Bose Acoustimass 15/16 Series II - Home Entertainment Speaker Systems Manual

Setting Up

Before you begin

We appreciate your choice of the Bose Acoustimass 15 series II or Acoustimass 16 home entertainment speaker system.

Bose Virtually Invisible^® speaker technology allows you to enjoy lifelike home performances from the very latest surround-sound encoded movies, CDs, and television shows, without a room full of speakers. The cube speaker arrays, along with the powered Acoustimass module, reproduce the full-spectrum of sound from multi-channel digital programming. Integrated Signal Processing assures full bass performance from all channels at all listening levels, regardless of your receiver settings.

Your stereo VCR, stereo television, or DVD player sends the encoded program material to the surround-sound receiver, which interprets and distributes the information to the powered Acoustimass module. The module delivers the bass for all channels and sends appropriate sounds to each cube speaker array. The sound mix varies with different program types: dialogue is usually sent to the center cube speaker array, a visual soundstage is created by the left and right front cube speaker arrays, and you feel as if you are in the center of the action because sounds and special effects are directed to the rear cube speaker arrays. At any point in a surround-sound performance, you may hear sound from one, a few, or all of the cube speaker arrays.

To select surround-encoded program material, look for the terms Surround, Dolby Surround, the double-D symbol , Dolby Digital , other digital formats, or the word "surround" preceding a TV broadcast. Your system is compatible with home theater receivers. You can also enjoy a wide variety of stereo programming that is not surround-encoded.

Unpacking the carton

The powered Acoustimass module weighs 33 pounds (15 kg). Use good lifting practice to avoid injury.

To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags that wrap these speakers out of the reach of children.

Note: This product is not to be powered by any DC-to-AC inverters that may be found in automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats, ships, or other similar situations.

Carefully unpack the carton contents

1. Remove the brown inner carton containing the cube speaker arrays.
2. Gently roll the carton over onto its side.
3. Slowly pull the Acoustimass module from the carton.
4. Stand the module up.

If the cube speaker arrays or the module appear damaged, do not use them. Repack everything in the original carton and contact your authorized Bose dealer immediately. Or, to contact Bose directly, see the list of offices and phone numbers enclosed with your system.

Note: Now is a good time to record the serial number of these speakers and on your warranty card. Please save all packing materials for possible future use.

Placing your speakers to achieve realistic home theater sound

A suggested home theater layout is shown in Figure 2. You may want to place the speakers differently to take advantage of the sound characteristics of different rooms. Here are some suggested guidelines for placing your speaker system:

Figure 2
Suggested home theater layouts

• The cube speaker arrays are identical and can be used for any channel.
• All cube speaker arrays are magnetically shielded to prevent interference with a TV picture.
• The top and bottom sections of the cube speaker arrays can be rotated to create room-filling sound patterns.
  
• Bose wall brackets and floor stands can extend your placement options. See "Accessories". Please follow wall bracket instructions carefully. Proper mounting will ensure optimum performance and safety from your system.

Note: The Acoustimass 15 Series II may be upgraded by adding a center rear cube speaker array. See "Upgrading your Acoustimass 15 Series II speaker system".

To prevent interference, keep the Acoustimass module at least 2 feet (.6m) from your TV set.

Front center cube speaker array

The front center cube speaker array localizes action and dialogue on your screen. Sound should seem to come from within the picture.

• Place the front center cube speaker array above, below, or on top of your television. If below, be sure that it is not supporting the weight of the television in any way.
• Keep the front cube speaker array as close to the vertical center of the screen as possible, for the most accurate dialogue reproduction.

Choose a stable and level surface for your cube speaker arrays. Vibration can cause them to move, particularly on smooth surfaces like marble, glass, or highly polished wood. If you are placing the center cube speaker array on top of your television, use the set of four rubber feet provided. You may obtain additional rubber feet (part number 178321-04), free of charge, by contacting Bose^® Customer Service. See the list of phone numbers included with your system.

Front left and right cube speaker arrays

The front left and right cube speaker arrays create a sound image wider than the screen that seems natural to viewers sitting anywhere in the room. You can place the cube speaker arrays near a TV screen with no picture interference. Place the front cube speaker arrays on either side of your TV, at least 6 feet (2m), or as much as 15 feet (5m) apart (see Figure 2).

Rear cube speaker arrays

The rear, or surround cube speaker arrays add discrete sounds and special effects that expand the visual image, bringing the viewer into the center of the action. The rear cube speaker arrays may carry dialogue as well.

