Bose Acoustimass 10 Series II home theatre speaker system Sold from August 1998 to 2002 User Manual

							The Bose® Acoustimass® 10 Series II Home Theater
Speaker System
Owner’s Guide
October 22, 2001
AM194646_02 _V.pdf 
						

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English
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:Loudspeakers
Type designation:Acoustimass
® 10 Series II
Home Theater Speakers
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
Introduction
Thank you
We appreciate your choice of the Bose® Acoustimass® 10 Series II home theater speaker
system. With these Virtually Invisible® speakers you’ll surround yourself with realistic sound,
without a lot of equipment.  Your system features new third generation Acoustimass cube
speaker arrays, 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.
Important information
Please read this owner’s guide
The set-up and operation of your Acoustimass 10 Series II 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 advanced features.
Save your owner’s guide for future reference.
1 May 1998
Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8 Anton Schalkamp
1135 GE Edam, The Netherlands General Manager, Bose Europe
Manufacturer’s authorized EU representative 
						

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Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions – for all components
before using this product.
2. Keep these instructions – for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings – on the product and in the
owner’s guide.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water or
moisture – Do not use this product near a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a
wet basement, near a swimming pool, or any-
where else that water or moisture are present.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth – and as directed
by Bose
® Corporation. Unplug this product from
the wall outlet before cleaning.
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.
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.
11. Only use attachments/accessories speci-
fied by the manufacturer.
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.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of
time – to prevent damage to this product.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.
15. To prevent risk of fire or electric shock, avoid
overloading wall outlets, extension cords, or
integral convenience receptacles.
16. Do not let objects or liquids enter the product –
as they may touch dangerous voltage points or
short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric
shock.
17. See product enclosure 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:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
•Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different
circuit than the one to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV 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. 
						

							English
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Important Safety Instructions
Antenna grounding
Example of antenna grounding as per National Electrical
Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
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.
18. Use proper power sources – Plug the product into
a proper power source, as described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the product.
19. Avoid power lines – Use extreme care when
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.
20. Ground all outdoor antennas – If an external
antenna or cable system is connected to this
product, be sure the antenna or cable system is
grounded. This will provide some protection against
voltage surges and built-up static charges.
Section 810 of the National Electrical Code ANSI/
NFPA No. 70 provides information with respect to
proper grounding of the mast and supporting
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit, size of grounding conductors,
location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and requirements for the
ground electrode. Refer to the antenna grounding
illustration on this page.
Antenna lead in wire
Antenna discharge unit
(NEC Section 810-20)
Grounding conductors(NEC Section 810-21)
Power service grounding
electrode system
(NEC ART 250, Part H)
Ground clamps Ground clamp
Electric service
equipment
©2001 Bose Corporation,
The Mountain, Framingham, MA
01701-9168 USA
255805 AM Rev.00 JN10494 
						

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English
Contents
Where to find...
Introduction
Thank you ..................................................................................................................... 2
Important Information ................................................................................................... 2
Contents
Where to find…............................................................................................................. 3
For your records ........................................................................................................... 3
Setting Up
Before you begin ........................................................................................................... 4
Unpacking the carton ................................................................................................... 4
Placing your Acoustimass
® 10 Series II speakers to achieve
realistic home theater sound .................................................................................. 5
Selecting the locations for your speakers ..................................................................... 6
Connecting the speakers .............................................................................................. 9
Using Your Acoustimass 10 Series II speaker system
For realistic home theater sound ................................................................................ 13
Maintaining Your Acoustimass 10 Series II speaker system
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 14
Customer service ........................................................................................................ 14
Cleaning the speakers ................................................................................................ 15
Warranty period .......................................................................................................... 15
Accessories ................................................................................................................. 15
Product Information
Technical information .................................................................................................. 16
Bose
® Corporation .................................................................................... inside back cover
For your records
The serial number is located near the connection panel on 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.
DanskDeutschFrançais 
						

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Before you begin
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.
Your stereo VCR or stereo television sends the encoded program material to the surround-
sound receiver, which interprets it by distributing various sounds to particular speakers.
Although the sound mix varies with different types of programs, dialogue is usually sent to
the center speaker while sounds from the left or right side of the picture go to the left or right
front speakers. Ambient sounds and special effects are directed to one or both of the sur-
round (rear) speakers. The unique, easy-to-hide Acoustimass
® module delivers bass for all
channels. At any point in surround-sound performance, you may hear sound from all or just a
few of the speakers.
To select surround-encoded program material, look for any of the terms Surround, Dolby
Surround, and the double-D symbol 
* on tapes and discs, and the word
“surround” preceding a TV broadcast. Your Acoustimass 10 Series II home theater speakers
are also compatible with Dolby Digital* (also known as AC-3) receivers and program material.
The special settings for Dolby Pro-Logic and Dolby Digital receivers are described on
page 13.
You can also enjoy a wide variety of stereo programming that is not surround-encoded with
your Acoustimass 10 Series II speakers.  Simply adjust your receiver accordingly.
Unpacking the carton
•Remove any staples from the opened carton flaps.
•Remove the brown inner cartons containing the five cube speaker arrays and the Acousti-
mass module terminal cover.
•Gently roll the carton over onto its side and then onto its opening.
•Carefully lift the carton from around the Acoustimass module and packing cushions.
•Do not detach the removable cables connected to the Acoustimass module.
•If the speakers or the Acoustimass module appear damaged, do not use them. Repack
everything in the original carton and contact your authorized Bose dealer immediately.
WARNING: The Acoustimass module weighs 28.7 pounds (13 kg).  Use good lifting
practice to avoid injury.
WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags that wrap these speakers
out of the reach of children.
Setting Up
*  Dolby, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic, the double-D symbol, and Dolby Digital (AC-3) are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation. 
						

