Bose 161TM User Manual

Bose® 16 f“ Speakers

Owner’s Guide

Brugervejiedning

Bedienungsanleitung

Guía del usuario

Notice d’utilisation

Manuale d’istruzioni

Gebruiksaanwijzing

Bruksanvisningen

Declaration of conformity

We, the offerer,

Bose Corporation, The Mountain
Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA

acknowledge our sole responsibility, that the product.

Kind of equipment: Loudspeaker

Type designation: 161“ loudspeaker

in accordance with EMC directive 89/336/EC and article 10(1) of the
Directive, is in compliance with the foilowing norm(s) or document(s):

Technical regulations: EN 50081-1, EN 50082-1

Accredited by Bose Corporation ^

1 May 2001
Bose Products B.V.

Nijverheidstraat 8,
1135 GE Edam,
The Netherlands

Nic Merks,
Vice President, Bose Europe
Manufacturer’s authorized
EU representative

C€

KT- ■«¡a

Where to find...

Setup

Reference...................................................................................... 7

Before you begin

............................................................................................

Unpacking................................................................................ 4

Placing your Bose® 161™ speakers............................................ 4

Choosing speaker cord.............................................................. 4

Preparing speaker cord.............................................................. 5

Connecting speaker cord to the speakers
Connecting speaker cord to your receiver or amplifier
Testing speaker connections
Mounting your speakers on a wall

Cleaning your speakers.............................................................. 7

Troubleshooting ....................................................................... 7

Technical information

...............................................................

.....................................................

..............................................

...................................

...................

4

5
5
6
6

7

Thank you for purchasing Bose 161 speakers. Their advanced design and
quality construction are intended to provide long-term listening enjoyment
in your home. Your 161 speakers are engineered to provide quality Bose
speaker performance from a simple, elegant design. Unique Bose technol
ogies, including Stereo Everywhere®, deliver performance usually associ
ated with much larger speakers.

For your records

Serial numbers are located on the label on the back of each 161 speaker.
Serial numbers:
Dealer name;____________________________________________
Dealer phone:
We suggest you keep your sales receipt with this owner’s guide.

_______________

__________________

Purchase date:

and

____________________

________________

©2001 Bose Corporation. No part of this work may be reproduced, modified,
distributed or otherwise used without prior written permission.

f

Unpacking

Unpack the carton carefully. Save the carton and packing materi
als for possible later use. If either speaker appears damaged, do
not operate either one. Repack both speakers in the original car

ton and notify your authorized Bose® dealer immediately.

Placing your Bose 161 ^ speakers

J' Note: Your 161 speakers are magnetically shielded to prevent

interference with most television screens.

For best acoustic performance, place the left channel speaker on
the left side of the room and the right channel speaker on the
right, at least 5 feet (1.5 m) apart. (Refer to the label on the back of
each speaker.) Make sure the back of each speaker is parallel to
the front wall.

For rear channel use in a home theater surround sound system,
put the speakers near the back of the room, behind or to the sides
of the listening area.

Attach the supplied self-adhesive feet to the bottom surface of
each speaker for greater stability (Figure 1).

If you want to mount your speakers using the supplied wall
brackets, see “Mounting your speakers on a wall” on page 6.

Figure 1

Locations for
attaching rubber

feet to the bottom

of the speakers

A CAUTION: Do not install near any heat sources, such as radia

tors, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifi
ers) that produce heat.

Choosing speaker cord

Be sure to use the proper gauge (thickness) of speaker cord. Stan
dard zip cord (2-conductor, 18-gauge [0.75 mm^] wire found at
electrical and hardware stores) works for most applications. If the
length of speaker wire extends more than 30 feet (9 m) from a
receiver or amplifier, refer to “Wire recommendations” on page 7
or contact your authorized Bose dealer for more information.

CAUTION: Before making any connections, turn off your receiver
or amplifier and unplug it from the outlet (the AC power mains).

Preparing speaker cord

Speaker cord consists of two insulated wires. The insulation
around one wire is striped, collared, or ribbed. This marked wire is
always positive (+). The plain wire is always negative (-). These
correspond to the positive (red) and negative (black) terminals on
the back of each speaker, receiver, or amplifier. Be sure to connect
each wire to the proper terminal (+ to +, - to -).

J' Note: Be sure to cut enough cord to reach from the receiver to

each speaker.

