The Bose® Acoustimass® 5 Series III Speaker System
Owner’ s Guide
Introduction
Thank you
English
Important information
We appreciate your choice of the Bose® Acoustimass® 5 Series III speaker system. It will
provide you with many years of listening enjoyment. Your system features new third generation Acoustimass cube speaker arrays, a product of the continuous research and development at Bose Corporation. These cube speakers deliver more lifelike sound and better overall
performance, yet are smaller than their predecessors.
Please read this owner’ s guide
The set-up and operation of your Acoustimass 5 Series III speaker system is significantly
different from other speakers. Please take the time to read this owner’s guide carefully. It will
help you set up and operate your system properly and enjoy all of its advanced features.
Save your owner’s guide for future reference.
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: Acoustimass® 5 Series III Speakers
in accordance with EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Article 10(1) of the
Directive, is in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s):
Technical regulations: EN50081-1, EN50082-1
Accredited by Bose Corporation
1 May 1998
Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8 Anton Schalkamp
1135 GE Edam, The Netherlands General Manager, Bose Europe
Manufacturer’s authorized EU representative
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Contents
Where to find…
Introduction
Thank you .....................................................................................................................2
Important information ...................................................................................................2
Contents
Where to find ................................................................................................................ 3
For your records ........................................................................................................... 3
Setting Up
Before you begin...........................................................................................................4
1. Unpacking the carton ...............................................................................................4
2. Selecting the locations for your Acoustimass
3. Examining the cables and connections ....................................................................5
4. Connecting the cube arrays to the Acoustimass module......................................... 6
5. Connecting the Acoustimass 5 Series III system to your receiver ........................... 7
Fine Tuning Your Acoustimass 5 Series III Speaker System
Checking your speaker system .................................................................................... 8
Positioning your speaker system to get the best sound .............................................. 8
Cube considerations ........................................................................................... 8
Acoustimass module considerations .................................................................. 9
Using your speaker system to its best advantage......................................................10
Automatic System Protection .....................................................................................10
Receiver/amplifier considerations...............................................................................10
®
system components........................5
English
Dansk
Deutsch
Español
For your records
Maintaining Your Acoustimass 5 Series III Speaker System
Maintaining your speaker system ............................................................................... 11
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................11
Product Information
Technical information..................................................................................................12
Available Accessories ................................................................................................. 12
Warranty period ..........................................................................................................12
Customer Service .......................................................................................................12
Bose® Corporation ....................................................................................inside back cover
Serial numbers are located on the connection panel of the Acoustimass module.
Serial number: _________________________________________________________________
Dealer name: __________________________________________________________________
Dealer phone:_______________________ Purchase date: ___________________________
We suggest you keep your sales slip and warranty card together with this owner’s guide.
Français
Italiano
Nederlands
Svenska
3
Setting Up
Before you begin
English
1. Unpacking the carton
The Bose® Acoustimass® 5 Series III speaker system offers many advantages over conventional speakers. For one, the system adjusts to deliver the best combination of direct and
reflected sound for your listening environment and musical taste. And this V irtually Invisible
speaker system requires very little space to deliver a lifelike musical performance formerly
associated with room-dominating loudspeakers.
Sections 1 – 5 give you step-by-step instructions on how to set up and connect the system
to your components, so you can begin enjoying it as soon as possible. The remaining sections provide more detailed information on arranging your system for the best possible
performance.
Unpack your system and familiarize yourself with the parts identified in Figure 1. If any part of
the product appears damaged, do not attempt to use the system. Repack it in the original
carton and notify Bose or your authorized Bose dealer immediately.
• Remove any staples fr om the opened carton flaps.
• Remove the inner cartons containing the two cube speaker arrays.
• Gently roll the carton over onto its side and then onto its opening.
• Carefully lift the carton from around the Acoustimass module and packing cushions.
WARNING:
The Acoustimass module weighs 18.8 pounds (8.5 kg). Use good lifting
®
practice to avoid injury.
WARNING:
To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags out of the reach of
children.
Note:
Now is a good time to record the serial number of these speakers on page 3 of this
guide and on your warranty card. It is a good idea to save all packing materials for possible
future use.
