Bose Acoustimass 9 Speaker System Manual

The Bose Acoustimass 9 Speaker System is a high-performance home theater audio solution featuring proprietary Acoustimass module technology for deep, impactful bass, five Direct/Reflecting cube speakers for immersive surround sound, and a versatile control console. Designed for compatibility with most AV receivers, it delivers spacious, room-filling audio with minimal visible speakers. 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 AV Receiver 7. System Calibration 8. Placement Guidelines 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustimass Bass Module, Five Direct/Reflecting Cube Speakers (Front Left/Center/Right, Surround Left/Right), Control Console, Speaker Cables, and Power Cord.

Feature	Description
Acoustimass Bass Module	Produces deep low frequencies; houses crossover and amplifier connections
Direct/Reflecting Cube Speakers	Compact speakers for full-range sound dispersion
Control Console	Provides master power, input level adjustment, and status LED
Proprietary Cables	Color-coded cables for easy connection to bass module
Universal Compatibility	Works with most AV receivers delivering 10-200 watts per channel
Bass Control	Adjustable low-frequency output via control console
Magnetic Shielding	On cube speakers to prevent TV interference
Wall/Ceiling Mountable	Cube speakers include optional mounting hardware
Auto Standby	Bass module enters low-power mode when no signal is detected
System Protection	Circuitry guards against overload and short circuits

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Plan speaker placement before connecting.

Position Bass Module: Place near AV receiver, away from corners for balanced bass.
Place Cube Speakers: Front L/R: beside or slightly behind TV; Center: above/below TV; Surround L/R: to sides or behind listening area.
Connect Control Console: Plug into power outlet and connect to bass module via provided cable.
Run Speaker Cables: Route cables from bass module to each cube speaker location.
Connect to Bass Module: Attach color-coded speaker cables to corresponding terminals on module.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on system and configure with your AV receiver.

Power Sequence: Turn on control console first, then AV receiver.
Receiver Settings: Set speaker configuration to "Small" for all channels; crossover to 80Hz or "Bypass" if available.
Level Calibration: Use receiver's test tone and level adjustments to balance all speakers.
Bass Adjustment: Adjust bass level on control console to blend with room acoustics.
Test Playback: Play multichannel content to verify all speakers are active.

CAUTION! Do not connect speaker outputs from receiver directly to bass module or cube speakers. Use only the provided connection system.

Specifications

System Type: 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System.
Bass Module Power: Built-in amplifier for low frequencies.
Cube Speaker Drivers: Dual opposing full-range drivers per cube.
Frequency Response: System: 35Hz - 20kHz (±3dB).
Impedance: Compatible with 4-8 ohm receiver outputs.
Inputs: Proprietary multi-pin connector for control console; speaker-level inputs from receiver.
Outputs: Proprietary connectors for five cube speakers.
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 100W maximum.
Dimensions (Bass Module): Approx. 18.5" H x 10.5" W x 17.5" D.
Dimensions (Cube Speaker): Approx. 4.5" H x 4.5" W x 5.5" D.

Controls and Connections

Control Console: POWER button, BASS LEVEL knob, STATUS LED (green = on, amber = standby). Bass Module: Speaker input terminals (from AV receiver), Cube speaker output terminals, Control console input, AC power inlet.

Connection Overview: AV receiver speaker outputs → Bass module inputs → Bass module outputs → Cube speakers. Control console manages power and bass level.

Settings: Bass level (adjust to room/ preference), Power mode (Auto standby).

Connecting to AV Receiver

Ensure receiver and Acoustimass system are powered off.

Identify receiver's front left/right, center, and surround left/right speaker terminals.
Connect receiver's front L/R outputs to bass module's "From Receiver" L/R inputs using speaker wire.
Connect receiver's center and surround outputs to the corresponding inputs on bass module.
Connect cube speakers to bass module outputs using provided color-coded cables.
Plug control console into power and connect to bass module.

Tip: Double-check polarity (+/-) on all connections to ensure proper speaker phasing.

System Calibration

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

Access receiver's speaker setup menu.
Set all speakers to "Small".
Set crossover frequency to 80Hz or "Bypass" to let Acoustimass module handle bass management.
Run automatic room calibration if available (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO).
Manually adjust channel levels so test tones sound equally loud from main listening position.
Fine-tune bass level using control console knob while playing content with deep bass.

WARNING! Do not set receiver's subwoofer output to "LFE+Main" as this may cause bass overload.

Placement Guidelines

Bass Module: Place on floor against wall, but not in corner, for balanced response. Cube Speakers: Front L/R at ear level, angled toward listening area; Center speaker as close to TV as possible; Surround speakers slightly above ear level, to sides or behind.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug system before cleaning. Wipe bass module and cube speakers with dry, soft cloth. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not open any speaker enclosures. Keep liquids away from electronics. Protect from extreme temperatures and humidity.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and Acoustimass are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from any speaker	Power/connections	Ensure control console is on; check all cable connections; verify receiver is on and set to correct input.
No bass output	Bass level/connections	Adjust bass level on console; check receiver's subwoofer setting is "On" or "Yes".
Sound distortion	Overload/placement	Reduce receiver volume; ensure bass module is not in a corner; check for loose wires.
One cube speaker silent	Cable/connection	Check cable connection at both bass module and speaker; swap with working cable to test.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop/interference	Ensure all components plug into same power circuit; move audio cables away from power cords.
Status LED amber (standby)	No input signal	Play audio from receiver; system will auto-wake. Check receiver output.

Reset: Power off entire system (console and receiver), wait 60 seconds, then power on in sequence.

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