bose Bose Companion 3 Series II bose companion 3

The Bose® Companion® 3 Multimedia Speaker System

Safety Information

VIS

WARNING:

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this system to rain or
moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, shall not be placed on the apparatus.

English

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER-SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

ATTENTION : POUR RÉDUIRE LE RISQUE DE DÉCHARGE

ÉLECTRIQUE, NE PAS RETIRER LE COUVERCLE (OU

L’ARRIÈRE). IL NE SE TROUVE À L’INTÉRIEUR AUCUNE

RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE

PIÈCE POUVANT ÊTRE RÉPARÉE PAR L’USAGER.

S’ADRESSER À UN RÉPARATEUR COMPÉTENT

AVIS

NE PAS OUVRIR

These CAUTION marks are located on the rear panel of the Acoustimass

®

module:

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the system enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

The exclamation point, within an equilateral triangle, as marked on the system, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instruction in this
owner’s guide.

WARNING:

To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, insert fully.

Please read this owner’s guide

Please take the time to read and follow 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.

CAUTION:

Do not place computer monitors, floppy disks, hard drives, or other magnetic
media within 6 inches of the Acoustimass module. The magnetic field produced by this module
can erase magnetic media and interfere with the monitor.

CAUTION:

No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the
apparatus.

©

2004 Bose Corporation. No part of this work may be reproduced, modified, distributed or otherwise

used without prior written permission.

2

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions – for all components before
using this product.

2. Keep these instructions – for future reference.

3. Heed all warnings – on the product and in the
owner’s guide.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water or moisture –
Do not use this product near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a
swimming pool, or anywhere else that water or mois­ture are present.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth – and as directed by

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in

8. Do not install near any heat sources, such as radia-

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

®

Bose

Corporation. Unplug this product from the wall

outlet before cleaning.

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions –
To ensure reliable operation of the product and to pro­tect it from overheating, put the product in a position
and location that will not interfere with its proper venti­lation. For example, do not place the product on a
bed, sofa, or similar surface that may block the venti­lation openings. Do not put it in a built-in system, such
as a bookcase or a cabinet that may keep air from
flowing through its ventilation openings.

tors, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding­type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wider blade or third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit in
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement
of the obsolete outlet.

pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience recep­tacles, and the point where they exit from the appa­ratus.

manufacturer.

bracket or table specified by the
manufacturer or sold with the appa­ratus. When a cart is used, use cau­tion when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

when unused for long periods of time – to prevent

damage to this product.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way: such as power-supply cord
or plug is damaged; liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus; the appara­tus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped – Do not

attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or
removing covers may expose you to dangerous volt­ages or other hazards. Please call Bose to be referred
to an authorized service center near you.

15. To prevent risk of fire or electric shock, avoid over-

loading wall outlets, extension cords, or integral
convenience receptacles.

16. Do not let objects or liquids enter the product – as
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out
parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.

17. See product enclosure bottom for safety related
markings.

Information about products that
generate electrical noise

If applicable, this equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, this is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit

than the one to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician

for help.

Note:

Unauthorized modification of the receiver or radio
remote control could void the user’s authority to operate
this equipment.

This product complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class
B specifications.

English

2a

Important Safety Instructions

18. Use Proper Power Sources – Plug the product into a
proper power source, as described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the product.

19. Avoid Power Lines – Use extreme care when install-

English

ing an outside antenna system to keep from touching
power lines or circuits, as contact with them may be
fatal. Do not install external antennas near overhead
power lines or other electric light or power circuits, nor
where an antenna can fall into such circuits or power
lines.

20. Ground All Outdoor Antennas – If an external
antenna or cable system is connected to this product,
be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded. This
will provide some protection against voltage surges
and built-up static charges.

Section 810 of the National Electrical Code ANSI/
NFPA No. 70 provides information with respect to
proper grounding of the mast and supporting struc­ture, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna dis­charge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of
antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding elec­trodes, and requirements for the ground electrode.
Refer to the antenna grounding illustration on this
page.

Antenna grounding

Example of antenna grounding as per National Electrical
Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.

Antenna lead-in wire

Ground clamp

Electric service
equipment

Ground clamps

Power service groundin g electrode
system (NEC ART 250, Part H)

Antenna discharge unit

(NEC Section 810-20)

Grounding conductors
(NEC Section 810-21)

Note to CATV system installer

This reminder is provided to call the CATV system
installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC (of USA)
that provides guidelines for proper grounding. In particular,
it specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building, as close to the point of
cable entry as is practical.