Figure 1
What comes in the carton:
•2 Cube arrays
•1 Acoustimass module
•4 Wires
•4 Adhesive-backed rubber
feet
• Owner’s guide
• Quick set up guide
4
Setting Up
2. Selecting the locations for your Acoustimass® system components
1. You can place the Acoustimass module almost anywhere in your listening room, in either
a vertical or horizontal position (Figure 2). It can be hidden under a bed or table or even
behind a sofa, as long as you remember not to block the round opening in the end of the
unit. Allow at least 2 inches (5 cm) of space between that end and any surface. After
selecting a place for the Acoustimass module, attach the four rubber feet to the bottom
surface for additional stability. If you choose to stand the module on its connection end,
the feet must be attached to protect the wire connections.
CAUTION:
least two feet (.6 m) from a television.
Figure 2
Acoustimass module positions
2. Next, select the positions for the left and right cube arrays. Remember that wires from the
arrays connect to the Acoustimass module, so you should locate the cube arrays close
enough to the module to enable the wires to reach it. The cube arrays are magnetically
shielded, so they may be placed near a television.
Note:
12 for details and ordering information.
Note:
distance between the cube arrays and the Acoustimass module by splicing in additional
wire. If you do so, use similar gauge or thicker wire, and make sure you maintain the correct
phase (+ to + and – to –), and properly connect the wires.
The Acoustimass module is not magnetically shielded and should be kept at
L+
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Bose® wall brackets and floor stands can increase your placement options. See page
While the wires provided are adequate for most installations, you may increase the
English
–L+
3. Examining the cables and connections
Locate the four identical pairs of wires packed with the system.
•Two wire pairs connect your cube arrays to the Acoustimass module.
• The other two wire pairs connect the Acoustimass module to your receiver or amplifier.
• Examine the ends of the wires. The marked wire (with a red, striped, or printed marker)
connects to the positive (+) terminal at each connection.
• The cube arrays and the Acoustimass module have r ed positive (+) connections.
5
Setting Up
4. Connecting the cube arrays to the Acoustimass® module
Select one pair of wires, and locate the terminal tab on the rear of the left cube array.
1. Just press the terminal tab on the back of the speaker to insert the marked wire into the
English
Figure 3
Connecting a cube array
red (+) terminal and the plain wire into the black (–) terminal (Figure 3).
2. Release the terminal tab and both wires will be held securely.
3. Repeat this process with the other pair of wires and the right cube array.
Figure 4
Connecting cube arrays to the
Acoustimass module
Marked wire
to red terminal
CAUTION:
Do not connect your amplifier or receiver directly to the cube arrays. Cube
arrays must be connected directly to the Acoustimass module or damage will result.
4. Next, locate the terminals marked OUTPUTS TO CUBE SPEAKERS on the rear of the
Acoustimass module (Figure 4).
5. Connect the other ends of the wires from the left cube array to the pair of terminals
marked L. Make sure that the marked wire is connected to the positive (+) and the plain
wire is connected to the negative (–) terminal.
6. Now, repeat step 5 for the right cube array, connecting its wires to the terminals marked R.
From left cube speaker
From right cube speaker
To receiver or amplifier
6
Setting Up
5. Connecting the Acoustimass® 5 Series III system to your receiver
1. Select one of the remaining two pairs of wires, and locate the left channel terminals on the
Acoustimass module marked INPUTS FROM AMP OR RECEIVER. Depress the red,
positive (+) tab, insert the marked wire and release the tab. Repeat the process for the
black, negative (–) tab and the plain wire (Figure 5).
2. Then follow the same procedure for the right channel, using the last pair of wires.
Figure 5
Connecting the Acoustimass
module to your receiver
R
L
English
3. Disconnect your receiver or amplifier from the AC power (mains) outlet.
4. Locate the speaker outputs on your receiver. Connect the other ends of the wire from the
left channel of the Acoustimass module to the terminals marked L or LEFT. Make sure that
the marked wire is connected to the positive (+) and the plain wire is connected to the
negative (–) terminal.
5. Repeat these last two steps for the right channel.
6. Your set-up is complete. Plug in your receiver, turn the system on, and enjoy your Acoustimass 5 Series III speakers!
CAUTION:
Before you plug in your receiver or amplifier, make sure that no strands of wire
from any terminal are brushing against any other terminal. Such “bridged” wires create short
circuits which can damage your receiver or amplifier.
