Bose Portable Speaker AM267565 page

Bose^®Virtually Invisible^®191 Speakers

May 13, 2003 AM267565_00_V.pdf Bose Corporation

Safety Information

Important words of caution

WARNING: Installation shall be in accordance with the applicable section of the National

Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, and/or the National Fire Alarm Code, ANSI/NFPA 72, as

applicable. The wiring method and compartment shall be such as not to interfere with the

operation of the speaker.

CAUTION: Consult local building codes before you get started with this installation.

Please read this owner’s guide completely before you start. Then carefully consider your

experience with using the tools and taking the precautions referred to here.

CAUTION: Failure to follow the instructions in this owner’s guide voids all warranties on your

speakers.

If you have doubts about doing this installation, you should contact either the dealer you

purchased the product from, an electrician, or a professional audio/video installer. You can

describe the job and request a cost estimate before committing to installation service.

Small check marks call your attention to the tools you’ll need for the next step.

Tips offer ideas to make the job go easier and help you avoid mistakes.

Use these instructions with wood frame or similar construction only

Each speaker requires 8 ¹

₁₆inches (20.5 cm) of horizontal space, and 14 inches (35.6

cm) of vertical space inside the wall or ceiling, plus a minimum of 4 ¹

₈inches (10.5 cm)

of depth from the face of wallboard that is a maximum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.

Bose recommends installing these speakers only in wood frame or similar construction

where there is enough space between studs, as is found in 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 wall/ceiling

construction. The instructions in this guide are speciﬁc to that type of installation only.

Note: These speakers are not designed for installation in masonry walls or ceilings.

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: Virtually Invisible^®191 loudspeaker

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: EN 50081-1, EN 50082-1

Accredited by:

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

20 February 2003

Nic Merks

Bose Products B.V.

Nijverheidstraat 8, 1135 GE Edam

The Netherlands

Vice President, Europe

Manufacturer’sauthorized

EU representative

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Contents

Where to ﬁnd...

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

What makes this speaker better also makes it different . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other equipment you’ll need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consider which shape you prefer for your speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Considering your wall type and the approach it requires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accessories that can help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Use special care in cutting through plaster and lath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installing in a pre-wired room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installing in an exterior wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deciding on speaker placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Select the general wall area for one speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using speaker cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Prepare the cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Planning to run speaker cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Before the wallboard goes up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Where the walls are finished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Steps to Installing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Before you make any holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Drill a pilot hole for testing the wall space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Using the template for this first step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Drilling the pilot hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Testing the space behind the hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Repairing a pilot hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Passing the pilot hole test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Prepare the wall for inserting the speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Using the template a second time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Cutting the speaker hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Insert and wire the speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Insert the speaker into the opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Make the speaker connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Test the speaker now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Secure the speaker to the wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

If the speaker looks crooked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

When the grille is finally in place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Choosing to paint the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Painting the grille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Painting the frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Customer service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Warranty period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Technical information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

For your records

Serial numbers are located on the left side, near the top of each of the Virtually Invisible^®191

speakers.

Serial numbers:______________________________ and __________________________________

Dealer name:_______________________________________________________________________

Dealer phone:_____________________________Purchase date: __________________________

We suggest you keep your sales receipt and warranty card together with this owner’s guide.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Introduction

Before you begin...

Please be sure to read this guide carefully before you do any cutting. There are many

factors to consider when choosing a location for your speakers.

Thank you for choosing to install Bose^®Virtually Invisible^®191 speakers in your room.

Innovative engineering and advanced design enable these speakers to deliver Bose quality

performance for big impact in spite of their small size.

Virtually Invisible^®191 speakers feature an Articulated Array^®speaker conﬁguration

that delivers the type of clear, lifelike sound and even coverage known as Bose Stereo

Everywhere^®speaker performance.

What makes this speaker better also makes it different

When installed, Virtually Invisible^®191 speakers take up very little wall space. What isn’t

apparent is their advanced enclosure design, shown in Figure 1. It ensures predictably ﬁne

performance wherever the speakers are installed, regardless of the size and shape of the wall

space. It also helps prevent the speaker sound from invading other rooms, a common prob-

lem with installed speakers of more conventional design.

Figure 1

Speaker frame screws

Rectangular grille

Size and shape of the

speaker enclosure, as

shipped with the rectangu-

lar frame attached

Rectangularspeaker

frame

Speaker face

Dogleg clamps

Dogleg clamp

screws

Speaker enclosure

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Preparation

Unpacking

Carefully unpack the speakers. Save all packing materials, which provide the safest means to

transport your speakers as needed. If any part of the speaker pair appears damaged, do not

use the pair. Notify Bose or your authorized Bose^®dealer immediately. For Bose contact infor-

mation, refer to the address list included in the carton.

Check to be sure the carton includes all the parts shown in Figure 2.

Note: Now is a good time to ﬁnd the serial numbers on the side of each speaker. Copy those

numbers onto your warranty card and in the “For your records” space on page 3.

Figure 2

Round speaker frames

Round speaker grilles

Speakers

Contents of the carton:

• 2 Speakers, rectangular

frames attached

• 2 Rectangular speaker

grilles

• 1 Rectangular paint shield

• 1 Rectangular template

• 2 Round speaker frames

• 2 Round speaker grilles

• 1 Round paint shield

• 1 Round template

Rectangular

speaker grilles

Rectangular

paint shield

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N R

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template

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c o n c e a l e d b e h i n d t h e m , s u c h a s e l e c t r i c

d r i l l i n g . D o n o t c u t t h r o u g h s u r f a c e

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template

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Round paint shield

E R

P E

Other equipment you’ll need

Hardware for securing the speaker to a wall or ceiling comes attached to the speaker. But you

will need a variety of other equipment, including tools, to prepare the surface for installing the

speakers (Figure 3).

Figure 3

Phillips-head

Items required to install the

speakers as instructed

screwdriver

Carpenter’s level*

Speaker cord**

Tape measure

Sharp pencil

Half-inch spade bit

Power drill

Keyhole saw****

Sturdy wire

(such as a coat hanger)

that is 22 inches long

Wire cutter/stripper

Painter’s tape***

Protective eyewear

*Carpenter’s level is suggested for use when installing speakers in a wall.

**Speaker cord speciﬁcations are provided in “Using speaker cord,” beginning on page 11.

***Painter’s tape or other tape with light adhesive that will not damage paint or wallpaper.

****Cutting tool – For drywall: a keyhole saw, drywall saw, rotary cutting tool, or jigsaw

For plaster and lath: a saber saw or a rotary cutting tool

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Preparation

Wear clothing appropriate for the job, and consider using a drop cloth or other material to

protect the area from debris. How and where you install the speakers will determine your

need for optional equipment.

