Bose AV28 Installation Manual

The Bose AV28 is a premium home theater speaker system designed for immersive audio experiences. It includes front and rear satellite speakers, a center channel speaker, and a Acoustimass® module. This manual provides detailed instructions for safety, unpacking, component identification, system setup, wiring, calibration, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Inspection 3. Component Identification 4. System Specifications 5. Placement Guidelines 6. Wiring and Connections 7. Calibration and Setup 8. Remote Control Operation 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Front L/R Satellite Speakers, Center Channel Speaker, Rear L/R Satellite Speakers, Acoustimass® Module, Remote Control, Speaker Cables, Power Cord, and Wall Mounting Hardware.

Feature	Description
Acoustimass® Module	Handles low-frequency effects (bass) without audible distortion
Direct/Reflecting® Satellite Speakers	Provide spacious, room-filling sound
Center Channel Speaker	Enhances dialogue clarity for movies and TV
Magnetic Shielding	Prevents interference with nearby video displays
Universal Remote Control	Controls Bose system and compatible AV components
Color-coded Cables	Simplifies correct speaker connections
Wall Mountable	Includes brackets for flexible placement
Auto-wake Circuitry	Module powers on automatically when signal is detected
Protection Circuitry	Safeguards against overload and short circuits
High-quality Terminals	5-way binding posts for secure wire connections

Unpacking and Inspection

Carefully unpack all components and verify contents against the packing list.

Open the main carton and remove the top foam insert.
Lift out the Acoustimass® module and set aside.
Remove the satellite speaker boxes and center channel speaker.
Locate the accessory box containing cables, remote, and hardware.
Inspect all items for any shipping damage. Report any issues immediately.

WARNING! The Acoustimass® module is heavy. Lift with your legs, not your back. Use two people if necessary.

Component Identification

Familiarize yourself with each part before installation.

Front Satellite Speakers (2): Labeled "Left" and "Right". Place on stands or mount to wall.
Center Channel Speaker (1): Place above or below your TV/video display.
Rear Satellite Speakers (2): Labeled "Surround Left" and "Surround Right". Place beside or behind seating.
Acoustimass® Module (1): The large bass unit. Place along a wall, not in a corner.
Control Console (on Module):Contains power switch, status LED, and input jacks.

Remote Control: Programmable universal remote with Bose system controls.

CAUTION! Do not place the Acoustimass® module inside an enclosed cabinet, as this may cause overheating.

System Specifications

System Type: 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System.

Total System Power: 200 Watts RMS.

Satellite Speakers: 2.5" Full-range drivers, magnetically shielded.

Center Channel: Dual 2.5" drivers, magnetically shielded.

Acoustimass® Module: Powered, 100W amplifier, dual 5.25" drivers.

Frequency Response: 45Hz – 20kHz (±3dB).

Inputs: Line-level (RCA), Speaker-level (for amp connection).

Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 1.5A.

Operating Temperature: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C).

Dimensions (Module): 10.5" H x 21" W x 15.5" D.

Placement Guidelines

Proper placement is critical for optimal sound performance.

Front Speakers: Place Left and Right satellites at ear level, equidistant from the primary listening position, forming a 45-degree angle from the listener.

Center Speaker: Place directly above or below the video screen, centered horizontally. Angle slightly towards the listener.

Rear Speakers: Place to the sides or slightly behind the listening area, at or slightly above ear level.

Acoustimass® Module: Place along the front wall, at least 6 inches from corners and other surfaces. Do not place inside furniture.

Tip: Use the included templates to mark wall mounting holes accurately.

Wiring and Connections

Connect the system to your AV receiver or amplifier.

Turn off and unplug all components, including the AV receiver.

Connect the provided color-coded cables from each satellite speaker to the corresponding terminal on the Acoustimass® module (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R).

For Line-Level Connection: Use RCA cables from your receiver's "Subwoofer/Pre-out" to the module's "Line In" jacks.

For Speaker-Level Connection: Connect your receiver's front speaker outputs to the module's "Speaker In" terminals, and then from the module's "Speaker Out" to your front left/right speakers.

