®
®
The Bose Acoustimass 3 Series IV Speaker System
Owner’s Guide
October 22, 2001
AM252171_02_V.pdf
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Safety Information
Thank you
We appreciate your choice of the Bose® Acoustimass® 3 speaker system. It will provide you
with many years of listening enjoyment. Your system features new third generation
Acoustimass cube speakers, a product of the continuous research and development at Bose
Corporation. These cube speakers deliver more lifelike sound and better overall performance,
yet are smaller than their predecessors.
Please read this owner’s guide
The setup and operation of your Acoustimass 3 speaker system is significantly different from
other speakers. Please take the time to read this owner’s guide carefully. It will help you set
up and operate your system properly and enjoy all of its features. Remember to save your
owner’s guide for future reference.
Declaration
of Conformity
We, the offerer:
Bose® Corporation, The Mountain
Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
acknowledge our sole responsibility, that the product:
Kind of equipment:
Type designation:
Loudspeakers
Acoustimass® 3
Speaker System
in accordance with EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Article 10(1) of the Directive,
is in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s):
Technical regulations: EN50081-1, EN50082-1
Accredited by Bose Corporation
5 June 1999
Bose Products B.V.,
Nijverheidstraat 8, 1135 GE Edam,
The Netherlands
Nic Merks
Vice President, Bose Europe
Manufacturer’s authorized EU representative
2
October 22, 2001
AM252171_02_V.pdf
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Important Safety Instructions
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service person-
nel. 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.
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 any-
where else that water or moisture are present.
15. To prevent risk of fire or electric shock, avoid
overloading wall outlets, extension cords, or
integral convenience receptacles.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth – and as directed
®
by Bose Corporation. Unplug this product from
the wall outlet before cleaning.
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.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in 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.
17. See product enclosure 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 accor-
dance with the instructions, may cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio communications. However, this is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interfer-
ence 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:
8. Do not install near any heat sources, such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that pro-
duce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A polar-
ized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding-type 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.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched, particularly at plugs, conve-
nience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
11. Only use attachments/accessories speci-
fied by the manufacturer.
receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
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.
circuit than the one to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV techni-
cian 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.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of
time – to prevent damage to this product.
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
October 22, 2001
AM252171_02_V.pdf
a
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.
Antenna grounding
Example of antenna grounding as per National Electrical
Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
19. Avoid power lines – Use extreme care when
installing 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.
Antenna lead in wire
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.
Ground clamp
Antenna discharge unit
(NEC Section 810-20)
Grounding conductors
(NEC Section 810-21)
Electric service
equipment
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.
Ground clamps
Power service grounding
electrode system
(NEC ART 250, Part H)
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 particu-
lar, 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.
©2001 Bose Corporation,
The Mountain, Framingham, MA
01701-9168 USA
255805 AM Rev.00 JN10494
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
October 22, 2001
b
AM252171_02_V.pdf
Contents
Where to find …
Setting Up Your Acoustimass® 3 Speaker System ...................................................................4
Before you begin .................................................................................................................4
Unpacking the system ........................................................................................................4
Selecting locations for the cube speakers..........................................................................4
Selecting a location for the Acoustimass module ............................................................. 5
Using the cables correctly ..................................................................................................5
Connecting the cube speakers to the Acoustimass module ............................................. 6
Connecting the Acoustimass module to your receiver or amplifier ....................................6
Checking your connections ................................................................................................7
Operating Your Acoustimass Speaker System.........................................................................8
Checking the system ......................................................................................................... 8
Understanding automatic system protection......................................................................8
Maintaining Your Acoustimass Speaker System ......................................................................9
Cleaning your speakers ......................................................................................................9
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................9
Technical information ........................................................................................................10
Warranty period ................................................................................................................10
Customer service ..............................................................................................................10
Bose® Corporation......................................................................................... Inside back cover
For your records
Serial numbers are located on the connection panel of the Acoustimass module.
Serial number: _________________________________________________________________
Dealer name: __________________________________________________________________
Dealer phone:_______________________ Purchase date: ___________________________
We suggest you keep your sales slip and warranty card together with this owner’s guide.
AM252171_02_V.pdf
October 22, 2001
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
3
®
Setting Up Your Acoustimass 3 Speaker System
Before you begin
Thank you for purchasing the Bose® Acoustimass® 3 speaker system. Its quality construction
and advanced technologies result from years of ongoing research at Bose.
Bose patented Acoustimass speaker technology delivers full, natural audio performance and,
for all of the sound it produces, this Virtually Invisible® system takes up very little space. The
tiny cube speakers fit almost anywhere, while the Acoustimass module is designed to be
hidden behind drapes, under furniture, or in the corner of the room.