At the ends of each cord, strip approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of
insulation from both wires. Twist the bare ends of each wire so
there are no loose strands.

Connecting speaker cord to the speakers

Locate the terminals on the back of each speaker. Depress the red
terminal button (Figure 2), insert the marked (+) wire and release
the button. Depress the black terminal button, insert the plain (-)
wire and release the button.

Figure 2

Making speaker

wire connections

Red (+)

Connecting speaker cord to your receiver or ampiifier

Connect the left speaker cord to the left channel speaker output of
your receiver or amplifier. Attach the marked wire to the red (+) ter
minal and the plain wire to the black (-) terminal. In the same man
ner, connect the right speaker cord to the right channel speaker
output.

A CAUTION: Make sure no loose strands of wire touch across termi

nals. This could create a short circuit that can damage an ampli

fier or receiver. Secure any loose wires before you plug in the
receiver or amplifier.

J' Note: If these speakers are used for the rear surround channels in

a home theater system, choose the “SMALL SPEAKER” setting.

Testing speaker connections

Center the balance control on your receiver or amplifier. Set it

1.

for MONO, if you have that option, and turn it on.
Place the 161 ™ speakers less than 6 inches (15 cm) apart, fac

2.

ing each other.
Play some deep bass passages of music.

3.

The sound should seem to come from a point between the two
speakers. The bass shouid be fuli and natural. If not, your connec
tions may be reversed, causing the speakers to play out of phase.
To correct the problem, make sure the speaker wires are con
nected + to + and - to -. Then repeat steps 1-3.

Mounting your speakers on a waii

See the back pages of this guide for a mounting template and
mounting hardware information.

A CAUTION: Do not mount the brackets on surfaces that are not

sturdy enough, or that have hazards concealed behind them,
such as electrical wire or plumbing. If you are unsure about install
ing the bracket, contact a qualified professional installer.

A CAUTION: Do not hang items from the brackets or speakers. The

brackets were designed to support the weight of the speakers
only.

Note: For vertical mounting, mount part A with the hole for screw

C at the bottom. Be sure to tighten all screws.

Figure 3

Speaker-bracket
installation

Note: For Stereo Everywhere® speaker performance, horizontal

mounting is required.

1. Hold the mounting template in position and mark holes for the
mounting hardware. If you plan to feed wires through the wall,
mark the speaker wire pilot hole also.

Drill holes for the chosen mounting hardware.

2.

Mount bracket part A to the wall and mount bracket part B to

3.
the rear of the speaker (Figure 3).

Secure the speaker with bracket part B to bracket part A
using screw C. To adjust the angle, loosen screw C slightly,

move the speaker up or down, and retighten screw C.

Cleaning your speakers

Use a damp cloth to clean your 161“ speakers. Do not use harsh chemicals or
household cleaners. Do not apply liquids directly to the speakers. If you vacuum the

front grille of the speakers, do so carefully.

Troubleshooting

If you experience problems with your 161 speakers, the following suggestions may
help. If you need additional help, contact your authorized Bose® dealer, or contact

Bose directly.

Problem What to do

Neither speaker
plays

Bass or treble is

weak
Only one speaker

plays

One speaker still
does not play

Check the settings on your receiver or amplifier. Refer to the owners

guide that came with it for instruction on settings.
Check the tonal balance setting on your receiver or amplifier.

• Check the balance control on your receiver or amplifier.

• Check the wires connected to the speaker that does not play. Make
sure the wires are in good condition and are firmly connected. See
page 5.

• Disconnect the wires from both the speaker and the receiver or
amplifier. Disconnect the other cord from its speaker, and connect
that end of the cord to the speaker that doesn’t play.

• If the speaker still doesn’t play, the problem is in the speaker. If the
speaker now plays, continue checking for the source of the problem.

• Disconnect the same cord from the amplifier or receiver. Connect it
to the other outputs on the amplifier or receiver.

• If the speaker plays, the problem is in the original cord that was con
nected to that speaker. If the speaker does not play, the problem is in
that channel of the receiver.

Technical information

Quality standard: Syncom® computer quality control
Driver complement: Two (2) 2.5" (6.3 cm) wide-range drivers per speaker
Enclosure: Tuned port, molded ABS resin
Dimensions: 4.17"H x 10.93"W x 4.98"D (10.6 cm x 27.8 cm x 12.6 cm)
Compatibility: Rated 50W lEC; compatible with amplifiers or receivers rated 10-100

watts per channel, rated 4-8 ohms

Wire recommendations: Based on a maximum frequency response deviation of

±0.5 dB.