• Position the left and right rear cube speaker arrays to allow the sound to reach the viewer from both sides, rather than from directly behind (see Figure 2).
• Place the rear cube speaker arrays at ear height (when seated) or higher, if possible.
• Rotate the top and bottom sections of the rear cube speaker arrays to direct the sound to the front and back of the listener.
• If you have a center rear cube speaker array (Acoustimass 16 system or upgraded Acoustimass 15 Series II system), place it so that it is centered between the rear left and right cube speaker arrays (see Figure 2).

Powered Acoustimass module

Bose^® Acoustimass speaker technology takes advantage of the fact that the source of pure bass sound is difficult to locate, so you can hide the powered Acoustimass module conveniently out of sight. Place the module at the same end of the room as the television monitor.

• You may hide the module behind furniture, but do not block the opening. Be sure there is at least 2 inches (5 cm) between any surface and the front opening or the grille on the bottom.
• If the opening faces the wall it increases the bass; if it faces away it decreases the bass.

To prevent interference, keep the module at least 2 feet (.6m) from your TV set.

Note: Placing the module horizontally, or on its side, may reduce ventilation, inhibiting its ability to play at full output for extended periods of time.

Connecting the speakers

Never connect the cube speaker arrays directly to a receiver output. Always connect them to the powered Acoustimass^® module, then connect the module to the receiver.

Never use broken or frayed wiring, which can result in electrical shock or damage to your system. The supplied cables are not intended for in-wall installation. Check local building codes or enlist a qualified installer.

Connecting front cube speaker arrays to the Acoustimass module

Three individual 20-foot (6.1m) speaker cables connect the center, right, and left front cube speaker arrays to the Acoustimass module (Figure 5). Be sure to match the correct cable with the corresponding speaker location. Front speaker cables have blue RCA connectors at one end with L (left), R (right), or C (center) molded into the connectors. The other ends of the cables have two wires. The red collars on the + wire are labeled LEFT, RIGHT, or CENTER.

Note: The center rear cube speaker array is included with the Acoustimass 16 system or may be added to an Acoustimass 15 Series II system. For upgrading information, see "Upgrading your Acoustimass 15 Series II speaker system".

Figure 5
Cube speaker array connections to the Acoustimass module

1. Connect the wire pair marked CENTER to the center cube speaker array. Press the terminal tab on the back of the cube speaker array. Insert the marked (+) wire into the red terminal and the plain (–) wire into the black terminal. Release the tab to secure the wires.
2. Connect the wire pair marked RIGHT to the right front cube speaker array (to the right of the TV as you face it).
3. Connect the wire pair marked LEFT to the left front cube speaker array.
4. Plug the other end of each cable into the CENTER FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, and LEFT FRONT blue RCA jacks, respectively, on the Acoustimass module.

Connecting rear cube speaker arrays to the Acoustimass module

Each rear cube speaker array is connected to the Acoustimass module with a 50-foot (15m) speaker cable (Figure 5). Be sure to match the correct cable with the corresponding speaker location. Rear speaker cables have orange RCA connectors at one end with LR (left rear), RR (right rear), or CR (center rear) molded into the connectors. The other ends of the cables have two wires. The red collars on the + wires are labeled LEFT REAR, RIGHT REAR, or CENTER REAR.

1. Connect the wire pair marked RIGHT REAR to the right rear cube speaker array (on your right as you face the TV). Press the terminal tab on the back of the cube speaker array.
   Insert the marked wire into the red terminal and the plain wire into the black terminal. Release the tab to secure the wires.
2. Connect the wire pair marked LEFT REAR to the left rear cube speaker array.
3. If you have a center rear cube speaker array (Acoustimass 16 system or upgraded Acoustimass 15 Series II system), connect the wire pair marked CENTER REAR to the center rear cube speaker array.

Note: The Acoustimass 15 Series II system may be upgraded by adding a center rear cube speaker array. See "Upgrading your Acoustimass 15 Series II speaker system".

4. Plug the other end of each cable into the RIGHT REAR, LEFT REAR, and CENTER REAR orange RCA jacks, respectively, on the Acoustimass module.

