Bose AV 38 User Manual

The Bose AV 38 is a premium home theater speaker system designed to deliver immersive surround sound. It features a powered Acoustimass module, five Direct/Reflecting cube speakers, a universal remote control, and supports various audio inputs including optical digital, coaxial digital, and analog stereo. The system includes automatic room calibration, dialogue enhancement technology, and multiple listening modes. 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 Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Audio Calibration 8. Listening Modes 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Powered Acoustimass module, Five Direct/Reflecting cube speakers, Universal remote control, Optical/Coaxial digital inputs, Analog stereo inputs, Room calibration microphone.

Feature	Description
Acoustimass module	Powered bass unit for deep, impactful low frequencies
Direct/Reflecting cube speakers	Five speakers for front, center, and surround channels
Universal remote	Controls Bose system and other AV components
Optical digital input	For high-quality digital audio from TV, Blu-ray, etc.
Coaxial digital input	Alternative digital audio connection
Analog stereo inputs	For connecting CD players, turntables, etc.
Room calibration	Automatically adjusts sound for your room's acoustics
Dialogue enhancement	Clarifies speech in movies and TV shows
Multiple listening modes	Movie, Music, Night modes for different content
Standby power	Low power consumption when not in use

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose optimal speaker placement.

Position Acoustimass module: Place near TV or entertainment center, not in enclosed cabinet.
Place cube speakers: Front left/right beside TV, center below/above TV, surrounds behind listening area.
Connect speakers: Use color-coded cables to match terminals on module.
Connect audio sources: Use optical/coaxial cables from TV/player to module inputs.
Plug into AC power.

WARNING! Speakers contain magnets; keep away from CRT TVs and credit cards. Ensure proper ventilation for module.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow on-screen prompts if connected to display.

Run room calibration: Connect calibration mic, press CALIBRATE, follow tones.
Set input preferences: Use remote to assign names to inputs (TV, Blu-ray, etc.).
Adjust basic settings: Set default volume, enable auto-standby.
Program remote: Follow codes in manual to control other devices.

CAUTION! Do not place module or speakers in wet areas. Keep cables away from foot traffic.

Specifications

System Type: 5.1 channel home theater speaker system.
Acoustimass Module: Powered, frequency response: 38Hz - 200Hz.
Cube Speakers: Full-range, magnetic shielding.
Inputs: Optical digital (2), Coaxial digital (1), Analog stereo (2).
Outputs: Speaker terminals for 5 channels.
Remote Control: Universal, infrared, requires 2 AAA batteries.
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 2.5A max.
Dimensions (Module): 10.5" H x 20" W x 15.5" D.
Warranty: Limited 5-year warranty on speakers, 2-year on electronics.

Controls and Settings

Access settings via remote: SETUP button. Front Panel: STANDBY, INPUT SELECT, TEST TONE.

Remote: POWER, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, SETUP, CALIBRATE, LISTENING MODE, NUMBER PAD.

Audio Settings: Bass, Treble, Dialogue enhancement, Night mode compression. Input Setup: Name inputs, adjust delay/lip sync. System: Factory reset, firmware update (if available), standby timer. Remote: Learn commands from other remotes.

Connecting Devices

TV: Optical/coaxial from TV audio output to module. Blu-ray/Player: Optical/coaxial or analog stereo. Game Console: Optical or analog.

Turn off all devices before connecting.
Use high-quality cables for digital connections.
Select input via remote (TV, AUX, etc.).

Tip: For best surround sound, ensure source device is set to output Dolby Digital or DTS.

Audio Calibration

Automatic room calibration optimizes sound for your space.

Place calibration mic at primary listening position at ear height.
Press CALIBRATE on remote; system emits test tones.
Do not move or make noise during calibration (approx. 30 seconds).
System saves settings; you can manually adjust afterward.

WARNING! Do not touch microphone during calibration. Ensure room is quiet.

Listening Modes

Movie: Full surround sound for films. Music: Stereo or simulated surround for music. Night: Compresses dynamic range for late-night viewing. Dialogue: Boosts center channel for clearer speech.

Care & Cleaning

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

CAUTION! Do not open module or speakers; no user-serviceable parts inside.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian EMI standards. Copyright © Bose Corporation. Trademarks owned by Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from speakers	Power/connections	Ensure module is powered on; check speaker wire connections; verify input selection.
No bass	Module settings/placement	Check bass level in settings; ensure module is not in a cabinet; rerun calibration.
Remote not working	Batteries/obstructions	Replace batteries; ensure clear line of sight to module's IR sensor.
No surround sound	Source/settings	Verify source is outputting surround signal; check listening mode is set to Movie.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop/interference	Try different power outlet; ensure audio cables are away from power cords.

Reset: Hold SETUP and MUTE for 5 seconds to factory reset.

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