Optional items:

• A wire snake for running speaker cord behind wallboard

• A sturdy stool or ladder for installing speakers above your head

• Gloves and protection for your mouth, nose, and eyes for working with insulation

Consider which shape you prefer for your speakers

The design of your new Virtually Invisible^®191 speakers makes them well-suited to either wall

or ceiling installation. You also have a choice of a rectangular or round speaker face – the part

that is visible when the speaker is installed. Consider which shape will work best in the loca-

tion you choose for the speakers.

If you prefer the round shape, it is easy to remove the rectangular frames and replace them

with the round frames provided in the carton. You can do it now or wait until you know for

sure where each speaker will ﬁt. However, be sure to make that change before you insert

either speaker into the wall or ceiling.

Note: The lip of the speaker frame prevents the speaker from slipping behind the wall and

out of reach. Do not remove the frame while the speaker is in the wall.

Figure 4

Replacing the rectangular

speaker frame with the

round frame

If you choose the round frames, use the round template provided in the carton. A round paint

shield is also supplied, in case you decide to paint the speaker.

Considering your wall type and the approach it requires

For working in a pre-wired room of ﬁnished construction with 2 x 4 stud walls covered with

wallboard, refer to “Steps to Installing,” beginning on page 15. These instructions cover

installation of the speakers, with either a rectangular or round grille, in a wall or ceiling.

If your installation is different, use the information below as it applies.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Preparation

Accessories that can help

For installation in a drop ceiling (where tile is installed below the ceiling joists), Bose offers an

optional Drop Ceiling Kit (Product Code #031355) for two speakers. It protects the tile from

bearing the weight of the speakers. Instructions are included with the kit.

For installation in new construction, Bose offers a Rough-in Kit (Product Code #031353) for

two speakers. It is designed for use after the studs are in place and before the wallboard is

added to reserve a place for the speakers and indicate where the wallboard hole should be

made. It also protects the wallboard by providing additional support for the dogleg clamps

that secure the speaker to the wall. Instructions are included with the kit.

For more information or to order an accessory, contact your Bose^®dealer. Or, to contact Bose

directly, refer to the address list included in the carton.

Use special care in cutting through plaster and lath

For wall construction of plaster and lath, use special care to prevent plaster from cracking:

• After you have drawn an outline of the hole to cut, tape around the outline and use a sharp

blade to make shallow cuts where the hole will be.

• Then, within the outline only, chip the plaster away until you expose the lath underneath.

• Finally, cut through the lath very carefully. Using an electric sabre saw can be quick but

risky. We recommend using a hand saw and proceeding cautiously to avoid damaging the

surrounding plaster.

Installing in a pre-wired room

An installation is simplest when the room has been pre-wired during construction. In that

case, the builder will have left speaker cord within easy reach of the intended speaker

positions.

How to determine pre-wiring

If you are not sure that you have a pre-wired room, or do not know where the wiring is

located, check the architectural drawings of your room or call the builder.

CAUTION: It is important to know where the pre-wired cord is to prevent damaging it while

drilling or cutting into the wall.

In the ideal situation, after cutting the speaker hole you can simply reach inside to locate the

length of cord the builder has installed.

What to do when the room is not pre-wired

In this case, you will need to run speaker cord from the receiver or ampliﬁer through the wall

to the area you have chosen for installing the speakers.

If you have not done this before, be sure you understand the steps involved before you get

underway. Having a friend who can help with this step is advisable, too.

Information on running speaker cord in new construction is provided in “Before the wallboard

goes up,” beginning on page 13.

For running speaker cord inside ﬁnished walls, refer to “Where the walls are ﬁnished,” begin-

ning on page 13.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Preparation

Installing in an exterior wall

If you choose to install these speakers in an exterior wall (abutting the outside of your house),

you will undoubtedly encounter insulation behind the wallboard. This can complicate the

installation, requiring you to trim and push malleable insulation out of the way. You will need

to wear eye protection and gloves for working with ﬁberglass insulation.

WARNING: If you believe the insulation inside a wall may be composed of asbestos, do not

cut into the wall. Choose a different location for the speakers instead.

Insulation will also impede your use of a pilot hole to test the size of the space behind the

wallboard. Doing such a test is recommended to make sure the space is large enough before

cutting a speaker-sized hole.

Special considerations in cold climate regions

With exterior wall installations in regions where outdoor temperatures dip below freezing for

days at a time, using a humidiﬁer can cause condensation to form inside the speakers. This

can be more of a problem if the speakers are mounted upside down.

If you must mount in an exterior wall:

• Avoid installing the speakers upside down.

• Leave some of the insulation between the speakers and the exterior wall.

• Refrain from setting the humidiﬁer on high, especially when outside temperatures are below

freezing.

Deciding on speaker placement

How and where you use the speakers will also affect your procedure for installing them. Con-

sider the options below, then follow the instructions that apply to your choices:

• How you will use the speakers?

– for stereo sound at the front of a room or seating arrangement, or

– as home theater front speakers, or

– as surround sound speakers at the rear of your viewing area

•

What surface you will install in?

– a wall or ceiling

– if a wall, will it be an interior (abutting another room) or exterior (abutting the outside

surface) wall

– in ﬁnished or new construction

– if ﬁnished, is it plaster and lath or wallboard construction

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Preparation

Select the general wall area for one speaker

As you decide where you want each speaker grille, use the guidelines below:

CAUTION: Do not install near any heat sources, such as halogen lamps, registers, stoves, or

other apparatus (including ampliﬁers) that produce heat.

• The two speakers should be a minimum of 5 feet (1.5 m) apart.

• For in-wall speakers providing stereo at the front of the room or home theater surround

sound from the rear, install them so each speaker grille is 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m) from the

ﬂoor for best performance.

• Neither speaker should be installed sideways in a wall; the enclosure should be either

above or below the speaker face.

• For in-wall home theater front speakers, install the pair horizontally aligned with the center

of the video screen (Figure 5).

5´

(1.5m)

Figure 5

Orienting wall speakers for

front home theater use

• For ceiling installation, pay attention to the direction of the speaker enclosure for best per-

formance for stereo (Figure 6a) or for home theater (Figure 6b).