Connecting the Acoustimass module to the receiver

The 20-foot (6.1m) system input cable connects the module to your surround receiver (see Figure 6). The system input cable has a multi-pin connector on one end and several wire pairs on the other. The wire pairs of the cable may be separated or "unzipped" as much as needed to comfortably reach the surround receiver connections. Each wire pair is marked on the cable jacket with RIGHT, LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT SURROUND, LEFT SURROUND, or CENTER SURROUND to indicate where each wire connects to the receiver.

Figure 6
Acoustimass module to receiver connections

Note: The center surround connection is used only when a center rear speaker is installed.

Note: Cables may be separated or "unzipped" as much as needed to comfortably reach the surround receiver connections.

Before making any connections turn off your receiver and unplug it from the AC (mains) outlet. Not doing so may result in damage to your system.

Do not connect the powered Acoustimass module directly to your TV unless it provides surround decoding circuitry and amplified outputs for all channels.

1. Insert the multi-pin connector on the system input cable into the input jack on the Acoustimass module. Tighten the two thumbscrews to assure a secure connection.
2. Connect each wire pair on the other end of the system input cable to your surround receiver. Carefully match the polarity of the connections (+ to + and – to –).

• Attach each marked wire (+) to the appropriate + terminal.
• Attach each plain wire (–) to the appropriate – terminal.

Note: The RCA plug of the system input cable comes with a cover installed. Remove this cover for connection to the LFE/SUBWOOFER OUT jack. If your receiver has no LFE/SUBWOOFER OUT jack, leave the plug cover in place.

3. If applicable, connect the RCA plug marked LFE on the system input cable to the LFE/SUBWOOFER OUT jack on your surround receiver.

Do not allow exposed wires to brush against each other; this could damage your receiver.

Checking the connections

Check all connections from the receiver to the Acoustimass^® module and from the module to the cube speaker arrays (Figure 5 and Figure 6). Make sure all cube speaker arrays are connected to the proper terminals according to their position in your room. Check that all wires are connected to your surround receiver in phase (+ to + and – to –). Incorrect wiring can result in a total loss of module output. Correct wiring problems before you plug your receiver in and turn it on.

Connecting the Acoustimass module to power

Note: Bose^® recommends using a quality surge suppressor on all electronics equipment. Voltage variations and spikes can damage electronic components in any system. A quality suppressor can eliminate the vast majority of failures attributed to surges and may be purchased at an electronics store.

After you have checked all system connections, plug the power cord of the powered Acoustimass module into an AC (mains) receptacle. Your Acoustimass speaker system will turn on and off automatically as it receives a signal from your surround receiver.

Upgrading your Device

Your Acoustimass 15 Series II speaker system can be upgraded to provide you with 6.1 or 6 channel surround sound.

The 6.1 upgrade kit contains one black (PC 029661) or white (PC 029662) cube speaker array, a 50-foot connecting cable, and complete connection instructions.

To purchase the 6.1 upgrade kit, contact your local authorized Bose retailer or call Bose directly. See the list of Bose offices and phone numbers enclosed with your system. When ordering, you will need to know the serial number of your Acoustimass module.

Using your system

For realistic home theater sound

The Acoustimass^® 15 Series II and Acoustimass 16 speaker systems incorporate an automatic protection circuit, which guards against most kinds of damage from electrical stress or overload. This circuit activates at high volume levels to reduce output, causing a slight decrease in volume. This is normal operation and indicates that power input may be exceeding safe levels. Sustained listening at these levels is not recommended.

Adjusting the LFE level

The LFE (low-frequency effects) level control on your powered Acoustimass module increases or decreases the relative level of low-frequency effects on movie sound tracks. Use it to regulate the presence of these underlying deep bass sounds. Use the "test tones" feature in your digital surround sound receiver to match the volume levels for each of the cube speakers. Then use the LFE control on the Acoustimass module to match the volume of the LFE channel to the cube speaker channels.

Adjusting the bass/room compensation level

This feature will allow you to fine-tune your system after you have placed the Acoustimass module in your selected location. If the room sounds "thin" or lacks bass, turn the BASS control in a clockwise direction to increase the bass level of the module. If the room sounds "boomy" or has too much bass, turn the knob in a counter-clockwise rotation to reduce the bass level of the module. The factory or detent setting is appropriate for a majority of listening situations.

Setting your digital surround sound receiver

Your Acoustimass 16 or Acoustimass 15 Series II speakers are fully compatible with the output from digital surround receivers. Integrated Signal Processing assures full bass reproduction for all channels regardless of receiver settings. However, the following table suggests a set of recommended receiver settings. The cube speaker arrays should be set to LARGE in the receiver's digital display menu. The LFE, or subwoofer, is set to ON. If applicable, the crossover value should be set to the lowest number possible, typically 80 Hz.

