Bose Solo 5 Soundbar Manual

The Bose Solo 5 is a single-piece TV sound system designed to dramatically improve your TV's audio clarity and dialogue intelligibility. It features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming, a universal remote control that can operate your TV and soundbar, dialogue mode for enhanced speech clarity, and multiple audio inputs. Below are key sections for setup, features, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. What's in the Box 3. Placement & Installation 4. Connecting to Your TV 5. Powering On & Initial Setup 6. Remote Control Guide 7. Bluetooth Pairing 8. Audio Settings & Modes 9. Specifications 10. Care & Maintenance 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Soundbar, Remote Control, Optical audio cable, Power cord, Wall-mount template.

FeatureDescription
Dialogue ModeEnhances speech clarity for clearer TV dialogue
Bluetooth ConnectivityWirelessly stream music from smartphones, tablets, or computers
Universal RemoteControls both your TV and the Solo 5 soundbar
Audio InputsOptical audio input (primary), coaxial audio input, 3.5mm AUX input
Bass PortEnhances low-frequency performance without a separate subwoofer
Status LightIndicates power, input source, and Bluetooth pairing status
PowerTurns soundbar on/off
Input SelectCycles through available audio inputs (Opt, Coax, AUX, BT)
Bluetooth ButtonInitiates pairing mode for wireless devices
Volume ControlsAdjusts master volume level

What's in the Box

Unpack and verify all contents.

  1. Bose Solo 5 soundbar
  2. Universal remote control (with batteries)
  3. Optical audio cable (Toslink)
  4. Power cord
  5. Wall-mount template and hardware (screws)
  6. Quick Start Guide

WARNING! Keep packaging for future transport or service. Ensure all items are present before disposal.

Placement & Installation

Place on a stable surface directly below or above your TV.

  1. Tabletop Placement: Center the soundbar directly in front of your TV. Ensure nothing blocks the speakers.
  2. Wall Mounting: Use the included template to mark screw positions. Secure mounting brackets to wall, then attach soundbar.
  3. Ventilation: Allow at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space around the soundbar for proper airflow.

CAUTION! Do not place the soundbar inside an enclosed cabinet. Ensure wall mounts are secure and can support the weight.

Connecting to Your TV

Choose the best audio connection based on your TV's outputs.

  1. Optical Connection (Recommended): Connect the optical cable from your TV's DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) port to the OPT IN port on the soundbar.
  2. Coaxial Connection: Use a coaxial digital audio cable (not included) from your TV's DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (COAXIAL) to the COAX IN port on the soundbar.
  3. Analog AUX Connection: Use a 3.5mm audio cable (not included) from your TV's AUDIO OUT/HEADPHONE jack to the AUX IN port on the soundbar.

Tip: Turn off both TV and soundbar before making connections. Set your TV's audio output to "PCM" or "Bitstream" for best results.

Powering On & Initial Setup

Connect power and pair the remote.

  1. Plug the power cord into the soundbar and a wall outlet.
  2. Press POWER on the remote or soundbar. The status light will glow white.
  3. Program the Universal Remote: Point at your TV, press and hold the TV button until the light blinks twice, then enter your TV's brand code (see code list in guide).
  4. Select the correct audio input using the INPUT button until the status light matches your connection (White=Optical, Amber=Coaxial, Green=AUX, Blue=Bluetooth).

CAUTION! Use only the provided power cord. Ensure the power outlet is easily accessible.

Remote Control Guide

Master remote functions for TV and soundbar control.

Soundbar Controls: POWER, INPUT, VOLUME UP/DOWN, MUTE, BLUETOOTH, DIALOGUE MODE.

TV Controls (after programming): POWER, NUMBER PADS, CHANNEL UP/DOWN, VOLUME UP/DOWN, MUTE, INPUT/SOURCE, MENU, GUIDE, EXIT.

Status Light Indicators: Solid White (Optical), Solid Amber (Coaxial), Solid Green (AUX), Flashing Blue (Bluetooth Pairing), Solid Blue (Bluetooth Connected).

Bluetooth Pairing

Stream audio wirelessly from your devices.

  1. Press the BLUETOOTH button on the remote. The status light will flash blue.
  2. On your Bluetooth device (phone, tablet, etc.), go to Bluetooth settings and select "Bose Solo 5" from the list.
  3. Once connected, the status light will turn solid blue. Play audio from your device.
  4. To disconnect, press and hold the BLUETOOTH button for 3 seconds or disable Bluetooth on your device.

Note: The soundbar can remember up to 6 paired devices. To clear the list, unplug the power cord for 30 seconds.

Audio Settings & Modes

Optimize sound for your content.

Specifications

Care & Maintenance

Unplug from power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth only; do not use liquids or aerosols.

CAUTION! Do not allow liquids to enter any openings. Keep away from direct heat sources and excessive moisture.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from soundbarIncorrect input selectedPress INPUT to cycle to the correct source. Check TV audio output settings.
Remote not workingBatteries/obstructionsReplace batteries. Ensure clear line of sight to soundbar's IR sensor (far right end).
Bluetooth won't connectOut of range/paired devices fullMove device within 30 ft (9 m). Clear paired device list by unplugging power for 30 sec.
Audio out of sync (lip-sync)TV processing delayCheck if your TV has an "Audio Delay" or "Lip-Sync" setting and adjust it.
Dialogue Mode not effectiveContent typeDialogue Mode works best with content featuring spoken word. It may have less effect on music or sound effects.
Status light is offNo powerCheck power connection at wall and soundbar. Ensure outlet is working.

Reset: Unplug the power cord for 1 minute, then reconnect to perform a soft reset.

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

Bose Solo 5 Soundbar Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025