Bose Acoustimass 5 / 20 Manual

Setting Up

Before you begin

Thank you for purchasing the Bose Acoustimass 5 or 20 powered speaker system. These speakers are designed specifically for use with the Bose Lifestyle music systems to deliver high-fidelity, room-filling sound to additional rooms in your home.
Because these speakers are different from other systems, we recommend that you take the time to read this owner's guide. It contains instructions and information that will help you get the most enjoyment possible from your new speakers.

Unpacking the carton

Carefully unpack your speakers. Save all packing materials for possible future use. The original packing materials provide the safest way to transport your speaker system. If any part of the product appears damaged, do not attempt to use the system. Notify Bose or your authorized Bose dealer immediately.
Check to be sure your Acoustimass 5 or 20 powered speaker system contains the parts identified in Figure 1.

Figure 1

What comes with your Acoustimass powered speaker system:

• 2 cube arrays
• 1 Acoustimass module
• Speaker wire
• Rubber feet
• 3-foot adapter cable
• 50-foot extension cable
• 30-foot audio input cable
• AC power (mains) adapter plug (in dual voltage systems)
• Power cord
• One owner's guide
• One quick set-up guide

Note: Find the serial numbers on the bottom panel of the Acoustimass module. Then write them on your warranty card.

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

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

Select the location for your unit

When you place your speakers according to the guidelines below, a combination of reflected and direct sound provides a good stereo image virtually everywhere in the room. You may experiment with the placement and orientation of the cubes and the Acoustimass module to produce the sound most pleasing to you.
To adjust your system for the characteristics of your listening room, see "Fine-tuning your system".

Speaker locations
Follow these guidelines to select locations for your Acoustimass 5 or 20 speaker system. The speaker cables allow up to 20 feet (6.1 m) distance from the Acoustimass module.

1. For the most lifelike sound, place the cube arrays 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m) apart. They can beas close as 3 feet (0.9 m) or as far apart as 15 feet (4.6 m).
2. Direct one cube of each array forward. Direct the other cube toward the wall or in adifferent direction to create reflected sound. (See the illustration of reflected sound patterns in Figure 2.)
   

Choose a stable and level surface for your speakers. Vibration can cause the speakers to move, particularly on smooth surfaces like marble, glass, or highly polished wood. For additional stability, you can add rubber feet to your speakers. You may obtain rubber feet (part no. 178321) free of charge from Bose. Contact Bose Customer Service for more information.

Note: If you put the speakers in a bookcase unit, be sure to place each one at the front edge of the shelf. Placing speakers in an enclosed space can change the tonal quality of the sound. This effect is minimized if the shelves are filled with books.
Note: The cube speakers are magnetically shielded so you can place them close to a TVwithout affecting picture quality.

Acoustimass module location
Follow these guidelines to select a location for the Acoustimass module.

1. Place the module along the same wall as the speakers, if possible.
2. Select a convenient location – under a table, behind a sofa. Do not allow furniture ordrapes to block the ventilation openings of the module.
3. Place the module within reach of the audio input cable, speaker cables, and an AC power(mains) outlet.
4. Select a position for the Acoustimass module (Figure 3). For proper ventilation, place it onthe long edge, with the connectors facing the floor. An alternate position is on its largest side, with the bass and treble controls facing up. Do not place the module on either end, as shown by the last two views in Figure 3.
   
5. Once you have selected a position for the module, place the four self-adhesive rubber feetnear the corners of the bottom surface. The rubber feet provide increased stability and protection from scratches.
6. Aim the port (the round opening) into the room or along the wall to avoid blocking the portor creating too much bass.
7. For best bass performance, do not place the port at equal distances from any two walls orfrom a wall and the ceiling.

Before making connections, unplug your system
It is important that you unplug your Lifestyle system or other music source before making any connections.

Selecting the correct voltage

If you purchased a dual voltage product, please be sure that your speakers are set to the correct voltage for your geographical area. Use the adapter plug provided when appropriate.(see Figure 4)

Do not cover the ventilation openings of the Acoustimass module. The slots on the end provide ventilation for the built-in electronic circuitry, and should not be blocked.

Note: To avoid interference with the TV picture, place the Acoustimass module at least 18inches (45 cm) from aTV

Connect the devices and the Acoustimass module

Connecting the Acoustimass 20 Jewel Cube speakers to the Acoustimass module

1. Insert the connector of each speaker cable fully into the jack on the rear of each speaker (Figure 5). Match the ridge of the connector to the notch at the top of the jack.
   
