Bose Acoustimass 5 Series III speaker system Sold from 1998 to present User Manual

							The Bose® Acoustimass® 5 Series III Speaker System
Owner’s Guide
October 22, 2001
AM196451_05_V.pdf 
						

							2 October 23, 2001 AM196451_05_V.pdf
English
Introduction
Thank you
We appreciate your choice of the Bose® Acoustimass® 5 Series III speaker system. It will
provide you with many years of listening enjoyment. Your system features new third genera-
tion Acoustimass cube speaker arrays, a product of the continuous research and develop-
ment 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 5 Series III 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.
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
® 5 Series III  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
1 May 1998
Declaration
of Conformity
Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8 Anton Schalkamp
1135 GE Edam, The Netherlands General Manager, Bose Europe
Manufacturer’s authorized EU representative 
						

							AM196451_05_V.pdf October 23, 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 23, 2001 AM196451_05_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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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
1. Unpacking the carton ............................................................................................... 4
2. Selecting the locations for your Acoustimass
® system components ........................ 5
3. Examining the cables and connections .................................................................... 5
4. Connecting the cube arrays to the Acoustimass module ......................................... 6
5. Connecting the Acoustimass 5 Series III system to your receiver ........................... 7
Fine Tuning Your Acoustimass 5 Series III Speaker System
Checking your speaker system .................................................................................... 8
Positioning your speaker system to get the best sound .............................................. 8
Cube considerations ........................................................................................... 8
Acoustimass module considerations .................................................................. 9
Using your speaker system to its best advantage ...................................................... 10
Automatic System Protection ..................................................................................... 10
Receiver/amplifier considerations ............................................................................... 10
Maintaining Your Acoustimass 5 Series III Speaker System
Maintaining your speaker system ............................................................................... 11
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 11
Product Information
Technical information .................................................................................................. 12
Available Accessories ................................................................................................. 12
Warranty period .......................................................................................................... 12
Customer Service ....................................................................................................... 12
Bose
® Corporation .................................................................................... inside back cover
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.
Dansk
EspañolFrançais
Italiano Deutsch
Nederlands
Svenska 
						

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English
Before you begin
The Bose® Acoustimass® 5 Series III speaker system offers many advantages over conven-
tional speakers. For one, the system adjusts to deliver the best combination of direct and
reflected sound for your listening environment and musical taste. And this Virtually Invisible
®
speaker system requires very little space to deliver a lifelike musical performance formerly
associated with room-dominating loudspeakers.
Sections 1 – 5 give you step-by-step instructions on how to set up and connect the system
to your components, so you can begin enjoying it as soon as possible. The remaining sec-
tions provide more detailed information on arranging your system for the best possible
performance.
1. Unpacking the carton
Unpack your system and familiarize yourself with the parts identified in Figure 1. If any part of
the product appears damaged, do not attempt to use the system. Repack it in the original
carton and notify Bose or your authorized Bose dealer immediately.
•Remove any staples from the opened carton flaps.
•Remove the inner cartons containing the two cube speaker arrays.
•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.
WARNING: The Acoustimass module weighs 18.8 pounds (8.5 kg). Use good lifting
practice to avoid injury.
WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags out of the reach of
children.
Note: Now is a good time to record the serial number of these speakers 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:
•2 Cube arrays
•1 Acoustimass module
•4 Wires
•4 Adhesive-backed rubber
feet
•Owner’s guide
•Quick set up guide
Setting Up 
						

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English
Setting Up
2. Selecting the locations for your Acoustimass® system components
1. You can place the Acoustimass module almost anywhere in your listening room, in either
a vertical or horizontal position (Figure 2). It can be hidden under a bed or table or even
behind a sofa, as long as you remember not to block the round opening in the end of the
unit. Allow at least 2 inches (5 cm) of space between that end and any surface. After
selecting a place for the Acoustimass module, attach the four rubber feet to the bottom
surface for additional stability. If you choose to stand the module on its connection end,
the feet must be attached to protect the wire connections.
CAUTION:  The Acoustimass module is not magnetically shielded and should be kept at
least two feet (.6 m) from a television.
Figure 2
Acoustimass module positions
2. Next, select the positions for the left and right cube arrays. Remember that wires from the
arrays connect to the Acoustimass module, so you should locate the cube arrays close
enough to the module to enable the wires to reach it. The cube arrays are magnetically
shielded, so they may be placed near a television.
Note: Bose® wall brackets and floor stands can increase your placement options. See page
12 for details and ordering information.
Note: While the wires provided are adequate for most installations, you may increase the
distance between the cube arrays and the Acoustimass module by splicing in additional
wire. If you do so, use similar gauge or thicker wire, and make sure you maintain the correct
phase (+ to + and – to –), and properly connect the wires.
3. Examining the cables and connections
Locate the four identical pairs of wires packed with the system.
•Two wire pairs connect your cube arrays to the Acoustimass module.
•The other two wire pairs connect the Acoustimass module to your receiver or amplifier.
•Examine the ends of the wires. The marked wire (with a red, striped, or printed marker)
connects to the positive (+) terminal at each connection.
•The cube arrays and the Acoustimass module have red positive (+) connections.
–
R+–L+O
U
T
P
U
T
STO CUBE SPEAKERS–R+ – L+I
N
P
U
T
SFROM AMP OR RECEIVER
–
R+–R+–
L+OUTPUTSTO CUBE SPEAKERS–L+INPUTSFROM AMP OR RECEIVER 
						