Figure 6

Orienting ceiling speakers

for the best coverage (a) for

stereo or (b) for home

theater front and surround

(b)

(a)

View of ceiling from below

• Height guidelines for in-wall speakers do not apply to ceiling installations.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Preparation

• Each speaker enclosure extends into the wall or ceiling, as shown in the gray DO NOT CUT

area on the template (Figure 7), and below the grille. The speaker enclosure can be inserted

either up or down.

Note: In cold climates where a humidiﬁer is used, avoid inserting the speaker upside-down

in an exterior wall to prevent problems with condensation.

Allowing enough room both above and below the hole you draw provides a fallback in case

the area below your pilot hole is not suitable for the speaker enclosure.

TAPE

HERE

TAPE

HERE

FOR CUTTING

Large white area

represents what to cut

out for the speaker face.

Figure 7

WARNING: Make sure the spot chosen is safe for cutting. Do not cut through

surfaces that have hazards, such as electrical wiring, conduits or plumbing,

concealed behind them. If you are not sure, consult

before you proceed.

professional installer

WARNING: Make sure the spot chosen is safe for cutting.

Do not cut through surfaces that have hazards, such as

electrical wiring, conduits or plumbing, concealed behind

professional installer

APE

HERE

8 ¹

(20.5 cm)

Translations below

Template for either

rectangular-faced (left)

or round-faced (right)

speakers

them. If you are not sure, consult

before you proceed.

WARNING: Make sure the spot chosen is safe for cutting. Do not cut through surfaces that have hazards, such as electrical

professional installer before you proceed.

wiring, conduits or plumbing, concealed behind them. If you are not sure, consult

WARNING: Make sure the spot chosen is safe for

Translations below

WARNING: Make sure the spot chosen is safe for

drilling. Do not cut through surfaces that have hazards

concealed behind them, such as electrical wiring,

drilling. Do not cut through surfaces that have hazards

concealed behind them, such as electrical wiring,

conduits or plumbing. If you are not sure, consult

professional installer before you proceed.

conduits or plumbing. If you are not sure, consult

professional installer before you proceed.

WARNING: Make sure the spot chosen is safe for cutting. Do not cut through surfaces that have hazards, such as electrical

wiring, conduits or plumbing, concealed behind them. If you are not sure, consult professional installer before you proceed.

WARNING: Make

sure the spot chosen

is safe for drilling. Do

not cut through

Pilot

Hole

5 ¹

(14 cm)

WARNING: Make sure the spot chosen is safe for

drilling. Do not cut through surfaces that have hazards

concealed behind them, such as electrical wiring,

WARNING: Make sure the spot chosen is safe for

drilling. Do not cut through surfaces that have hazards

concealed behind them, such as electrical wiring,

surfaces that have

hazards concealed

behind them, such

as electrical wiring,

conduits or

WARNING: Make sure the

spot chosen is safe for

conduits or plumbing. If you are not sure, consult

professional installer before you proceed.

conduits or plumbing. If you are not sure, consult

professional installer before you proceed.

drilling. Do not cut through

surfaces that have hazards

concealed behind them,

such as electrical wiring,

conduits or plumbing. If you

plumbing. If you are

not sure, consult

professional installer

before you proceed.

are not sure, consult

On the template at right,

small circles outside the

white area indicate

additional holes needed

for the round-faced

speaker only.

professional installer before

you proceed.

WARNING: Make

Pilot

Hole

sure the spot chosen

is safe for drilling. Do

not cut through

sure the spot chosen

is safe for drilling. Do

not cut through

WARNING: Make sure the spot

chosen is safe for drilling. Do not cut

through surfaces that have hazards

concealed behind them, such as

electrical wiring, conduits or plumbing.

WARNING: Make sure the spot chosen is safe

for drilling. Do not cut through surfaces that have

hazards concealed behind them, such as

electrical wiring, conduits or plumbing. If you

are not sure, consult

before you proceed.

surfaces that have

hazards concealed

behind them, such

as electrical wiring,

conduits or

surfaces that have

hazards concealed

behind them, such

as electrical wiring,

conduits or

If you are not sure, consult

professional installer

professional installer before you

proceed.

plumbing. If you are

not sure, consult

professional installer

before you proceed.

professional installer

before you proceed.

WARNING: Make sure the spot

chosen is safe for drilling. Do not cut

through surfaces that have hazards

concealed behind them, such as

electrical wiring, conduits or plumbing.

WARNING: Make sure the spot

chosen is safe for drilling. Do not cut

through surfaces that have hazards

concealed behind them, such as

electrical wiring, conduits or plumbing.

DO NOT

English

Translations

TAPE

HERE

TAPE

HERE

If you are not sure, consult

professional installer before you

proceed.

professional installer before you

proceed.

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

14¹

(36.9 cm)

English

Translations

9" (22.9 cm)

TAPE

HERE

TAPE

HERE

DO NOT

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

DO NOT

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

DO NOT

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

NOT FOR CUTTING

Large gray area

DO NOT

represents space to

reserve behind the wall

for the speaker

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

DO NOT

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

DO NOT

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

DO NOT

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

DO NOT

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

enclosure.

DO NOT

TAPE

HERE

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

TAPE

HERE

DO NOT

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

DO NOT

CUT AROUND

GRAY AREA

On the template at right,

small gray tabs also

TAPE

HERE

TAPE

HERE

indicate where not to cut.

CAUTION: When installed, the speaker enclosure cannot be seen behind the wall or ceiling.

Do not attempt to nail, cut, or drill on that surface area. Puncturing the speaker enclosure with

a tool will seriously damage the speaker.

• All electrical wiring, vents, and plumbing pipes located inside the walls must be avoided

(Figure 8). Check with a trained professional if you need instructions on how to locate and

avoid them.

(a)

(b)

Figure 8

Cautions against unseen

danger, such as (a) electri-

cal wires or (b) plumbing

pipes, behind the wallboard

• Use of a stud ﬁnder can help ensure that the speaker hole is at least 4³

stud or joist.

₄" (12 cm) from a

• The selected location should be at the height you want for both speakers and where you

can maintain the minimum distance of 5 feet (1.5 m) between them.

Keeping in mind the guidelines given:

1. Decide where the ﬁrst speaker will go.

2. Select the location for the second speaker.

3. Use the provided template for drawing both a pilot hole and the speaker-face outline.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Preparation

Using speaker cord

Before you cut any cord, estimate how much will be needed for each speaker.

To do so, measure the distance from the receiver/ampliﬁer to where each speaker will be

installed. Make some allowance if the cord must go around corners or through walls, and

leave at least 14 inches (36 cm) of cord to pull from the wall for making the connections easily.

Note: If you are installing ceiling speakers, allowing extra cord will give you the freedom to

stand on the ﬂoor while making the connections.

