Bose Acoustimass 5.1 Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 5.1 is a premium home theater speaker system featuring proprietary Acoustimass module technology for deep, clear bass, five Direct/Reflecting cube speakers for immersive surround sound, and a simplified setup process. This manual covers safety, system overview, installation, configuration, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for optimal performance.

System Overview

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

Component	Description
Acoustimass Module	Handles low-frequency effects (LFE/.1 channel) and crossover for satellite speakers
Cube Speakers (x5)	Direct/Reflecting design for wide, spacious sound; identical for flexible placement
Speaker Cables	Color-coded for easy identification (Front: White/Red, Center: Yellow, Surround: Gray/Blue)
Input Panel	Accepts speaker-level inputs from AV receiver/amplifier
Bass Control	Adjusts low-frequency output level to suit room acoustics

Package Contents

Unpack and verify all items are present.

1. Acoustimass bass module (1)
2. Cube speakers (5)
3. Color-coded speaker cables (5 sets)
4. Rubber feet (for module)
5. Wall-mount brackets (optional, depending on model)
6. Owner's Guide (this manual)
7. Warranty card

WARNING! The bass module is heavy. Use proper lifting technique or seek assistance to avoid injury.

Installation Guide

Plan your layout before connecting. Ensure AV receiver is powered OFF.

1. Place bass module: Position near AV receiver, against a wall or in a corner for enhanced bass response. Attach rubber feet.
2. Place cube speakers: Front L/R beside TV, center above/below TV, surround L/R to sides or behind listening area. Can be placed on shelves, mounted on walls, or used with optional stands.
3. Connect cables: Run color-coded cables from each speaker to corresponding input terminals on bass module (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R).
4. Connect to receiver: Run provided cable harness from bass module's "From Receiver" terminals to your AV receiver's front/surround/center speaker output terminals.
5. Power: Connect bass module to AC outlet after all connections are secure.

CAUTION! Ensure all connections are tight and polarity (+/-) is correct to prevent poor sound or damage.

Specifications

• System Type: 5.1-channel home theater speaker system.
• Technology: Proprietary Acoustimass module for bass; Direct/Reflecting cube array.
• Speaker Drivers: Custom-designed full-range in cubes; dual opposing drivers in bass module.
• Frequency Response: System dependent; bass module handles frequencies below approximately 200Hz.
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 10-200 watts per channel.
• Impedance: Compatible with 4-8 ohm outputs.
• Inputs: Speaker-level inputs (from receiver).
• Controls: Bass level control on module.
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz (for active module electronics).
• Dimensions (approx.): Bass Module: Varies by model; Cube Speakers: ~2.5"H x 4"W x 4"D.

Controls and Connections

Primary control is via your AV receiver. System-specific controls are on the bass module.

Bass Module Rear Panel: "From Receiver" terminals (input), "To Speakers" terminals (output for all 5 cubes), Bass Level control knob, AC power inlet.

AV Receiver Settings: Set all speakers to "SMALL" in receiver setup menu. Set subwoofer/crossover to "YES" or "ON", and crossover frequency to 200Hz or as recommended by Bose. Bass module handles all low frequencies.

Initial Setup: Set bass level control to midpoint (12 o'clock). Fine-tune after calibration.

Connecting to Audio/Video Receiver

This system uses speaker-level connections. Do not connect to "Pre-Out" or "Line-Level Subwoofer" outputs unless specified for certain models.

1. Turn OFF and unplug your AV receiver.
2. Identify the receiver's speaker output terminals (Front Left/Right, Center, Surround Left/Right).
3. Connect the harness from the bass module's "From Receiver" section to these terminals, matching colors/channels (e.g., White to Front Left +, Red to Front Left -).
4. Ensure connections are secure and no bare wire strands are touching other terminals.

Tip: Use the receiver's built-in test tone and setup microphone (if available) to automatically calibrate speaker levels and distances.

Speaker Placement & Calibration

Optimal placement is key to the Acoustimass experience.

1. Front Cubes: Place at ear level, toed-in slightly towards the primary listening position.
2. Center Cube: Place directly above or below the TV screen, aimed at listeners.
3. Surround Cubes: Place to sides or slightly behind listening area, above ear level (approx. 2-3 feet).
4. Bass Module: Place in a front corner or along a wall. Experiment for smoothest bass response.
5. Calibration: Run your AV receiver's auto-setup (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO) or manually set all speakers to "SMALL", crossover to 200Hz, and adjust channel levels using a test tone.
6. Bass Adjustment: Play content with strong bass. Adjust the module's Bass Level control for balanced, non-boomy bass that integrates seamlessly with the cubes.

WARNING! Do not place bass module inside an enclosed cabinet, as this can cause overheating and distorted sound.

Operation & Sound Modes

System operation is controlled entirely by your AV receiver. Select the desired sound mode on the receiver (e.g., Dolby Digital, DTS, Stereo, Direct). The Acoustimass system will faithfully reproduce the signal it receives.

For Music (2-channel): Set receiver to Stereo or Direct mode. The bass module will still provide low-frequency support for full-range sound.

For Movies/TV (Multichannel): Use receiver's Dolby Digital or DTS mode. The center channel ensures clear dialogue, surrounds provide immersion, and the bass module delivers impactful effects.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the bass module from AC power before cleaning.

Cubes & Module: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn marks, lightly dampen cloth with water. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

Grilles: Do not remove cube speaker grilles. Clean gently with a soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment on low power.

Cables: Inspect periodically for damage. Keep away from heat sources and foot traffic.

CAUTION! Never allow liquid to enter any openings on the speakers or module. Do not operate in extremely humid or hot environments.

Regulatory & Warranty Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to interference conditions. Copyright © Bose Corporation. Bose, Acoustimass, and Direct/Reflecting are trademarks of Bose Corporation. Patent rights issued and/or pending.

Limited Warranty: Refer to the included warranty card for specific terms and duration. For service, contact Bose Customer Service.

Support: For technical assistance, setup guides, or service, visit www.bose.com/support or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from any speaker	Receiver off/incorrect input; loose power or input connections	Check receiver power/source; verify all cable connections at receiver and bass module are secure; ensure bass module is plugged in.
No sound from one cube	Loose speaker cable; incorrect receiver setting	Check cable connections at both cube and bass module; ensure receiver channel is not muted or level set to zero.
Weak or no bass	Bass level control low; receiver settings; placement	Adjust bass level knob; verify receiver subwoofer setting is "ON" and speakers set to "SMALL"; try different module placement.
Distorted sound	Overdriven receiver; damaged cable	Reduce receiver volume; check for pinched or frayed cables.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop; interference	Ensure all components are plugged into the same AC circuit; try a different outlet; check cable routing away from power cords.

Reset: Power cycle the system (unplug bass module for 30 seconds, then reconnect). Re-run receiver calibration.

Service: If problems persist, contact Bose Customer Service: 1-800-999-2673 or www.bose.com/support.