Bose Acoustimass 5 Series III Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 5 Series III is a premium home theater speaker system featuring proprietary Acoustimass module technology for deep, impactful bass without distortion, and Direct/Reflecting cube speakers for spacious, lifelike sound. This 5.1 channel system is designed for use with compatible AV receivers and includes speaker cables, mounting hardware, and comprehensive setup guides. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustimass bass module (powered), five Direct/Reflecting cube speakers (left/right front, center, left/right rear), speaker cables, mounting brackets, user manual.

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose a stable location for the Acoustimass module and planned positions for cube speakers.

1. Position Acoustimass Module: Place on floor near AV receiver, away from corners for balanced bass.
2. Place Cube Speakers: Front left/right and center near TV; rear left/right beside or behind listening area.
3. Connect speaker cables: Run cables from AV receiver speaker outputs to corresponding inputs on Acoustimass module.
4. Connect cube speakers: Use included cables from module outputs to each cube speaker.
5. Plug Acoustimass module into AC power outlet.

WARNING! Ensure all equipment is turned off before making connections. Do not place module in enclosed cabinets.

First-Time Setup

Power on your AV receiver and Acoustimass module; configure receiver settings.

1. Set AV receiver speaker configuration: Select "Small" for all speakers and "Yes" for subwoofer.
2. Run auto-calibration: If receiver has room correction (e.g., Audyssey), follow its setup routine.
3. Set crossover frequency: Typically 80Hz-120Hz on receiver for optimal bass management.
4. Adjust bass module level: Use remote or knob on module to match volume with cube speakers.
5. Test each speaker: Use receiver's test tone to ensure all channels are working correctly.

CAUTION! Do not overtighten speaker wire connections. Ensure polarity (+/-) is correct.

Specifications

• System Type: 5.1 channel home theater speaker system.
• Acoustimass Module: Powered bass unit with proprietary ported design.
• Cube Speakers: Five magnetically shielded, Direct/Reflecting design.
• Frequency Response: System: 45Hz - 20kHz (±3dB).
• Impedance: 4-8 ohms per cube speaker (compatible with most AV receivers).
• Power Handling: Recommended amplifier power: 10-200 watts per channel.
• Dimensions (each cube): Approx. 4.5"H x 3.5"W x 4.5"D.
• Dimensions (module): Approx. 17"H x 9"W x 17"D.
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz for Acoustimass module.
• Included Cables: Sufficient lengths for typical room setups.

Controls and Connections

Acoustimass Module: Power switch, AC input, Line-level inputs (LFE/RCA), Speaker-level inputs/outputs (color-coded), Bass level control knob/remote sensor.

Cube Speakers: Push-type terminals (red/black), integrated keyhole slots for mounting.

Remote Control (if included): POWER, BASS LEVEL (+/-), INPUT SELECT (for multiple sources). Setup: Configure via AV receiver menu for speaker size, distance, level, and crossover. Calibration: Use receiver's auto-setup or manual test tones for balancing.

Connecting to AV Receiver

Two connection methods: Line-level (LFE/subwoofer output) or Speaker-level.

1. Turn off all equipment.
2. Line-level (Recommended): Connect RCA cable from receiver's SUBWOOFER/LFE output to "LFE INPUT" on module.
3. Speaker-level: Connect receiver's front left/right speaker outputs to module's "FROM RECEIVER" inputs; connect module's "TO SPEAKERS" outputs to front left/right cube speakers.
4. Connect center and rear speakers: Run cables from receiver's center and surround outputs directly to corresponding cube speakers.
5. Power on module, then receiver.

Tip: Use line-level connection for digital surround formats (Dolby Digital/DTS) to utilize receiver's bass management.

Speaker Placement Guide

Optimal placement enhances surround sound experience.

1. Front Left/Right: Place at ear level, angled toward listening position, equidistant from TV.
2. Center Channel: Position directly above or below TV, aimed at listeners.
3. Surround Left/Right: Place beside or slightly behind listening area, at or slightly above ear level.
4. Acoustimass Module: Locate on floor near front speakers, but not in a corner (can cause boomy bass).
5. Experiment: Small adjustments can significantly improve soundstage and bass integration.

WARNING! Do not mount cube speakers where they may fall. Use included hardware securely.

Sound Optimization

Use your AV receiver's settings to fine-tune system performance.

• Crossover Setting: Set between 80Hz and 120Hz. This directs bass below this frequency to the Acoustimass module.
• Speaker Size: Set all cube speakers to "SMALL" in receiver menu.
• Subwoofer Level: Adjust using receiver's test tones or the knob on the module for balanced bass.
• Distance/Delay: Input speaker distances from listening position into receiver for proper sound synchronization.
• Room Correction: Run your receiver's auto-calibration (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO) if available.

Care & Maintenance

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

CAUTION! Do not open any speaker enclosure. Keep liquids away from all components. Avoid placing modules in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to interference that may cause undesired operation. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose, Acoustimass, Direct/Reflecting are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Power cycle the Acoustimass module and AV receiver. Re-run receiver setup.

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