Bose Companion 5 Manual

							COMPANION
®
5
MULTIMEDIA SPEAKER SYSTEM
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)*-.(,$(*.%+/
0/1+2$(,&*1+3+1.1+/# 
						

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English Français Español
SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read this guide
Please take the time to follow the instructions in this guide carefully. It will help you set up and operate your speaker 
system properly. Please save this guide for future reference.
WARNING: 
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose the product to rain or moisture. 
WARNING: 
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and objects filled with liquids, such as vases, 
shall not be placed on the apparatus. As with any electronic products, use care not to spill liquids into any part of the 
system. Liquids can cause a failure and/or a fire hazard.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle alerts the user to the presence of 
uninsulated dangerous voltage within the system enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to 
constitute a risk of electrical 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.
WARNING: 
To prevent electric shock, match the wide blade of the line cord plug to the wide slot of the AC (mains) 
receptacle. Insert fully.
WARNING: 
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
CAUTION: 
 Make no modifications to the system or accessories. Unauthorized alterations may compromise safety, 
regulatory compliance, and system performance.
CAUTION: 
Long-term exposure to loud music may cause hearing damage. It is best to avoid extreme volume when 
using headphones, especially for extended periods.
This product conforms to the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and to the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC. The 
complete Declaration of Conformity can be found on www.bose.com/static/compliance/index.html.
Notes:
• Where the mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, such disconnect device shall remain 
readily operable.
• This product must be used indoors. It is neither designed nor tested for use outdoors, in recreation vehicles, or on 
boats.
©2006 Bose Corporation. No part of this work may be reproduced, modified, distributed or otherwise used without prior written permission.
Bose, C
OMPANION, TrueSpace and Acoustimass are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. All other trademarks referenced herein are 
property of their respective owner’s. 
						

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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 
anywhere 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 radia-
tors, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus 
(including amplifiers) that produce heat. 
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or 
grounding-type plug. A polarized 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, convenience 
receptacles, and the point where they exit 
from the apparatus. 
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the 
manufacturer. 
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, 
bracket or table specified by the manu-
facturer 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 personnel. Ser-
vicing is required when the apparatus has been dam-
aged 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 nor-
mally, 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. For help 
in solving problems, contact Bose Customer Service. Refer 
to the address sheet included with the system.15. To prevent risk of fire or electric shock, avoid over-
loading 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.
18. Use proper power sources – Plug the product into a 
proper power source, as described in the operating instruc-
tions or as marked on the product. 
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 accordance with the instructions, may cause 
harmful interference to radio communications. However, this 
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular 
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 
interference 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 technician 
for help.
This product complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B 
specifications. 
						

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CONTENTS
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English FrançaisEspañol
INTRODUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Your Companion®5 multimedia speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
Setup help   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
SYSTEM SETUP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Unpacking   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
For your records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
Placing your Companion
® 5 system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
Positioning the speakers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
Positioning the Acoustimass
® module  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
Making system connections   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
Windows
® XP audio setup  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
Mac OS
® X audio setup  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
OPERATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
System modes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Controlling the volume  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Adjusting the bass  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
CONNECTING OTHER DEVICES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Connecting headphones   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
Connecting an audio device   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
CARE AND MAINTENANCE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Cleaning your speaker system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
Limited warranty   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
Troubleshooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
Customer service  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Product specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Computer system recommendation   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  174
5
13
15
16 I
NTRODUCTION
SYSTEM SETUP
OPERATION
CONNECTING OTHER DEVICES
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 
						

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INTRODUCTION
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English Français Español
INTRODUCTION
Your Companion!5 multimedia speaker system
Thank you for purchasing a Bose® Companion® 5 multimedia speaker system, which delivers 
the superb acoustic performance needed to enjoy the full audio impact of music, movies, 
games, and other entertainment sources from your computer.
Using TrueSpace
® digital surround signal processing technology, the small satellite speakers 
provide improved spaciousness, bold surround effects, and movie-like realism.
Your system includes:
• Two small, easy-to-place speakers on stands and an Acoustimass
® module.
• A USB cable to connect the system to your computer.
• A control pod that allows you to control system volume and connect headphones or porta-
ble audio players.
Setup help
The setup instructions in this owner’s guide explain how your Companion 5 multimedia 
speaker system easily connects to your computer. 
If you need additional help, please visit http://owners.bose.com/Companion5 for more 
information. 
						

