Bose Speaker System 15 User Manual

The Bose® Acoustimass® 15 Series II and Acoustimass 16  
Home Entertainment Speaker Systems  
August 13 , 2002  
AM264924_00_V.pdf  
Bose Corporation  
 
Contents  
Where to find…  
Powered Acoustimass® module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
7
3
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
Setting Up  
Before you begin  
We appreciate your choice of the Bose® Acoustimass® 15 series II or Acoustimass 16 home  
entertainment speaker system.  
Bose Virtually Invisible® speaker technology allows you to enjoy lifelike home performances  
from the very latest surround-sound encoded movies, CDs, and television shows, without a  
room full of speakers. The cube speaker arrays, along with the powered Acoustimass mod-  
ule, reproduce the full-spectrum of sound from multi-channel digital programming. Integrated  
Signal Processing assures full bass performance from all channels at all listening levels,  
regardless of your receiver settings.  
Your stereo VCR, stereo television, or DVD player sends the encoded program material to the  
surround-sound receiver, which interprets and distributes the information to the powered  
Acoustimass module. The module delivers the bass for all channels and sends appropriate  
sounds to each cube speaker array. The sound mix varies with different program types: dia-  
logue is usually sent to the center cube speaker array, a visual soundstage is created by the  
left and right front cube speaker arrays, and you feel as if you are in the center of the action  
because sounds and special effects are directed to the rear cube speaker arrays. At any point  
in a surround-sound performance, you may hear sound from one, a few, or all of the cube  
speaker arrays.  
To select surround-encoded program material, look for the terms Surround, Dolby Surround,  
the double-D symbol 3, Dolby Digital 1, other digital formats, or the word sur-  
roundpreceding a TV broadcast. Your system is compatible with home theater receivers.  
You can also enjoy a wide variety of stereo programming that is not surround-encoded.  
Unpacking the carton  
WARNING: The powered Acoustimass module weighs 33 pounds (15 kg). Use good lifting  
practice to avoid injury.  
WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags that wrap these speakers  
out of the reach of children.  
Note: This product is not to be powered by any DC-to-AC inverters that may be found in  
automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats, ships, or other similar situations.  
1. Remove the brown inner carton containing the cube speaker arrays.  
2. Gently roll the carton over onto its side.  
3. Slowly pull the Acoustimass module from the carton.  
4. Stand the module up.  
If the cube speaker arrays or the module appear damaged, do not use them. Repack every-  
thing in the original carton and contact your authorized Bose dealer immediately. Or, to con-  
tact Bose directly, see the list of ofces and phone numbers enclosed with your system.  
Note: Now is a good time to record the serial number of these speakers on page 2 of this  
guide and on your warranty card. Please save all packing materials for possible future use.  
4
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
     
Setting Up  
Figure 1  
Carton contents  
20-ft (6.1m) system input cable  
Three 20-ft (6.1m) front speaker cables  
Rubber feet for front center  
Powered Acoustimass®  
module  
cube speaker array  
With Acoustimass 15 Series II system  
With Acoustimass 16 system  
Six cube speaker arrays  
Five cube speaker arrays  
Two 50-ft (15.2m) rear speaker cables  
Three 50-ft (15.2m) rear speaker cables  
Power cord (1)  
Europe UK/Singapore  
USA/Canada  
Australia  
Placing your speakers to achieve realistic home theater sound  
differently to take advantage of the sound characteristics of different rooms. Here are some  
suggested guidelines for placing your speaker system:  
The cube speaker arrays are identical and can be used for any channel.  
All cube speaker arrays are magnetically shielded to prevent interference with a TV picture.  
The top and bottom sections of the cube speaker arrays can be rotated to create  
room-lling sound patterns (Figure 3).  
Bose® wall brackets and oor stands can extend your placement options. See Accesso-  
ensure optimum performance and safety from your system.  
Note: The Acoustimass 15 Series II may be upgraded by adding a center rear cube speaker  
5
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
   
