Bose Lifestyle Music System 20 Manual

The Bose Lifestyle Music System 20 is a premium home audio system featuring a central media center, five cube speakers, an Acoustimass module for deep bass, and a universal remote control. It supports multiple audio sources including CD, AM/FM tuner, and auxiliary inputs, and is designed for high-quality music reproduction with Bose proprietary technologies. 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 Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Playing Media 8. System Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Lifestyle Media Center, Five Direct/Reflecting Cube Speakers, Acoustimass Module, Universal Remote Control, AM/FM Antennas.

FeatureDescription
Media CenterCentral control unit with CD player, tuner, and input/output connections
Cube SpeakersFive small speakers for front, center, and surround channels
Acoustimass ModuleHandles low-frequency effects and deep bass
Universal RemoteControls system and compatible TV/DVD devices
AM/FM TunerBuilt-in tuner with preset memory
Auxiliary InputsFor connecting external audio sources
Power On/StandbyTurns system on or places in low-power standby
Volume ControlMaster volume adjustment for all speakers
Source SelectionSwitches between CD, Tuner, Aux inputs
DisplayShows current source, track, time, and settings

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose optimal location for media center and speakers.

  1. Place Media Center: On stable surface with ventilation; connect to power.
  2. Position Speakers: Front left/right, center, surround left/right as per room layout.
  3. Connect Acoustimass Module: Place near wall/corner; connect to Media Center.
  4. Connect Antennas: Attach AM loop and FM wire antennas to rear terminals.
  5. Connect Power: Plug Media Center and Acoustimass module into AC outlets.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around Media Center. Use included cables; do not substitute with non-Bose cables for speaker connections.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow on-screen prompts or remote commands.

  1. Initial Power: Press POWER on remote or Media Center; display lights up.
  2. Speaker Verification: System may test each speaker; ensure all are connected.
  3. Set Clock: Use remote to set date/time for timer functions.
  4. Tuner Setup: Auto-scan for AM/FM stations; save presets.
  5. Audio Calibration: Use ADAPTiQ audio calibration (if supported) for room optimization.

CAUTION! Handle cube speakers carefully; mounting hardware included for optional wall placement.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via remote or front panel. Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, SOURCE, VOLUME.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, SOURCE (CD, TUNER, AUX), VOLUME, MUTE, MENU, Navigation arrows, ENTER, PRESETS.

Audio Settings: Bass, Treble, Balance, Speaker levels (individual channel adjustment). Tuner: Auto-scan, manual tune, preset memory (up to 30 stations). System: Clock set, display brightness, remote code learning, factory reset.

Connecting Devices

Auxiliary Input: For CD changer, tape deck, or other audio sources.

  1. Turn off system before connecting.
  2. Use RCA cables to connect external device to AUX input on Media Center.
  3. Select AUX source via remote or front panel.
  4. For TV/DVD audio: Connect audio outputs to AUX input for sound through system.

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best audio performance. Ensure connections are secure.

Playing Media

Supports Audio CDs, CD-R/RW.

  1. Insert CD: Press EJECT on Media Center, place disc, close tray.
  2. Play: Press PLAY; skip tracks with PREV/NEXT.
  3. Pause/Stop: Press PAUSE or STOP.
  4. Random/Repeat: Press RANDOM or REPEAT for playback modes.
  5. Program Play: Use PROGRAM to select specific tracks in desired order.
  6. Tuner Operation: Select TUNER source; tune manually or select preset.
  7. Volume Adjustment: Use VOLUME buttons; MUTE for instant silence.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs. Keep CD lens clean.

System Features

ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration: Uses headset to optimize sound for room (if model supports). Preset Equalization: Music, Movie, Night modes. Remote Learning: Can learn codes from other remotes to control TV/DVD.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Wipe Media Center and speakers with dry, soft cloth. Clean CD lens with approved cleaner if needed.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners. Avoid moisture near electronics.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. Copyright © Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service. This product may be protected by patents; see www.bose.com/patents.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord/outletCheck power connections; ensure outlet works; try different outlet.
No sound from speakersConnections/volumeVerify speaker wires are secure; increase volume; check mute status.
Remote not workingBatteries/obstructionsReplace batteries; ensure line of sight to Media Center IR sensor.
CD won't playDisc/formatEnsure disc is clean, not damaged; check if format is supported (audio CD).
Poor FM receptionAntenna placementReposition FM wire antenna; ensure AM loop is unfolded and oriented.

Reset: Unplug power for 60 seconds, then reconnect to reset system.

Service: Contact Bose Customer Support; authorized service centers only.

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