*Applies to Acoustimass 16 systems or upgraded Acoustimass 15 Series II systems. For upgrade information, see "Upgrading your Acoustimass 15 Series II speaker system".

Be sure to get the digital audio signal

To be sure that the digital audio signal from your DVD player reaches your surround receiver, connect the digital audio output from your DVD player to the digital audio input on your receiver.

Before you play a DVD disc, be sure to select the digital output in the setup menu of your DVD player. For additional setup and operating information, please refer to the owner's guide that came with your surround receiver.

Note: Use the optical or coaxial digital input connections, but not both.on a surround receiver

Setting your analog surround sound receiver

For analog surround sound (non-digital) applications, we recommend that you set the surround-sound center mode of your receiver to WIDE. Instructions for this process vary, depending on the brand and model of your surround receiver. Follow your receiver owner's guide for testing and adjusting the balance of each speaker.

Troubleshooting

If you have a problem with your Acoustimass^® speaker system, turn off your sound source and try the following solutions. If you still have a problem, contact your Bose^® dealer to arrange for service. To contact Bose directly, refer to the list of service offices and phone numbers enclosed in the shipping carton.

Customer service

For additional help in solving problems, contact Bose customer service. See the list of service offices and phone numbers enclosed in the shipping carton.

Cleaning the speakers

The cabinets of your Acoustimass^® speaker system may be cleaned only with a soft dry cloth. Do not use any sprays near the system or allow liquids to spill into any openings. Also, do not use any solvents, chemicals, or cleaning solutions containing alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.

The grille assemblies on the cube arrays may be carefully vacuumed, if necessary. Please note that the drivers are located directly behind the grille cloth, and are easily damaged if reasonable care is not taken.

Technical information

Features
Direct/Reflecting^® speaker technology
Virtually Invisible^® speaker design
Acoustimass speaker technology combined with Integrated Signal Processing
Magnetically shielded cube speaker arrays
Automatic system protection circuitry
Syncom^® computer quality control

Finish
Cube arrays: Black or Arctic White finish
Powered Acoustimass module: Scratch-resistant Black or Arctic White textured finish

Speaker driver complement
Cube speaker arrays: two 2.50-inch (6.35 cm) Twiddler speakers
Powered Acoustimass module: Three 5.25-inch (13 cm) woofers

Speaker size/weight
Cube speaker arrays: 6.2"H x 3.1"W x 4.0"D (15.7 cm x 7.8 cm x 10.2 cm) / 2.4 lb (1.1 kg)
Acoustimass module: 16.3"H x 8.1"W x 29.1"D (41.4 cm x 20.6 cm x 73.9 cm) / 45 lb (20.3 kg)

	Acoustimass 15 Series II	Acoustimass 16
Acoustimass module power rating	USA/Canada: 100-127V 50/60 Hz 400 W	USA/Canada: 100-127V 50/60 Hz 400 W
	Europe/Australia: 220-240V 50/60 Hz 400 W	Europe/Australia: 220-240V 50/60 Hz 400 W
Connectivity	Compatible with A/V receivers and amplifiers rated from 10 to 200 watts per channel, rated from 4 to 8 ohms	Compatible with A/V receivers and amplifiers rated from 10 to 200 watts per channel, rated from 4 to 8 ohms
Packed system weight	72.5 lb (32.6 kg)	75 lb (33.8 kg)

Warranty period

Your Bose Acoustimass speaker system is covered by a limited transferable warranty. Details of the warranty are provided on the warranty card that came with your system. Please fill out the information section on the card and mail it to Bose.

Accessories

• Table stands: UTS-20B (black), UTS-20W (white)
• Floor stands: UFS-20B (black), UFS-20W (white)
• Wall brackets: UB-20B (black), UB-20W (white)
• Module input cable adapter for use with existing wiring:
  PN267138-001 (black)
  PN267138-002 (white)
• Module-to-cube speaker array cable adapter for use with existing wiring:
  PN267139-001 (black)
  PN267139-002 (white)
• Module 20 ft (6.1m) input extension cable:
  PN267140-001 (black)
  PN267140-002 (white)

Documents / Resources

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Bose Acoustimass 15/16 Series II - Home Entertainment Speaker Systems Manual