Setting Up  
For Acoustimass® 15 Series II  
For Acoustimass 16  
Figure 2  
Suggested home theater  
layouts  
- 15'  
(2 - 5m)  
- 15'  
(2 - 5m)  
'
'
6
6
RR  
RR  
C
R
C
R
CR  
L
L
LR  
LR  
2'+  
2'+  
(0.6m+)  
(0.6m+)  
CAUTION: To prevent interference, keep the Acoustimass module at least 2 feet (.6m) from  
your TV set.  
For Acoustimass 15 Series II  
For Acoustimass 16  
Figure 3  
Sound patterns  
Front center cube speaker array  
The front center cube speaker array localizes action and dialogue on your screen. Sound  
should seem to come from within the picture.  
Place the front center cube speaker array above, below, or on top of your television. If  
below, be sure that it is not supporting the weight of the television in any way.  
Keep the front cube speaker array as close to the vertical center of the screen as possible,  
for the most accurate dialogue reproduction.  
CAUTION: Choose a stable and level surface for your cube speaker arrays. Vibration can  
cause them to move, particularly on smooth surfaces like marble, glass, or highly polished  
wood. If you are placing the center cube speaker array on top of your television, use the set  
of four rubber feet provided. You may obtain additional rubber feet (part number 178321-04),  
free of charge, by contacting Bose® Customer Service. See the list of phone numbers  
included with your system.  
6
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
     
Setting Up  
Front left and right cube speaker arrays  
The front left and right cube speaker arrays create a sound image wider than the screen that  
seems natural to viewers sitting anywhere in the room. You can place the cube speaker arrays  
near a TV screen with no picture interference. Place the front cube speaker arrays on either  
Rear cube speaker arrays  
The rear, or surround cube speaker arrays add discrete sounds and special effects that  
expand the visual image, bringing the viewer into the center of the action. The rear cube  
speaker arrays may carry dialogue as well.  
Position the left and right rear cube speaker arrays to allow the sound to reach the viewer  
from both sides, rather than from directly behind (see Figure 2).  
Place the rear cube speaker arrays at ear height (when seated) or higher, if possible.  
Rotate the top and bottom sections of the rear cube speaker arrays to direct the sound to  
the front and back of the listener.  
If you have a center rear cube speaker array (Acoustimass 16 system or upgraded Acousti-  
mass 15 Series II system), place it so that it is centered between the rear left and right cube  
Powered Acoustimass® module  
Bose® Acoustimass speaker technology takes advantage of the fact that the source of pure  
bass sound is difcult to locate, so you can hide the powered Acoustimass module conve-  
niently out of sight. Place the module at the same end of the room as the television monitor.  
You may hide the module behind furniture, but do not block the opening. Be sure there is at  
least 2 inches (5 cm) between any surface and the front opening or the grille on the bottom.  
If the opening faces the wall it increases the bass; if it faces away it decreases the bass.  
CAUTION: To prevent interference, keep the module at least 2 feet (.6m) from your TV set.  
Figure 4  
Note: Placing the module horizontally, or on  
its side, may reduce ventilation, inhibiting its  
ability to play at full output for extended  
periods of time.  
Powered Acoustimass  
module placement  
7
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
     
Setting Up  
Connecting the speakers  
CAUTION: Never connect the cube speaker arrays directly to a receiver output. Always con-  
nect them to the powered Acoustimass® module, then connect the module to the receiver.  
CAUTION: Never use broken or frayed wiring, which can result in electrical shock or damage  
to your system. The supplied cables are not intended for in-wall installation. Check local  
building codes or enlist a qualified installer.  
Connecting front cube speaker arrays to the Acoustimass module  
Three individual 20-foot (6.1m) speaker cables connect the center, right, and left front cube  
the corresponding speaker location. Front speaker cables have blue RCA connectors at one  
end with L (left), R (right), or C (center) molded into the connectors. The other ends of the  
cables have two wires. The red collars on the + wire are labeled LEFT, RIGHT, or CENTER.  
Note: The center rear cube speaker array is included with the Acoustimass 16 system or may  
be added to an Acoustimass 15 Series II system. For upgrading information, see “Upgrading  
Figure 5  
Cube speaker array  
connections to the  
Acoustimass module  
8
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
     
