Bose Music System III Manual

The Bose Music System III is a premium audio system featuring advanced acoustic technology, integrated CD player, AM/FM tuner, auxiliary input, and remote control. Designed for superior sound quality with proprietary waveguide speaker technology, bass and treble adjustments, preset radio stations, sleep timer, and compatibility with various audio sources. 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 CD Media 8. Radio Operation 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with integrated CD player, AM/FM tuner, Remote Control, Auxiliary input, Speaker terminals, AC power input.

FeatureDescription
CD PlayerPlays audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW
AM/FM TunerDigital tuner with 10 presets (5 AM, 5 FM)
Auxiliary Input3.5mm jack for external audio sources
Speaker TerminalsFor connecting Bose speakers
AC Power InputFor power connection
Remote ControlFull-function infrared remote
POWERTurns system on/off
VOLUMEAdjusts audio level
BASS/TREBLEAdjusts tone controls
SLEEPSets sleep timer (15-90 minutes)

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface away from heat sources.

  1. Connect speakers: Attach speaker wires to terminals (red to positive, black to negative).
  2. Connect antenna: Attach AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna.
  3. Connect auxiliary devices: Use 3.5mm cable to connect MP3 players or other audio sources.
  4. Plug into AC power outlet.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block vents. Use correct speaker impedance.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow initialization procedure.

  1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use numeric keys to set time.
  2. Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button (1-10).
  3. Adjust tone: Use BASS and TREBLE controls to preference.
  4. Test CD playback: Insert audio CD to verify operation.

CAUTION! Place system on stable surface; avoid placement near magnetic fields.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, VOLUME, BASS, TREBLE, TUNER/BAND, PRESET, CLOCK.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, SKIP, TUNER, CD, AUX, VOLUME, MUTE, SLEEP.

Tone Controls: BASS (±10 dB), TREBLE (±10 dB). Tuner: Manual tuning, auto-scan, preset memory. CD: Play, pause, stop, skip, repeat, random play. Clock: 12/24 hour format. Sleep Timer: 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 minute settings.

Connecting Devices

Auxiliary: 3.5mm jack on rear panel. Speakers: Spring-clip terminals.

  1. Turn off system before connecting devices.
  2. Connect auxiliary cable from source to AUX IN jack.
  3. Select source via front panel or remote (CD, TUNER, AUX).

Tip: Use high-quality audio cables for best sound quality.

Playing CD Media

Supports audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW.

  1. Insert disc: Press EJECT, load CD label-side up.
  2. Play: Press PLAY; select tracks with numeric buttons or SKIP.
  3. Stop: Press STOP; eject with EJECT button.
  4. Skip: PREV/NEXT for tracks.
  5. Repeat: Press REPEAT for track or disc repeat.
  6. Random: Press RANDOM for shuffle play.
  7. Pause: Press PAUSE to temporarily halt playback.
  8. Resume: Press PLAY to continue from pause point.

WARNING! Do not touch laser lens; keep discs clean and free of scratches.

Radio Operation

AM/FM tuning with 10 presets.

  1. Select band: Press TUNER/BAND to choose AM or FM.
  2. Tune manually: Use TUNE +/- buttons.
  3. Auto-scan: Press and hold TUNE to scan for stations.
  4. Save preset: Tune to station, press and hold preset button (1-10).
  5. Recall preset: Press preset number directly.

Note: For best FM reception, fully extend antenna and position vertically.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. CD lens cleaner may be used periodically.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Keep liquids away from unit.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord/outletCheck power connection; try different outlet; ensure unit is switched on.
No soundVolume/mute/connectionsCheck volume setting; ensure mute is off; verify speaker connections.
CD won't playDisc/dirty lensEnsure disc is clean and properly inserted; use CD lens cleaner.
Poor radio receptionAntenna/placementExtend FM antenna fully; reposition AM loop antenna; avoid interference.
Remote not workingBatteries/obstructionsReplace batteries; ensure clear path to IR sensor; clean sensor window.

Reset: Unplug unit for 2 minutes, then reconnect power.

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

Bose Music System III Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025