bose acoustimass series ii manual

The Bose Acoustimass Series II is a premium home theater speaker system featuring proprietary Acoustimass module technology for deep, powerful bass without distortion, Direct/Reflecting speaker arrays for spacious sound, and compatibility with most audio/video receivers. 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 Audio/Video Systems 7. Operation and Sound Adjustment 8. Placement Guidelines 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustimass bass module, Direct/Reflecting cube speaker arrays (typically 5 speakers), speaker cables, connection cables, and mounting hardware.

FeatureDescription
Acoustimass ModuleProprietary bass technology for deep, distortion-free low frequencies
Direct/Reflecting Cube SpeakersSmall satellite speakers that deliver both direct and reflected sound for spacious audio
Wide CompatibilityWorks with most stereo and surround sound receivers (8 ohms impedance)
Flexible PlacementBass module can be placed out of sight; cube speakers can be wall-mounted or placed on shelves
High-Performance DriversCustom-designed drivers for clear, balanced sound across frequencies
Magnetic ShieldingCube speakers are magnetically shielded to prevent interference with TV displays
Color OptionsTypically available in black or white to match room decor
Proprietary CablesIncluded color-coded cables for easy connection to bass module

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Verify you have bass module, cube speakers, cables, and mounting hardware.

  1. Place bass module: Position on floor against wall or in corner (not in enclosed cabinet).
  2. Position cube speakers: Place front left/right, center, and surround left/right speakers at ear level when seated.
  3. Connect speakers to bass module: Use included cables to connect each cube speaker to corresponding terminals on bass module.
  4. Connect bass module to receiver: Use speaker wire to connect bass module outputs to receiver's speaker terminals.
  5. Connect audio sources: Connect receiver to TV, DVD player, or other audio sources.

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

First-Time Setup

After physical installation, configure your audio/video receiver for proper operation.

  1. Set receiver speaker settings: Configure receiver for "small" speakers and enable subwoofer output if available.
  2. Configure crossover: Set receiver crossover to 80-100Hz for optimal performance.
  3. Test each speaker: Use receiver's test tone function to verify all speakers are working correctly.
  4. Adjust levels: Balance speaker levels using receiver's calibration or manual adjustment.
  5. Run room calibration: If receiver has auto-calibration (like Audyssey), run it for optimal sound.

CAUTION! Do not place cube speakers directly against walls; maintain recommended distance for proper sound reflection.

Specifications

Controls and Connections

Primary controls are on your audio/video receiver. Bass module has no user controls—all adjustments made through receiver.

Bass Module Connections: Input terminals for receiver connection; Output terminals for cube speakers (color-coded: White/Red for front left/right, Green for center, Gray for surround left/right).

Receiver Settings: Speaker size (set to "small"), Crossover frequency (80-100Hz), Subwoofer mode (LFE or LFE+Main), Channel levels, Distance/delay settings.

No Physical Controls: Volume, tone, and balance controlled exclusively through connected receiver.

Connecting to Audio/Video Systems

Compatible with stereo receivers, surround sound receivers, and most home theater systems.

  1. Turn off and unplug all equipment before connecting.
  2. Connect bass module to receiver: Use speaker wire from receiver's front left/right terminals to bass module inputs.
  3. Connect cube speakers: Use included cables to connect each cube to corresponding bass module outputs.
  4. For surround sound: Connect all 5 speakers to bass module; connect bass module to receiver's front channels.
  5. For stereo only: Connect only front left/right speakers; center and surrounds not required.

Tip: Use color-coded connections to avoid errors. White/red for front left/right, green for center, gray for surrounds.

Operation and Sound Adjustment

All audio adjustments made through your receiver. No standalone controls on speakers.

  1. Power on sequence: Turn on receiver first, then audio sources.
  2. Select audio mode: Choose stereo, Dolby Digital, DTS, or other surround mode on receiver.
  3. Adjust bass: Use receiver's bass management or subwoofer level control.
  4. Balance speakers: Use receiver's test tone and level adjustments.
  5. Fine-tune placement: Small adjustments to cube speaker positioning can significantly improve sound.
  6. Experiment with bass module placement: Corner placement increases bass output; wall placement provides more balanced response.

WARNING! Do not exceed receiver's recommended power output. Distortion can damage speakers.

Placement Guidelines

Proper placement is critical for optimal Acoustimass performance.

Bass Module: Place on floor against wall or in room corner. Do not place inside enclosed cabinet. Keep at least 2 inches from walls for ventilation.

Front Cube Speakers: Place at ear level when seated, angled toward listening position. Left/right speakers should form equilateral triangle with main listening position.

Center Channel: Place directly above or below TV screen, centered horizontally. Angle toward listening position.

Surround Speakers: Place slightly above ear level, to sides or slightly behind listening position. Can be wall-mounted or placed on stands.

Distance: Maintain at least 12 inches between cube speakers and walls for proper Direct/Reflecting sound.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug from receiver before cleaning. Use dry, soft cloth only for cube speakers and bass module.

Cleaning Cube Speakers: Use soft, dry cloth. For stubborn marks, slightly dampen cloth with water only. Do not use chemicals or abrasives.

Bass Module: Vacuum vents occasionally to prevent dust buildup. Ensure ventilation openings remain unobstructed.

Cables: Check connections periodically for corrosion or looseness. Replace damaged cables immediately.

CAUTION! Never use liquids, solvents, or aerosol cleaners on speakers. Do not expose to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation subject to conditions: (1) device may not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Acoustimass is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from any speakerReceiver off/incorrect inputEnsure receiver is on and correct input selected; check all connections
No sound from one speakerLoose/damaged cableCheck cable connections at both ends; swap with working speaker to isolate issue
Weak or no bassReceiver settings/placementCheck receiver bass management settings; ensure bass module is powered and properly connected
Distorted soundOverdriven/incorrect settingsReduce volume; check receiver power output matches speaker specifications
Hum or buzzGround loop/interferenceEnsure all components plugged into same power circuit; check cable routing away from power cords
One cube speaker not workingFaulty cable or connectionTest cable with another speaker; check connections at bass module and speaker

Reset: Power off entire system, disconnect all cables, wait 60 seconds, then reconnect following installation instructions.

Service: For persistent issues, contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673 or visit www.bose.com/support

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