Bose Acoustimass 15 home theatre speaker system Sold from August 1998 to 2006 User Manual

							    AM194452_06_V.pdf October 22, 2001 9
Setting Up
Check the connections
Check all connections from the receiver to the Powered Acoustimass module and from the
module to the cube arrays (Figure 6). Make sure all cube arrays are connected to the proper
terminals according to their position in your room. Check that all wires are connected 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.
Figure 6
Completed connections
Plug in the Powered Acoustimass Module
When you have checked all connections, plug in the power cord of the Powered Acousti-
mass module. Be sure to turn the power switch on (Figure 7). It is not necessary to turn the
module off after each use. The speaker system turns on and off automatically as it receives a
signal from the receiver. Turn the system off at the receiver.
Figure 7
Turn on the Powered Acousti-
mass module
SURROUND SPEAKERSR CENTERFRONT SPEAKERSR
LL REAR
FRONT SPEAKE
R
3+ RIGHT +3
LFE/SUBWOOFER
OUT 
						

							10 October 22, 2001                  AM194452_06_V.pdf
Using Your  Acoustimass® 15 Speakers
For realistic home theater sound
LFE level control
The LFE level control on your Powered Acoustimass module increases or decreases the
relative level of low frequency effects on movie soundtracks. Use it to regulate the presence
of these underlying deep bass sounds. You may find it unnecessary to adjust this control. The
factory, or detent setting is appropriate for a majority of listening situations.
Bass control
The Bass control on your Powered Acoustimass module can help you customize your
listening room. Turning the control to the right will add bass to the sound in rooms that might
be characterized as too shrill. Turning down the control will “brighten” the listening room. As
with the LFE level control, you may find the factory setting to be completely appropriate for
your listening room.
Setting your Dolby Pro-Logic receiver
For video applications, we recommend the surround-sound center mode setting of your
receiver as WIDE (Figure 8). Instructions for this process vary, depending on the brand and
model of receiver you are using. Follow your receiver owner’s guide for testing and adjusting
the balance of each speaker.
Figure 8
A Dolby Pro-Logic receiver with
the center mode set to WIDE
Setting your Dolby Digital receiver
Your Acoustimass 15 speakers are fully compatible with the output from Dolby Digital receiv-
ers. Integrated Signal Processing assures full bass reproduction for all channels regardless of
receiver settings. However, the table below suggests a set of recommended receiver settings.
The cube speakers are full-range, or LARGE speakers on the Digital screen menu. Turn the
subwoofer and the LFE (low frequency effects) ON. Set the crossover to the lowest number
possible, typically 80 Hz.
   Speaker                      Setting at receiver
Left and Right Front Large
Center Large
Left and Right Surround Large
Subwoofer ON
LFE (low frequency effects) ON (at maximum setting)
Note: The Acoustimass 15 speaker system incorporates 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. 
						

							    AM194452_06_V.pdf October 22, 2001 11
Be sure to get the Dolby Digital signal
To be sure that the Dolby Digital or other digital signal from your DVD player reaches your
receiver, connect its digital sound output to the digital sound input on your receiver. You must
use a coaxial cable, with RCA connectors on each end, or an optical (Toslink) cable that has
unique, “square” cable ends. See Figure 9. Be sure to connect the digital sound jacks; these
are in addition to the traditional analog connections that carry the Dolby Pro-Logic signal.
Many DVD players have a switch on the back which you must place in the digital position. If
you cannot find such a switch, there may be an on screen menu where you must select digital
audio.
You must also be sure to select Dolby Digital at your receiver’s front panel or remote control.
For example, when playing a movie on a DVD, you must select a video output, in this case
DVD, and an audio output, Dolby Digital.  You may also have to set up the digital signal using
the receiver’s front panel or on-screen menu. Please consult your receiver owner’s manual for
specific details.
Figure 9
Use either the optical or coaxial
digital sound cables and
connections for Dolby Digital
sound.
SURROUND SPEAKERSR CENTERFRONT SPEAKERSR
LL REAR
AC-3
DIGITAL
INPLAY IN
(OPTICAL)PLAY IN
(COAXIAL)
AC-3
DIGITAL
INPLAY IN
(OPTICAL)PLAY IN
(COAXIAL)
Using Your  Acoustimass® 15 Speakers 
						

