bose av321 series ii manual

The Bose AV321 Series II is a premium home theater speaker system designed to deliver immersive surround sound. It features proprietary Bose technologies, including Direct/Reflecting speaker arrays for spacious sound, an Acoustimass module for powerful bass, and compatibility with most AV 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 AV Receiver 7. System Calibration 8. Listening Modes 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Two Direct/Reflecting cube speaker arrays, one center channel speaker, one Acoustimass bass module, speaker cables, and mounting hardware.

FeatureDescription
Direct/Reflecting Speaker ArraysDual cube arrays for wide, spacious surround sound
Acoustimass Bass ModuleHandles low frequencies for powerful, non-localized bass
Center Channel SpeakerEnhances dialogue clarity for movies and TV
Speaker ConnectorsProprietary connectors for secure cable attachment
Wall-Mount HardwareIncluded brackets for flexible placement
CompatibilityWorks with most AV receivers (4-8 ohm)
System Impedance4-8 ohms per channel
Frequency ResponseOptimized for home theater applications
Power HandlingCheck receiver compatibility (10-200 watts recommended)
Dimensions (Arrays)Compact design for discreet placement

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose optimal placement for speakers and bass module.

  1. Place Acoustimass Module: Position near AV receiver, away from corners for balanced bass.
  2. Mount Speaker Arrays: Install on side walls or stands at ear level, angled towards listening area.
  3. Position Center Channel: Place above or below TV, centered with screen.
  4. Route Cables: Conceal cables along walls or under carpet for clean installation.

WARNING! Ensure speaker arrays are securely mounted to prevent falling. Do not place bass module in enclosed cabinets.

First-Time Setup

Connect system to AV receiver and perform initial calibration.

  1. Connect Speakers: Attach proprietary cables from each speaker to corresponding receiver terminals (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R).
  2. Connect Bass Module: Use provided cable to link module to receiver's subwoofer/LFE output.
  3. Power On: Turn on AV receiver and select a source.
  4. Run Receiver Setup: Use receiver's auto-calibration (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO) or manually set speaker distances/levels.

CAUTION! Ensure all connections are secure and polarity is correct (+ to +, - to -).

Specifications

Controls and Connections

System is controlled via your AV receiver remote. No standalone remote is included.

Receiver Controls: POWER, VOLUME, INPUT SELECT, SURROUND MODE, MUTE, SETUP/MENU.

Speaker Connections: Use proprietary push-type connectors; ensure firm click. Bass Module Connection: Single cable to receiver's LFE/subwoofer output. Placement Adjustments: Fine-tune array angle and bass module location for optimal sound.

Connecting to AV Receiver

Match speaker outputs on receiver to corresponding speaker inputs.

  1. Turn off and unplug receiver before connecting.
  2. Identify terminals: Front Left/Right, Center, Surround Left/Right, Subwoofer.
  3. Connect cables: Insert proprietary connectors into speakers, then attach bare wire ends to receiver terminals.
  4. Secure connections: Tighten binding posts or use push connectors firmly.

Tip: Double-check polarity to ensure all speakers are in phase.

System Calibration

Use your AV receiver's calibration features for best performance.

  1. Auto Calibration: Place included microphone at primary listening position and run receiver's setup.
  2. Manual Setup: If auto-calibration is unavailable, manually set speaker distances and channel levels using an SPL meter.
  3. Bass Management: In receiver menu, set all speakers to "Small" and crossover to 80-100 Hz.
  4. Test Tones: Play test tones to verify all speakers are working and balanced.

WARNING! Keep calibration microphone away from noise sources during setup.

Listening Modes

Select surround modes on your AV receiver for different content.

Movie Modes: Dolby Digital, DTS for film soundtracks. Music Modes: Stereo, All-Channel Stereo for music playback. Game Modes: Enhances directional audio for gaming. Direct/Pure Direct: Bypasses processing for purist audio.

Care & Maintenance

Dust speakers with soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not expose speakers to direct sunlight, moisture, or extreme temperatures. Keep bass module vents unobstructed.

Regulatory Information

Complies with applicable FCC and international regulations. This product may be protected by patents issued and/or pending. Bose and the Bose logo are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from speakersReceiver off/incorrect inputEnsure receiver is on and correct input is selected; check speaker wire connections.
Weak or no bassBass module cable/ settingsVerify LFE/sub cable is connected; check receiver bass management settings (set to LFE or Sub On).
Distorted soundOverdriven receiverReduce volume on receiver; ensure amplifier power is within recommended range.
One speaker not workingLoose connection/ faulty cableCheck wire connections at both receiver and speaker; test with another cable.
Hum or buzzGround loop/ interferenceEnsure all components are plugged into same power strip; check cable routing away from power cords.

Reset: Power cycle receiver and re-run calibration if issues persist.

Service: Contact Bose Customer Support or authorized service center.

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