Be sure to use the proper gauge (thickness) of speaker cord, determined by the length of

each piece.

Wire recommendations

Based on a maximum frequency response deviation of ±0.5 dB

Gauge

Maximum Length

18 AWG (0.82 mm²)

20 ft (6 m)

16 AWG (1.3 mm²)

14 AWG (2.1 mm²)

30 ft (9 m)

50 ft (15 m)

CAUTION: Before running speaker cord through a wall or under a ﬂoor, check your local

building code requirements and safety regulations. If necessary, contact an A/V installer or

electrician for this information.

Prepare the cord

You will need a wire cutter and wire stripper for this work.

Speaker cord consists of two insulated wires. The insulation around one wire is marked

(striped, collared, or ribbed) to identify it as positive. The other wire is negative. It is important

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.

At the ends of each cord:

• Strip approximately ¹

⁄

inch (13 mm) of insulation from both wires.

• Twist the bare end of each wire so loose strands will not touch across terminals.

Planning to run speaker cord

The techniques for running cord differ according to the condition of the walls you are working

with: new, unﬁnished construction or ﬁnished construction with the walls completed.

In either construction type, you need to mount an open-backed junction box in the wall near

the receiver or ampliﬁer for cord coming out of the wall (Figure 9).

Figure 9

An open-backed junction

box that allows for cord

coming through the wall

near the receiver or

ampliﬁer

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Preparation

You also need to observe safe and practical standards:

WARNING: Make sure the spot chosen is safe for drilling. Do not drill through surfaces that

may have hazards, such as electrical wiring, conduits, or plumbing concealed behind them.

Follow all other safety precautions.

• Consult local building codes to inform yourself of the requirements in your area.

• Use a drill bit large enough for the cord you will pull through the holes.

• Use an auger bit, if possible, to make the work of drilling multiple holes less tiring.

• Do not drill through a load-bearing beam. Consult the building contractor if this is an issue.

• Keep the cord 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.3 m) away from electrical cord, which can create a hum or

buzz in the speakers (Figure 10).

• To avoid nails, drill holes in the center of each stud or joist.

• Use a nail plate to protect the cord if your only option is to notch a stud or joist.

Figure 10

Studs

Techniques to use for run-

ning speaker cord through

studs or joists

Nail

plate

Speaker

cord

Wire staple

3-4′

(1-1.3 m)

Plumb line

for chalk

mark

Electrical

wire

• Line up holes as perfectly as possible to make pulling the cord through easier.

• Keep the cord taut enough so there are no sags.

• Do not pull the cord tight enough to create tension.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Preparation

Before the wallboard goes up

There are some standard guidelines for working in unﬁnished construction.

• Begin this work after the studs and joists are in and the electrical wiring is completed.

• Snap a chalk line across the face of the studs or the bottom of the joists and move back-

ward as you drill, so you can keep the last hole drilled in your line of sight.

• Never run speaker cord and electrical cable through the same hole or into the same junc-

tion box.

• If a short section of the cord must run parallel to nearby electrical cable, keeping that run to

the absolute minimum will result in less interference.

• Use metal conduit or shielded speaker cord if the cord must run next to electrical cable for

10 feet (3 m) or more.

• Use cable clamps or large wire staples to fasten the cord to a joist or stud wherever the

cord runs more than 4¹

₂feet (1.4 m) from a hole.

• Use protective guardstrips, raceways, or conduits to protect the cord from being stepped

on or compressed in an attic or crawl space.

Where the walls are ﬁnished

Here are some suggestions for how to make this job easier.

Look for ways to conceal cord outside the walls:

• Along or behind baseboards

• Under carpets (using special ﬂat speaker cord for under-the-rug speaker runs)

• Under doorjams (Figure 11).

Figure 11

Running cord behind base-

boards and a doorjam

Find the easiest path for cord that must run behind the wallboard:

• Choose interior walls, which are less likely to have insulation packed behind the wallboard.

• Use an attic or basement run where possible, so you have easy access and can see where

plumbing, electrical wires, and other impediments occur.

• In slab construction, consider using plenum-rated wire run through heating or air condition-

ing vents.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Preparation

Getting started

Choose a path for the cord that avoids impediments to drill through. Use a stud ﬁnder to

identify inaccessible studs.

It is common to run cord from the speaker location in a wall or ceiling to the attic and through

the wooden top plate that runs horizontally across the top of the vertical studs. From the attic,

you can then run the cord to the spot above the junction box near the receiver or ampliﬁer.

Drill through the top plate at that point and route the cord through the hole and down into the

wall (Figure 12).

Figure 12

Running the cord up

through the attic

Top plate

Open-backed

junction box

If you must route cord around a corner, you will need to cut out a rectangular piece of wall-

board on either side of the joist at that corner. Use each regular-shaped cutout as the patch

for the wall when you ﬁnish. By reaching through the cutout, you can notch the joist to make

room for the cord and use nail plates to cover the cord in each notch (Figure 13a).

To patch the wall, reposition the cutout pieces (Figure 13b) and use joint tape and joint com-

pound to hold them in place. When they are dry, sand and paint the area to match surround-

ing surfaces.

Figure 13

(a)

(b)

Running cord around a cor-

ner with nail plates for pro-

tection (a) and cutout

Cutout pieces

Ceiling

Nail plates

pieces as patches (b)

Ceiling

Wall

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Before you make any holes

Be sure you have read and understand the considerations provided in “Preparation” starting

on page 5, so you can proceed with conﬁdence.

Installation is basically the same, whether you are using these speakers with a rectangular

grille or round grille and installing in a wall or ceiling. There are a few exceptions.

Wherever special instructions apply to ceiling or round-faced speaker installation, those

instructions will appear in a gray box, like this.

CAUTION: If you are unsure of your ability to complete this process, contact a professional

installer.

Allow 30 to 60 minutes to complete the steps that follow.

Drill a pilot hole for testing the wall space

Before you make a sizeable cut into the wallboard, check the space by probing behind

the wall or ceiling through a small pilot hole. Time spent now can help ensure a successful

installation.

Note: If you are working in an exterior wall where there is insulation, it may be difﬁcult to

probe behind a pilot hole. You may prefer to eliminate this step and skip ahead to “Prepare

the wall for inserting the speaker” starting on page 21. Do this only if you can be sure the

insulation is malleable and that nothing else behind the wall will impede the installation.

WARNING: If you believe the insulation behind the wall may be composed of asbestos,

do not drill or cut into that wall. Find a different location for the speakers instead.

Using the template for this ﬁrst step

You will need a sharp pencil for this step.