Setting Up  
1. Connect the wire pair marked CENTER to the center cube speaker array. Press the termi-  
nal tab on the back of the cube speaker array. Insert the marked (+) wire into the red ter-  
minal and the plain () wire into the black terminal. Release the tab to secure the wires.  
2. Connect the wire pair marked RIGHT to the right front cube speaker array (to the right of  
the TV as you face it).  
3. Connect the wire pair marked LEFT to the left front cube speaker array.  
4. Plug the other end of each cable into the CENTER FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, and LEFT  
FRONT blue RCA jacks, respectively, on the Acoustimass® module.  
Connecting rear cube speaker arrays to the Acoustimass module  
Each rear cube speaker array is connected to the Acoustimass module with a 50-foot (15m)  
speaker cable (Figure 5). Be sure to match the correct cable with the corresponding speaker  
location. Rear speaker cables have orange RCA connectors at one end with LR (left rear), RR  
(right rear), or CR (center rear) molded into the connectors. The other ends of the cables have  
two wires. The red collars on the + wires are labeled LEFT REAR, RIGHT REAR, or CENTER  
REAR.  
1. Connect the wire pair marked RIGHT REAR to the right rear cube speaker array (on your  
right as you face the TV). Press the terminal tab on the back of the cube speaker array.  
Insert the marked wire into the red terminal and the plain wire into the black terminal.  
Release the tab to secure the wires.  
2. Connect the wire pair marked LEFT REAR to the left rear cube speaker array.  
3. If you have a center rear cube speaker array (Acoustimass 16 system or upgraded Acous-  
timass 15 Series II system), connect the wire pair marked CENTER REAR to the center  
rear cube speaker array.  
Note: The Acoustimass 15 Series II system may be upgraded by adding a center rear cube  
4. Plug the other end of each cable into the RIGHT REAR, LEFT REAR, and CENTER  
REAR orange RCA jacks, respectively, on the Acoustimass module.  
9
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
 
Setting Up  
Connecting the Acoustimass® module to the receiver  
The 20-foot (6.1m) system input cable connects the module to your surround receiver (see  
on the other. The wire pairs of the cable may be separated or unzippedas much as needed  
to comfortably reach the surround receiver connections. Each wire pair is marked on the  
cable jacket with RIGHT, LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT SURROUND, LEFT SURROUND, or  
CENTER SURROUND to indicate where each wire connects to the receiver.  
CAUTION: Before making any connections turn off your receiver and unplug it from the AC  
(mains) outlet. Not doing so may result in damage to your system.  
CAUTION: Do not connect the powered Acoustimass module directly to your TV unless it  
provides surround decoding circuitry and amplified outputs for all channels.  
1. Insert the multi-pin connector on the system input cable into the input jack on the Acous-  
timass module. Tighten the two thumbscrews to assure a secure connection.  
2. Connect each wire pair on the other end of the system input cable to your surround  
receiver. Carefully match the polarity of the connections (+ to + and to ).  
Attach each marked wire (+) to the appropriate + terminal.  
Attach each plain wire () to the appropriate terminal.  
Note: The RCA plug of the system input cable comes with a cover installed. Remove  
this cover for connection to the LFE/SUBWOOFER OUT jack. If your receiver has no  
LFE/SUBWOOFER OUT jack, leave the plug cover in place.  
3. If applicable, connect the RCA plug marked LFE on the system input cable to the  
LFE/SUBWOOFER OUT jack on your surround receiver.  
CAUTION: Do not allow exposed wires to brush against each other; this could damage your  
receiver.  
10  
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
 
Setting Up  
Figure 6  
Acoustimass® module to  
receiver connections  
Note: The center surround connection  
is used only when a center rear  
speaker is installed.  
FRONT SPEAKERS A  
Thumbscrews  
R
L
CENTER  
R
L
CENTER  
FRONT SPEAKERS A  
CENTER  
SURROUND SPEAKERS  
LFE/SUBWOOFER  
OUT  
R
L
R
L
CENTER  
Note: Cables may be  
separated or unzipped”  
as much as needed to  
comfortably reach the  
surround receiver  
connections.  
11  
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
 
