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The Bose Free Space 51 Speakers
Owner’s Guide
AM268612_00 _V.pdf • January 10, 2003
Contents
Where to find...
Setting Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before you begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unpacking the carton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Required tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decide if you need a professional installer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting the location for your speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Choosing the speaker cord (not provided) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making the connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing the speaker cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the speaker cord to the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the speaker cord to the receiver/amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Testing the connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranty period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning your speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting the speaker cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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AM268612_00 _V.pdf • January 10, 2003
Setting Up
Before you begin
Thank you for purchasing your Bose® Free Space® 51 speakers. These high-performance
outdoor speakers are engineered to provide sound quality far beyond that of most outdoor
speakers. The speakers are also designed for permanent outdoor installation, and therefore
can withstand nature’s elements – so you can be confident they will perform for years to
come (see “Environmental capabilities”, page 9).
Unpacking the carton
Carefully unpack your Free Space 51 speakers and save all packing materials for possible
future use. Check that your system contains all parts identified in Figure 1. Do not attempt to
use your speakers if any components are missing or appear damaged. Instead, notify Bose
Corporation or your authorized Bose dealer immediately.
Note: Now is a good time to record the serial numbers located on the bottom of each Free
Space 51 speaker. Write both numbers on your warranty card and in the space provided on
page 2 of this owner’s guide.
WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep plastic bags out of the reach of children.
Figure 1
Package contents:
• 2 Free Space 51
speakers
• 4 wire nuts
Required tools
Optional tools
You need the following items to complete this installation:
• Speaker cord (see “Choosing the speaker cord” on page 5)
• wire strippers
• Shovel or spade
• Phillips-head screwdriver (#2)
Decide if you need a professional installer
If you have any doubts about using these tools, or handling or cutting cord, now is a good
time to contact a professional installer. For customers who will install the speakers them-
selves, please follow the instructions provided in this owner’s guide.
CAUTION: Please read this owner’s guide completely before beginning the installation.
Failure to follow the instructions in this guide voids all warranties on your speakers. If you are
unsure of your ability to complete this process, consult a professional installer.
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AM268612_00 _V.pdf • January 10, 2003
Setting Up
Selecting the location for your speakers
Prior to installation, carefully select locations for your Free Space® 51 speakers. The
speakers can be installed on almost any surface such as wood, concrete, or the ground.
When choosing a location, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
Figure 2
Speaker placement for
optimal coverage
Primary Coverage Area
• Select a level surface for your speakers. This will prevent movement or vibration during use.
• Place your speakers where the speaker cord cannot be tripped over, pinched, or pulled.
• Do not place your speakers in an area where water tends to collect.
• Do not bury your Free Space 51 speakers deeper than 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) (Figure 3a).
• Use wood screws to fasten the speaker to a wood surface, such as a deck, if desired
(Figure 3b).
Figure 3
(b) deck
(a) ground
1/2"
(1.3 cm)
Free Space 51 installation
Note: If you want to connect two or more speakers to an Acoustimass® module or to other speakers,
please contact BoseCustomer Service or a professional installer for assistance.
Choosing the speaker cord (not provided)
WARNING: Before running speaker cord through a wall or under ground, check your local
building code requirements, or contact an electrical installer.
• Use the proper gauge (thickness) of speaker cord. See “Cord recommendations” under
“Technical Information” on page 9 for proper gauge, or check with your authorized Bose®
dealer.
• If your installation requires the cord to be buried in the ground, use direct-burial rated cable
or run the cord through a PVC piping channel. Always use moisture-resistant speaker cord.
• Place speakers and run cord before digging holes or burying cord.
• If you think your speaker cord may be exposed to salt water or water containing chemicals
such as chlorine or fertilizers, you may use a silicone caulking material as added protection
for the speaker connections.
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AM268612_00 _V.pdf • January 10, 2003
Setting Up
Making the connections
WARNING: Before making any connections, turn off your receiver or amplifier and unplug it
from the AC power (mains) outlet.
Preparing the speaker cord
Speaker cord consists of two insulated wires. Usually one is ribbed or red (+), and the other
plain or black (–). Direct-burial cable has a protective outer jacket around the wires.
Consider the following guidelines before cutting any cords:
• Measure the length of cord needed to connect each speaker to your receiver/amplifier
• Strip the outer jacket back 2". Strip the inner insulation on both wires back 1
(Figure 4).
/
2" (1.3 cm)
Figure 4
2 inches (5.0 cm)
Outer jacket
Stripping the wires
1/2 inch (1.3 cm)
Connecting the speaker cord to the speakers
1. Connect the positive (ribbed or red) speaker wire to the positive (red) wire from the
speaker cable. Twist the stripped wires together.
2. Secure the wire nuts with a twisting motion. If you prefer to reinforce the wire nuts, use
electrical tape (Figure 5).
Figure 5
Reinforcing the wire nuts
3. Connect the negative (plain or black) wire to the negative (black) wire from the speaker
cable, as in steps 1 and 2 above.
Connecting the speaker cord to the receiver/amplifier
1. Connect the speakers on the left side of the listening area to the left channel of your
receiver/amplifier (Figure 6).
a. Attach the positive (ribbed) wire to the red (+) terminal.
b. Attach the negative (plain) wire to the black (–) terminal.