2b

Where to Find

Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Contents

Where to Find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

®

Your Companion

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Selecting a location for your Companion 3 Multimedia Speaker System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Positioning the Acoustimass

Positioning the satellite speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Making connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

To Connect: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

To make the final connection and power the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Additional Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Operating the Companion 3 multimedia speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3 Multimedia Speaker System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

®

module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Español

Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Maintaining the Companion

®

3 Multimedia Speaker System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Cleaning the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Limited Warranty period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Technical Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Driver complement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Power rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Dimensions (approximate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Weight (approximate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

For your records

The system serial number is located on the bottom of the Acoustimass module.
Serial number: _______________________________________________________________________________
Dealer name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Dealer phone: _______________________________________________________________________________
We suggest you keep your sales receipt together with this owner’s guide.

Note:

Now would be a good time to register your product online at www.bose.com/register.

3

Introduction

You r C om pa ni on

English

®

3 Multimedia Speaker System

Thank you for purchasing the Bose

®

Companion 3 multimedia speaker system. Bose

designed this amplified speaker system to provide high-fidelity stereo sound for your
computer and a variety of other desktop sources. Its unique features make this system
a superior choice for your home or office workspaces.

• Small satellite speakers and an Acoustimass

®

module that hides away help maximize work-

space.

• Magnetically shielded satellite speakers protect your screen from color distortion so you

can place the satellite speakers right next to your monitor or television.

• TrueSpace

®

stereo signal processing provides a wide soundstage even when the

speakers are close together.

• Control pod allows you to control system volume and connect headphones or

portable audio players.

• Integrated signal processing provides full, rich sound at all listening levels.

• Auxiliary input jack lets you expand your system to include an external source such as a

CD player, MP3 player, or other audio source.

4

Unpacking

System Setup

Carefully unpack your system. Save all packing materials, which provide the safest way to
transport your system, if needed.

WARNING:

To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags out of the reach of children.

English

Figure 1

Contents of the shipping
carton

If any part of the system appears damaged, do not attempt to use it. Notify Bose Corporation
or your authorized Bose

®

dealer immediately. For contact information, refer to the address

sheet included in the carton.
Check to be sure your system includes the parts shown in Figure 1.

Note:

Now is a good time to record the serial number on the bottom of these speakers on

page 3 of this guide and on your warranty card.

Acoustimass

Satellite speakers

Brackets

Mounting bracket
adhesive pads

Audio input cable

®

module

Small clear rubber feet

AC power cord

Rubber feet

Control pod

5

System Setup

Selecting a location for your Companion® 3 Multimedia Speaker System

English

Figure 2

Recommended system
placement

Use the following guidelines to choose locations and positions for the speakers and the
Acoustimass

®

module (Figure 2). While these guidelines are offered to provide outstanding
system performance, you may find other placement options that are more convenient and
provide the sound you enjoy.

6 inches (15 cm)

minimum

3 inches

(8 cm)

minimum

Figure 3

Module placement

Positioning the Acoustimass® module

The Acoustimass module is designed to be the unseen part of this system. It can be placed
under or behind furniture, for example, and contribute to the lifelike sound you hear from the
speakers without being visible.

Place the module on a flat surface:

• within reach of an AC (mains) power outlet and

• place the module a minimum of

vent interference from the module, which is not magnetically shielded.

• Once you have selected a position for the module, place the four self-adhesive rubber feet

near the corners of the bottom surface. The rubber feet provide increased stability and pro­tection from scratches.

CAUTION:

media within 6 inches

Do not place computer monitors, floppy disks, hard drives, or other magnetic

(15 cm)

module can erase magnetic media and interfere with the monitor.

• Stand the Acoustimass module on its feet. Do not lay it on its side or stand it on either end

(Figure 3).

6 inches

(15 cm) from the computer monitor (or TV) to pre-

of the Acoustimass module. The magnetic field produced by this

6

System Setup

• Aim the port of the module away from the wall to decrease bass or toward the wall to
increase bass; in either case, be sure it is at least 3 inches (8 cm) from the wall.

• Place the module away from heat sources (radiators, baseboard, quartz heater, etc.).
Adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent the module from overheating during use. Do
not block the openings on the back of the module, which provide ventilation for the built-in
circuitry.

• Using the supplied audio input cable, you can place the module up to 6 feet (2 m) away
from the multimedia sound source. If you put the module farther away, use an audio input
extension cable available from any retail electronics store.

Positioning the satellite speakers

These speakers are designed to sit upright on your desk, or be mounted on your monitor with
the supplied speaker brackets. The speakers are magnetically shielded to prevent
interference when they are on or near your monitor. Using the supplied speaker cables, you
can place the satellite speakers up to 6 feet (2 m) away from the module.

