Bose Acoustimass 3 Series IV speaker system Sold from 2000 to present User Manual

							The Bose® Acoustimass® 3 Series IV Speaker System
Owner’s Guide
October 22, 2001
AM252171_02_V.pdf 
						

							2 October 22, 2001                          AM252171_02_V.pdf
Safety Information
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
® 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., Nic Merks
Nijverheidstraat 8, 1135 GE Edam, Vice President, Bose Europe
The Netherlands Manufacturer’s authorized EU representative
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. 
						

							AM252171_02_V.pdf October 22, 2001 a
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
b October 22, 2001                          AM252171_02_V.pdf
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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Contents
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.
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 
						

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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
Setting Up Your Acoustimass® 3 Speaker System
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.
Two cube speakersAcoustimass module
Four (4) speaker cables, 20 feet longFour (4) adhesive-backed
rubber feet 
						

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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
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).
Setting Up Your Acoustimass® 3 Speaker System
–R+–L+OUTPUTST
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A
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–R+ – L +INPUTSF
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A
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–R+–R+–L+O
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SFROM AMP OR RECEIVER 
						

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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
Setting Up Your Acoustimass® 3 Speaker System
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. 
						

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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
Setting Up Your Acoustimass® 3 Speaker System
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.
–R+–L+OUTPUTST
O
 C
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P
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A
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–R+–L+INPUTSF
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 A
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IV
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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.
Operating Your Acoustimass® Speaker System