Bose Acoustimass 5 Series II User Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 5 Series II is a premium home theater speaker system featuring patented Acoustimass module technology for powerful, deep bass without distortion, and Direct/Reflecting cube speakers for spacious, lifelike sound. The system includes an Acoustimass module, two Direct/Reflecting cube speaker arrays, necessary cables, and a user manual. 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 Receiver 7. System Calibration 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustimass bass module, two Direct/Reflecting cube speaker arrays, speaker cables, power cord.

Feature	Description
Acoustimass Module	Patented technology for deep, articulate bass without audible distortion
Direct/Reflecting Cube Speakers	Deliver a blend of direct and reflected sound for spacious, realistic audio
Speaker Connectors	Color-coded, five-way binding posts for secure connection
Power Input	For module power connection
Line-Level Inputs	For connecting to receiver/amplifier subwoofer output
High-Level Inputs	For connecting to receiver speaker outputs
Phase Switch	Adjusts bass module phase for optimal integration with main speakers
Crossover Network	Built-in, directs low frequencies to module, mid/high to cubes
Magnetic Shielding	On cube speakers to prevent interference with TV displays

Installation

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

Place Acoustimass Module: Position near wall or in corner for enhanced bass response. Do not place inside enclosed cabinet.
Place Cube Speakers: Mount on walls or shelves at ear level when seated. Ensure they are at least 3 feet apart for stereo separation.
Connect speaker cables: Use provided cables to connect cube speakers to Acoustimass module outputs (Left/Right).
Connect to receiver: Use line-level (RCA) or high-level (speaker wire) connection from module to your AV receiver.
Plug module into AC power.

WARNING! Ensure all connections are secure and polarity is correct (red to red, black to black). Do not place module where it may be tipped over.

First-Time Setup

Power on your AV receiver and the Acoustimass module.

Set receiver speaker settings: Configure receiver for "Small" or "Satellite" speakers and enable subwoofer output if using line-level connection.
Adjust phase switch: Set to 0° initially. Play music with strong bass and toggle switch to position that provides fullest bass.
Set volume level: Use receiver's test tone or setup menu to balance bass module level with cube speakers.
Fine-tune placement: Slight adjustments to module or cube positions can significantly improve soundstage and bass integration.

CAUTION! Do not connect speaker outputs from receiver directly to cube speakers. Always route through the Acoustimass module.

Specifications

System Type: 2.1 channel home theater speaker system.
Acoustimass Module: Powered bass unit with built-in amplifier.
Cube Speakers: Two, magnetically shielded.
Crossover Frequency: Approximately 120Hz.
Power Handling (Cubes):10-100 watts per channel recommended.
Impedance: 4-8 ohms compatible.
Inputs: Line-level (RCA), High-level (speaker wire).
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz (module).
Dimensions (Module): Approx. 14.5" H x 10.5" W x 15.5" D.
Warranty: Limited warranty - refer to included documentation.

Controls and Connections

Acoustimass Module Rear Panel: Power switch, AC input, Phase switch (0°/180°), Line-Level Inputs (L/R RCA), High-Level Inputs (binding posts), Cube Speaker Outputs (binding posts Left/Right).

No remote control included. Volume and source selection controlled by your AV receiver.

Phase Switch: Optimizes bass timing relative to main speakers. Volume Level: Adjusted via receiver's subwoofer/ bass management menu. Connection Type: Choose line-level (preferred) for receivers with dedicated subwoofer output, or high-level for receivers without.

Connecting to Audio/Video Receiver

Two primary methods: Line-Level (via subwoofer output) or High-Level (via speaker outputs).

Line-Level Connection (Recommended): Use a single RCA cable (often a Y-splitter) from receiver's SUBWOOFER or LFE output to the module's LINE-LEVEL INPUTS.
High-Level Connection: Run speaker wires from receiver's Front Left/Right speaker outputs to the module's HIGH-LEVEL INPUTS. Then run wires from module's CUBE OUTPUTS to the cube speakers.
Ensure all equipment is powered off before making connections.
Double-check polarity on all wire connections.

Tip: For home theater, use line-level connection and set receiver crossover to 120Hz for optimal performance.

System Calibration

For best performance, calibrate using your AV receiver's setup system.

Run receiver's auto-setup (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO) if available, with included microphone placed at primary listening position.
Manually set speaker sizes to "Small" for all channels in receiver menu.
Set crossover frequency to 120Hz or "THX Recommended" (80Hz).
Adjust subwoofer level in receiver menu so bass blends seamlessly; it should not localize to the module.
Use test tones and familiar music/movies to fine-tune level and phase.

WARNING! Do not bypass the Acoustimass module's crossover. Cube speakers are not designed to receive full-range signals.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug module before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe exterior surfaces of module and cube speakers. Do not use liquids or chemical cleaners.

CAUTION! Keep liquids away from all components. Do not open any enclosures; no user-serviceable parts inside.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright and trademarks are property of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from any speaker	Power/connections	Ensure module is powered on (green light). Check all cable connections from receiver to module and module to cubes.
Sound from cubes but no bass	Phase/Receiver settings	Check phase switch position. Verify receiver subwoofer output is enabled and level is not set to minimum.
Distorted sound or buzzing	Wire short/Loose connection	Inspect speaker wires for fraying or strands touching opposite terminals. Ensure binding posts are tight.
One cube speaker not working	Faulty cable/connection	Swap left and right cube cables at module output. If problem moves, issue is with cable or cube. If not, issue may be with module output or receiver channel.
Hum from module	Ground loop	Ensure all components are plugged into same AC circuit. Try a different outlet or use a ground loop isolator on audio cables.

Reset: Power cycle the module and receiver. Re-run receiver calibration.

Service: Contact Bose Customer Support or authorized service center. Do not attempt internal repairs.