Unpacking the system
Unpack the system carefully. Avoid setting the module down on its connection panel, which
could scratch a surface. (Save the carton and packing materials in case you ever want to ship
the system.) If any parts appear damaged, do not attempt to use the system. Repack all parts
in the original carton and notify your authorized Bose dealer immediately.
Figure 1
What the carton contains
Acoustimass module
Two cube speakers
Four (4) adhesive-backed
rubber feet
Four (4) speaker cables, 20 feet long
Selecting locations for the cube speakers
You can place the cube speakers anywhere from 3 to 15 feet (0.9 - 4.6 m) apart. For the most
natural sound in average sized rooms, place them 6 to 12 feet (1.8 - 3.7 m) apart. Magnetic
shielding allows you to place them close to a video screen without causing interference.
Bose mounting accessories, including wall/ceiling mounting brackets, floor stands, and table
stands, add to your choice of where to place the cube speakers. For more information or to
order accessories, contact your Bose dealer or call Bose Customer Service directly. Refer to
the list of phone numbers inside the back cover.
4
October 22, 2001
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
AM252171_02_V.pdf
®
Setting Up Your Acoustimass 3 Speaker System
®
Selecting a location for the Acoustimass module
The Acoustimass module can be hidden almost anywhere in a room. Leave at least 2 inches
(5 cm) of space between the opening (port) and the wall. To prevent interference, keep the
module at least 2 feet (0.6 m) from any video screen.
For a balanced sound in most rooms, place the module along a wall within 5 feet (1.5 m) of the
corner. To increase bass response, move the module closer to a corner without blocking the
opening. To decrease the bass, place the module farther from the corner.
Note: When you decide how you will position the module, attach the rubber feet to the
bottom surface to protect the module and the floor.
Figure 2
Choices on how to position the
module
+
SRS
–
L
P
UT
E
T
K
OUE SPEA
B
CU
TO
+
–
R
+
L
–
TS IVER
PU RECE
IN
P
O
R
AM
OM
FR
R
+
–
Using the cables correctly
Use the supplied cables to connect the cube speakers to the module and the module to your
amplifier or receiver.
CAUTION: Be sure all components are turned off and unplugged from the power outlet
before making the connections.
To place these components more than 20 feet (6.2 - 9.2 m) apart, you will need to splice in a
length of 18-gauge speaker cable. To place them more than 30 feet (9.2 m) apart, you will
need heavier gauge wire. (See the wire recommendations on page 10.) You can get additional
speaker cable at electrical and hardware stores or by calling Bose Customer Service. (See
the list of phone numbers inside the back cover.)
Speaker cables consist of two insulated wires. The insulation around one wire is marked with
a band or stripe. This marked wire is always positive (+). The plain wire is always negative (–).
These correspond to the red (+) and black (–) terminals on the back of the speaker, amplifier,
or receiver. Be sure to connect each wire to the proper terminal (positive to positive, negative
to negative).
AM252171_02_V.pdf
October 22, 2001
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
5
®
Setting Up Your Acoustimass 3 Speaker System
®
Connecting the cube speakers to the Acoustimass module
Use the following steps to connect the cube speakers to the rear panel of the Acoustimass
module:
1. Select one pair of wires, and locate the terminal tab on the rear of the left cube speaker.
2. Press the terminal tab on the back of the speaker and insert the marked wire into the red
(+) terminal and the plain wire into the black (–) terminal (Figure 3).
3. Release the terminal tab to secure both wires.
4. Repeat this process with the other pair of wires and the right cube speaker.
CAUTION: Do not connect your amplifier or receiver directly to the cube speakers. Cube
speakers must be connected directly to the Acoustimass module or damage will result.
5. Locate the terminals marked OUTPUTS TO CUBE SPEAKERS on the rear panel of the
Acoustimass module (Figure 4).
6. Connect the free end of the left cube speaker cable to the left (L) pair of terminals. Make
sure that the marked wire is connected to the positive (+) terminal and the plain wire is
connected to the negative (–) terminal.
7. Repeat step 6 for the right cube speaker cable, connecting its wires to the right (R) pair of
terminals.
Figure 3
Connecting the speaker cable
to the cube speaker
Connecting the Acoustimass module to your receiver or amplifier
Use the following steps to connect your Acoustimass module to your receiver or amplifier:
CAUTION: Correct wiring is important. Incorrect wiring will result in little or no bass output
and could potentially damage the system.
1. Locate the terminals marked INPUTS FROM AMP OR RECEIVER on the rear panel of the
Acoustimass module (Figure 4).
2. Connect either end of one of the remaining speaker cables to the left (L) pair of input
terminals. Make sure that the marked wire is connected to the positive (+) terminal and the
plain wire is connected to the negative (–) terminal.