If placing your speakers on the desktop:

• Attach three small clear rubber feet to each satellite speaker as indicated by the
indentations on the bottom of each speaker (Figure 4).

• Place speakers facing slightly outward, at an equal distance on either side of the
monitor (Figure 2 on page 6).

• Place both speakers a maximum of 3 feet (90 cm) from the edge of the screen, and at
approximately the same height.

English

Figure 4

Attaching small clear rubber
feet to speaker

CAUTION:

to move, particularly on smooth surfaces like marble, glass, or highly polished wood. If
needed, you may obtain additional rubber feet from Bose

Choose a stable, level surface for the speakers. Vibration can cause the speakers

®

Customer Service. To contact

Customer Service, refer to the address sheet included in the product carton.

Small clear rubber feet

7

System Setup

Figure 5

Mounting the bracket

English

If mounting speakers on your monitor (Figure 5):

1. Attach a small clear rubber foot to

the right speaker bracket
(marked R).

Pad

Small clear rubber foot

2. Peel off one side of the mounting adhesive
pad and attach it to the bracket.

Mounting bracket adhesive pads

3. Insert the speaker wire into the
center of the open bracket.

Note:

Be sure to wipe the monitor clean before affixing speaker brackets.

4. Move the bracket along the cord toward
the speaker.

8

System Setup

5. Center the bracket opening over
the screw hole and press the
bracket snugly into the speaker
cutouts. Rotate the bracket
counterclockwise to secure. Install
the supplied screw.

7. Repeat steps 1-6 for the left bracket, marked L.

Note:

8.

The speakers mounted on the monitor are designed to perform at their best
when they are angled slightly away from the listener. This orientation provides the
most lifelike performance for the seated listener, and expands coverage for other
listeners in the room.

6. Peel off the remaining tape on the mounting
adhesive, and attach the bracket to the
appropriate side of the monitor.

Right

bracket

English

9

System Setup

Making connections

Labeled jacks on the rear of the Acoustimass® module and the custom cables supplied with
the system permit fast and easy hookup (Figure 6).

English

Figure 6

Making connections

CAUTION:

Do not plug the Acoustimass module into an AC power (mains) outlet until all the

source components are connected to the module.

Left speaker

Right speaker

Bass compensation

ı

To Satellites

ı

To Co n trol p od

Input from
computer

To Connect:

• Speakers to the Acoustimass module; Plug each speaker connector into the corresponding
“L” or “R” jack marked “To Satellite”, on the rear of the module.

• Control pod to the Acoustimass module; Plug the control pod cable into the jack marked
“Control Pod”, on the rear of the Acoustimass module.

• Sound source to the Acoustimass module; Connect one end of the audio input cable to the
input from the computer jack on your Acoustimass module. Connect the other end to
your computer’s audio output jack.

Note:

an audio adapter cable. Connect the audio input cable from your module to the adapter cable.
Then insert the ends of the adapter cable into your computer’s stereo phono jacks.

To make the final connection and power the system

1. Insert the small connector end of the power cord into the AC INPUT jack on the module.

2. Insert the large end of the cord into an AC power (mains) outlet.

3. Turn the power switch, located on the back of the Acoustimass module, to ON (|).

The LED on the control pod will light up yellow indicating standby mode.

Additional Connections

To connect an additional sound source:

To connect an external CD or MP3 player to your system, plug the cable from the sound
source output jack into the input jack on the control pod. See Figure 7 on page 11.

To connect headphones:

Insert the headphone connector into the headphone jack on the control pod.

Note:

If your computer only has two phono jacks, instead of a stereo mini jack, you will need

Connecting headphones will silence the output from your speakers.

10

Operation

Operating the Companion

Turning your speaker system on and off

1. Turn on your computer or sound source.

2. Turn the power switch on the back of the Acoustimass

Note:

To conserve energy, your system can be put into standby mode. The mute or standby
mode is activated by touching the center portion of the control pod and indicated by the yellow
light.

Adjusting the sound

The acoustics of your listening room affect the sound quality of any speaker system.
Upholstered furniture, wall-to-wall carpets, or heavy drapes can muffle the treble (high
frequencies). Bare floors and walls and unupholstered furniture reflect the treble and may
cause it to sound too shrill.

Bass

After listening to your speaker system, you may wish to adjust the sound. Use the bass
compensation control on the Acoustimass module. Turn the control clockwise to increase, or
counterclockwise to decrease bass. You may also adjust the placement of the module to
affect bass; simply aim the port of the module away from the wall to decrease bass, or toward
the wall to increase bass.

