Bose 201 Series IV Owner's Manual

201® Series IV Direct/ Reflecting® Speakers

Owner’ s Guide

October 30, 2001

AM183562_04_V.pdf

Introduction

Thank you

Congratulations on your purchase of Bose® 201® Series IV Direct/Reflecting® speakers.
Their integrated system of advanced Bose technologies delivers superior sound reproduc­tion from a bookshelf design.

English

For your records

Serial numbers are located on the back of each 201® speaker.
Serial numbers:________________________________________________________________
Dealer name:__________________________________________________________________
Dealer phone: ________________________________ Purchase date: __________________
We suggest you keep your sales slip and warranty car d together with this owner’s guide.

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: Loudspeakers
Type designation: 201® Series IV speakers

in accordance with EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Article 10(1) of the Dir ective,
is in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s):

Technical regulations: EN50081-1, EN50082-1

Accredited by Bose Corporation

5 January 1996

Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8 Paul Olean, General Manager, Bose B.V.
1135 GE Edam, The Netherlands Manufacturer’s authorized

2 October 30, 2001 AM183562_04_V.pdf

EU representative

Where to find...

Setting Up

Before you begin ........................................................................................................4

Unpack the carton......................................................................................................4

Select the locations for your 201® speakers ..............................................................5

Choose the cord.........................................................................................................6

Prepare the cord.........................................................................................................6

Make the connections ................................................................................................6

Check the connections...............................................................................................7

Test the speakers .......................................................................................................7

Maintaining Your 201® Series IV Speakers

Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................8

Cleaning the speakers................................................................................................9

Contents

Warranty period..........................................................................................................9

Customer service .......................................................................................................9

Product Information

Technical information ...............................................................................................10

Optional accessories ................................................................................................10

Bose® Corporation .................................................................................. inside back page

AM183562_04_V.pdf October 30, 2001 3

Setting Up

Before you begin

Your Bose® 201® Series IV Direct/Reflecting® speakers are designed to create a listening
experience that is very similar to a live concert. There are two basic ways to place your
speakers in a room. Try both and let your personal taste determine which is best.

The first way takes advantage of Stereo Targeting
inward to create an intimate or focused sound pattern (Figure 1, position 1). This may be the
best choice for use with a video system, or if your room lacks one or more reflecting walls.

The second way allows the tweeters to fire outward to disperse a wider, more spacious
sound (Figure 1, position 2). You may find this best for music recorded in live settings.

Your 201 Series IV speakers are significantly different from conventional ones, so be sure to
read this owner’s guide. It will help you set up and use your speakers properly , for the
greatest enjoyment.

2 2

1 1

®

technology, with the tweeters firing

Figure 1

201® Series IV Direct/Reflecting
tweeter sound patterns. The
woofer sound pattern is not
shown.

®

Unpack the carton

Carefully unpack the carton and save all packing materials for possible future use. Check
the carton contents (Figure 2). Now is a good time to record the speaker serial numbers on
page 2 of this guide and on your warranty card.

Do not use your speakers if either appears damaged. Instead, repack both speakers in the
original carton and notify your authorized Bose dealer immediately.

Left speaker

4 October 30, 2001 AM183562_04_V.pdf

Figure 2

Product contents

Right speaker

Rubber feet

Select the locations for your 201® speakers

The following guidelines are intended to help you find the best sounding location for your
new speakers:

• Listen to both speaker sound patterns shown on page 4, Figure 1. Choose the one you
prefer.

1. First, aim the tweeters inward as shown in Figure 1, position 1. The tweeters are

directly behind the angle on the front of each speaker. Listen to music.

2. Next, aim the tweeters outward, as shown in Figure 1, position 2, by interchanging

the left and right speakers. Listen to the same passage of music.

• Place the speakers 4 to 12 feet (1.2 to 3.6 m) apart with the back of the speakers no
more than 18 inches (45 cm) from the rear wall.

• Leave at least 12 inches (30 cm) of space from the end of a speaker to the side wall.

• Leave at least 18 inches (45 cm) from the speakers to the floor and ceiling. Positions
closer to walls, floor, or ceiling will produce more bass.

• Avoid placing the speakers exactly halfway between the floor and ceiling.

Note:

options. See “Optional accessories” on page 10.

Caution:

table, or stand. Do not place them in a vertical position. On smooth surfaces like marble,
glass, or highly polished wood, vibrations may cause the speakers to slide. So be sure to
attach the self-adhesive rubber feet to the bottom surface of each speaker for added
stability and protection. The feet go in the corners of the flat surface, inside the seam.

To mount the speakers on a wall, use only the Bose WB-3 wall mounting bracket. Please
follow the mounting instructions that come with these brackets. Improperly mounted speak­ers may fall, causing injury and damage. To contact Bose, please refer to the information
inside the back cover of this owner’s guide.

Do not use these speakers in a moving vehicle.