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Fine T uning Y our Acoustimass® 5 Series III Speaker System
Checking your speaker system
As you begin listening to your Acoustimass 5 Series III speaker system, the following test will
help you determine that it is working properly:
English
A. Turn the balance control on your receiver or amplifier all the way to the left. If you have
connected the cube arrays properly, you will hear the music from the left cube array, but
not the right one. You may notice a very faint sound issuing from the right cube array,
which is normal.
B. Now, turn the balance control all the way to the right. If your cube arrays are connected
properly, this time you will hear music only from the right one. You may also detect a very
faint sound from the other cube array.
C. Return the balance control to the center position. Play a musical selection with deep
bass. Now turn the balance control all the way to the left and listen, and then turn the
balance all the way to the right and listen. If the system is connected properly, the center
position should exhibit the same or greater bass response than either the left-only or
right-only positions. If it exhibits less, check to make sure that your components are
connected as described on pages 6 and 7.
D. Return the balance control to the center position.
If your system does not appear to be working properly, refer to the Troubleshooting section
on page 11.
Positioning your speaker system to get the best sound
Your Acoustimass 5 Series III speaker system may be used in a variety of ways. Here ar e
some guidelines.
Cube considerations
A. In average-sized listening rooms, the best stereo ef fects result when the left and right
cube arrays are spaced 6 to 12 feet apart (1.8 – 3.6 m). However, you can still achieve
excellent results with separation as little as 3 feet (1 m) or as great as 15 feet (4.5 m).
B. The cube arrays are magnetically shielded for use with video systems and may be placed
near your television without adversely affecting picture quality. However, the Acoustimass
module is not shielded and should be kept at least 2 feet (.6 m) from a television.
C. Though there is no “correct” position for the cube arrays or the angle between them, the
most lifelike effect will be achieved by providing a balance of direct and reflected sound.
Experiment with the positions of the cubes for the results you prefer. Figure 6 shows
some typical cube arrangements.
D. You may use the cube arrays with both cubes facing forward. This eliminates the benefits
of direct and reflected sound, but may be appropriate for very small listening areas.
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Fine T uning Y our Acoustimass® 5 Series III Speaker System
Figure 6
Cube array positions
Acoustimass module considerations
Unlike conventional floor standing or bookshelf speakers, you can fine tune the bass response of your Acoustimass 5 Series III speaker system without compromising an accurate
stereo image. Just change the location of the Acoustimass module within your listening
room. Placing it along a wall 3 to 5 feet (1 – 1.5 m) from a corner provides a normal balance
of frequencies from your speaker system. Moving the Acoustimass module closer to walls or
corners increases bass response while moving it away from walls or corners decreases bass.
In most rooms, it is easy to find a convenient location that provides pleasing bass response.
CAUTION:
(.6 m) of a television.
The Acoustimass module is not shielded and should not be placed within 2 feet
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9
Fine T uning Y our Acoustimass® 5 Series III Speaker System
Using your speaker system to its best advantage
Your speaker system requires very little attention when set up and connected properly.
However, observing the following guidelines will help maximize your enjoyment.
English
Room Acoustics
The acoustics (sound properties) of your listening room can affect the overall sound quality of
any speaker system. The following tips will give you some control over the sound:
A. Rooms with a lot of sound-absorbing furnishings, such as stuffed furniture, wall-to-wall
carpet, or heavy drapes, may reduce the treble sound (high frequencies). The missing
treble sound can be restored by slightly turning up the treble control on your receiver or
amplifier. If convenient, you may remove some of the sound-absorbing material.
B. Rooms with too few sound absorbing furnishings, especially those with bare floors and
walls, may sound overly shrill or “bright” because of too much treble. Turning down the
treble control or adding sound absorbers such as throw carpets or drapes will usually
improve the sound.
C. If your system seems to have too much or too little bass (low frequencies), you can adjust
the bass control on your receiver or amplifier. You may also move the Acoustimass
module closer to a wall and/or corner to increase bass. Doing the opposite will decrease
bass.
D. In general, many problems with acoustics can be solved by the judicious use of your tone
controls. Remember, though, that the use of these controls (especially when turned all the
way up) may put greater power demands on your receiver or amplifier. Excessive tone
adjustment can cause an amplifier or receiver to run out of power and distort, potentially
damaging your system.
E. External signal processors (such as graphic and parametric equalizers), while not recom-
mended, can be used with your Acoustimass 5 Series III speaker system if a greater
degree of acoustic control is desired. Consult your Bose® dealer for advice.