							12 October 22, 2001                  AM194452_06_V.pdf
Troubleshooting
If you have a problem with your Acoustimass 15 speakers, turn off your sound source and try
the solutions below. If you still have a problem, contact your Bose® dealer to arrange for
service. To contact Bose directly, refer to the inside back cover of this guide.
Problem What to do
System does not function at all•Make sure the receiver and Powered Acoustimass module are plugged
into an operating AC wall outlet and that the units are turned on.
•Be sure to select a source at the receiver (video, CD, DVD, tuner).
No sound•Check the speaker connections.
•Turn the Powered Acoustimass module ON.
•For digital sound, be sure a coaxial or optical cable connects the digital
output of the DVD player with the digital input on your receiver.
•Be sure the audio source selected is correct.  For example: select DVD
audio on your receiver and player for DVD sound.
•Disconnect any headphones.
•Increase the volume.
No sound from cube arrays•Be sure the Powered Acoustimass module is plugged in and turned on.
Sound is distorted•Make sure speaker wire is not damaged.
•Reduce the volume of external components connected to the receiver.
No bass•Make sure the speaker connections at the receiver or amplifier are correct
(+ to + and – to –).
Not enough or too much bass•Move the Powered Acoustimass module closer to a wall or corner to
increase bass. Move it farther away from a wall or corner to decrease bass.
•Adjust the LFE level control.
No surround-sound•Be sure your receiver is processing a signal from a Hi-Fi VCR, stereo TV,
laserdisc, or DVD player, or other surround-sound source. If you are using
the Dolby Pro-Logic mode, check that surround-sound is turned ON.  If
you are using Digital programming, verify that the settings are correct at the
receiver. Be sure the source material (DVD, laser disc, or broadcast pro-
gramming) is Dolby Digital encoded.
Customer service
For additional help in solving problems, contact Bose customer service. See the inside back
cover for Bose customer service offices and phone numbers.
Cleaning the speakers
The cabinets of your Acoustimass 15 speaker system may be cleaned with a soft damp 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.
Maintaining Your  Acoustimass® 15 Speakers 
						

							    AM194452_06_V.pdf October 22, 2001 13
Product Information
Technical information
Powered Acoustimass® module power rating
USA/Canada: 120V ~ 50/60 Hz 260W
Europe/Australia: 220-240V  ~ 50/60 Hz 260W
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
Speaker driver complement
Cube speaker arrays: two 2.50-inch (6.35 cm) TwiddlerTM speakers
Powered Acoustimass module: two 5.50-inch (14 cm) woofers
Connectivity
Compatible with A/V receivers and amplifiers rated from 10 to 200 watts per channel,
rated from 4 to 8 ohms
Finish
Cube arrays: Black or Arctic White finish
Powered Acoustimass module: Scratch-resistant Black or Arctic White textured finish
Size/Weight
Cube speaker arrays: 6.2H x 3.1W x 4.0D (15.7 cm x 7.8 cm x 10.2 cm)
2.4 lb (1.1 kg)
Powered Acoustimass module: 14.0H x 23.3W x 7.5D (35.5 cm x 19.0 cm x 59.0 cm)
33 lb (15 kg)
Packed system: 53 lb (24 kg)
Warranty period
Bose® Acoustimass 15 speakers are covered by a limited five-year transferable warranty. The
built-in amplifier and electronic components are covered by a limited one-year 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
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:
PN194460-001 (black), 
PN194460-002 (white)
Module input 20 foot (6.1 m) extension cable: PN198221-001 (black), PN198221-002 (white) 
						

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							© 2000 Bose Corporation, The Mountain,
Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
194452 AM Rev. 06 JN98831