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SYSTEM
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SYSTEM SETUP
Unpacking
Carefully unpack your system. Save all packing materials, which provide the safest way to 
transport your system. 
If any part of the system appears damaged, do not attempt to use it. Notify Bose or your 
authorized Bose
® dealer immediately. For Bose contact information, refer to the address 
sheet included in the carton.
Check to be sure your system includes the parts shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
Carton contents
Acoustimass® module Left speaker
Right speaker
Control pod
USB cable
*The appropriate power cord for your region is included.Power cord*
Rubber feet for 
Acoustimass module
WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep plastic bags out of the reach of children.
For your records
Now is a good time to record the serial number of your new Companion® 5 system 
here and on your product registration card. The serial number is located on the rear 
of the Acoustimass module.
Serial number:  ____________________________________
Purchase date: ____________________________________
We suggest you keep your sales receipt and a copy of your product registration 
card together with this owner’s guide. 
						

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SYSTEM
 SETUP
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YSTEM SETUP
English Français Español
Placing your Companion® 5 system
For optimal performance, use the following guidelines to choose locations and positions for 
the Acoustimass® module, speakers, and the control pod. Refer to Figure 2, which shows a 
typical system setup.
Figure 2
Typical system setup
24 in (61 cm)
maximum
Acoustimass module Left (L) speaker
Right (R) speaker
Control pod
Positioning the speakers
Proper positioning of the speakers will allow you to experience the audio surround effects 
that your Companion® 5 multimedia speaker system is designed to deliver.
• Place the left and right speaker to the left and right of your computer monitor at about an 
arm’s length away from where you are seated (Figure 2). The bead on each speaker cord is 
marked L (left) or R (right) to identify left/right placement.
• For optimum performance, position each speaker the same distance from you, and no 
more than 24 inches (61 cm) apart.
• Aim both speakers straight ahead. Do not angle them inward or outward.
• Keep the speakers away from adjacent large objects or cabinet surfaces. For example, if 
your computer desk includes a hutch, keep the outside edge of each speaker at least six 
inches away from any adjacent surface. Avoid placing the speakers inside cubby holes. 
						

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 SETUP
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YSTEM SETUP
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Positioning the Acoustimass® module
The Acoustimass® module is designed to be the unseen part of the speaker system. For 
example, you can place it under your computer table or desk.
• Put one rubber foot on each corner of the !
bottom panel of the module.
• Stand the module on its feet on a flat surface.
•DO NOT BLOCK the front grille of the module.
•DO NOT lay the module on its side or stand it 
upside down.
•DO NOT put any objects or equipment behind 
it or beside it that may block the ventilation 
openings at the rear of the module. Adequate 
ventilation is necessary to prevent the module 
from overheating.
• Place the module at least 6 inches (15 cm) 
away from the computer and computer monitor 
to prevent the module from interfering with your 
computer system.
• Keep the module away from heat sources such as radiators, baseboards, or quartz 
heaters.
• Make sure the power cord can reach an AC (mains) outlet and the USB cable can reach 
the USB connection on your computer.
CAUTION: 
Do not place computer monitors, floppy disks, hard drives, or other magnetic media 
within 6 inches (15 cm) of the Acoustimass module. The magnetic field produced by this module 
can erase magnetic media and interfere with the monitor. 
						

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SYSTEM
 SETUP
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YSTEM SETUP
English Français Español
Making system connections
The following steps and Figure 3 tell you how to make the system connections.
Before you start:
• Please read the entire setup procedure.
• Make sure your computer is on and the operating system is running.
•IMPORTANT: Close all other software applications.
1.Insert the red plug on the right (R) speaker cable into the R jack and insert the white plug 
on the left (L) speaker cable into the L jack. The R and L marks on the plugs must face up 
for each plug to fit correctly into its respective jack.
2.Plug the control pod cable into the Control Pod jack.
3.Plug one end of the power cord into the AC Input jack on the rear panel of the Acousti-
mass
® module. Plug the other end into an AC (mains) outlet.
4.Plug the appropriate end of the USB cable (supplied) into the To Computer jack on the 
Acoustimass module. Plug the other end into a USB jack on your computer.
IMPORTANT: For optimum performance, connect the USB cable directly to a 
USB jack on your computer rather than connecting through a USB hub.
5. For Windows
® XP computers, go to “Windows® XP audio setup” on page 9.
For Mac OS® X computers, go to “Mac OS® X audio setup” on page 11.
Note:
Make sure all cable plugs are fully inserted into their respective jacks.
Figure 3
Connection overview
Right(R) speaker
Left (L) speaker
Control
pod Computer USB Acoustimass module rear panel
32
1
4
Note:
The Companion® 5 system does not have an AC power switch. The system turns on in 
Standby mode when you plug in the power cord. See “System modes” on page 13.
Note:
Bose recommends using a safety agency-approved surge protector on all electronic 
equipment. Voltage variations and spikes can damage electronic components in any system. 
A quality suppressor can eliminate the vast majority of failures attributed to surges and may be 
purchased at electronics stores.