Bose Acoustimass 5 II Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 5 II is a premium home theater speaker system featuring proprietary Acoustimass module technology for powerful, room-filling bass, and Direct/Reflecting cube speakers for spacious, lifelike sound. The system includes a powered Acoustimass module, two Direct/Reflecting cube speaker pairs, necessary cables, and a remote control (if included in package). 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/Video Receivers 7. System Calibration & Optimization 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory & Warranty Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Powered Acoustimass bass module, Four Direct/Reflecting cube speakers (two front, two rear), Speaker cables, Power cord, User manual.

Feature	Description
Acoustimass Module	Powered bass unit for deep, distortion-free low frequencies
Direct/Reflecting Cube Speakers	Compact speakers delivering both direct and reflected sound for immersive audio
Speaker Connectors	Proprietary connectors for secure cable attachment to module
Input Panel	Accepts speaker-level input from receiver/amplifier
Phase Switch	Adjusts bass module phase for optimal integration with main speakers
Crossover Network	Built-in electronic crossover directs appropriate frequencies to cubes and module
Power Switch	Turns bass module on/off
Status LED	Indicates power and protection mode
Protection Circuitry	Guards against overload and short circuits

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose optimal placement for best sound.

Place Bass Module: Position near wall or in corner for enhanced bass response. Ensure ventilation.
Place Cube Speakers: Mount front pair at ear level, angled toward listening area. Rear pair can be placed on stands or mounted on side/rear walls.
Connect Cables: Attach proprietary speaker cables from cube speakers to corresponding outputs on bass module.
Connect to Receiver: Run supplied cables from your receiver's front/rear speaker outputs to the inputs on the bass module.
Plug bass module into AC power.

WARNING! Bass module is heavy; lift with care. Ensure all connections are secure before powering on.

First-Time Setup

Power on system and configure with your audio/video receiver.

Set Receiver Speaker Settings: Configure receiver for "Small" or "Satellite" speakers. Set crossover to 80Hz or as recommended.
Power Sequence: Turn on bass module first, then your receiver.
Initial Sound Check: Play audio source to verify all speakers are working.
Phase Adjustment: Use phase switch on bass module to achieve fullest bass (listen for loudest/cleanest low end).
Balance Levels: Use receiver's test tone and level calibration to balance front and rear speakers.

CAUTION! Do not connect the bass module inputs to a receiver's subwoofer/LFE output unless specified in advanced setup. Use speaker-level connections as primary method.

Specifications

System Type: 5-channel home theater speaker system.
Bass Module: Powered, with built-in amplifier and crossover.
Cube Speakers: Direct/Reflecting design, magnetically shielded.
Recommended Amplifier Power: 10-200 watts per channel.
Frequency Response: System dependent; bass module handles low frequencies.
Input Impedance: Compatible with 4-8 ohm receiver outputs.
Connections: Proprietary speaker cable connectors, spring-clip speaker inputs.
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz (varies by region).
Dimensions (Bass Module): Approximately 14.5" H x 10.5" W x 17.5" D.

Controls and Connections

Bass Module Rear Panel: Power switch, Phase switch (0/180), Status LED, Input connectors (Front Left/Right, Rear Left/Right), Output connectors to cube speakers.

Connection Guidelines: Ensure bare wire ends are twisted tightly and fully inserted into spring clips. Match polarity (+/-). Use only supplied or Bose-recommended cables.

Phase Switch: Use to correct bass cancellation. Try both positions while playing bass-heavy content; choose setting with stronger, tighter bass.

Connecting to Audio/Video Receivers

Standard connection uses speaker-level inputs from receiver.

Turn off and unplug receiver and bass module.
Connect receiver's Front Left/Right speaker outputs to bass module's Front Left/Right inputs.
Connect receiver's Rear/Surround Left/Right outputs to bass module's Rear Left/Right inputs.
Connect cube speakers to corresponding outputs on bass module.
Set all receiver speaker sizes to "Small".
Power on in sequence: Bass module, then receiver.

Tip: For receivers with a dedicated subwoofer/LFE output, consult the advanced setup guide. The Acoustimass 5 II is primarily designed for speaker-level connection.

System Calibration & Optimization

Fine-tune for your room and preferences.

Speaker Placement: Experiment with bass module placement (corner, along wall) to balance bass output.
Cube Speaker Aiming: Angle front cubes slightly inward toward primary listening position.
Receiver Settings: Run auto-calibration if available (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO). Manually set all speakers to "Small", crossover to 80-100Hz.
Level Matching: Use receiver's test tones and SPL meter (or app) to set all channels to equal volume at listening position.
Phase Re-check: After final placement, re-evaluate phase switch setting.

WARNING! Do not place bass module inside an enclosed cabinet. Allow at least 2-3 inches of clearance around vents.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug system before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for cube speakers and module exterior.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, solvents, or abrasive cleaners. Do not attempt to open or service any component. Keep cubes away from excessive heat and moisture.

Regulatory & Warranty Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to interference conditions. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose, Acoustimass, and Direct/Reflecting are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For warranty details, refer to the separate warranty card included in packaging. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from any speaker	Power/Basic connections	Ensure bass module is powered on (LED lit). Check receiver is on and set to correct source. Verify all speaker wire connections are secure at both ends.
No sound from one cube speaker	Loose cable/connection	Check cable connection at both bass module and the silent cube. Swap cables with a working cube to isolate issue.
Weak or no bass	Phase/Receiver settings	Toggle phase switch on bass module. Verify receiver speaker settings are "Small" and subwoofer is set to "No" or "Off".
Distorted sound	Overload/Impedance mismatch	Reduce receiver volume. Ensure receiver impedance setting matches (4-8 ohms). Check for loose strands of wire causing short.
Status LED flashing	Protection mode activated	Turn off bass module and receiver. Check for shorted speaker wires. Disconnect all inputs/outputs, then reconnect securely. Power on again.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop/Interference	Ensure all components are plugged into same AC circuit. Try a different outlet. Check cable routing away from power cords.

Reset: Power cycle entire system (turn off receiver and bass module, wait 30 seconds, power on bass module first, then receiver).

Service: Do not open any components. For service, contact Bose Customer Support or an authorized Bose dealer.