3. Connect either end of the final speaker cable to the right (R) pair of input terminals. Make
sure that the marked wire is connected to the positive (+) terminal and the plain wire is
connected to the negative (–) terminal.
6
October 22, 2001
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
AM252171_02_V.pdf
®
Setting Up Your Acoustimass 3 Speaker System
4. Connect the free end of the left (L) INPUTS cable to the LEFT speaker terminals of your
amplifier or receiver. Connect the marked wire to the positive (+) terminal and the plain
wire to the negative (–) terminal.
5. Connect the free end of the right (R) INPUTS cable to the RIGHT speaker terminals of your
amplifier or receiver. Connect the marked wire to the positive (+) terminal and the plain
wire to the negative (–) terminal.
CAUTION: Before you plug in your receiver or amplifier, make sure that no strands of wire
from any terminal are brushing against any other terminal. Such “bridged” wires create short
circuits which can damage your receiver or amplifier.
Figure 4
Completed connections
OUTPUTS
–
R
+
–
TO CUE SPEAKERS
L
+
INPUTS
–
R
+
FROM AMP OR RECEIVER
–
L
+
Checking your connections
To avoid damaging your speakers, check all connections and correct any problems before
plugging in and turning on the amplifier or receiver. Make sure the cube speakers are con-
nected to the module and not directly to the amplifier or receiver.
AM252171_02_V.pdf
October 22, 2001
7
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
®
Operating Your Acoustimass Speaker System
Checking the system
Make sure your system is working properly by following these steps:
1. Turn on your amplifier or receiver.
2. Turn the balance control on your amplifier all the way to the left. You should hear music
from the left cube speaker only, although you may detect a faint sound from the other
cube speaker. You should also hear the module.
3. Turn the balance control all the way to the right. Now you should hear music from the right
cube speaker only, although you may also hear a faint sound from the left cube speaker.
You should also hear the module.
4. Now play music that includes some deep bass passages. Listen with the balance control
in the center position. Compare that sound to what you hear with the balance control in
the far left position. Then compare the sound in the center balance position with sound
when the control is in the right position. The bass should be the same or louder with the
control in the center. Be sure to return the balance control to the center position when you
are finished.
If your system does not respond as described, check all the wires for proper positive to
positive and negative to negative connections. If your system still doesn’t respond properly,
see “Troubleshooting” on page 9.
Understanding automatic system protection
When played at high volume, the Acoustimass® 3 system’s automatic protection circuit
activates to prevent damage to the system from electrical stress or overload. When this
happens, you may notice a slight decrease in volume, which is normal. It indicates that the
power input may have exceeded safe levels. Setting the volume at or above this level for
sustained periods is not recommended.
8
October 22, 2001
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
AM252171_02_V.pdf
®
Maintaining Your Acoustimass Speaker System
Cleaning your speakers
Clean the cabinets of your Acoustimass® 3 system using a damp cloth. If necessary, use a
mild detergent such as dish soap. Do not use any solvents, chemicals, or cleaning solutions
containing alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives. Do not allow liquids to spill through the speaker
grilles or enter the Acoustimass module.
You can vacuum the speaker grilles. To avoid damaging the drivers located directly behind
the grille cloth, use light pressure only.
Troubleshooting
If you have a problem with your Acoustimass 3 speaker system, turn off the amplifier or
receiver and check all the connections between the cube speakers, the module, and amplifier
or receiver. Since problems are likely to originate with components other than speakers, you
may want to refer to your amplifier or receiver owner’s guide.
Problem
What to do
The left cube speaker does
not play or sounds distorted.
• Disconnect both speaker cables from the amplifier or receiver. Reconnect the cable from
the bass module’s L INPUTS to the amplifier or receiver’s RIGHT speaker terminals.
Set the amplifier or receiver’s balance control all the way to the right and turn on the power.
• If the left cube speaker now plays properly, your amplifier or receiver’s left speaker channel
is probably defective.
CAUTION: DO NOT connect the other cube speaker to the channel in question. If the
channel is defective, it could damage your Acoustimass 3 system.
The right cube speaker does • Follow the above steps, reconnecting the cable from the module’s R INPUTS to the
not play or sounds distorted.
amplifier or receiver’s LEFT speaker terminals.
The entire Acoustimass 3
system does not play or
sounds distorted.
• Disconnect the amplifier or receiver from the bass module. Reconnect the module to
another amplifier or receiver that is working properly.
• If the system now works, the problem is in your amplifier or receiver. Refer to your receiver
or amplifier owner’s guide for further suggestions.
• If trouble persists in your Acoustimass 3 speaker system, contact your authorized Bose®
dealer who will verify any defects and arrange for service by an authorized agency or by the
Bose factory. Bose will make every effort to remedy any problem within the terms of the
warranty at minimum inconvenience to you.
