Bose Model AV28 Manual

The Bose Model AV28 is a high-performance 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 covering setup, features, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Package Contents 3. System Setup & Installation 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Connections 6. Connecting to AV Receiver 7. Speaker Placement Guide 8. Calibration & Sound Optimization 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Two Direct/Reflecting satellite speakers, one center channel speaker, two rear surround speakers, one Acoustimass bass module, speaker cables, and mounting hardware.

FeatureDescription
Direct/Reflecting Speaker TechnologyCreates a spacious, room-filling soundstage
Acoustimass Bass ModuleProduces deep, impactful low frequencies without distortion
Center Channel SpeakerEnhances dialogue clarity for movies and TV
Magnetic ShieldingPrevents interference with nearby TVs and monitors
Universal CompatibilityWorks with most AV receivers and amplifiers
Wall-Mount CapableIncludes brackets for flexible placement
High-Efficiency DesignDelivers high output with low power requirements
5.1 Channel SupportReady for Dolby Digital and DTS surround formats

Package Contents

Unpack and verify all items are present.

  1. Front Left Satellite Speaker
  2. Front Right Satellite Speaker
  3. Center Channel Speaker
  4. Left Rear Surround Speaker
  5. Right Rear Surround Speaker
  6. Acoustimass Bass Module
  7. Speaker Cables (various lengths)
  8. Wall-Mount Brackets & Screws
  9. User Manual & Warranty Card

WARNING! Handle speakers with care; the bass module is heavy. Use two people for lifting.

System Setup & Installation

Follow these steps for initial setup.

  1. Position speakers: Place front satellites at ear level, center channel above/below TV, rear speakers behind listening area.
  2. Place bass module: Corner placement enhances bass response; keep away from heat sources.
  3. Connect to receiver: Use provided cables to connect each speaker to corresponding receiver terminals (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Subwoofer).
  4. Power on: Turn on AV receiver and configure speaker settings (size, distance, crossover).

CAUTION! Ensure all connections are secure and polarity (+/-) is correct to prevent phase issues.

Specifications

Controls & Connections

Primary controls are on your AV receiver. Bass module features: Power switch, Auto-on/Standby, Phase switch (0°/180°), Level control.

Connections: Speaker terminals accept bare wire or banana plugs (where permitted). Bass module: Line-level input (LFE), speaker-level inputs, AC power cord.

Setup Tips: Use receiver's auto-calibration (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO) for optimal sound. Adjust bass module level to blend with satellites.

Connecting to AV Receiver

Ensure receiver is off before connecting.

  1. Identify terminals: Locate Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, and Subwoofer pre-out on receiver.
  2. Connect satellites: Strip cable ends, insert into corresponding terminals, ensuring tight connections.
  3. Connect bass module: Use RCA cable from receiver's Subwoofer/LFE output to bass module Line In.
  4. Set receiver settings: Speaker size to "Small", crossover to 80Hz, subwoofer mode to "LFE" or "LFE+Main".

Tip: Label cables during installation for easier identification later.

Speaker Placement Guide

Optimal placement maximizes surround sound effect.

  1. Front satellites: Place at 22-30° angles from center listening position, tweeters at ear level.
  2. Center channel: Position directly above or below TV screen, aimed at listener.
  3. Surround speakers: Place slightly behind listening area, 1-2 feet above ear level.
  4. Bass module: Corner of room, at least 6 inches from walls for ventilation.
  5. Experiment: Small adjustments can significantly improve soundstage and imaging.

WARNING! Do not place speakers in enclosed cabinets or directly against walls unless designed for it.

Calibration & Sound Optimization

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

  1. Run auto-setup: Place included calibration microphone at main listening position, follow on-screen prompts.
  2. Manual adjustments: Fine-tune speaker levels, distances, and crossover settings if needed.
  3. Bass management: Set all speakers to "Small" and crossover to 80Hz for optimal performance.
  4. Test with content: Play familiar movie or music to evaluate and tweak settings.

Note: Bose recommends using the system with room correction enabled for accurate sound reproduction.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug system before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for speaker cabinets. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Keep liquids away from electronics. Do not open any speaker enclosures; no user-serviceable parts inside.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to conditions: (1) device must not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and Acoustimass are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com/support or contact 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from speakersLoose connections/receiver settingsCheck all cable connections; verify receiver is on correct input; ensure speaker wires are secure.
Weak or no bassBass module power/cablesEnsure bass module is powered on; check LFE/subwoofer cable; adjust level control on module.
Distorted soundOverdriven/incorrect settingsReduce receiver volume; check speaker impedance matches receiver capabilities.
Hum or buzzGround loop/poor connectionsEnsure all connections are tight; try different power outlet; use ground loop isolator if needed.
One speaker not workingFaulty cable/connectionSwap speaker with working one to isolate issue; check wire for breaks.

Reset: Power cycle entire system (unplug for 60 seconds).

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

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