Bose Lifestyle 38 Service Manual

The Bose Lifestyle 38 is a premium home entertainment system featuring a media center, Acoustimass module, Jewel Cube speakers, and a universal remote. This service manual provides detailed technical information for installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of the system. Below are key sections covering system overview, installation, setup, specifications, operation, diagnostics, and service procedures.

1. System Overview 2. Installation & Connections 3. Initial Setup & Configuration 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls & Operation 6. Connecting External Devices 7. Advanced Audio Settings 8. System Diagnostics 9. Maintenance & Care 10. Regulatory & Compliance 11. Troubleshooting Guide

System Overview

Key components: Lifestyle 38 Media Center, Acoustimass Module, Five Jewel Cube Speakers, Universal Remote Control, ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration System.

Component	Description
Media Center	Central control unit with amplifier, tuner, and input/output ports
Acoustimass Module	Powered bass unit for low-frequency reproduction
Jewel Cube Speakers	Five compact satellite speakers for surround sound
Universal Remote	Controls system and compatible external devices
ADAPTiQ Headset	For room-specific audio calibration
Power Cords	For Media Center and Acoustimass Module
Speaker Cables	Color-coded for easy connection
Input/Output Ports	HDMI, optical audio, coaxial audio, analog audio, component video

Installation & Connections

Unpack and verify all components. Choose a stable, well-ventilated location for the Media Center.

Connect Speakers: Attach color-coded speaker cables to corresponding terminals on Media Center and Jewel Cube speakers.
Connect Acoustimass Module: Use provided cable to link Media Center to bass module.
Connect Video Display: Use HDMI or component video cables to connect Media Center to TV/projector.
Connect Audio Sources: Connect DVD/Blu-ray players, game consoles, or streaming devices via HDMI, optical, or analog inputs.
Power Up: Connect Media Center and Acoustimass Module to AC power outlets.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around Media Center. Use surge protector for power connections.

Initial Setup & Configuration

Power on system; follow on-screen setup wizard.

ADAPTiQ Calibration: Wear ADAPTiQ headset, follow audio prompts to optimize sound for your room.
Source Setup: Assign names to connected devices (e.g., "Blu-ray", "Cable Box").
Network Setup: Connect Media Center to home network via Ethernet for streaming services.
Remote Programming: Program universal remote to control TV and other devices.
Audio Preferences: Set default volume levels, night mode, and dialogue enhancement.

CAUTION! Do not skip ADAPTiQ calibration for optimal audio performance.

Technical Specifications

Audio Channels: 5.1 surround sound.
Total System Power: Not specified by Bose (proprietary measurement).
Frequency Response: Full range with Acoustimass module handling lows.
Inputs: 4 HDMI, 2 optical audio, 1 coaxial audio, 3 analog audio, component video.
Outputs: HDMI (ARC), speaker terminals, subwoofer output.
Supported Audio Formats: Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM.
Wireless Connectivity: Optional via Bose SoundTouch wireless adapter.
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz (Media Center and Acoustimass Module).
Operating Temperature: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C).

Controls & Operation

Media Center Front Panel: STANDBY, SOURCE, VOLUME knob. Display shows active source, volume level, status messages.

Remote Control: POWER, Numeric keys, SOURCE SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, MENU, NAVIGATION arrows, ENTER, ADAPTiQ, SOUNDTOUCH (if equipped).

On-Screen Menu: Access via MENU button. Settings include: Audio (Bass, Treble, Dialogue, Night Mode), Video (Resolution, Aspect Ratio), System (Network, Remote, Factory Reset).

Connecting External Devices

HDMI: Recommended for digital audio/video. Optical/Coaxial: For devices without HDMI. Analog: For legacy equipment.

Turn off all devices before making connections.
Use high-quality cables for best performance.
Assign inputs in Media Center setup menu.
Test each source after connection.

Tip: Enable HDMI-CEC on compatible devices for single remote control.

Advanced Audio Settings

Access via MENU > Audio Settings.

Bass/Treble: Adjust to personal preference.
Dialogue Enhancement: Improves vocal clarity.
Night Mode: Compresses dynamic range for late-night viewing.
Speaker Levels: Manually adjust individual channel levels if needed.
ADAPTiQ Recalibration: Rerun calibration if room layout changes.

Note: ADAPTiQ settings override manual adjustments for optimized sound.

System Diagnostics

Built-in diagnostics accessible via secret menu (press and hold 1 and 4 on remote while powering on).

Speaker Test: Cycles audio through each channel.
Input Test: Verifies signal detection on all inputs.
Network Test: Checks Ethernet connection and internet access.
Temperature Monitor: Displays internal component temperatures.
Error Log: View recent system errors and codes.

Service Use Only: Diagnostics intended for qualified technicians.

Maintenance & Care

Unplug system before cleaning. Dust Jewel Cube speakers with soft brush. Clean Media Center with dry microfiber cloth.

CAUTION! Do not use liquid cleaners. Avoid placing objects on top of Media Center or Acoustimass Module.

Regulatory & Compliance

FCC Part 15 Class B compliance. CE marked for European market. Manufactured under ISO 9001 standards. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All trademarks property of Bose Corporation. For technical support, visit www.bose.com/support or contact 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord, outlet, surge protector	Check connections; try different outlet; verify surge protector is on.
No sound from speakers	Speaker wires, volume, mute	Verify speaker connections; increase volume; check mute status.
No video	HDMI cable, input selection	Ensure HDMI cable securely connected; select correct input on TV and Media Center.
Remote not working	Batteries, obstacles, IR sensor	Replace batteries; ensure clear line of sight to Media Center IR sensor.
Poor sound quality	ADAPTiQ calibration, source quality	Rerun ADAPTiQ calibration; check audio source quality and connections.
Network connectivity issues	Ethernet cable, router settings	Check Ethernet connection; restart router and Media Center.

Factory Reset: Menu > System > Factory Reset (erases all settings).

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