Bose Acoustimass 5 Speaker Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 5 speaker system is a high-performance home audio solution featuring a unique Acoustimass module (bass unit) and two direct/reflecting cube speakers. Designed to deliver spacious stereo sound with deep, impactful bass, it connects to your stereo receiver or amplifier. Below are key sections for setup, features, operation, care, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Package Contents 3. System Setup & Installation 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Connections 6. Connecting to Audio Sources 7. Operation & Sound Adjustment 8. Placement Guidelines 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustimass bass module, two cube speakers, speaker cables, owner's manual.

Feature	Description
Acoustimass Bass Module	Handles low frequencies; reduces localization of bass
Direct/Reflecting Cube Speakers	Produce spacious stereo imaging
Speaker Connectors	Color-coded (red/black) for easy polarity matching
Input Panel (Bass Module)	Accepts speaker-level inputs from amplifier
Grilles	Removable for cleaning (cube speakers)
Wall-mount capability	Optional brackets for cube speaker placement
Magnetic Shielding	Prevents interference with nearby CRT displays
High-power handling	Compatible with most home stereo amplifiers

Package Contents

Unpack and verify all items are present.

Acoustimass bass module (1)
Direct/reflecting cube speakers (2)
Speaker cables (2 pairs, pre-cut lengths)
Owner's manual (this document)
Warranty card
Registration card

NOTE: If any item is missing or damaged, contact Bose customer service immediately.

System Setup & Installation

Follow these steps for proper system assembly and connection.

Place bass module: Position near wall or in corner (not in enclosed cabinet).
Place cube speakers: Mount on stands, shelves, or walls at ear level when seated.
Connect amplifier: Turn off amplifier. Connect its left/right speaker outputs to bass module inputs (red to red, black to black).
Connect cube speakers: Run provided cables from bass module outputs to each cube speaker, observing polarity.
Secure connections: Ensure all connections are tight and not touching each other.
Power on: Turn on amplifier and play audio at low volume to test.

WARNING! Ensure amplifier is off during connections to prevent short circuits or damage.

Specifications

System Type: 3-piece speaker system (2 cubes + 1 bass module).
Power Handling: 10-200 watts per channel (amplifier dependent).
Impedance: 4-8 ohms (compatible with most amplifiers).
Frequency Response: ~45 Hz - 20 kHz.
Cube Speaker Dimensions: Approx. 5.25" H x 4.5" W x 4.5" D.
Bass Module Dimensions: Approx. 17" H x 10" W x 7.5" D.
Weight: Bass module ~20 lbs; each cube ~2 lbs.
Finish: Black or white matte finish (model dependent).

Controls & Connections

Bass Module Rear Panel: Input terminals (LEFT/RIGHT from amp), Output terminals (to cube speakers).

Connection Guidelines: Red terminal = positive (+), Black terminal = negative (-). Match polarity on amplifier, bass module, and cube speakers. Use only provided or recommended gauge speaker wire.

No User Controls: System is passive; all volume/bass/treble adjustments are made at the amplifier or source.

Connecting to Audio Sources

Connect to stereo receiver, integrated amplifier, or AV receiver.

Ensure amplifier is off and unplugged.
Remove amplifier's existing speaker wires (if any).
Connect amplifier's LEFT speaker outputs to bass module's LEFT inputs.
Connect amplifier's RIGHT speaker outputs to bass module's RIGHT inputs.
Connect left cube speaker to LEFT outputs on bass module.
Connect right cube speaker to RIGHT outputs on bass module.
Double-check polarity on all connections.

Tip: Keep speaker wires away from power cords to avoid hum or interference.

Operation & Sound Adjustment

Once connected, operate via your amplifier's controls.

Power sequence: Turn on amplifier first, then source components.
Volume: Adjust at amplifier. Start at low volume after initial setup.
Bass/Treble: Use amplifier's tone controls if desired. Acoustimass system is tuned for balanced response.
Balance: Adjust L/R balance on amplifier to center soundstage.
Break-in: Sound may improve after several hours of play at moderate volumes.

WARNING! Do not overdrive amplifier into clipping, as this can damage speakers.

Placement Guidelines

Optimal placement enhances performance.

Bass Module: Place on floor near a wall or corner for reinforced bass. Do not place inside enclosed cabinet. Allow a few inches of clearance from walls.

Cube Speakers: Place at ear level from listening position. For direct/reflecting effect, place away from walls (1-2 feet) if possible. Can be mounted on optional Bose wall brackets.

Stereo Separation: Position cubes 6-10 feet apart for good stereo imaging.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug amplifier before cleaning. Use dry, soft cloth for cube speaker cabinets and grilles. For stubborn stains, lightly dampen cloth with water. Do not use solvents or abrasives.

CAUTION! Do not remove grilles unless necessary for cleaning. Do not spray liquids directly on speakers. Keep bass module away from moisture and heat sources.

Warranty & Support

Limited warranty period: Refer to included warranty card for details (typically 5 years for speakers). This warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship under normal use. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service: 1-800-999-2673 (US).

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from cubes	Loose connections, amplifier off	Check all wire connections; ensure amplifier is on and volume up.
Weak or no bass	Bass module not connected, phase issue	Verify bass module inputs from amplifier; check polarity.
Distorted sound	Amplifier clipping, overdriven	Reduce volume on amplifier; check amplifier power rating.
Sound from one side only	Balance control, single channel connection	Check amplifier balance setting; verify both L/R channels connected.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop, wire near power cords	Route speaker wires away from AC cables; ensure secure connections.
Cube speaker damaged	Physical impact, over-excursion	Contact Bose service for inspection/repair.

Reset: Power off amplifier, check all connections, then power on again.

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