2. Connect each 20-foot (6.1 m) cable to the corresponding left or right green jack on theAcoustimass module. Speaker cables have green connectors at one end, with L (left) and R (right) molded into the connectors.

To extend the length of speaker cable, you will need a Bose 30-foot extension cable. To order this part, please call Bose customer service (request PN 186445-1 black; PN 186445-2 white). Or, splice in 18-gauge (.75 mm²) or thicker cord (connecting + to + and – to –). To purchase extension wire, see your dealer, electronics store, or call Bose customer service.

Connecting the Acoustimass 5 cube speaker arrays to the Acoustimass module
Each speaker cable contains two wires. The wire marked with a red collar is positive (+) and the ribbed one is negative (–). These wires match the positive (red) and negative (black) terminals on the back of each speaker. To extend the length of speaker cable, you will need a Bose 30-foot extension cable. To order this part, please call Bose customer service (request PN 186445-1 black; PN 186445-2 white). Or, splice in 18-gauge (.75 mm²) or thicker cord (connecting + to + and – to –). To purchase cables, see your dealer, electronics store, or call Bose customer service.

1. Match the correct cable to the corresponding speaker location.
   • Speaker cables have blue connectors at one end, with L and R molded into the connectors.
   • The red collars on the + wire are labeled LEFT and RIGHT.
2. Connect the wire end of one speaker cable to the terminals on the rear of the matching cube speaker array.
   1. Press the terminal tab on the back of the cube array to insert the marked wire into thered terminal and the plain wire into the black terminal. Release the tab to secure the wire.
   2. Repeat this step for each of the cube speaker arrays. (See Figure 6.)
      
3. Connect each cable to the corresponding left or right blue jack on the Acoustimassmodule.

Make sure no strands of wire from any terminal touch any other terminal. Bridged wires create short circuits that affect proper operation of your system.

Which Lifestyle music center do you own?

Identifying multi-room interface systems (Figure 7)
The multi-room interface allows you to connect up to four rooms or listening areas with additional speakers. These systems are operated using a Personal music center. To connect additional speakers to a multi-room interface, see "Connecting the Acoustimass module to multi-room interface systems".

Identifying systems with the model 20 music center (Figure 8)
The model 20 music center includes a six-disc CD player and 2 mini-DIN speaker output jacks, labeled ZONE 1 and ZONE 2, on the rear panel. To connect additional speakers to a model 20 music center, see "Connecting the Acoustimass module to the model 20 music center".

Identifying systems with the model 5 music center (Figure 9)
The model 5 music center includes a single-disc CD player and three RCA pairs of speaker output jacks, labeled A, B, and FIXED, on the rear panel. To connect additional speakers to a model 5 music center, see "Connecting the Acoustimass module to the model 5 music center".

Connecting the Acoustimass module to multi-room interface systems

To connect the Acoustimass 5 or 20 powered speakers to your system, follow these steps:

1. Using the supplied 30-foot audio input cable, insert the DIN connector into the Acoustimass module, and the RCA plug into the supplied 3-foot adapter cable.
2. Then, attach the DIN end of the 3-foot adapter cable to one of the unused ROOM outputjacks (B, C, D) on the rear of the multi-room interface (Figure 10).
3. To extend the length of the cables, use the supplied 50-foot extension cable. This cableconnects between the 30-foot audio input cable and the 3-foot adapter cable (Figure 10).

Connecting power to your system

If you purchased a dual-voltage system, it is important that you set the speakers to the correct voltage. To do this, refer to "Selecting the correct voltage".

Follow these steps to connect power to your Acoustimass powered speaker system:

1. Plug the power cord from the Acoustimass module into an AC power (mains) outlet.
2. Insert the power cords of the Lifestyle system into an AC power (mains) outlet.
3. Turn Acoustimass module power switch to the ON position.

Note: Do not plug the AC power pack into a power outlet until all component connections are complete.

Operating in more than one room

Your Lifestyle Personal music center can control up to four sets of Bose powered speakers, allowing your family to enjoy four different audio sources (CD, radio, TV, etc.) in up to four rooms. These rooms are referred to as room A, B, C, and D, with room A being the primary room (the one used for a one-room system). If two or more rooms are connected to your system, the Personal music center displays ROOM and HOUSE buttons, and room indicators (A, B, C, and/or D). Figure 11 shows an example display for a two-room system.