Bose® AS-3 speaker stands or WB-3 wall brackets can extend your placement

201® speakers are specifically designed for placement on a stationary shelf,

Setting Up

Figure 3

Placement guidelines

Minimum

18" (45 cm)

Minimum

12"

(30 cm

)

Left

speaker

Minimum

18" (45 cm)

4-12'

(1.2-3.6 m)

AM183562_04_V.pdf October 30, 2001 5

Right

speaker

Setting Up

+–

+–

Choose the cord

Caution:

It is important to use the proper gauge (thickness) of speaker wire. Standard zip cord
(2-conductor, 18-gauge wire) works best for most applications. You can find this wire at
most electrical and hardware stores.

You will need thicker wire if your speakers will be more than 30 feet (9 m) from a r eceiver or
amplifier. Refer to the wire recommendations under “Technical information” on page 10, or
contact your authorized Bose® dealer for more information.

Note:

code requirements or contact an electrical installer for information.

Never use broken or frayed wiring. It can result in electrical shock or damage.

This wire may not be suitable for use inside finished walls. Check your local building

Prepare the cor d

Speaker cord consists of two insulated wires. The insulation around one wire is marked
(striped, printed, or ribbed). This marked wire is always positive (+). The plain wire is always
negative (–). These wires correspond to the red (+) and black (–) terminals on the speakers
and the receiver or amplifier.

At the ends of each cord, strip approximately 1⁄2 inch (12 mm) of insulation from both wires.
Twist the bare end of each wire, so loose strands will not touch across terminals. Be sure to
connect each wire to the proper terminal (positive to positive and negative to negative).

Note:

It is sometimes difficult to distinguish wire markings. Inspect both wires carefully.

Make the connections

Caution:

from the AC power (mains) outlet. Not doing so may result in damage to your system.

Just press the terminal tab on the back of each speaker to insert the appropriate wire
(Figure 4).

1. Connect one speaker cord to your right speaker.
a. Attach the marked wire to the red (+) terminal.
b. Attach the plain wire to the black (–) terminal.

2. Connect the other end of the same cord to the RIGHT SPEAKER OUTPUT of your
receiver.

a. Attach the marked wire to the red (+) terminal.
b. Attach the plain wire to the black (–) terminal.

3. Connect the second cord to the left speaker and
LEFT SPEAKER OUTPUT as described above.

Before making any connections, turn off your receiver or amplifier and unplug it

Black terminal tab

Red terminal tab

Marked wire

Figure 4

Terminal connections

6 October 30, 2001 AM183562_04_V.pdf

Check the connections

Check that all connections are made positive to positive (+ to +) and negative to negative
(– to –) (Figure 5). Make sure that no loose strands of wire touch across terminals. This
could damage your receiver or amplifier. Be sure the connections are secure before you
plug in the receiver or amplifier and turn it on.

Back of left speakerBack of right speaker

Setting Up

Figure 5

Completed connections

R

– + –+

Receiver or Amplifier

L

T est the speakers

To make sure your speakers operate correctly:

1. Place the speakers less than 6 inches (15 cm) apart, facing each other.

2. Turn on your receiver, and set it to MONO (monophonic), if that is an option on your
model.

3. Set the balance control to normal (center position).

4. Play some deep bass passages of music through the speakers.

The sound should seem to come from a point between the two speakers. The bass should
be full and natural. If it is not, one of the connections may be reversed, causing the speak­ers to play out of phase. Refer to “Make the connections” on page 6. To correct the
problem, make sure all the wires are connected positive to positive (+ to +) and negative to
negative (– to –). Then repeat steps 1 through 4 to re-test the speakers.

L +R?? Rich Y.

AM183562_04_V.pdf October 30, 2001 7

Maintaining Y our 201® Series IV Speakers

Troubleshooting

Problem What to do

No sound • Make sure the receiver or amplifier is plugged in and turned on.

• Check to be sure the AC power (mains) outlet is working.

• Disconnect any headphones plugged into the headphone jack.

• Make sure the receiver or amplifier is not set to MUTE.

• Refer to the owner’s guide that came with your receiver or
amplifier.

• Check all connections at both the speaker and the receiver or
amplifier end. Refer to “Make the connections” on page 6.
Correct any errors.

No sound from • Disconnect the working speaker from the receiver or amplifier.
one speaker • Switch the cord of the “faulty” speaker from its original receiver

or amplifier jacks to the other set of jacks (the working
speaker was originally attached to those jacks).

- If the speaker now works, the problem is in your receiver or

amplifier. Reconnect your speakers to a working unit.

- If there is still no sound from the speaker, continue below.

• Remove the cord from the working speaker and connect it to the
“faulty” speaker and either channel of the receiver or amplifier
jacks.

- If the speaker now works, the problem was in the original

speaker cord.

- If there is still no sound, the problem is in the speaker.

One speaker • Follow the same procedure for the problem of no sound fr om
sounds distorted one speaker, as outlined above.