The template is designed to show where to drill two half-inch (13 mm) pilot holes ﬁrst, before

you make an opening large enough for the entire speaker. This allows you to probe behind the

wall to make sure your chosen location is spacious enough and there are no unseen materials

blocking the installation.

Notice the dotted lines extending at an angle from the pilot hole to the bottom corners of

the DO NOT CUT area on the template. Use them as a guideline for testing the area below the

pilot hole to make sure it is spacious enough behind the hole for the length and width of the

speaker enclosure.

To position the template

1. Select a spot on the wall or ceiling where you want the center of the speaker grille.

For ceiling installations, carefully consider how the position of the speaker enclosure

behind the wallboard affects the orientation of the Bose^®logo on the speaker face. To main-

tain a consistent logo orientation, you can remove and rotate the speaker frame as needed

before inserting the speaker into the ceiling hole. See Figure 21 on page 20.

Tip: Remember to allow enough space for the speaker enclosure both above and below the

pilot hole. You may need that second option if you ﬁnd an impediment in the space below the

hole. This does not apply to exterior walls in cold climate regions, where upside-down

speaker installation is not recommended.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

2. Center the pilot-hole circles on the selected spot as you press the template to the wall.

3. Use a pencil to trace around the inside of the circles (Figure 14).

Round-faced speakers require additional clearance holes on either side of the speaker

hole. Draw those circles as well as the pilot hole circles now. However, you may prefer to

drill those holes only after you have successfully explored behind the pilot hole and know

there are no impediments to installing the speaker there.

4. Remove the template.

Figure 14

Preparing to cut a pilot hole

At least 7¹

₈" (18.1 cm)

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AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Drilling the pilot hole

You will need a half-inch spade bit and power drill, or a special rotary cutting tool for this

step.

Using the proper equipment and protection is important.

WARNING: Use eye protection and be sure to observe all safety precautions while using the

drill or cutting tool (Figure 15).

Figure 15

Caution against drilling

without eye protection

WARNING: Make sure the spot chosen is safe for cutting. Do not cut through surfaces that

may have hazards such as electrical wiring, conduits, or plumbing concealed behind them.

Follow all other safety precautions.

1. Center the tip of the drill bit in the top circle you have drawn).

2. Drill completely through the wallboard to create a hole that you can probe behind.

Note: If you encounter insulation in the wall, it will be difﬁcult, if not impossible, to probe

behind the pilot hole. If you are certain that the location you have chosen is free of hazards

and impediments, you may choose to cut the hole for the speaker anyway, remove some of

the malleable insulation, and proceed from there. Refer to “Prepare the wall for inserting the

speaker” starting on page 21.

3. Drill the second hole just below the ﬁrst one (Figure 16). This elongates the hole enough

to allow for testing the space for the length of the speaker enclosure.

Figure 16

Using a spade bit with the

power drill to create the

pilot hole

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Testing the space behind the hole

You need a tape measure and a sturdy wire (such as a straightened coat hanger)

22 inches (55.9 cm) in length for this step.

1. Bend the wire as shown in Figure 17.

Figure 17

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of sturdy wire bent in two

places

3 inches (7.6 cm)

14¹

₄inches

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4¹

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4³

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Tip: For greater accuracy, make the ﬁrst bend a little long, measure again, and cut off the

extra length at that end.

WARNING: If there is a possibility of electrical wiring in the space behind the wallboard, wrap

the wire with electrical tape to prevent electric shock.

2. Make a mark 4

₈inches (10.5 cm) from the short end as an indicator of the proper front-

to-back depth of the hole.

3. Use the bent wire to test for enough depth, front-to-back:

Insert the short end of the wire into the hole and straight back (Figure 18). Probe to make

sure nothing impedes inserting this end to a depth of 4¹

₈inches (10.5 cm). This indicates

that the space behind the wallboard is deep enough for the front-to-back speaker

dimension.

Figure 18

Checking the space for the

depth of the speaker

• If the wire goes in without a problem, proceed to step 4, below.

• If you cannot insert the wire to the 4¹

hole elsewhere. Then repeat step 3.

₈-inch (10.5 cm) mark, you need to drill a new pilot

4. Use the wire again to test the width, side-to-side:

With the short end still in the hole, reposition it (as shown in Figure 19) and rotate it 360˚

around the hole. This indicates if the wall space is wide enough on each side of the hole

for the side-to-side dimension of the speaker.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Figure 19

Checking the space for the

width of the speaker

360˚

• If the wire goes around the 360˚ arc without a problem, proceed to step 5 below.

Round-faced speakers require an additional 2 inches of clearance above the speaker.

• If you cannot rotate the wire all the way around up to the ﬁrst bend, you need to drill a

new pilot hole elsewhere. Then repeat the preceding steps 3 and 4.

Now remove the wire.

5. Use the long end of the wire to check for enough length below the hole:

Holding the short end of the wire, insert the long end into the wall or ceiling and straight

down from the hole (Figure 20a).

Tip: You may want to use the template for this step, as shown in Figure 20b.

With the long end of the wire still in the hole, sweep it from side to side in a curve as

shown on the template. This indicates if the wall or ceiling space is long enough and

wide enough at the far end.

Tip: When testing for length, move the wire near the wall or ceiling, then farther back from it.

(a)

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• If the wire goes in and sweeps from side to side at the far end without a problem, pro-

ceed to the next major step: “Prepare the wall for inserting the speaker” starting on

page 21.

• If you ﬁnd an impediment below the pilot hole, and you are working in an interior wall,

reinsert the wire upward. If there are no impediments above the pilot hole, you can

install the speaker upside-down. If you are working in an exterior wall, installing the

speaker upside-down is not recommended. In this case, if you ﬁnd an impediment you

need to drill a new pilot hole elsewhere. Then repeat the preceding steps 3, 4, and 5.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Note: To position the logo right-side-up if you insert the speaker upside-down, remove the

outer frame from the face of the speaker, rotate it 180˚, then reattach the frame. There are four

speaker frame screws, labeled GRILLE, that hold the frame in place. They should not be con-

fused with the dogleg clamp screws that are labeled WALL (Figure 21). Those screws hold

the dogleg clamps on the frame.

Figure 21

Removing the speaker

frame to reorient it as

needed

Logo

• If you cannot insert the entire length of the wire straight up in an interior wall, and

sweep it from side to side as shown on the template, you need to drill a new pilot hole

elsewhere. Then repeat the preceding steps 3, 4, and 5.

