Bose Model AV3 2 1II Media Center Manual

The Bose Model AV3 2 1II Media Center is a premium home theater audio system featuring a 2.1 channel configuration with integrated media management, digital signal processing, AM/FM tuner, compatibility with various audio sources, remote control, and advanced audio calibration. Designed for 120V AC power, it delivers immersive sound for movies, music, and gaming. 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. Media Playback 8. Audio Calibration 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Media Center main unit, two satellite speakers, one Acoustimass® bass module, Remote Control, AM/FM antenna connectors, Audio input ports, Digital optical input, Headphone jack.

Feature	Description
Media Center Unit	Central control hub with display and input selection
Acoustimass® Bass Module	Delivers deep, low-frequency sound
Satellite Speakers (2)	Provide clear mid-range and high-frequency audio
Remote Control	For system operation and settings adjustment
Digital Optical Input	For connection to TVs, game consoles, or streaming devices
Analog Audio Inputs	RCA and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs for various sources
AM/FM Tuner	Built-in radio with preset memory
Headphone Jack	For private listening
POWER	Turns system on/off
INPUT SELECT	Cycles through connected audio sources

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place Media Center in a well-ventilated location.

Position speakers: Place satellite speakers at ear level, left and right of listening area. Place bass module on floor near a wall.
Connect speakers: Use provided cables to connect satellites and bass module to Media Center rear terminals.
Connect audio sources: Use appropriate cables (optical, RCA, or 3.5mm) from TV, Blu-ray player, etc., to Media Center inputs.
Connect AM/FM antennas: Attach wire antennas to rear terminals.
Plug power cord into AC outlet.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around Media Center. Do not block vents to prevent overheating.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow initial setup prompts on display or via remote.

Source setup: Press INPUT on remote to select and configure each connected source (e.g., TV, AUX).
Tuner setup: Auto-scan for AM/FM stations and save presets.
Audio calibration: Run ADAPTiQ® audio calibration (if supported) or manually adjust speaker levels and balance.
Set preferences: Configure display brightness, auto-standby, and default audio mode.

CAUTION! Handle speakers with care; ensure secure cable connections to avoid audio dropouts.

Specifications

Audio Configuration: 2.1 channels (2 satellites, 1 bass module).
Total System Power: [Power rating, e.g., 200 watts RMS].
Frequency Response: [e.g., 35Hz - 20kHz].
Inputs: Digital optical, Analog RCA, 3.5mm auxiliary, AM/FM antenna.
Outputs: Speaker terminals, Headphone jack.
Tuner: AM/FM with 30 station presets.
Remote Control: Infrared, requires 2 AAA batteries.
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Dimensions (Media Center): [e.g., 14" W x 3" H x 10" D].

Controls and Settings

Access menu via remote MENU button or front panel controls. Front Panel: POWER, INPUT, VOLUME knob, MENU/ENTER.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons (presets), INPUT SELECT, VOLUME UP/DOWN, MUTE, MENU, NAVIGATION arrows, ENTER, BASS, TREBLE, AUDIO MODE (MOVIE, MUSIC, NIGHT).

Audio Settings: Bass, Treble, Balance, Speaker levels (individual), Audio mode selection. Source Setup: Rename inputs, adjust input level. System: Display brightness, auto-standby timer, factory reset. Tuner: Auto-scan, manual tune, preset memory.

Connecting Devices

TV: Use digital optical cable from TV's optical output to Media Center's OPTICAL IN. Analog Sources: Use RCA or 3.5mm cable from device output to corresponding Media Center input.

Turn off Media Center and source device before connecting.
Match cable type to correct port (e.g., optical to optical).
Select corresponding input on Media Center using INPUT button.
Configure input settings (name, level) in menu if needed.

Tip: For best audio from TV, use digital optical connection to preserve surround sound formats.

Media Playback

Supports audio from connected sources: TV, streaming devices, Blu-ray players, smartphones, etc.

Select source: Press INPUT repeatedly or use direct input button on remote.
Control playback: Use source device's own controls (play, pause, skip). Volume is controlled via Media Center remote.
Radio playback: Press INPUT to select TUNER. Use TUNE or PRESET buttons.
Audio modes: Press AUDIO MODE to cycle between presets (MOVIE, MUSIC, NIGHT) for optimized sound.
Mute: Press MUTE to silence audio instantly.
Headphone use: Plug headphones into front jack; speakers mute automatically.

WARNING! Do not connect headphones and speakers simultaneously. Keep volume at moderate levels to prevent hearing damage.

Audio Calibration

Manual Calibration: Adjust individual speaker levels and balance via menu > Audio Settings. ADAPTiQ® Calibration (if available): Use provided headset and follow on-screen instructions to optimize sound for your room.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug from power before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for Media Center and speakers. For stubborn marks, lightly dampen cloth with water. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Never allow moisture to enter vents or ports. Keep bass module away from direct heat sources and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for residential installation. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose, the Bose logo, and Acoustimass are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com/support or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord/outlet	Ensure power cord is securely plugged into working outlet. Check front panel power indicator.
No sound from speakers	Input selection/volume/mute	Verify correct input is selected. Check volume level and ensure MUTE is off. Confirm speaker wires are connected securely.
Remote not working	Batteries/obstructions	Replace remote batteries. Ensure clear line of sight to Media Center IR sensor.
Poor radio reception	Antenna placement	Extend and reposition AM/FM wire antennas. Keep away from large metal objects.
Distorted sound	Source level/connections	Reduce volume on source device. Check audio cables for damage and secure connections.
Bass module not working	Power/connection/cable	Ensure bass module is powered on. Check connection cable to Media Center. Verify cable is not damaged.

Reset: Menu > System > Factory Reset (resets all settings to defaults).

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