AM252171_02_V.pdf
October 22, 2001
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
9
®
Maintaining Your Acoustimass 3 Speaker System
Technical information
Features
Virtually Invisible® speaker design
Acoustimass® speaker technology
Identical magnetically shielded cube speakers
Syncom® computer quality control
Automatic system protection circuitry
Driver Complement
Acoustimass module: One 5.25" (13.3 cm) dual voice coil low-frequency driver
Cube speakers: One 2.5" (6.4 cm) magnetically shielded wide-range driver per cube
Compatibility
Compatible with receivers or amplifiers rated from 4 – 8 ohms
Compatible with receivers or amplifiers rated from 10 – 100 watts per channel
IEC rating: 50 watts per channel
Finish
Acoustimass module: Scratch-resistant black or white satin finish
Cube speakers: Black or white polymer finish, cloth grilles
Wire Recommendations
Based on maximum frequency response deviation of ±0.5 dB.
Gauge
Length
18 (0.75 mm2) 30 ft (9 m) maximum
16 (1.5 mm2)
14 (2.0 mm2)
45 ft (14 m) maximum
70 ft (21 m) maximum
Size/Weight
Acoustimass module: 7.5"W x 14"H x 12.6"D (18.4 x 35.6 x 32.0 cm)
Cube speaker: 3.1"H x 3.1"W x 3.2"D (7.9 x 7.9 x 8.1 cm)
Total shipping weight: 16.5 lb (7.1 kg) in shipping carton
Warranty period
The Bose® Acoustimass 3 speaker system is covered by a limited five-year transferable
warranty. Details of the coverage are provided on the warranty card that came with your
speakers. Please fill out the information section on that card, detach, and mail it to Bose.
Customer service
For help in ordering accessories or solving problems, contact Bose Customer Service. See
the inside of the back cover for offices and phone numbers.
10
October 22, 2001
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
AM252171_02_V.pdf
AM252171_02_V.pdf
October 22, 2001
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
11
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
October 22, 2001
12
AM252171_02_V.pdf
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
October 22, 2001
AM252171_02_V.pdf
13
USA
Italia
Bose S.p.A., Via della Magliana 876
Bose Corporation, The Mountain
00148 Roma
www.bose.iT
Framingham, MA 01701-9168
1-800-367-4008
TEL 06-65670802
FAX 06-65680167
Phone hours - ET (eastern time):
Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Japan
Bose K.K., Shibuya YT Building
28-3 Maruyama-cho
Canada
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150
TEL 3-5489-0955
Bose Ltd., 1-35 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1B3
1-800-465-2673
FAX 3-5489-0592
Phone hours - ET (eastern time):
Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nederland
Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8
1135 GE Edam
European Office
TEL 0299-390111
FAX 0299-390109
Bose Products B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8
1135 GE Edam, Nederland
Norge
TEL 0299-390111
FAX 0299-390114
Bose A/S, Solheimsgate 11
N-2001, Lillestrøm
TEL 63-817380
Australia
FAX 63-810819
Bose Pty Limited, 1 Sorrell Street
Parramatta NSW, 2150
Österreich
TEL 02 9204-6111
FAX 02 9204-6122
Bose Ges.m.b.H., Vienna Business Park
Wienerbergstrasse 7 (10.OG)
A-1100 Vienna
Belgique/België
TEL 01-60404340
FAX 01-604043423
Bose N.V., Limesweg 2, B-3700 Tongeren
TEL 012-390800
FAX 012-390840
Schweiz
Danmark
Bose AG, Rünenbergerstrasse 13
Bose A/S, Industrivej 7, 2605 Brøndby
4460-Gelterkinden
TEL 4343-7777
FAX 4343-7818
TEL 061-9815544
FAX 061-9815502
Deutschland
Sverige
Bose GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 36d
Bose A/S, Johannefredsgatan 4
D-61381 Friedrichsdorf
S-43153 Mölndal
TEL 06172-71040
FAX 06172-710419
TEL 31-878850
FAX 31-274891
France
United Kingdom
Bose S.A., 6, rue Saint Vincent
78100 Saint Germain en Laye
Bose Limited
1 Ambley Green
TEL 01-30616363
FAX 01-30614105
Gillingham Business Park
Gillingham, Kent ME8 ONJ
TEL 0870-741-4500 FAX 0870-741-4545
India
Bose Corporation India Private Limited
W-16, Greater Kailash-II
From other locations
New Delhi 110 048
TEL (011) 648 4462 FAX (011) 648 4463
Bose Customer Service, 1 New York Ave.
Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
TEL (508) 766-1900 FAX (508) 766-1919
Ireland
World Wide Web
Bose Corporation
Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan
TEL (042) 9661988
FAX (042) 9661998
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
© 2000 Bose Corporation
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
252171 AM Rev.02 JN00245
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
|