak or no bass	Placement/settings	Reposition module; check receiver subwoofer settings and crossover.
Sound distortion	Overdriven/clipping	Lower volume on receiver; check for damaged cables.
One cube not working	Connection/wire	Check speaker wire connections at module and cube; test with known working wire.

Reset: Power cycle module (off for 30 seconds, then on).

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