Bose Companion 5 Speaker System Manual

The Bose Companion 5 multimedia speaker system delivers premium audio for computers and other audio sources. It features a control pod for easy volume and mute adjustments, TrueSpace® stereo digital processing for an immersive soundstage, two desktop satellite speakers, and a Acoustimass® module for powerful bass. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Configuration 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Connecting Audio Sources 7. Using the Control Pod 8. Audio Settings & Optimization 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Control Pod with volume knob and mute button, Two Satellite Speakers, Acoustimass® Module, USB connection cable, Audio input cable, Power cord.

Feature	Description
Control Pod	Central hub for volume control, mute, and headphone jack
Satellite Speakers	Two compact speakers for left/right stereo channels
Acoustimass® Module	Produces deep, powerful low-frequency effects
USB Connection	For digital audio connection and power from computer
Analog Audio Input	3.5mm auxiliary input for other audio devices
Headphone Jack	3.5mm jack on control pod for private listening
TrueSpace® Processing	Digital circuitry for wide, immersive stereo sound
Volume Knob	Rotary control for adjusting system volume
Mute Button	Instantly mutes/unmutes audio output
Status Light	LED indicator on control pod (green = on, amber = muted)

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on stable, level surfaces.

Position speakers: Place satellites on desk left/right of monitor. Place Acoustimass module on floor near desk.
Connect control pod: Plug rectangular connector into back of Acoustimass module.
Connect to computer: Use USB cable from control pod to computer USB port (provides power and audio).
Connect optional analog source: Use 3.5mm audio cable from control pod AUX IN to device.
Power on: Connect power cord to Acoustimass module and wall outlet. System powers on automatically.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around Acoustimass module. Do not place satellites directly against walls.

First-Time Configuration

Power on system; computer should detect USB audio device automatically.

Set computer audio output: In system sound settings, select "Bose Companion 5" as default playback device.
Test audio: Play any audio file to verify sound from both satellites and bass module.
Adjust volume: Use control pod knob to set comfortable listening level.
Position optimization: Adjust satellite angle for optimal stereo imaging.

CAUTION! Do not connect/disconnect cables while system is powered on to avoid audio pops or damage.

Specifications

System Type: 2.1-channel multimedia speaker system.
Total System Power: Not specified by Bose (proprietary amplification).
Frequency Response: Full range with enhanced bass response.
Inputs: USB (digital audio + power), 3.5mm analog auxiliary input.
Outputs: Headphone jack (3.5mm) on control pod.
Signal Processing: Proprietary TrueSpace® stereo digital processing.
Controls: Volume knob, mute button, headphone jack on control pod.
Power Source: USB power from computer + external AC power adapter.
Satellite Dimensions: Compact desktop design.
Acoustimass Module: Sealed enclosure with built-in amplifier.

Controls and Operation

Primary control through the Control Pod. Acoustimass module has no user controls.

Control Pod: Volume Knob (rotate clockwise to increase, counterclockwise to decrease), Mute Button (press to mute/unmute; status light turns amber when muted), Headphone Jack (automatically mutes speakers when headphones are connected).

Computer Controls: System volume can also be adjusted through computer OS volume controls. For best results, set computer volume to 80-90% and use control pod for final adjustment.

Connecting Audio Sources

USB Connection: Primary connection for computer audio and power. Analog Connection: For MP3 players, phones, tablets, or other audio devices.

For computer audio: Connect USB cable from control pod to computer USB port.
For auxiliary devices: Connect 3.5mm cable from device to AUX IN on control pod.
Multiple sources: System automatically selects USB audio when present; switches to AUX when USB audio is not active.

Tip: For optimal digital audio quality, use USB connection whenever possible.

Using the Control Pod

The control pod is the central interface for daily operation.

Volume adjustment: Rotate knob smoothly for gradual volume changes.
Instant mute: Press mute button once; status light turns amber. Press again to unmute.
Headphone use: Plug headphones into jack; speakers mute automatically. Unplug to resume speaker output.
Source switching: System automatically detects active source (USB takes priority over AUX).
Status indication: Green light = system on, audio active. Amber light = muted. No light = system off or no power.

WARNING! Do not apply excessive force to volume knob. Turn gently to avoid damage.

Audio Settings & Optimization

TrueSpace® Processing: Always active; enhances stereo imaging for desktop listening. Bass Response: Adjustable by repositioning Acoustimass module (closer to wall/corner increases bass). Stereo Balance: Ensure satellites are equidistant from listening position for proper imaging.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug power before cleaning. Use dry, soft cloth for satellites and control pod. For stubborn stains, slightly dampen cloth with water only. Do not use solvents or abrasives.

CAUTION! Never spray liquids directly on speakers or control pod. Keep Acoustimass module away from moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: Class B digital device; complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Copyright © Bose Corporation. Bose, the Bose logo, Companion, Acoustimass, and TrueSpace are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from speakers	Power/connections/mute	Check power connections; ensure USB is connected; check mute status; verify computer audio output selection.
Sound from only one satellite	Connection/balance	Check cable connections at Acoustimass module; test with balance control in computer audio settings.
No bass output	Module placement/connections	Ensure Acoustimass module is powered and connected properly; check module placement (not obstructed).
Distorted sound	Overdriven input	Reduce volume at both computer and control pod; ensure audio source is not clipping.
USB not recognized	Computer USB port/drivers	Try different USB port; restart computer; check Device Manager for unrecognized devices.
Headphones not working	Jack detection	Ensure headphones fully inserted; clean jack if corroded; test with different headphones.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop/interference	Use different power outlet; ensure all connections secure; move away from interference sources.

Reset: Unplug power from Acoustimass module for 30 seconds, then reconnect.

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