A boxed letter indicated the presently-selected room or rooms.
B An unboxed letter indicates a room listening to a shared source.
An empty box appears for each connected room when you press the HOUSE button.

Turning on different sources in more than one room

Let's say you have a two-room system (rooms A and B) and the entire system is off. To turn on a different source in each room:

1. Wake up the touchscreen.
2. Press the ROOM button until the room indicator is displayed. Press a source button, such as VIDEO 1, to turn on the system and listen to your DVD player in room A. Adjust the volume to the desired level.
3. Press the ROOM button again. The room indicator is displayed. Press a different source button, such as CD, to listen to a CD in room B. Again, adjust the volume to the desired level.
4. Press the ROOM button again and notice that the room indicator is displayed. You are controlling room A once again and the display indicates that the VIDEO 1 source is on.

Setting up a shared source

Now, let's say the system is already on and you want to play the FM radio in rooms A and B:

1. Wake up the touchscreen.
2. Press the ROOM button until the room indicator is displayed. Press the FM source button and adjust the volume to the desired level for room A.
3. Press the ROOM button again to select room . Press the FM source button and adjust the volume to the desired level for room B. Now, the indicators A are displayed.
4. Press the ROOM button again. The indicators appear on the touchscreen indicating that you can control these two rooms together. Any button command given now (SOURCE, VOLUME, MUTE, ON/OFF, SLEEP) is applied to both rooms.

Using the HOUSE button

Using the HOUSE button, you can link all the rooms together and control them as one. When you press the HOUSE button, an empty box indicator is displayed for each connected room. Any button pressed after that (any source button, VOLUME, MUTE, or SLEEP) affects every room. When you are done listening you can press OFF to turn off the entire system.

Note: If you do not press any other buttons after pressing HOUSE, pressing HOUSE again cancels HOUSE mode.

Using more than one Personal music center

If you have a multi-room system, you can add Personal music centers for some or all of the connected rooms. Each multi-room interface can be controlled by a maximum of four Personal music centers. Each Personal music center can control up to four rooms.

Connecting the Acoustimass module to the model 20 music center

To connect the Acoustimass 5 or 20 powered speakers to your system, follow these steps:

1. Using the supplied 30-foot audio input cable, insert the DIN connector into the Acoustimass module, and the RCA plug into the supplied 3-foot adapter cable (Figure 12).
2. Then, attach the DIN end of the 3-foot adapter cable to the Zone 2 output jack on the rearof the model 20 music center (Figure 12).
3. To extend the length of the cables, use the supplied 50-foot extension cable. This cableconnects between the 30-foot audio input cable and the 3-foot adapter cable (Figure 12).

Setting up the remote control

You need to set up a second remote control to operate the ZONE 2 outputs.

• Remove the remote control battery cover and locate the miniature switches (Figure 13).
• Make sure that the house code settings (switches 1, 2, 3, and 4) match those on your first remote (Figure 13).
• Set switch 8 up for ZONE 2 (Figure 13).

Connecting power to your system

If you purchased a dual-voltage system, it is important that you set the speakers to the correct voltage. To do this, refer to "Selecting the correct voltage".

Follow these steps to connect power to your Acoustimass powered speaker system:

1. Plug the power cord from the Acoustimass module into an AC power (mains) outlet.
2. Insert the power cords of the Lifestyle system into an AC power (mains) outlet.
3. Turn the Acoustimass module power switch to the ON position.

Connecting the Acoustimass module to the model 5 music center

To connect the Acoustimass 5 or 20 powered speakers to your system, follow these steps:

1. Using the supplied 30-foot audio input cable, insert the DIN connector into the Acoustimass module, and the RCA plugs directly into SPEAKERS B on the music center (Figure 14).
   
2. Plug the stereo mini-plug into System Control 2.
3. To extend the length of the cables, use the supplied 50-foot extension cable.

Setting up the remote control

You need to set up a second remote control to operate the SPEAKERS B outputs.

• Remove the remote control battery cover and locate the miniature switches.
• Make sure that the house code settings (switches 1, 2, 3, 4) match those in your first remote. Set switches 5 down and 6 up for SPEAKERS B (Figure 15).
  