Repairing a pilot hole

If you need to patch the pilot hole, you can ﬁll it with spackle. You may need to let the spackle

dry, then add more until the hole is slightly overﬁlled. When it is thoroughly dry, sand the area

to bring it back ﬂush with the wall.

Passing the pilot hole test

If you have successfully determined that this location will work for one speaker, test the wall

or ceiling for the second speaker before making any larger holes. Refer to “Drill a pilot hole for

testing the wall space” starting on page 15 and repeat those steps.

If the location for the ﬁrst speaker is ﬁne, but the second is not, you may want to relocate

both speakers.

Round-faced speakers require additional clearance holes on either side of the main

speaker hole. If you have marked but have not drilled those holes yet, do so when it is clear

you will be installing a speaker in that spot.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Prepare the wall for inserting the speaker

Use care in the steps that follow to ensure satisfaction with the end result.

CAUTION: Now is a good time to reconsider your comfort level with this job. If you have

doubts about cutting into or running cord behind the wall, it’s best to stop here. Then you can

contact a professional installer, describe the job, and request a cost estimate before engag-

ing the installer’s services.

WARNING: If you believe insulation in a wall may contain asbestos, do not cut into the wall.

Find a different location for installing the speakers instead.

Using the template a second time

You need a carpenter’s level, a sharp pencil, and optional tape with the template to com-

plete this step.

1. Position the template carefully over the pilot hole where you want to install one speaker.

For the round-faced speaker, you may want to bend the small tabs on either side of the

main cutout area behind it before positioning the template on the wall or ceiling.

2. Make sure the template is level (Figure 22).

Positioning the round-faced speaker on a ceiling does not require using a level.

Figure 22

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3. Tape or hold the template ﬁrmly in place as you trace around the sides and upper edge of

the WHITE CUT-OUT AREA portion.

4. Make a dotted line, using the slotted holes along the bottom of the WHITE CUT-OUT

AREA portion, for the bottom edge of the hole.

5. Remove the template.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Tip: If necessary, use tape to hold the template temporarily in place (see TAPE HERE on the

template). Then run your pencil along the entire template edge, except where there is tape.

For ceiling installation, notice the orientation of the Bose^®logo on the speaker frame.

Make sure it will be oriented as you want it when you position the speaker in the hole you

cut. If you need the logo to face in the opposite direction, you can do so by removing the

speaker frame, rotating it 180˚ and reattaching it to the speaker. Refer to Figure 21 on page

20.

Cutting the speaker hole

You need a small saw or specialized cutting tool (for example, a keyhole or drywall saw)

for this step of the installation.

Be sure to use the proper equipment and follow all safety precautions as you cut through the

wallboard.

WARNING: Use eye protection (Figure 23) and be sure to observe all safety precautions

while using the saw or cutting tool.

Figure 23

Caution against drilling

without eye protection

CAUTION: Use care in handling tools to avoid damage to the surrounding wall area.

Insert the blade into the pilot hole and cut down and at an angle until you reach one pencil

line. Or, before you begin cutting, you may prefer to drill holes inside each corner of the

rectangular outline you have drawn, to simplify the job.

Note: Making the corners perfectly square is not important.

Tip: While it is important to cut carefully, remember that the speaker frame overlaps the

wallboard by ¹

₄-inch (0.6 cm) when the speaker is in place. Minor cutting inaccuracies will be

hidden behind that frame.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

6. Cut around three of the four sides of the outline you drew, not all the way around

(Figure 24a).

WARNING: Keep ﬁngers away from the cutting blade.

7. Hook your ﬁnger into the pilot hole and then make the ﬁnal cut (Figure 24b).

8. Using your ﬁnger, pull out the piece of wallboard you have just cut.

Figure 24

(a)

Cutting along the outline

(a), and using a ﬁnger to

hold the cutout piece (b)

(b)

If you encounter insulation behind the wall

You can expect to ﬁnd insulation in an exterior wall and sometimes it appears in an interior

wall as well. If the insulation found there is malleable, you can cut it and remove some of it to

make room for the speaker. Other types of insulation will be difﬁcult or possibly dangerous to

handle.

CAUTION: Beware of hidden nails when reaching into the wall to remove insulation.

CAUTION: Wear gloves and protection for your mouth, nose, and eyes before handling

insulation that contains ﬁberglass.

Cut some insulation away from both above and below the speaker hole.

Insert and wire the speaker

You need a Phillips-head screwdriver and optional tape to complete this step.

If your wall is not pre-wired, refer to “Planning to run speaker cord” starting on page 11. When

wire is within reach of the hole you have cut, follow the procedure below:

1. From inside the newly cut speaker hole, locate and pull out 14 inches (36 cm) or more of

the pre-wired speaker cord (Figure 25).

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Figure 25

At least14 inches

(36 cm) of wire

Pulling the wire up and out,

to the left

2. Use tape or the assistance of another person to temporarily afﬁx the loose end of

the wire above and to the left of the hole (Figure 26). This keeps the wire out of the

way until you have the speaker partially inserted in the wall and are ready to make the

connections.

Figure 26

Using tape to secure the

wire

Insert the speaker into the opening

Before you follow the steps below, check to be sure none of the dogleg clamps (two on each

side) are protruding from behind the frame of the speaker. If so, press them back behind the

frame so the speaker will ﬁt into the hole.

Tip: Loosening the screw terminals on the upper left side of the speaker before inserting the

speaker into the hole may save you effort in making the connections.

Note: If you must insert the speaker upside-down due to a lack of space below the hole, you

need to reorient the logo before inserting it into the hole. If you have not done so yet, remove

the outer frame from the face of the speaker, rotate it 180˚, then reattach the frame. Refer to

Figure 21 on page 20.

In ceiling installations, pay attention to the orientation of the Bose^®logo on the speaker

frame. Make sure it will be oriented as you want it when you position the speaker in the

speaker hole. If the logo should face in the opposite direction, change that before you insert

the speaker into the hole. Do so by removing the speaker frame, rotating it 180˚, and reat-

taching it to the speaker. Refer to Figure 21 on page 20.

Also you may notice a draft in the space above the ceiling. To stop the draft, you can wrap

some malleable insulation around the speaker enclosure before inserting it into the wall.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

1. Use both hands to support the speaker and angle it slightly, so it is diagonal to the hole.

This allows clearance for the wall stops.

2. Insert the bottom of the enclosure through the hole and down part of the way – or up,

depending on your clearance issues (Figure 27).

Dogleg clamps

Figure 27

Wall stop

Dogleg clamps

Partially inserting the

rectangular-faced or round-

faced speaker

Wall stop

3. Leave the speaker in this partially inserted position, resting on the wall stops that prevent

it from falling out (Figure 28). This allows ready access to the connection terminals on the

upper left-hand side of the speaker.