Gauge

18(0.75 mm^)
16 (1.5 mm^)
14 (2.0 mm")

Weight: 8 lbs. (3.6 kg) per pair, in the carton

Length

30 ft (9 m) maximum
45 ft (14 m) maximum
70 ft (21 m) maximum

í- ■ -- fft

Drilling template
Boreskabelon
Bohrschablone
Placa para las perforaciones
Gabarit de perçage
Maschera di perforazione
Boormal
Borrmall

Optional speaker cord pilot hole
Ekstra bormulighed til hojttalerkabel
Bohrung für Lautsprecherkabel
Orificio opcional para el cable

de altavoz
Trou de traversée facultatif pour

le cordon d’enceinte
Foro di guida opzionale per cavo

del diffusore

Extra geleidingsgat luidsprekerkabel

Alternativt styrhàl for högtalarkabel

Wood wall

Væg af træ
Hoizwand
Pared de madera
Cloison en bois
Parete in legno
Houten wand
Vàgg av tra

7©

e © -©

Ve” V4" Ve"

{3 mm) (6 mm) (3 mm)

t A

Masonry wall

Væg af beton eller mursten

Wand aus Beton oder Stein
Pared de iadrillos
Mur de maçonnerie
Parete in muratura
Stenen muur

Vägg av tegel elier betong

Wailboard wall
Veeg af vaegplade

Wand aus Leichtbauplatten
Pared de madera terciada
Cloison sèche
Parete in iaminato
Hardboard wand

Vägg av gipsskiva,
fiberskiva eller spànskiva

Œpr

W

wr

#10-24x3 in.
(M5 X 75 mm)

Better sound through research^

©2001 Bose Corporation
The Mountain

Framingham, MA 01701 -9168 USA

257524 AM Rev.01 JN10530

Bose® Product

Registration

And Warranty

Information

Please complete and

return immediately

Register online at:

http://www.bose.com/register

Call 1-800-444-BOSE

For U.S. And Canadian Residents Oniy

©2001 Bose

262933 A'> OOJN20596

Please do not send products or other
correspondence to this address.

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PRODUCT REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT
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1

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2

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3

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□ Check here if you would like to hear from Bose"' by email,

4

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Please indicate Bose product(s) purchased:

1, □ Wave® radio

2. □ Wave® radio/CD

3. □ Wave/PC™ interactive

system NEW

4. □ Acoustic Wave® music system
5, □ 141® speakers
6, □ 151® speakers
7 □ 161™ speakers NEW
8, □ 201® speakers
9, □ 251™ speakers

10. □ 301® speakers

11. □ 601™ speakers NEW

12. □ 701® speakers NEW

13. □ 901® speakers

14. □ Acoustimass® 3 speakers

15. □ Acoustimass 5 speakers

16. □ Acoustimass 6 speakers

I Acoustimass 10 speakers

17

[I Acoustimass 15 speakers

18.
r 3*2’1 entertainment system

19

I Lifestyle®' 5 music system

20

C Lifestyle'® 12 theater system

21

I Lifestyle® 20 music system

22

,

I: Lifestyle® 28 entertainment system NEW

23.

Z Lifestyle® 35 entertainment system NEW

24.

Z Lifestyle® 50 theater system

25.
□ Lifestyle® powered speakers

26.
□ VCS-10® center speaker

27.

□ Headset X

28.
n QuIetComfort®' headset NEW

29

□ Other, please specify

30.

NEW

6

Please indicate the serial number(s) of this product

(Found on the ID label attached to your product or consult your owner's manual for the location )

Serial number(s)

Where was product purchased

1. □ Bose'® 1-800 number

2. □ Bose Web site

3. n Bose store

4. □ Retail store
Name:

City

5. □ Catalog

6. □ Other Web site

7. □ Other

8a Do you own any other Bose products?

l.jYes 2. _ No

8b Which ones?