Not enough • Adjust the bass and treble volume controls on the receiver.
bass or treble • Check the connections to make sure they are correctly in phase

(positive to positive and negative to negative). Refer to “Make the
connections” on page 6.

• Experiment with different room placements. Positions closer to
walls, floor, or ceiling will produce more bass.

8 October 30, 2001 AM183562_04_V.pdf

Maintaining Y our 201® Series IV Speakers

Cleaning the speakers

Clean the surface of your speakers with a soft, damp cloth. A mild soap may be used, but
do not use any solvents, chemicals, or cleaning solutions containing alcohol, ammonia, or
abrasives. Do not use any sprays near the system or allow liquids to spill into any openings.

The speaker grille panel is easily removed by pulling it gently away from the speaker. The
grille may be gently vacuumed to remove dust. Do not affix any objects to the grille.

Warranty period

Bose® 201® Series IV Direct/Reflecting® speakers are covered by a limited 5-year transfer­able warranty. Details of the coverage are provided on the warranty card that came with
your speakers. Please fill out the information section of the card, detach, and mail to Bose.

Customer service

If you have a problem not solved by the troubleshooting guidelines, contact your authorized
Bose dealer to arrange for service. To obtain information or service directly from Bose, refer
to the listings inside the back cover of this guide. Bose Corporation will make every effort to
correct any problem within the terms of your warranty.

AM183562_04_V.pdf October 30, 2001 9

Product Information

T echnical information

Features

Direct/Reflecting® speaker design
Dual FrequencyTM crossover network

®

Stereo Targeting
Syncom

®

computer quality control

Driver complement (per enclosure)

One (1) 61⁄2" (16 cm) woofer
One (1) 2" (5 cm) high-sensitivity tweeter

Compatibility/Impedance

Compatible with amplifiers and receivers rated from 10 to 120 watts per channel,
rated 8 ohms

Wire recommendations

Based on a maximum frequencies response deviation of ±0.5 dB

Gauge Length

18 (0.75 mm2) 30 ft (9 m) maximum
16 (1.5 mm2) 45 ft (14 m) maximum
14 (2.0 mm2) 70 ft (21 m) maximum

technology

Enclosure

Polymer and vinyl veneer over wood construction in black, rosewood, or gray finish

Size/Weight

Each speaker, unpacked: 91⁄2"H x 151⁄8"W x 63⁄4"D (24 x 39 x 18 cm)
Each speaker: 9 lb (4.1 kg)
Speaker pair in shipping carton: 22.8 lb (10.4 kg)

Optional accessories

Bose® AS-3 speaker stands and WB-3 wall mount­ing brackets are designed for use with 201® Series
IV Direct/Reflecting® speakers. For information, or to
order accessories, contact your authorized Bose
dealer. Or, to contact Bose directly, refer to the
listings inside the back cover of this guide.

Figure 6

Bose® AS-3 speaker stand and
WB-3 wall mounting brackets

10 October 30, 2001 AM183562_04_V.pdf

AM183562_04_V.pdf October 30, 2001 11

Bose® Corporation

USA

Bose Corporation, The Mountain
Framingham, MA 01701-9168
1-800-367-4008
Phone hours - ET (eastern time):
Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Canada

Bose Ltd., 1-35 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1B3
1-800-465-2673
Phone hours - ET (eastern time):
Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

European Office

Bose Products B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8
1135 GE Edam, Nederland
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Australia

Bose Australia, Inc., 1 Sorrell Street
Parramatta, N.S.W. 2150
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Belgique/België

Bose N.V., Limesweg 2, B-3700 Tongeren
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Danmark

Bose A/S, Industrivej 7, 2605 Brøndby
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Deutschland

Bose GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 36d
D-61381 Friedrichsdorf
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

France

Bose S.A., 6, rue Saint Vincent
78100 Saint Germain en Laye
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Italia

Bose S.p.A., Via della Magliana 876
00148 Roma
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Japan

Bose K.K., Shibuya YT Building
28-3 Maruyama-cho
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Nederland

Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8
1135 GE Edam
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Norge

Bose A/S, Solheimsgate 11
N-2001, Lillestrøm
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Österreich

Bose Ges.m.b.H., Vienna Business Park
Wienerbergstrasse 7 (10.OG)
A-1100 Vienna
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Schweiz

Bose AG, Rünenbergerstrasse 13
4460-Gelterkinden
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Sverige

Bose A/S, Blandsädsgatan 2D
S-43146 Mölndal
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

United Kingdom

Bose Limited, Unit G2
Trinity Trading Estate
Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 2PD
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

India

Bose Corporation India Private Limited
W-16, Greater Kailash-II
New Delhi 110 048
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Ireland

Bose Corporation
Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

From other locations

Bose Customer Service, 1 New York Ave.
Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

World Wide Web

www.bose.com

©1999 Bose Corporation
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
183562 AM Rev.04 JN00049