Setting Up  
Checking the connections  
Check all connections from the receiver to the Acoustimass® module and from the module to  
nected to the proper terminals according to their position in your room. Check that all wires  
are connected to your surround receiver 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.  
Connecting the Acoustimass module to power  
Note: Bose® recommends using a quality surge suppressor on all electronics 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 pur-  
chased at an electronics store.  
After you have checked all system connections, plug the power cord of the powered Acousti-  
mass module into an AC (mains) receptacle. Your Acoustimass speaker system will turn on  
and off automatically as it receives a signal from your surround receiver.  
Upgrading your Acoustimass 15 Series II speaker system  
Your Acoustimass 15 Series II speaker system can be upgraded to provide you with 6.1 or  
6 channel surround sound.  
The 6.1 upgrade kit contains one black (PC 029661) or white (PC 029662) cube speaker array,  
a 50-foot connecting cable, and complete connection instructions.  
To purchase the 6.1 upgrade kit, contact your local authorized Bose retailer or call Bose  
directly. See the list of Bose ofces and phone numbers enclosed with your system. When  
ordering, you will need to know the serial number of your Acoustimass module.  
12  
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
       
Using your system  
For realistic home theater sound  
CAUTION: The Acoustimass® 15 Series II and Acoustimass 16 speaker systems incorporate  
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.  
Adjusting the LFE level  
The LFE (low-frequency effects) level control on your powered Acoustimass module  
increases or decreases the relative level of low-frequency effects on movie sound tracks. Use  
it to regulate the presence of these underlying deep bass sounds. Use the test tonesfeature  
in your digital surround sound receiver to match the volume levels for each of the cube  
speakers. Then use the LFE control on the Acoustimass module to match the volume of the  
LFE channel to the cube speaker channels.  
Adjusting the bass/room compensation level  
This feature will allow you to ne-tune your system after you have placed the Acoustimass  
module in your selected location. If the room sounds thinor lacks bass, turn the BASS con-  
trol in a clockwise direction to increase the bass level of the module. If the room sounds  
boomyor has too much bass, turn the knob in a counter-clockwise rotation to reduce the  
bass level of the module. The factory or detent setting is appropriate for a majority of listening  
situations.  
Setting your digital surround sound receiver  
Your Acoustimass 16 or Acoustimass 15 Series II speakers are fully compatible with the  
output from digital surround receivers. Integrated Signal Processing assures full bass  
reproduction for all channels regardless of receiver settings. However, the following table  
suggests a set of recommended receiver settings. The cube speaker arrays should be set to  
LARGE in the receivers digital display menu. The LFE, or subwoofer, is set to ON. If applica-  
ble, the crossover value should be set to the lowest number possible, typically 80 Hz.  
Speaker  
Receiver setting  
LARGE  
Left and right  
Center  
LARGE  
Left and right surround  
Center surround*  
LFE/Subwoofer  
LARGE  
LARGE  
ON  
* Applies to Acoustimass 16 systems or upgraded Acoustimass 15 Series II systems. For upgrade  
13  
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
         
Using your system  
Be sure to get the digital audio signal  
To be sure that the digital audio signal from your DVD player reaches your surround receiver,  
connect the digital audio output from your DVD player to the digital audio input on your  
Before you play a DVD disc, be sure to select the digital output in the setup menu of your  
DVD player. For additional setup and operating information, please refer to the owners guide  
that came with your surround receiver.  
Figure 7  
Note: Use the optical or coaxial digital  
input connections, but not both.  
Digital signal connections  
on a surround receiver  
OR  
DIGITAL PLAY IN  
PLAY IN  
(COAXIAL)  
IN  
(OPTICAL)  
DIGITAL PLAY IN  
PLAY IN  
(COAXIAL)  
IN  
(OPTICAL)  
FRONT SPEAKERS  
SURROUND SPEAKERS  
R
R
REAR  
L
CENTER  
L
Setting your analog surround sound receiver  
For analog surround sound (non-digital) applications, we recommend that you set the  
surround-sound center mode of your receiver to WIDE. Instructions for this process vary,  
depending on the brand and model of your surround receiver. Follow your receiver owners  
guide for testing and adjusting the balance of each speaker.  
14  
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
     