Connecting power to your system

If you purchased a dual-voltage system, it is important that you set the speakers to the correct voltage. To do this, refer to "Selecting the correct voltage".

Follow these steps to connect power to your Acoustimass powered speaker system:

1. Plug the power cord from the Acoustimass module into an AC power (mains) outlet.
2. Insert the power cords of the Lifestyle system into an AC power (mains) outlet.
3. Turn the Acoustimass module power switch to the ON position.

Fine-tuning your system

In most situations, you only need to follow the speaker placement guidelines for your system to provide excellent sound quality.
You do not need to adjust tone settings for changes in volume, since Bose patented signal processing technology provides a natural tonal balance over the full range of volume settings.
If desired, you can further fine-tune your system as described below.

Adjusting speaker controls

The TREBLE and BASS controls are located on the Acoustimass 5 and 20 music systems' Acoustimass module (Figure 16). They allow you to adjust the treble (high frequencies) and bass (low frequencies). In the normal setting, the dots on each control are in the 12 o'clock position. Turn the controls clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease the amount of treble or bass.

Compensating for room acoustics

The acoustics (sound qualities) of your room can affect the overall sound quality of any speaker system. In general, you can reduce many problems with acoustics by the careful use of the TREBLE and BASS controls.

Too much or too little treble
Rooms with too few sound-absorbing furnishings, especially those with bare floors and walls, may sound overly shrill or "bright." Turning down the treble control (toward –) decreases treble sound.
Rooms with a lot of sound-absorbing furnishings, such as upholstered furniture, wall-to-wall carpet, or heavy drapes, may reduce the treble sound of your system. Moving speakers farther away from soft furnishings increases treble. You can increase treble sound by slightly turning up the treble control (toward +).

Too much or too little bass
You can decrease bass sound by turning down the bass control (toward –). To increase bass, turn up the bass control (toward +).
Acoustimass module placement affects the amount of bass you hear. Placing the module closer to the corner of the room will increase bass. Moving the module away from the corner will decrease bass.

Troubleshooting

Problem	What to do
System does not function at all	Make sure the power connector is plugged securely into the music center, the power cord is plugged securely into the Acoustimass module, the power pack and power cord are plugged into operating AC wall outlets, and the module power switch is on. Be sure to select a source (CD, AM/FM, etc.). Unplug the music center power pack for a minute, then reconnect it. This allows the unit to reset itself after a power surge or power interruption.
No sound	Turn the music center off for ten seconds, then on again, to re-establish communication between the music center and the speakers. Check the connections for any external components. Make sure to select the correct source for the desired input. Check the speaker connections. Be sure the CD is placed correctly, label-side up, in the music center, and the cover is closed. Increase the volume. Check to see if MUTE is lit in the display. Press MUTE on the remote to unmute the sound. Disconnect any headphones. Connect the FM and AM antennas.

Product Information

Accessories

The following accessories are available to enhance the flexibility of your Bose powered speaker system. Contact your Bose dealer or call Bose directly (see inside back cover for phone numbers):
UB-20: High-quality cast zinc bracket for wall or ceiling mounting.
UFS-20: Slender metal floor stands, 37"H (93.98 cm), elegantly display cube speakers while hiding the speaker wires.
UTS-20: High-quality cast aluminum stands, 7"H (17.78 cm), for placement on a flat surface, like a bookshelf or table.

Note: Your Acoustimass powered speaker system should be mounted only in the manner recommended by Bose. Consult the instructions supplied with the mounting accessories.

Technical Information

Power rating
USA/Canada: 120V ~ 50/60 Hz, 350W
Dual Voltage: 115/230V ~ 50/60 Hz, 350W
Europe/Australia: 220-240V ~ 50/60Hz, 350W

Dimensions
Acoustimass 5 powered speaker system:
Cube speakers: 3.1"W x 4"D x 6.2"H (7.8 x 10.2 x 15.8 cm)
Acoustimass module: 23.3"W x 7.5"D x 14"H (59 x 19 x 35.5 cm)
Acoustimass 20 powered speaker system:
Cube speakers: 2.2"W x 3.2"D x 4.4"H (5.6 x 8.2 x 11.2 cm)
Acoustimass module: 23.3"W x 7.5"D x 14"H (59 x 19 x 35.5 cm)