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Setting Up
Note: Now is a good time to record the serial number of the Acoustimass® module on page 3
of this guide and on your warranty card. It is a good idea to save all packing materials for
possible future use.
Figure 1
What comes in the carton:
•Acoustimass module
•Module end cover
•5
 cube speaker arrays
•20 (6 m) speaker input cable
•20 (6 m) front speaker output
cable
•50 (15 m) rear speaker
output cable
•8 protective rubber feet
•Owner’s guide
• Quick set up guide
Placing your Acoustimass 10 Series II speakers to achieve realistic home
theater sound
The center speaker localizes action and dialogue on your screen. Sound from the center
speaker should seem to come from within the picture.
The left and right front speakers create a sound image wider than the screen that seems
natural to viewers sitting anywhere in the room.
The surround speakers add subtle sounds and special effects that expand the visual image,
bringing the viewer into the center of the action. The surround speakers should be positioned
to allow the sound to reach the viewer from both sides, rather than from directly behind.
You can place the front and center speakers near a TV screen with no picture interference,
because all of the cube speakers are magnetically shielded. You can use any of the five cube
arrays at any location.
The Acoustimass module is not magnetically shielded and should be at least 2 feet (.6 m)
from your screen, but at the same end of the room as the front and center speakers. Bose
®
Acoustimass speaker technology takes advantage of the fact that the source of bass sound is
difficult to locate, so you can hide the Acoustimass module conveniently out of sight. 
						

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Setting Up
A suggested home theater layout that conforms to the guidelines described above is shown
in Figure 2. Twist the pairs of cube speakers so they describe angles that create room-filling
sound patterns.
You may choose to place the speakers differently, to take advantage of the sound character-
istics of different rooms. Your speakers come with sufficient cable lengths to allow you to
have the following distances between components:
•Up to 20 feet (6 m) between the Acoustimass
® module and the receiver.
•Up to 20 feet (6 m) between the Acoustimass module and the front and center cube
speakers.
•Up to 50 feet (15 m) between the Acoustimass module and the surround speakers.
Bose wall brackets and floor stands can extend your placement options. See “Accessories”
on page 15.
Note: Please follow wall bracket instructions carefully.  Proper mounting will insure optimum
performance from your system.
Figure 2
One suggested home theater
layout
Selecting the locations for your speakers
The cables provided with your Acoustimass 10 Series II system vary in length, allowing a
great deal of flexibility in speaker placement. Use the following placement suggestions as
general guidelines. Choose convenient speaker locations that give you good sound.
Left and right front cube speakers
Figure 3 shows suggested ways to achieve an accurate left and right sound image. 
						

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English
Setting Up
•Place the front speakers on either side of your TV, at least 6 feet (2 m), or as much as 15
feet (5 m) apart.
•Place them in line with the center of the screen for the best sound balance (position 1).
You can also place them diagonally as shown below in position 2. Placing them in a line
above the top of the TV is a third choice (position 3).
•The speaker on the left as you face the TV is connected to the LEFT FRONT output jack
on the Acoustimass
® module.
Figure 3
Suggested choices for left and
right front speaker placement
23
1
1
23
1
2
Center cube speaker
Sound from the center speaker should seem to come from within the picture.
Figure 4 shows suggested positions for the center speaker.
•Place the center cube speaker above, below, or on top of your television. If below, be sure
that the cube speaker is not supporting the weight of the television in any way.
•Keep it as close to the vertical center of the screen as possible, for the most accurate
dialogue reproduction (positions 1 or 2).
CAUTION: If you are placing the center speaker on top of the television, use the smaller of
the two sets of four rubber feet provided. This will also provide extra stability on surfaces
such as marble or glass. Additional rubber feet are available, free, by calling the Bose
®
customer service numbers inside the back cover of this manual. Ask for Part Number
178321-04.
Figure 4
Suggested choices for center
 speaker placement 
						

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Setting Up
Surround cube speakers
The left and right rear channel sound should reach the viewer from both sides, rather than
from directly behind. Refer to Figure 5.
•Put one on the left and the other on the right, beside or just to the rear of the home theater
seating area.
•Place them high up, to avoid a direct sound path to the ears of the listeners (position 1).
•If you want the speakers located as shown in positions 2 and 3, make sure they are not
directed at the viewers.
•The rear speaker on the left as you face the TV is connected to the LEFT SURROUND
output jack on the Acoustimass
® module.
Figure 5
Suggested choices for surround
(rear) speaker placement
Acoustimass module
Bose® recommends putting your Acoustimass module at the same end of the room as the
television monitor. To prevent interference, keep the module at least 2 feet (.6 m) from the
television.
•You may hide the Acoustimass module behind or under furniture, but do not block the
opening. Be sure there is at least 2 inches (5 cm) between the opening and any surface.
•If the opening faces the wall it increases the bass; if it faces away it decreases the bass.
For the most bass response, place the opening 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) from a wall or
corner.
•Stand the Acoustimass module vertically or horizontally (Figure 6). To stand it on the
cable connection end, remove the cover by gently pulling it away.
After selecting a place for the Acoustimass module, attach the larger set of four rubber feet
to the bottom surface for additional stability. The feet protect the cable connections and
must be mounted when the Acoustimass module is standing on that end.
1
2
3
1
2
3
Figure 6
Acoustimass module positions