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Setting Up
4. Connecting the cube arrays to the Acoustimass® module
Select one pair of wires, and locate the terminal tab on the rear of the left cube array.
1. Just press the terminal tab on the back of the speaker to insert the marked wire into the
red (+) terminal and the plain wire into the black (–) terminal (Figure 3).
2. Release the terminal tab and both wires will be held securely.
3. Repeat this process with the other pair of wires and the right cube array.
Figure 3
Connecting a cube array
CAUTION: Do not connect your amplifier or receiver directly to the cube arrays. Cube
arrays must be connected directly to the Acoustimass module or damage will result.
4. Next, locate the terminals marked OUTPUTS TO CUBE SPEAKERS on the rear of the
Acoustimass module (Figure 4).
5. Connect the other ends of the wires from the left cube array to the pair of terminals
marked L. Make sure that the marked wire is connected to the positive (+) and the plain
wire is connected to the negative (–) terminal.
6. Now, repeat step 5 for the right cube array, connecting its wires to the terminals marked R.
Figure 4
Connecting cube arrays to the
Acoustimass module
Marked wire
to red terminal
From left cube speaker
From right cube speaker
To  receiver or amplifier 
						

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English5. Connecting the Acoustimass® 5 Series III system to your receiver
1. Select one of the remaining two pairs of wires, and locate the left channel terminals on the
Acoustimass module marked INPUTS FROM AMP OR RECEIVER. Depress the red,
positive (+) tab, insert the marked wire and release the tab. Repeat the process for the
black, negative (–) tab and the plain wire (Figure 5).
2. Then follow the same procedure for the right channel, using the last pair of wires.
Figure 5
Connecting the Acoustimass
module to your receiver
Setting Up
R
L
3. Disconnect your receiver or amplifier from the AC power (mains) outlet.
4. Locate the speaker outputs on your receiver. Connect the other ends of the wire from the
left channel of the Acoustimass module to the terminals marked L or LEFT. Make sure that
the marked wire is connected to the positive (+) and the plain wire is connected to the
negative (–) terminal.
5. Repeat these last two steps for the right channel.
6. Your set-up is complete. Plug in your receiver, turn the system on, and enjoy your Acousti-
mass 5 Series III speakers!
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. 
						

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Checking your speaker system
As you begin listening to your Acoustimass 5 Series III speaker system, the following test will
help you determine that it is working properly:
A.Turn the balance control on your receiver or amplifier all the way to the left. If you have
connected the cube arrays properly, you will hear the music from the left cube array, but
not the right one. You may notice a very faint sound issuing from the right cube array,
which is normal.
B.Now, turn the balance control all the way to the right. If your cube arrays are connected
properly, this time you will hear music only from the right one. You may also detect a very
faint sound from the other cube array.
C.Return the balance control to the center position. Play a musical selection with deep
bass. Now turn the balance control all the way to the left and listen, and then turn the
balance all the way to the right and listen. If the system is connected properly, the center
position should exhibit the same or greater bass response than either the left-only or
right-only positions. If it exhibits less, check to make sure that your components are
connected as described on pages 6 and 7.
D.Return the balance control to the center position.
If your system does not appear to be working properly, refer to the Troubleshooting section
on page 11.
Positioning your speaker system to get the best sound
Your Acoustimass 5 Series III speaker system may be used in a variety of ways. Here are
some guidelines.
Cube considerations
A. In average-sized listening rooms, the best stereo effects result when the left and right
cube arrays are spaced 6 to 12 feet apart (1.8 – 3.6 m). However, you can still achieve
excellent results with separation as little as 3 feet (1 m) or as great as 15 feet (4.5 m).
B.The cube arrays are magnetically shielded for use with video systems and may be placed
near your television without adversely affecting picture quality. However, the Acoustimass
module is not shielded and should be kept at least 2 feet (.6 m) from a television.
C.Though there is no “correct” position for the cube arrays or the angle between them, the
most lifelike effect will be achieved by providing a balance of direct and reflected sound.
Experiment with the positions of the cubes for the results you prefer. Figure 6 shows
some typical cube arrangements.
D.You may use the cube arrays with both cubes facing forward. This eliminates the benefits
of direct and reflected sound, but may be appropriate for very small listening areas.
Fine Tuning Your Acoustimass® 5 Series III Speaker System