Bose PS28 III User Manual

The Bose PS28 III is a premium powered subwoofer designed to deliver deep, powerful bass for home theater and music systems. It features a built-in amplifier, adjustable crossover and phase controls, line-level and speaker-level inputs, automatic signal sensing, and a durable enclosure. 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. Operation 8. Advanced Configuration 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Powered subwoofer with built-in amplifier, adjustable controls, multiple input options, and automatic power management.

Feature	Description
Built-in Amplifier	High-power amplifier optimized for deep bass reproduction
Adjustable Crossover	Variable frequency control (50Hz - 150Hz) for system integration
Phase Control	0°-180° adjustment for proper bass alignment
Line-Level Inputs	RCA jacks for connection to AV receiver subwoofer output
Speaker-Level Inputs	For systems without dedicated subwoofer output
Auto On/Off	Automatically powers on when signal detected
Volume Control	Adjustable gain for proper bass balance
Protection Circuitry	Thermal and overload protection
Durable Enclosure	Non-resonant cabinet design
Power Cord	Detachable AC power cable

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose optimal placement for best bass response.

Choose location: Place near front speakers, away from corners for balanced bass.
Connect to receiver: Use RCA cable from receiver's SUBWOOFER OUT to subwoofer LINE IN.
Speaker-level connection: If no sub output, connect speaker wires from receiver to subwoofer.
Plug into AC power outlet.
Position properly: Ensure at least 2 inches clearance from walls for ventilation.

WARNING! Subwoofer is heavy; lift with proper technique. Ensure adequate ventilation around unit.

First-Time Setup

Power on subwoofer; configure basic settings.

Set volume: Start at midpoint, adjust during system calibration.
Set crossover: Begin at 80Hz, adjust based on main speaker capabilities.
Set phase: Start at 0°, adjust while playing bass-heavy content.
Configure receiver: Set speakers to "Small" and crossover in receiver menu.
Test operation: Play content with deep bass to verify proper function.

CAUTION! Do not block ventilation ports. Keep away from heat sources.

Specifications

Amplifier Power: 200 watts RMS
Driver Size: 8-inch long-throw woofer
Frequency Response: 35Hz - 150Hz (±3dB)
Crossover Range: 50Hz - 150Hz continuously variable
Phase Control: 0° - 180° continuously variable
Inputs: Stereo line-level (RCA), speaker-level
Auto On/Off: Signal sensing with adjustable threshold
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 2.5A
Dimensions: 14" H × 12" W × 14" D
Weight: 25 lbs
Finish: Black vinyl laminate

Controls and Settings

Rear panel controls: VOLUME, CROSSOVER, PHASE, AUTO ON switch, INPUT SELECTOR.

Volume: Adjusts subwoofer output level. Crossover: Sets upper frequency limit. Phase: Aligns subwoofer with main speakers. Auto On: Enables automatic power management. Input Selector: Chooses between line and speaker inputs.

Optimal settings: Volume - match to main speakers; Crossover - 10-20Hz above main speaker roll-off; Phase - position for maximum bass output.

Connecting Devices

Multiple connection options for different system configurations.

AV Receiver with Sub Out: Single RCA cable from receiver to subwoofer.
Stereo Receiver without Sub Out: Use speaker-level connections.
Home Theater Processor: LFE input for dedicated bass channel.
Multiple Subs: Use Y-adapter for dual subwoofer setups.

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

Operation

Automatic and manual operation modes.

Auto mode: Subwoofer turns on automatically when audio signal detected.
Manual mode: Switch to ON position for continuous operation.
Volume adjustment: Fine-tune using test tones or familiar content.
Crossover adjustment: Match to main speaker capabilities.
Phase optimization: Adjust while listening to bass-heavy material.
Standby: Auto mode puts subwoofer in standby after 15 minutes of no signal.

WARNING! Do not operate at maximum volume for extended periods. Allow break-in period for optimal performance.

Advanced Configuration

Fine-tuning for optimal performance in your room.

Room Placement: Experiment with corner, wall, or front placement. Crawl Test: Place subwoofer in listening position, crawl to find optimal placement. Phase Alignment: Use test tones or music with consistent bass. Multiple Subs: For larger rooms, consider dual subwoofers for even coverage.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Dust with soft, dry cloth only.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or aerosols. Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures. Check connections periodically for corrosion.

Regulatory Information

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

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from subwoofer	Power/connections/auto mode	Check power cord; verify connections; ensure auto mode enabled; increase volume.
Weak bass output	Settings/placement/phase	Increase volume; adjust crossover; optimize placement; adjust phase control.
Subwoofer stays on	Auto mode disabled	Switch to AUTO position; check for constant signal source.
Distorted sound	Overloading/clipping	Reduce volume; check receiver settings; ensure proper input level.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop/cable issues	Use ground lift adapter; check cable quality; separate power cords from audio cables.
Auto on not working	Signal level too low	Increase receiver subwoofer output; adjust auto-on sensitivity if available.

Reset: Unplug for 60 seconds to reset protection circuitry.

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