2. Connect the speaker on the right side of the listening area to the right channel of your
receiver or amplifier, as above.
Note: If your Free Space® 51 speakers are being connected to your receiver/amplifier as a
secondary set of speakers, be sure to make the appropriate connections to the “B” channel.
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AM268612_00 _V.pdf • January 10, 2003
Setting Up
Figure 6
Connecting cord to receiver
Checking the connections
Check the speaker connections carefully. Make sure no loose strands of wire touch across
terminals. This could create short circuits and damage an amplifier or receiver.
Tighten any loose connections before you plug in the receiver/amplifier.
Testing the connections
To make sure your speakers operate correctly, follow these steps:
1. Center the balance control on your receiver/amplifier.
2. Set the stereo/mono control to MONO.
3. Play some passages of music containing deep bass through the speakers.
The sound should seem to come from a point between the two speakers. The bass should be
full and natural. If not, the connections may be reversed, causing the speakers to play out of
phase. To correct the problem, make sure all the cords are connected positive to positive (+
to +) and negative to negative (– to –).
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AM268612_00 _V.pdf • January 10, 2003
Reference
Troubleshooting
Problem
What to do
No sound
• Make sure the receiver is plugged in and turned on.
• Check to be sure the AC power (mains) outlet is working.
• Disconnect any headphones plugged into the headphone jack.
• Make sure the receiver is not set to MUTE.
• Refer to the owner’s guide that came with your receiver.
• Check connections to both the speakers and the receiver. Refer to “Making the
connections” on page 6. Correct any connection errors.
• If your Free Space® 51 speakers are connected as a second set of speakers to
your receiver/amplifier, check that the connections have been made to the “B”
terminals, and that the “B” speakers are selected to play.
No sound from one speaker
• Check that the balance control on your receiver/amplifier is centered.
• Check the cord connecting the receiver/amplifier to the silent speaker.
• Disconnect the working speaker from the receiver. Switch the cord of the silent
speaker from its original receiver terminals to the other set of terminals (that the
working speaker was originally attached to). If the speaker now works, the
problem is in your receiver. If the speaker does not work, continue below:
Remove the cord from the working speaker and connect it to the silent speaker
and either set of receiver terminals. If the speaker now works, the problem is in
the original speaker cord. If the speaker does not work, the problem is in the
speaker.
One speaker sounds distorted
Not enough bass or treble
• Follow the same procedure for the problem of “No sound from one speaker,” as
outlined above.
• Check the tonal balance setting on your receiver/amplifier.
• Adjust the bass and treble controls on the receiver.
• Check the connections to make sure they are correctly in phase
(+ to + and – to –). Refer to “Make the connections” on page 6.
Customer service
For additional help in solving problems, contact Bose® Customer Service. See the list of
service centers and phone numbers enclosed in the shipping carton. Bose Corporation will
make every effort to correct problems within the terms of your warranty.
Warranty period
Free Space 51 speakers are covered by a limited five-year transferable warranty. Details of
coverage are on the warranty card that came with your speakers. Please fill out the informa-
tion section, detach, and mail it to Bose.
Cleaning your speakers
Use a cloth dampened in mild detergent and water to remove dust or dirt from the outside of
your Free Space 51 speakers. Or use a hose to rinse them thoroughly with fresh water. Do not
use enough pressure to force water into the drivers or the acoustic ports.
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AM268612_00 _V.pdf • January 10, 2003
Reference
Protecting the speaker cord
The bare ends of the speaker cord can be affected by exposure to the elements. This is espe-
cially true of salt water or water containing chemicals such as chlorine or fertilizer. You may
use a silicone caulking material, such as RTV adhesive, to protect the connections. It is com-
monly available at hardware stores. If you do use caulking, apply it only after the cords are
connected. Check the connections annually, and reapply as needed.
Technical Information
Protective features
• Environmentally resistant hardware
Driver complement
• One 4.5" (11.4 cm) environmental driver per speaker
Color
• Green
Dimensions
• 141
/
2" (36.8 cm) diameter, 15" (38.1 cm) height
Weight
• 12 lb (5.4 kg) each
Compatibility
• Compatible with amplifiers or receivers rated 4 to 8 ohms
• 50W IEC continuous power-handling compatible with receivers and amplifiers rated
10-100W
Environmental capabilities
Designed to withstand:
• Salt fog, sun, high humidity (rain and snow)
• Temperature extremes (-40°F to 158°F; -40°C to 70°C)
• Permanent outdoor installation
Cord recommendations
Based on maximum frequency response deviation of 0.5 dB
Gauge
Length
18 (0.82 mm2)
16 (1.3 mm2)
14 (2.1 mm2)
12 (3.3 mm2)
20 ft (6 m) maximum
30 ft (9 m) maximum
50 ft (15 m) maximum
80 ft (24 m) maximum
Use direct-burial cable for outdoor installations.
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AM268612_00 _V.pdf • January 10, 2003
©2003 Bose Corporation, The Mountain,
Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
268612 AM Rev.00 JN30335
AM268612_00 _V.pdf • January 10, 2003
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