Bose Acoustimass Series 5 Manual

The Bose Acoustimass Series 5 is a premium home theater speaker system designed to deliver immersive audio performance. This system includes Acoustimass module bass units and Direct/Reflecting cube speakers, offering wide sound dispersion and deep bass response. Compatible with most AV receivers, it features simple setup, flexible placement options, and proprietary Bose technologies for enhanced audio clarity. 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. Speaker Placement Guide 8. Audio Calibration 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustimass bass module, Direct/Reflecting cube speakers (front and rear), speaker cables, power cord, user manual.

Feature	Description
Acoustimass Bass Module	Produces deep, distortion-free low frequencies
Direct/Reflecting Cube Speakers	Deliver wide, spacious sound for front and rear channels
Proprietary Bose Technologies	Enhances audio clarity and imaging
Flexible Placement	Bass module can be placed out of sight; cubes mount on walls or shelves
Compatibility	Works with most AV receivers (4-8 ohms)
Speaker Cable Connections	Color-coded for easy setup (gray/black for front, green/white for rear)
Power Requirements	120V AC, 60Hz (bass module)
Warranty	Limited warranty included (refer to documentation)

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Ensure you have compatible AV receiver.

Position bass module: Place near wall or corner for enhanced bass; keep away from heat sources.
Mount cube speakers: Use included brackets for wall mounting or place on shelves.
Connect speaker cables: Attach color-coded cables to corresponding terminals on bass module and speakers.
Connect to receiver: Run cables from bass module to AV receiver speaker outputs.
Plug bass module into AC power.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on AV receiver and bass module; configure receiver settings.

Set receiver speaker configuration: Select "Small" for front/rear speakers and "Yes" for subwoofer.
Configure crossover: Set to 80Hz or as recommended by Bose.
Test audio: Play test tones from receiver to ensure all speakers are working.
Adjust bass module level: Use dial on back to match volume with cube speakers.

CAUTION! Do not exceed recommended power ratings of your AV receiver to avoid damage.

Specifications

System Type: 5.1 channel home theater speaker system.
Bass Module: Powered, frequency response down to 30Hz.
Cube Speakers: Direct/Reflecting design, 2.5" full-range drivers.
Impedance: 4-8 ohms per channel.
Power Handling: Compatible with receivers 10-200 watts per channel.
Connections: Spring-clip terminals for speaker wires.
Dimensions (Bass Module): Approx. 14.5" H x 10.5" W x 15.5" D.
Weight: Bass module ~25 lbs.
Operating Temp: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C).

Controls and Connections

Bass Module Back Panel: Power switch, AC input, level control dial, speaker terminals (Front L/R, Rear L/R). Cube Speakers: Spring-clip terminals for cable connection.

AV Receiver Settings: Speaker size (Small), crossover frequency (80Hz), subwoofer output (LFE or speaker level).

Level Control: Adjust bass module volume to blend with cube speakers. Power: Switch on bass module; cube speakers are passive.

Connecting to AV Receiver

Use speaker-level or LFE connection based on receiver capabilities.

Turn off receiver and unplug bass module.
For speaker-level: Connect front/rear speaker wires from receiver to bass module terminals.
For LFE: Use subwoofer output on receiver to LFE input on bass module (if equipped).
Connect cube speakers to corresponding terminals on bass module.
Power on and test.

Tip: Ensure polarity is correct (+ to +, - to -) for optimal sound quality.

Speaker Placement Guide

Optimal placement enhances audio performance.

Front cubes: Place at ear level, to left/right of TV, angled toward listening position.
Rear cubes: Mount on side or rear walls, slightly above ear level.
Bass module: Corner placement boosts bass; avoid blocking ports.
Distance: Maintain equal distance from listening position for balanced sound.

WARNING! Do not place bass module in enclosed spaces; allow ventilation.

Audio Calibration

Use receiver's auto-calibration (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO) or manual adjustment.

Run auto-calibration with included microphone.
Verify speaker distances and levels.
Adjust bass module level if needed.
Fine-tune with receiver's EQ settings.

Note: Bose recommends setting all speakers to "Small" in receiver menu.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug bass module before cleaning. Wipe cubes with dry cloth; avoid liquids.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners; keep speakers away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and Acoustimass are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from bass module	Power/connections	Ensure power is on; check speaker wire connections; verify receiver settings.
Distorted audio	Overdriven receiver	Reduce volume on receiver; check impedance compatibility.
One cube not working	Loose cable	Inspect connections at bass module and speaker; replace cable if damaged.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop/interference	Ensure all components share same ground; use power conditioner.
Weak bass	Placement/settings	Reposition bass module; adjust level control; verify receiver crossover.

Reset: Power cycle bass module and receiver.

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