For ceiling installations, you may feel more secure holding the speaker while making the

connections.

Figure 28

Speaker held in place by

wall stops

Wall stop

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Make the speaker connections

You need a Phillips-head screwdriver for this step.

Tip: Pay attention to maintaining the proper polarity (+ to + and – to –) with these connec-

tions. An error here will adversely affect speaker performance. Also be sure to tighten each

screw securely, but not enough to cause undesirable compression of the wire.

1. If you have not done so earlier, loosen the screws on both terminals.

2. Insert the end of the marked wire (+) into the positive (+) terminal and tighten the screw

(Figure 29).

3. Insert the end of the unmarked wire (–) into the negative (–) terminal and tighten the

screw.

CAUTION: Do not allow exposed wires to brush against each other, which could damage

your components. Trim excess wire and reinsert as necessary.

4. Check for the consistent polarity (+ to + and – to –) of these connections at both the

receiver/ampliﬁer and the speaker.

Figure 29

Attaching wires to the

terminals

Test the speaker now

With the connections still within reach, now is a good time to test the speaker to make sure it

functions properly before you secure it in the wall.

It may be preferable to begin installing the second speaker now, before you test either one.

When you get the second speaker connected, you can test both speakers, and make sure

they are both functioning ﬁne before proceeding with the installation steps for each one.

CAUTION: If you are testing the ﬁrst speaker before the other one is connected, make

sure the wire to that ﬁrst speaker is the only one connected to the receiver/ampliﬁer. This

will avoid any risk of unattached speaker wires making contact, which can damage the

receiver/ampliﬁer.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

To test the speaker:

1. Turn on the receiver/ampliﬁer and play a piece of music that is familiar to you.

2. Listen for clarity and accuracy of the performance from one speaker.

• If you hear a problem, refer to “Troubleshooting” starting on page 32.

• If the performance sounds ﬁne, test the other speaker, or continue with the installation

steps for this speaker.

When the connections are completed, push any excess wire into the hole behind the speaker

(Figure 30).

Figure 30

Pushing excess wire behind

the speaker

3. Make sure the frame of the speaker is ﬁrmly screwed onto the face. The frame prevents

the speaker from slipping all the way into the hole. Refer to Figure 23 on page 22 if you

need to reverse the frame to properly orient the Bose logo on the speaker face.

4. Now push the speaker into the hole until the face is straight and ﬂush with the wall

(Figure 31).

Figure 31

Positioning the speaker all

the way in the hole

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Secure the speaker to the wall

CAUTION: If you use a screw gun to tighten any screws, ﬁrst select the gun’s lowest torque

setting (do not exceed 2-4 inch-pounds or 0.2-0.5 N-m of torque). If the screw does not seat

properly, ﬁnish installing the screw at the next highest torque setting, or by hand.

When the speaker is positioned inside the hole with the face straight and ﬂat against the wall,

you are ready to tighten the dogleg clamp screws, labeled WALL, along the sides of the

frame. These screws are not to be confused with the screws in each corner of the frame,

which hold the frame on the speaker face. Dogleg clamps exert pressure from inside to hold

the speaker ﬁrmly against the wall.

CAUTION: Although they should be thoroughly screwed down, be sure not to overtighten

these screws. Too much compression can crush the wallboard, making it crumble. This

creates uneven surface support and can leave gaps between the speaker face and the wall.

1. Slightly tighten the four dogleg clamp screws (Figure 32) until each one begins to grip.

This is caused by the clamps that swing out and press against the back of the wallboard.

Figure 32

Doglegclamp screws

Dogleg clamps

Tightening the dogleg

clamp screws

ILL

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2. With your ﬁngers grasping the frame of the speaker, rock it slightly back and forth into

position. Check for even seating of the face before you tighten the screws any further,

and adjust the speaker if it needs to be straightened.

3. When the speaker is straight, tighten each screw.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

4. Line up the curved edge of the grille with the curve over the Bose^®logo and press that

edge into the speaker frame ﬁrst (Figure 33).

5. Press the top of the grille ﬁrmly into place until you feel some resistance. When the grille

lines up ﬂush with the frame of the speaker, it is seated properly.

Figure 33

Snapping the grille into

place

If the speaker looks crooked

When you step back from the wall, you may notice that the speaker is not straight. If so, it is

easy to adjust the speaker slightly now:

1. Remove the grille by inserting a thin-bladed tool between the speaker frame and the grille

and carefully prying it out.

2. Slightly loosen each of the four dogleg clamp screws, labeled WALL.

3. Press on the sides of the speaker frame to shift it up or down into the proper position.

4. Stand back to make sure it is straight. Repeat step 3 if it is not.

5. Tighten all four dogleg clamp screws.

6. Reattach the grille to the front of the speaker.

When the grille is ﬁnally in place

If there are additional speakers to install, repeat the “Steps to Installing,” beginning with “Drill

a pilot hole” on page 17.

If this is your ﬁnal speaker, congratulations! Turn on the music while you admire your work...

and enjoy the rewards.

Choosing to paint the speakers

The grille and frame of your Virtually Invisible^®191 speakers can be painted before or after the

speaker is installed. This is optional, however, and Bose cannot be responsible for the quality

of adhesion or ﬁnish of non-factory applied paints.

There are different techniques for painting the grille and painting the frame. Be sure to use

paint that is appropriate to the technique you choose.

WARNING: Follow all recommended safety procedures for the chemicals involved. This

includes the proper use of eye protection, ventilation systems, respirators or ﬁlter masks, and

ﬁre safety equipment if ﬂammable solvents are used.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Painting the grille

It is important to prevent paint from clogging the grille perforations, which can adversely

affect performance. You can use a dry brush technique or choose to spray paint the grille. Do

not use a paint roller, however.

Regardless of the technique you choose:

• Remove the grille from the speaker if it has been installed.

• Before you begin to paint, clean the grille to remove possible contaminants. Even ﬁnger-

prints can prevent uniform coverage.

• Check to be sure the paint is distributed evenly and covers the grille thoroughly. If not, you

may need to paint the inside of the grille to ﬁx the problem.

• When it is dry, protect the painted grille with clean cloth or tissue paper until you attach it to

the speaker.

Using a dry brush technique

Unthinned latex paint is appropriate for this method. Be sure to put down enough paper to

cover your work area and allow for repeatedly blotting the brush.