Plug the module's power cord into a grounded outlet.

Power on the module, then your AV receiver.

WARNING! Ensure all connections are secure and polarity is correct (+ to +, - to -). Incorrect wiring can damage equipment.

Calibration and Setup

Configure your AV receiver for the Bose AV28 system.

In your receiver's speaker setup menu, set all speakers to "Small".

Set the crossover frequency to 80Hz or 100Hz.

Set the subwoofer mode to "LFE" or "Subwoofer Yes".

Run your receiver's auto-calibration routine (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO) if available.

Manually adjust speaker levels using the test tone: All satellites should sound equally loud from the main listening position.

Adjust the module's volume control to blend seamlessly with the satellites.

Note: The "Auto-wake" feature may cause a slight delay before sound begins. This is normal.

Remote Control Operation

Using the included universal remote.

Basic Functions: POWER, VOLUME UP/DOWN, MUTE, INPUT SELECT (DVD, TV, AUX).

Programming the Remote:

Press and hold the "SETUP" button until the remote's LED blinks twice.

Enter the 3-digit code for your device (see code list in appendix).

The LED will blink twice to confirm.

Test the remote by pressing POWER or VOLUME.

Direct Access Buttons: Specific buttons for Bose system control (Module Power, Input Select).

Battery Replacement: Use two AAA batteries. Replace when operation becomes intermittent.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the module from power before cleaning.

Speaker Cabinets: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn marks, use a cloth slightly dampened with water. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

Grilles: Remove gently by pulling from the bottom edge. Dust with a soft brush. Do not wash.

Connections: Periodically check that all wire connections are tight and free of corrosion.

CAUTION! Never allow liquid to enter any openings on the speakers or module. Do not place objects on top of the speakers.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that it does not cause harmful interference. ICES-003 (Canada): Complies with Canadian ICES-003 Class B limits. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose, the Bose logo, Acoustimass, and Direct/Reflecting are trademarks of Bose Corporation. Patents issued and pending. For support in the USA and Canada, 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 module is plugged in and powered on. Check all cable connections at module and receiver. Verify receiver is on and set to correct input.

No sound from one speaker Faulty cable/connection Swap the suspect speaker's cable with a working one. If sound returns, the original cable is faulty. Check speaker wire for breaks.

No bass from module Settings/connection Ensure receiver's subwoofer/LFE output is enabled. Check the RCA or speaker-level connection to the module. Increase the module's volume control.

Distorted sound Overload/clipping Reduce the volume on the receiver and the module. Ensure receiver's speaker settings are correct (set to "Small").

Remote not working Batteries/obstructions Replace batteries. Ensure you are pointing the remote at the module's IR sensor. Remove any obstacles.

Hum or buzz Ground loop/interference Ensure all components are plugged into the same AC circuit. Try a different outlet. Check that RCA cables are not running parallel to power cords.

Reset: Unplug the module from power for 60 seconds, then reconnect.

Service: Do not open any components. All service must be performed by qualified Bose personnel. Contact Bose Customer Service: 1-800-999-2673.

Bose AV28 Installation Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from any speaker	Power/connections	Ensure module is plugged in and powered on. Check all cable connections at module and receiver. Verify receiver is on and set to correct input.
No sound from one speaker	Faulty cable/connection	Swap the suspect speaker's cable with a working one. If sound returns, the original cable is faulty. Check speaker wire for breaks.
No bass from module	Settings/connection	Ensure receiver's subwoofer/LFE output is enabled. Check the RCA or speaker-level connection to the module. Increase the module's volume control.
Distorted sound	Overload/clipping	Reduce the volume on the receiver and the module. Ensure receiver's speaker settings are correct (set to "Small").
Remote not working	Batteries/obstructions	Replace batteries. Ensure you are pointing the remote at the module's IR sensor. Remove any obstacles.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop/interference	Ensure all components are plugged into the same AC circuit. Try a different outlet. Check that RCA cables are not running parallel to power cords.