Bose Acoustimass 7 Instruction Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 7 is a premium home theater speaker system designed to deliver immersive, high-fidelity audio. It consists of two direct/reflecting cube speaker arrays and an Acoustimass bass module. This system is engineered to work with your AV receiver to provide spacious, room-filling sound for movies, music, and gaming. 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 Your AV System 7. System Calibration & Optimization 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Two Direct/Reflecting Cube Speaker Arrays, One Acoustimass Bass Module, Speaker Cables, Power Cord, and Owner's Guide.

FeatureDescription
Direct/Reflecting Cube SpeakersDeliver a spacious, lifelike soundstage by combining direct and reflected sound.
Acoustimass Bass ModuleHandles low frequencies, producing deep, impactful bass without localization.
Speaker ConnectorsProprietary connectors for secure, color-coded cable attachment.
Power InputFor connecting the bass module to AC power.
Input Panel (Bass Module)Accepts speaker-level inputs from your AV receiver.
Protection CircuitryGuards against overload and excessive power.

Installation

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

  1. Place Bass Module: Position against a wall or in a corner for enhanced bass response. Do not place inside an enclosed cabinet.
  2. Place Cube Speakers: Mount on walls or shelves at ear level when seated. For best surround effect, place to the sides and slightly behind the primary listening area.
  3. Connect Cables: Run the included cables from the bass module to each cube speaker. Match colors (Red to Red, Black to Black).
  4. Connect to Receiver: Connect the speaker outputs from your AV receiver to the input terminals on the bass module.
  5. Plug Bass Module into AC power.

WARNING! Ensure all equipment is powered off before making connections. The bass module is heavy; lift with care.

First-Time Setup

Power on your AV receiver and follow these steps to configure the system.

  1. Set Receiver Speaker Settings: In your AV receiver's menu, set front speakers to "SMALL" and subwoofer to "YES" or "LFE+MAIN".
  2. Crossover Setting: Set the receiver's crossover frequency to 80Hz or 100Hz for optimal integration.
  3. Initial Sound Check: Play audio content and verify sound comes from all speakers. Adjust receiver volume to a moderate level.
  4. Fine-Tune Placement: Slight adjustments to cube speaker angle and bass module placement can significantly improve sound.

CAUTION! Do not overtighten speaker wire connections. Ensure no bare wire strands are touching opposite terminals.

Specifications

Controls and Connections

Primary control is via your AV receiver. The bass module has a power indicator and auto-on circuitry.

Bass Module: Power Input, Speaker-Level Input Terminals (From Receiver), Output Terminals (To Cube Speakers), Status LED.

AV Receiver Settings: Volume, Balance, Tone Controls (Bass/Treble), Crossover Frequency, Speaker Size/Distance/Delay Calibration.

No Physical Controls: The Acoustimass 7 system itself has no volume or tone knobs; all adjustments are made through the connected receiver.

Connecting to Your AV System

Connects via standard speaker wire to any AV receiver or amplifier.

  1. Turn off and unplug your AV receiver.
  2. Connect Receiver to Bass Module: Run speaker wire from your receiver's Front Left/Right output terminals to the corresponding INPUT terminals on the bass module.
  3. Connect Bass Module to Cube Speakers: Use the provided cables to connect from the OUTPUT terminals on the bass module to each cube speaker.
  4. Power on the bass module, then power on your AV receiver.

Tip: Use high-quality, gauge-appropriate speaker wire (16- or 14-gauge recommended for runs over 20 feet).

System Calibration & Optimization

For best performance, use your AV receiver's built-in setup microphone and room calibration system (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO).

  1. Run Auto Setup: Place the microphone at the primary listening position and follow your receiver's on-screen instructions.
  2. Verify Results: Check that the receiver has correctly identified speaker sizes and distances.
  3. Manual Fine-Tuning: After auto-setup, you may manually adjust channel levels and the subwoofer level to personal preference.
  4. Bass Module Placement: If bass sounds uneven, try moving the bass module to a different corner or along a different wall.

WARNING! During calibration, ensure the room is as quiet as possible. Do not touch the microphone during the process.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the bass module from AC power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of the speakers and bass module. Do not use liquids, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Never open the bass module or cube speakers. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Keep the system away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

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

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from any speakerPower/ConnectionsEnsure bass module is plugged in and powered on. Check all wire connections from receiver to bass module to cube speakers.
No sound from one cube speakerLoose cableCheck the cable connection at both the bass module output and the problematic cube speaker.
Weak or no bassReceiver settingsVerify receiver settings: Subwoofer set to "ON", front speakers set to "SMALL", and crossover is enabled (80-100Hz).
Distorted soundOverdriven/ wire shortReduce volume on receiver. Check for stray speaker wire strands causing a short at the terminals.
Bass module LED is offNo powerCheck AC power connection and outlet. Ensure the power cord is firmly seated in the bass module.

Reset: Power cycle the bass module and AV receiver. Re-run your receiver's speaker calibration.

Service: For persistent issues, contact Bose Customer Support or visit www.bose.com/support.

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