1. □ Lifestyle'^' system

2. □ Wave® radio/Acoustic Wave- system 6 U Other Bose speakers

3. □ Automobile sound system

4. □ Acoustimass® speakers

Headset

7 G Other

9 Date of your birth: (month/day/year)

10 Including yourself, what is the total number of people living in your household?

(Example:

11 Date of birth (month/year) of the gtfM adults and children in your household.

Oh 02.03, 04 )

State

Male Female

1.G 2.G

Month

1.G 2.G

Month

12

Your gender: 1 G Male 2

Year

Year

Male Female

1 G 2,^

1.G 2. G

Female

13 Your marital status: 1 G Married 2, G Single

14 For your primary residence, do you: 1. G Own 2 G Rent

Month

Month

Year

Yeat

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8. C $125,000-5149,999

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following items through the mail and/or

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3. Clothes
4 Insurance/financial products

5. Music/Video/DVD

6. Travel
7 Other

over the Internet?

A Mail

. 1

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□

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Limited Warranty

Bose® Product

Please Keep This Warranty Information

Card With Your Owner’s Guide.

What is covered:

All parts defective in material and workmanship This limited warranty does not cover a
defect that has resulted from improper or unreasonable use or maintenance, accident,

excess moisture, improper packing, lightning, power surges, or unauthorized tampering,

alteration or modification

Limitation on Liability:

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY ARE IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WRIHEN WAR

RANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF

MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICUWR PURPOSE Notwithstanding the above,
where applicable, if you qualify as a “consumer" under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, then
you may be entitled to any implied warranties allowed by law for the period of the express war

ranty as set forth below Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied war

ranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you

For how long:

The Bose Limited Warranty lasts one year from the purchase date for electronic products,
systems, and powered speaker components, and five years for speaker components that are

not self-powered (amplified) Integrated, stereo, and home theater systems have a one year
Limited Warranty Additionally, the 131 marine speakers have a three year Limited
Warranty Powered component speakers have a one year Limited Warranty term for the elec
tronics and five years for the speakers The Headset X has a two year Limited Warranty,
excluding the ear cushions, which have a 6 month Limited Warranty The QuietComfort'''
headset has a 1 year Limited Warranty Please see yoirr Owner’s Guide for details For the

’ Limited Warranty on professional products, please refer to your Owner’s Guide for details

What we will do:

We will, at our sole option, repair or replace any defective parts within a reasonable period of
time and free of charge

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Pay shipping or transportation cliarges from you to us

What you must do to obtain Warranty Service:

1 Return product with proof of purchase from an authorized Bose dealer to a Bose Service

Agency, or

2 Return product with proof of purchase from an authorized Bose dealer directly to Bose

Corporation If you elect to return the product directly to Bose Corporation, the following pro
cedures must be followed

a) Contact Bose Corporation for specific return and shipping instructions, which will include

but may not be limited to;

b) Properly packing the product in the original carton for shipping If you need a new car

ton, contact Bose Corporation for a new carton available at a nominal charge.

Warranty information continued on other side

^ P

Continued from other side

c) Labeling and shipping, freight prepaid, to Bose' Corporation, Product and Technical

Support, The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 or the one provided by Bose

Corporation You may also write to this address to obtain information about this limited

warranty

d) Placing any necessary return authorization number prominently on the outside of the car

ton. (Cartons not bearing a return authorization number where required will be refused.)

Exclusive Remedy:

This limited warranty is fully transferable provided that the current owner furnishes the original

proof of purchase from an authorized Bose dealer THE MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF BOSE SHALL

NOT EXCEED THE ACTUAL PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY YOU FOR THE PRODUCT IN NO EVENT
SHALL BOSE BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES
Some places do not allow limitations on the exclusion or limitation of relief, special, incidental,
consequential or indirect damages, or the limitation of liability to specified amounts, so the
above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you

Other conditions:

This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from country to country or state to state This limited warranty is void if the label bearing
the serial number has been removed or defaced

Bose Corporation thanks you for your recent Bose product purchase.

We know it will give you years of satisfaction.

For your benefit, we recommend that you record your serial number(s), found on the product(s),
and other purchase information on this card and keep it with your personal records along with
proof of purchase If necessary, this information will allow us to better serve your needs

Model Name or Number
Serial Number(s):

Date Purchased
Dealer's Name:
Dealer’s Address:

____

Please refer to your Owner’s Guide for the list of Warranty Service Centers.

Please send any correspondence regarding product information

or warranty services to:

Bose Corporation, The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168

[phone] or toll-free (800) 444-BOSE