Weight
Acoustimass 5 powered speaker system:
Cube speakers: 2.4 lb (1.11 kg); Acoustimass module: 33 lb (15 kg)
Acoustimass 20 powered speaker system:
Cube speakers: 1 lb (.5 kg); Acoustimass module: 33 lb (15 kg)

Finish
Cube speakers: Polymer, painted
Acoustimass module: Vinyl veneer

Cleaning the product

Clean the surface of your speakers with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use any sprays near the system. Do not use any solvents, chemicals, or cleaning solutions containing alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives. Do not allow liquids to spill into any openings.
The speaker grille panels require no special care, though you may vacuum them carefully with a soft-bristled attachment, if necessary.

Safety/Maintenance Information

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the system to rain or moisture.

RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

These CAUTION marks are located on the bottom of your Lifestyle Acoustimass module:
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the system enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle, as marked on the system, is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in this owner's guide.

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

Additional safety information
See the additional instructions on the Important Safety Information page enclosed with this owner's guide.

Please read this owner's guide
Please take the time to follow this owner's guide carefully. It will help you set up and operate your Acoustimass 5 or 20 powered speaker system properly. Save your owner's guide for future reference.

Class B emissions limits
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

If liquids get into the product, turn the system off and allow it to air dry. Then turn it on again. If you notice any problems with its functioning, unplug it and contact Bose customer service.

Customer Service

For assistance, contact Bose customer service. See the inside back cover for customer service offices and phone numbers.

USA
Bose Corporation, The Mountain
Framingham, MA 01701-9168
1-800-367-4008
Phone hours - ET (eastern time):
Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Canada
Bose Ltd., 1-35 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1B3
1-800-465-2673
Phone hours - ET (eastern time):
Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

European Office
Bose Products B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8
1135 GE Edam, Nederland
TEL 0299-390111
FAX 0299-390114

Australia
Bose Pty Limited 1 Sorrell Street
Parramatta NSW, 2150
TEL 02 9204-6111
FAX 02 9204-6122

Belgique/België
Bose N.V., Limesweg 2, B-3700 Tongeren
TEL 012-390800
FAX 012-390840

Danmark
Bose A/S, Industrivej 7, 2605 Brøndby
TEL 4343-7777
FAX 4343-7818

Deutschland
Bose GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 36d
D-61381 Friedrichsdorf
TEL 06172-71040
FAX 06172-710419

France
Bose S.A., 6, rue Saint Vincent
78100 Saint Germain en Laye
TEL 01-30616363
FAX 01-30614105

India
Bose Corporation India Private Limited
W-16, Greater Kailash-II
New Delhi 110 048
TEL (011) 648 4462
FAX (011) 648 4463

Ireland
Bose Corporation
Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan
TEL (042) 9661988
FAX (042) 9661998

Italia
Bose S.p. A., Via della Magliana 876
00148 Roma
www.bose.iT
TEL 06-65670802
FAX 06-65680167

Japan
Bose K.K., Shibuya YT Building
28-3 Maruyama-cho
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150
TEL 3-5489-0955
FAX 3-5489-0592

Nederland
Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8
1135 GE Edam
TEL 0299-390111
FAX 0299-390109

Norge
Bose A/S, Solheimsgate 11
N-2001, Lillestrøm
TEL 63-817380
FAX 63-810819

Österreich
Bose Ges.m.b. H., Vienna Business Park
Wienerbergstrasse 7 (10.OG)
A-1100 Vienna
TEL 01-60404340
FAX 01-604043423

Schweiz
Bose AG, Rünenbergerstrasse 13
4460-Gelterkinden
TEL 061-9815544
FAX 061-9815502

Sverige
Bose A/S, JohanneFredsgatan 4
S-43153 Mölndal
TEL 31-878850
FAX 31-274891

United Kingdom
Bose Limited
1 Ambley Green
Gillingham Business Park
Gillingham, Kent ME8 ONJ
TEL 0870-741-4500
FAX 0870-741-4545

From other locations
Bose Customer Service, 1 New York Ave.
Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
TEL (508) 766-1900
FAX (508) 766-1919

World Wide Web
www.bose.com

Documents / Resources

References

• Bose | Cuffie, diffusori, dispositivi indossabili
• Headphones, Earbuds, Speakers, Soundbars, & More | Bose

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