Reference  
Troubleshooting  
If you have a problem with your Acoustimass® speaker system, turn off your sound source  
and try the following solutions. If you still have a problem, contact your Bose® dealer to  
arrange for service. To contact Bose directly, refer to the list of service ofces and phone  
numbers enclosed in the shipping carton.  
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 receiver is turned on.  
Be sure to select a source at the receiver (video, CD, DVD, tuner).  
No sound  
Check the speaker connections.  
Make sure that the powered Acoustimass module is plugged in.  
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  
speaker arrays  
Be sure the powered Acoustimass module is plugged in and the receiver is turned on.  
Sound is distorted  
Make sure speaker wire is not damaged.  
Reduce the volume of external components connected to the receiver.  
No bass  
Be sure the speaker connections at the receiver/amplier 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 or Room Compensation 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 programming) is Dolby Digital  
encoded.  
Customer service  
For additional help in solving problems, contact Bose customer service. See the list of service  
ofces and phone numbers enclosed in the shipping carton.  
15  
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
     
Reference  
Cleaning the speakers  
The cabinets of your Acoustimass® speaker system may be cleaned only with a soft dry 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.  
Technical information  
Features  
Direct/Reecting® 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  
Finish  
Cube arrays: Black or Arctic White nish  
Powered Acoustimass module: Scratch-resistant Black or Arctic White textured nish  
Speaker driver complement  
Cube speaker arrays: two 2.50-inch (6.35 cm) TwiddlerTM speakers  
Powered Acoustimass module: Three 5.25-inch (13 cm) woofers  
Speaker size/weight  
Cube speaker arrays: 6.2"H x 3.1"W x 4.0"D (15.7 cm x 7.8 cm x 10.2 cm) / 2.4 lb (1.1 kg)  
Acoustimass module: 16.3"H x 8.1"W x 29.1"D (41.4 cm x 20.6 cm x 73.9 cm) / 45 lb (20.3 kg)  
Acoustimass 15 Series II  
Acoustimass 16  
USA/Canada:  
100-127V  
USA/Canada:  
Acoustimass  
module power  
rating  
50/60 Hz 400 W 100-127V  
50/60 Hz 400 W  
Europe/Australia:  
50/60 Hz 400 W 220-240V 50/60 Hz 400 W  
Europe/Australia:  
220-240V  
Compatible with A/V receiv-  
ers and ampliers rated from  
10 to 200 watts per channel,  
rated from 4 to 8 ohms  
Compatible with A/V receiv-  
ers and ampliers rated from  
10 to 200 watts per channel,  
rated from 4 to 8 ohms  
Connectivity  
72.5 lb (32.6 kg)  
75 lb (33.8 kg)  
Packed system  
weight  
16  
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
   
Reference  
Warranty period  
Accessories  
Your Bose® Acoustimass® speaker system is covered by a limited transferable warranty.  
Details of the warranty are provided on the warranty card that came with your system. Please  
ll out the information section on the card and mail it to Bose.  
Table stands: UTS-20B (black), UTS-20W (white)  
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:  
PN267138-001 (black)  
PN267138-002 (white)  
Module-to-cube speaker array cable adapter for use with existing wiring:  
PN267139-001 (black)  
PN267139-002 (white)  
Module 20 ft (6.1m) input extension cable:  
PN267140-001 (black)  
PN267140-002 (white)  
17  
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  
     
©2002 Bose Corporation, The Mountain,  
Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA  
264924 AM Rev.00 JN20951  
Download AfroMm2W6w4w9.2So4m_a0n0ua_lsV.c.opmd.fAll AMaunguualsstS1e3ar,ch20An0d2Download.  

Black Decker Mixer GM100 User Manual
Blanco Indoor Furnishings 501 306 User Manual
Bodum Coffeemaker 10096 User Manual
Bosch Appliances Range HGS3053UC User Manual
Boss Audio Systems Speaker System MC450 User Manual
Bushnell Binoculars 131054 User Manual
Bushnell Hunting Equipment 20 1925 User Manual
Char Broil Gas Grill 463742112 User Manual
Chicago Electric Saw 97580 User Manual
Christie Digital Systems Projector 104 006101 XX User Manual