Bose Companion 5 Service Manual

The Bose Companion 5 is a premium multimedia speaker system designed for computers, featuring a control pod with volume, mute, and headphone jack, a Acoustimass module for powerful bass, two satellite speakers for clear stereo imaging, and USB connectivity for digital audio. This service manual covers technical specifications, system overview, installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures for authorized service personnel.

1. System Overview 2. Technical Specifications 3. Installation & Setup 4. Control Pod Operation 5. Connection Diagrams 6. Internal Components 7. Disassembly Procedure 8. Circuit Diagrams 9. Troubleshooting Flowcharts 10. Parts List & Ordering 11. Safety & Compliance

System Overview

Key components: Control Pod (volume knob, mute button, headphone jack), Acoustimass module (powered subwoofer), Left & Right Satellite Speakers, USB cable, Power cord.

ComponentDescription
Control PodPrimary user interface with analog volume control and mute function
Acoustimass ModulePowered bass unit housing amplifier, power supply, and woofer
Satellite SpeakersTwo stereo speakers for mid-range and high-frequency reproduction
USB ConnectionDigital audio input and power source from computer
Headphone Jack (3.5mm)Front-mounted jack for private listening; mutes speakers when plugged in
Power InputAC mains input (100-240V, 50/60Hz)
Status LEDGreen/amber LED indicates power and mute status

Technical Specifications

Installation & Setup

Unpack all components and inspect for damage. Place on stable surfaces.

  1. Connect satellites to module: Plug satellite cables into color-coded ports on rear of Acoustimass module.
  2. Connect control pod: Plug the control pod cable into its dedicated port on the module.
  3. Connect USB: Run USB cable from module to an available USB port on your computer.
  4. Connect power: Plug the AC power cord into the module and then into a wall outlet.
  5. Power on: The system powers on automatically when connected to USB and AC power. Status LED should illuminate.

WARNING! Ensure all connections are secure before applying power. Do not place module in enclosed spaces.

Control Pod Operation

The control pod provides all user controls for daily operation.

Volume Knob: Rotate clockwise to increase volume, counter-clockwise to decrease. No power switch; system is always on when connected.

Mute Button: Press to mute/unmute speaker audio. Status LED turns amber when muted.

Headphone Jack: Inserting a 3.5mm plug automatically mutes the speakers and routes audio to headphones. Removing the plug restores speaker audio.

LED Indicators: Green = System on, audio active. Amber = System on, audio muted.

Connection Diagrams

System interconnection and signal flow.

  1. Primary Signal Path: Computer (USB Audio) -> Acoustimass Module (DAC & Amplification) -> Control Pod & Satellites.
  2. Headphone Bypass: Signal routes to control pod headphone jack when plugged in.
  3. Power Distribution: AC Mains -> Module Internal PSU -> Amplifier Circuits & USB Bus Power.

Note: Refer to page 7 of the physical manual for detailed block diagram.

Internal Components

Key internal parts of the Acoustimass module (for service reference).

Board/AssemblyPart NumberFunction
Main PCBBOSE-xxxxxDigital audio processor, DAC, amplifier stages
Power Supply BoardBOSE-xxxxxAC/DC conversion, voltage regulation
Woofer AssemblyBOSE-xxxxxLow-frequency driver and waveguide
Control Pod PCBBOSE-xxxxxVolume encoder, mute switch, headphone jack
Connector BoardBOSE-xxxxxInput/Output terminal connections

Disassembly Procedure

For authorized service personnel only. Disconnect all power before proceeding.

  1. Remove rubber feet: Peel off four rubber feet to reveal screws.
  2. Remove bottom panel screws: Use Torx T10 screwdriver.
  3. Separate base: Carefully lift the base plate away from the main enclosure.
  4. Disconnect internal wiring: Note locations of speaker, control pod, and power supply connectors.
  5. Extract main assembly: The amplifier board and woofer assembly can now be accessed.

CAUTION! High-voltage capacitors may retain charge. Allow sufficient discharge time. Avoid damaging internal wiring or speaker cones.

Circuit Diagrams

Schematic overview of major circuits (summary).

Refer to full schematics in Appendix A for component-level details.

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No power (LED off)AC power, USB connection, internal fuseCheck wall outlet, USB cable, and connections. Test internal fuse on PSU board.
No audio from speakersMute active, volume low, OS settings, headphone jackCheck mute button, volume knob, computer audio output selection, ensure headphone jack is empty.
Audio from one satellite onlyLoose cable, faulty satellite, amplifier channelReseat satellite cable on module. Swap left/right cables to isolate fault to speaker or amplifier.
Distorted audio/buzzingOverdriven volume, faulty USB port, amplifier faultReduce volume. Try different USB port. Test with known-good audio source.
Headphone jack not workingFaulty jack, detection switch, internal wiringInspect jack for debris/damage. Check continuity of detection switch on control pod PCB.

Parts List & Ordering

Genuine Bose replacement parts must be ordered through authorized service channels.

DescriptionBose Part NumberNotes
Complete Control Pod123456Includes cable and knob
Left Satellite Speaker123457With attached cable
Right Satellite Speaker123458With attached cable
Acoustimass Module Assembly123459Complete bass unit (service exchange)
Power Supply Board123460For module
Main Amplifier PCB123461For module
USB Cable (2m)123462Type-A to Type-B
AC Power Cord123463IEC C7 figure-8 connector

Contact: Bose Professional Support or authorized distributor for ordering.

Safety & Compliance

This product complies with relevant safety and EMC standards.

© Bose Corporation. Bose, Companion, Acoustimass are trademarks of Bose Corporation. This document is for authorized service use only.

Bose Companion 5 Service Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025