1. Dip the tip of a clean, dry brush in the paint.

2. Stroke across the paper to reduce the amount of paint on the brush. When you can see

individual bristle marks, the brush is ready to use on the grille.

3. Stroke lightly back and forth on the front of the grille, in a horizontal direction, until you

need more paint.

Tip: If paint clogs any of the grille perforations, try angling your stroke to unclog it, or blow

gently on the clog.

4. Repeat the above steps until the outside of the grille is completely covered.

5. Turn the grille 180˚ and repaint the entire surface using back-and-forth strokes again.

Using a spray technique

Latex or oil-based architectural paint requires thinning for use with a siphon-feed spray gun

set for 30 psi (2.1 bar) and for application in a 3- to 5-inch (7.6-12.7 cm) fan pattern. The thin-

ning formula depends on the type of paint you are using.

• Thin vinyl acrylic latex paint as follows:

To 6 parts of paint, add 3 parts of water and mix thoroughly. Add 1 part of denatured ethyl

alcohol (which breaks down paint particles so they do not clog the grille) and mix again.

• For use of architectural or automotive paints:

This type of paint should be used by a professional with the right equipment and technique.

This paint must also be thinned, using a solvent.

• For use of lacquer or enamel spray paint:

This comes in an aerosol can and needs no further thinning.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Steps to Installing

Steps for spray painting:

1. To prevent dirt or dried paint particles from blowing back into the grille perforations,

suspend the grille or place it on a wire screen.

2. Apply the paint to the grille surface at a 45˚ angle. Then rotate the grille by 180˚ and

repaint it at 45˚.

Figure 34

Angling and turning used to

apply the paint twice

45˚

180˚

Tip: Piercing a perforation with a sharp implement to remove a clog can cosmetically

damage the grille and is not recommended. If paint clogs any of the grille perforations, blow

gently in that area to unclog it. If that does not work, immediately wash the grille with the

appropriate solvent. Make sure the grille is thoroughly dry before repainting.

The paint may feel dry in a few minutes. However, if alcohol has been added, it may take

several days to fully cure.

Painting the frame

You can use either latex or oil-based paints, which adhere to the speaker frame. However,

both can be easily scratched through careless handling.

Before you begin, protect the speaker cones by inserting the paint shield that came in the

carton. Then you can use the same conventional spray or roller equipment used to paint the

wall or ceiling.

Be careful so the paint does not puddle or run. You may want to use a brush for spreading

paint where needed.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Reference

Troubleshooting

Neither speaker

plays

•

Check the settings on your receiver/ampliﬁer. Refer to the owner’s guide that came with it for

instruction on settings.

•

If your Virtually Invisible^®191 speakers are the second pair of speakers connected to your

receiver/ampliﬁer, make sure the connections have been made to the “B” terminals and that

the “B” speakers are selected to play.

The bass or treble

is weak

•

Check the tonal balance setting on your receiver/ampliﬁer.

Check for consistent polarity of the connections (+ to + and – to –) to the receiver/ampliﬁer and

to the speaker.

Review “Make the speaker connections” on page 26.

Only one speaker

plays

•

Check the balance control on your receiver/ampliﬁer and make sure it is centered.

Check the wires connected to the speaker that does not play. Make sure the wires are in good

condition and are ﬁrmly connected. Review “Make the speaker connections” on page 26.

Only one speaker

still plays

•

Trace the cord from the speaker in question to the receiver/ampliﬁer. Disconnect the cord from

the receiver/ampliﬁer channel and reconnect it to a different receiver/ampliﬁer channel.

– If the performance is now ﬁne, the problem lies in the original receiver/ampliﬁer channel, the

component source of the music, or the connections between the receiver/ampliﬁer and the

source. Check all of those to make sure they are performing properly. Reconnect the speaker

to the correct channel of a functioning receiver/ampliﬁer.

– If the problem persists, its source is either the speaker wire or the speaker in question. Follow

the next instruction.

Disconnect the cord from the speaker in question and reconnect it to the second speaker.

– If the performance is now ﬁne, the problem lies in the original speaker. Contact your autho-

rized Bose^®dealer, who will arrange for service. Or, to contact Bose directly, refer to the

address list included in the carton.

– If the problem persists, its source is the speaker wires. Follow the next instruction.

•

Before you take steps to replace and re-run the speaker wire, recheck all of the connections.

Then repeat the procedure for pinning down the problem source, above.

Static or noise from

one speaker

Check the connections at the speaker and at the receiver/ampliﬁer. Make sure the wires are in

good condition, are ﬁrmly connected, and no wires are touching across terminals. Also check

the connections from the receiver/ampliﬁer to the component source of the music.

– If the problem persists, follow the troubleshooting instructions for “Only one speaker still

plays,” above.

Customer service

For additional help in solving problems, contact your Bose dealer. Or, to contact Bose Customer Service, refer to the

address list included in the carton.

Warranty period

Bose Virtually Invisible^®191 speakers are covered by a limited 5-year transferable warranty. Details of coverage are on the

warranty card that came with your speakers. Please ﬁll out the information section, detach, and mail it to Bose.

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Reference

Accessories

• Drop Ceiling Kit for two speakers – PC031355

Protects the tile from bearing the weight of the speakers. Instructions included.

• Rough-in Kit for two speakers – PC031353

Reserves a place for the speakers after the studs are in place and before the wallboard is added, and indicates where

the wallboard hole should be made. Instructions included.

For further information or to order accessories, contact your Bose^®dealer. Or, to call Bose directly, refer to the address list

included in the carton.

Technical information

Features

• Virtually Invisible^®and Articulated Array^®speaker design

• Proprietary enclosure technology

• Stereo Everywhere^®speaker performance

• Paintable grille

• Syncom^®computer tested

Compatibility

• Compatible with ampliﬁers or receivers rated 10-100W per channel/rated 4 to 8 ohms

• 50W IEC continuous power handling; rated 6 ohms

Driver complement

• Two (2) 2¹

₂" (6.4 cm) full-range drivers per speaker

Enclosure

• Ported and molded high-impact polystyrene

• White frame and grille

Dimensions

• Each speaker:

13³

₄"H x 7⁷

₈"W x 3⁷

₈"D (34.9 cm H x 19.9 cm W x 9.8 cm D)

• Wall or ceiling surface area required for each:

Rectangular-faced speaker – 8³

₄"W x 6"H (20.5 cm x 14 cm)

Round-faced speaker – 10¹

Weight

• 4.5 lb (2.0 kg) each

₄" diameter (26 cm)

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA

267565 AM Rev. 00 JN30333

AM267565_01_V.pdf May 13, 2003

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