Bose Music System 3 Manual

The Bose Music System 3 is a premium compact audio system featuring a CD player, AM/FM tuner, and auxiliary input for connecting external devices. It delivers high-fidelity sound through proprietary Bose speaker technology, includes a remote control, and offers features like preset station memory, clock/alarm functions, and tone controls. Powered by standard AC power. 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 CDs 8. Using the Radio 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with integrated CD player and AM/FM tuner, Remote Control, AC power cord, FM wire antenna, AM loop antenna, Auxiliary input jack.

FeatureDescription
CD PlayerPlays standard audio CDs and CD-R/RW discs
AM/FM TunerDigital tuner with 10 station presets (5 AM, 5 FM)
Auxiliary Input3.5mm stereo jack for connecting MP3 players, smartphones, etc.
Remote ControlFull-function remote for all major operations
Clock & AlarmDigital clock with alarm function (can wake to radio or CD)
Tone ControlsAdjustable bass and treble
PowerTurns system on/off
Volume ControlRotary knob or remote buttons
CD Open/CloseEjects and closes the CD compartment
Preset ButtonsDirect access to saved radio stations

Installation

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place the main unit on a stable, level surface away from heat sources and moisture.

  1. Connect Antennas: Attach the FM wire antenna to the FM terminal. Position the AM loop antenna and connect its wires to the AM terminals.
  2. Connect to Power: Plug the AC power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet.
  3. Connect Auxiliary Device (Optional): Use a 3.5mm audio cable to connect your device to the AUX IN jack on the rear.
  4. Position Speakers: Ensure the integrated speakers are unobstructed for optimal sound.

WARNING! Do not place heavy objects on the unit. Ensure proper ventilation around the system.

First-Time Setup

Plug in the system. The display will light up.

  1. Set the Clock: Press and hold the CLOCK button. Use the TUNE/TIME SET buttons to adjust hours and minutes. Press CLOCK again to set.
  2. Set Radio Presets: Tune to a desired station. Press and hold a numbered PRESET button (1-5 for FM, 6-0 for AM) until the display confirms.
  3. Adjust Tone: Use the BASS and TREBLE buttons to suit your listening preference.
  4. Test CD Playback: Insert a CD to ensure proper loading and playback.

CAUTION! Handle CDs by the edges to avoid fingerprints and scratches.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, VOLUME knob, CD OPEN/CLOSE, BASS, TREBLE, CLOCK, ALARM SET, BAND (AM/FM), TUNE/TIME SET, PRESET buttons (1-0).

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons (0-9), CD transport controls (PLAY, PAUSE, STOP, SKIP), VOLUME UP/DOWN, MUTE, BAND, PRESET, CLOCK, ALARM, BASS/TREBLE.

Clock/Alarm: Set wake time and source (Radio or CD). Tone: Adjust BASS and TREBLE levels. Radio: Manual TUNE or PRESET selection. CD: PLAY, PAUSE, STOP, SKIP (TRACK), REPEAT.

Connecting Devices

Auxiliary Input: Connect portable music players, tablets, or computers via the 3.5mm AUX IN jack on the rear panel.

  1. Ensure the system and your device are powered off.
  2. Connect one end of a 3.5mm stereo audio cable to your device's headphone/line-out jack.
  3. Connect the other end to the AUX IN jack on the Bose system.
  4. Power on both devices. Press the FUNCTION button on the remote or front panel until "AUX" appears on the display.
  5. Start playback on your device and adjust volume on the Bose system.

Tip: For best audio quality, set your device's volume to about 75% and use the Bose system's volume control.

Playing CDs

Supports standard Audio CDs, CD-R, and CD-RW discs.

  1. Insert disc: Press CD OPEN/CLOSE, place disc label-side up in the tray, press button again to close.
  2. Play: Press PLAY. The track number and elapsed time will display.
  3. Skip Tracks: Press SKIP (>>|) for next track or (|<<) for previous track.
  4. Pause: Press PAUSE; press again or press PLAY to resume.
  5. Stop: Press STOP. Press PLAY to resume from the beginning of the current track.
  6. Repeat: Press REPEAT during playback to repeat the current track (display shows "RPT"). Press again to repeat all tracks ("RPT ALL"). Press a third time to cancel.
  7. Random Play: Press SHUFFLE during playback to play tracks in random order.
  8. Eject: Press CD OPEN/CLOSE to eject the disc.

WARNING! Do not move the system while a disc is playing. Do not use damaged or irregularly shaped discs.

Using the Radio

AM/FM tuner with manual tuning and preset memory.

  1. Select Band: Press BAND to toggle between AM and FM.
  2. Tune Manually: Press and release TUNE/TIME SET buttons (up/down) to scan for stations.
  3. Set a Preset: Tune to the desired station. Press and hold a numbered PRESET button (1-5 for FM, 6-0 for AM) for about 2 seconds until the display confirms.
  4. Recall a Preset: Simply press the corresponding PRESET number.
  5. Fine Tuning (FM): For weak FM stations, manual tuning may provide better reception than auto-scan.

Tip: For best FM reception, fully extend the wire antenna and position it vertically.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug the system from the AC outlet before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the cabinet. For stubborn marks, dampen the cloth slightly with water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

Clean the CD lens only with a commercially available CD lens cleaning disc. Keep the system and discs away from direct sunlight, heat, and high humidity.

CAUTION! Never allow liquid to enter the unit through vents or openings.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright and trademarks are property of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord not connectedEnsure the AC power cord is firmly plugged into the unit and the wall outlet.
Remote doesn't workBatteries/obstructionReplace remote batteries. Ensure you are pointing the remote at the system's sensor and no objects are blocking the path.
No sound from AUXIncorrect input selectedPress FUNCTION until "AUX" is displayed. Check cable connections and volume on both devices.
CD won't playDisc dirty/damagedClean the disc with a soft cloth from center to edge. Ensure it is a compatible audio CD format (not MP3 CD or DVD).
Poor radio receptionAntenna not connected/positionedCheck FM/AM antenna connections. Reposition antennas, especially the FM wire antenna.
Clock resetsPower interruptionThe clock will reset if the unit is unplugged or during a power outage. Simply reset the clock.

Reset: If the system behaves erratically, unplug it from the wall outlet for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.

Service: For persistent issues, contact Bose Customer Support or visit www.bose.com/support.

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