Volu m e

Use the volume control on the control pod. Rotate the outer ring clockwise to increase, or
counterclockwise to decrease the volume (Figure 7).

To mute the system, gently tap the silver touch-sensitive panel on the control pod. Tap again
to unmute. The indicator light turns yellow when the system is muted, and green when it is
active.

®

3 multimedia speaker system

®

module to ON (I).

English

Figure 7

Control pod features

Standby/Active indicator

Touch-sensitive mute/unmute switch

Volume control

Headphone jack

Note:

Using the volume controls in their maximum position may reduce the speaker system’s

Sound source input

maximum volume, by causing the internal protection circuity to engage.

If you wish to control volume at the sound source instead of from the control pod, set the
volume control on the control pod near maximum volume; then make all other adjustments
using the volume control on your sound source. For instance, you may be able to control the
volume on your computer from its control panel.

11

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

English

If you have a problem with your Companion® 3 multimedia speaker system, try the following
solutions. If you still have trouble with your system, turn off the multimedia sound source and
disconnect the speaker system. Contact your authorized Bose

®

dealer or local Bose
customer service center. The dealer will check for any defects and arrange for service by an
authorized Bose service center. Bose Corporation will make every effort to remedy your prob­lem within the terms of the warranty.

Problem What to do

The speaker system does not
play

The speaker system sound
seems distorted

A satellite speaker does not
play or sounds distorted

• Make sure connections are secure (see “Making con­nections” on page 10). Check your speaker wires for
cuts or frays which can cause an open or short
circuit.

• Ensure the sound source is plugged in and playing at
an audible volume.

• Make sure the power is on and the system is not
muted. The LED on the control pod should be green
when unmuted.

• If using a PC, check your sound card settings to make
sure the “Digital output only” setting is turned OFF.
This setting is typically found in the Options menu of
the volume control icon. This icon is usually located in
the lower right hand corner of the Windows desktop.

• Decrease the volume at the sound source and
increase the volume on the control pod.

• Check all the connections between the satellite
speakers, control pod, sound source and the
Acoustimass

®

module. Insert the audio connectors

completely into the jacks on the module.

• At the Acoustimass module, switch the wire
connected to the left satellite with the wire connected
to the right satellite. If the problem remains in the
same satellite, the problem is with that satellite
speaker. If the problem switches to the other satellite
(the one that previously played), the problem is with
the sound source or the Acoustimass module.

12

• To determine if the problem is in the sound source or
the Acoustimass module, disconnect the audio input
cable from the sound source. Plug it into another
sound source (such as a portable CD player
headphone jack) and adjust the volume on the sound
source. If the Companion 3 speaker system operates
properly, the problem is in the original sound source. If
the problem remains, then the problem is in the
Acoustimass module.

• Check balance levels on your sound source.

Reference

Maintaining the Companion

Cleaning the system

• Wipe with a dry cloth.

• Do not use solvents or chemicals.

• Do not put liquids or objects on the back panel or in the opening on the Acoustimass
module, speaker grilles or control pod.

Limited Warranty period

The Companion 3 multimedia speaker system is covered by a limited transferable warranty.
Details of the limited warranty are provided on the product registration card that came with
your system. Please fill out the information section on your product registration card and mail
it to Bose or register your product at www.bose.com/register. Failure to do so will not affect
your limited warranty rights.

Te chn i c a l Inf o r m a tio n

Features

Built-in amplification
Active equalization
Automatic protection circuitry
TrueSpace

®

stereo signal processing

®

3 Multimedia Speaker System

English

®

Driver complement

Two magnetically shielded 2-inch (5.0 cm) long-throw, wide-range transducers
One 5.25-inch (13.3 cm) woofer

Power rating

USA/Canada: 115VAC~50/60 Hz
International: 230VAC~50/60 Hz

Dimensions (approximate)

Satellite speakers: 31/2"H x 21/2"W x 23/8"D (8.89 cm x 6.35 cm x 6.10 cm)
Acoustimass module: 8
Control pod: 2

1

/2"D x 11/8"H (6.35 cm x 2.79 cm)

5

/8"H x 71/8"W x 14"D (21.8 cm x 18 cm x 35.56 cm)

Weight (approximate)

One satellite speaker, unpacked: 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg)
Acoustimass module, unpacked: 15.4 lbs (6.98 kg)

Finish

Acoustimass module: Scratch-resistant, satin-finished vinyl
Satellite speakers: Painted polymer finish

13

©2004 Bose Corporation, The Mountain
Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
271883-ENGvo AM Rev.02 CCM-000609