Automatic System Protection
Note:
The Acoustimass 5 Series III speaker system incorporates an automatic protection
circuit, which guards against most kinds of damage fr om electrical stress or overload. This
circuit activates at high volume levels to reduce output, causing a slight decr ease in volume.
This is normal operation and indicates that power input may be exceeding safe levels.
Sustained listening at these levels is not recommended.
Receiver/amplifier considerations
Note:
Your speakers incorporate heavy-duty driver elements designed to resist many types
of electrical stress. However, any speaker can be damaged if the amplifier driving it fails.
Increasing the volume until the music sounds distorted also causes speaker damage. This
can happen even with a low-powered receiver or amplifier.
Your speaker system is designed for use with receivers or amplifiers rated from 10 to 200
watts per channel with 4 to 8 ohm impedance. For further information, refer to your receiver
or amplifier owner’s guide.
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Maintaining Y our Acoustimass® 5 Series III Speaker System
Maintaining your speaker system
The cabinets of your Acoustimass 5 Series III speaker system may be cleaned with a soft
damp cloth. Do not use any sprays near the system or allow liquids to spill into any openings. Also, do not use any solvents, chemicals, or cleaning solutions containing alcohol,
ammonia, or abrasives.
The grille assemblies on the cube arrays may be carefully vacuumed if necessary. Please
note that the drivers are located directly behind the grille cloth, and are easily damaged if
reasonable care is not taken.
Troubleshooting
Problem What to do
One of the cube arrays • Turn off the receiver or amplifier. Check the wiring that connects the cube array to the
does not play Acoustimass module, and the wiring that connects the module to the receiver or amplifier.
If no problem is found, disconnect the speaker wires at the back of the receiver. Reconnect only the wire from the channel in question to the opposite channel at the receiver.
Turn the balance control completely to that channel, and turn the power on. If the cube
array now works properly, the problem is in the receiver or amplifier.
• Do not connect the other cube array to the defective channel. It could damage your
speaker system.
The Acoustimass 5 speaker • Turn off the receiver or amplifier and disconnect the Acoustimass 5 speaker system.
system does not play or Reconnect the system to another receiver known to be working properly. If the
sounds distorted Acoustimass 5 system now works properly, the problem is not in the speaker system.
• If this is the case, you should check all user accessible fuses on your receiver or amplifier
(see the appropriate owner’s guide for help). If the fuses blow again, have the unit checked
by qualified personnel.
• If trouble persists in your Acoustimass 5 speaker system, contact your authorized Bose
dealer, who will verify any defects and arrange for service by an authorized agency or by
the Bose factory. Bose will make every effort to remedy any problem within the terms of
the warranty at minimum inconvenience to you.
®
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11
Product Information
Technical Information
English
Features
Direct/Reflecting® speaker design
®
Acoustimass
Syncom
Automatic system protection circuitry
speaker system
®
II computerized quality control
Driver Complement
Two 5.25 inch (13.3 cm) low-frequency drivers in Acoustimass module
Four 2.5 inch (6.4 cm) magnetically shielded, wide-range drivers in cube arrays
Compatibility
Compatible with receivers or amplifiers rated from 4 – 8 ohms
Compatible with receivers or amplifiers rated from 10 – 200 watts per channel
Finish
Acoustimass module: Scratch-resistant black or white satin finish
Cube arrays: Black or white polymer finish
Size/Weight
Cube arrays: 6.2"H x 3.1"W x 4.0"D (15.7 cm x 7.8 cm x 10.2 cm)
2.4 lb (1.09 kg)
Acoustimass module: 14.0"H x 19.0"W x 7.5"D (35.5 cm x 48.0 cm x 19.1 cm)
18.8 lb (8.5 kg)
Total shipping weight:
30.8 lb (14 kg)
Available Accessories
Floor stands: UFS-20B (black), UFS-20W (white)
Wall brackets: UB-20B (black), UB-20W (white)
Warranty period
The Bose® Acoustimass 5 Series III speaker system is covered by a limited 5-year transferable warranty. Details of the warranty are provided on the warranty card that came with your
system. Please fill out the information section on the card and mail it to Bose.
Customer service
For help in ordering accessories or solving problems, contact Bose Customer Service. See
the inside back cover for offices and phone numbers.
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©2004 Bose Corporation
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
196451-ENGvo AM Rev.05
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