Bose 301 V Stereo Loudspeakers Product - User Manual

Bose 301 V Stereo Loudspeakers Owner’s Manual

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Your 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® speakers recreate a natural balance of reflected and direct sound energy for an open, spacious performance. They are designed by Bose® to bring you high-quality listening pleasure. These speakers are significantly different from conventional speakers, so be sure to read this owner’s guide. It will help you set up and use your speakers properly, for the greatest enjoyment.

UNPACK THE CARTON

Carefully unpack the carton and save all packing materials for possible future use. Check the carton contents (Figure 1).

If either speaker appears damaged, do not use them. Instead, repack both speakers in the original carton and notify your authorized Bose dealer immediately.
Note: Now is a good time to record the speaker serial numbers below and on your warranty card.
CAUTION: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags that wrap these speakers out of the reach of children.

SETTING UP

Select the locations for your 301® speakers

Bose 301 speakers are designed to fit horizontally on a stable and level table or shelf (Figure 2).

Place the left and right speakers (marked on the back of each one) on the left and right sides of your room, as you face them. Exactly where you put them depends on the size and style of your room and where you think they sound best. Feel free to experiment to find a location that is both convenient and provides the sound you prefer.
Note: Because the grilles on the front of each speaker protect the drivers inside, we recom-mend that you do not remove them.
CAUTION: 301 speakers are designed specifically for placement on a stationary shelf, table, or stand. On smooth surfaces like marble, glass or highly polished wood, vibrations may cause the speakers to slide. So be sure to attach the self-adhesive rubber feet to the bottom surface of each speaker for added stability and protection. The feet go in the corners of the flat surface, 1” back from the center of the curved front panel. Do not use these speakers in a moving vehicle. To mount the speakers on a wall, use only the Bose WB-3 wall mounting bracket. Please follow the mounting instructions that come with these brackets. Improperly mounted speakers may fall, causing injury and damage.

Here are some basic guidelines below:

• Leave at least 24 inches (60 cm) from the speakers to any TV screens or monitors.
• Keep the back of the speakers within 18 inches (45 cm) of the wall behind them.

CAUTION: For the most realistic sound image, make sure the left speaker is placed on the left and the right speaker is on the right side of your room, as you face them.

CHOOSE THE CORD

It is important to use the proper gauge (thickness) of speaker cord.

Wire recommendations

Based on a maximum frequency response deviation of ± 0.5 dB

Note: Before running the speaker cord through a wall or under a floor, check your local building code requirements and safety regulations.  If necessary, contact an electrical installer for this information.

PREPARE THE CORD

Speaker cord consists of two insulated wires. The insulation around one wire is marked (striped, collared, or ribbed). At the ends of each cord, strip approximately ½ inch (12 mm) of insulation from both wires. Twist the bare end of each wire so loose strands will not touch across terminals. Be sure to connect each wire to the proper terminal (positive to positive and negative to negative).
Note: It is sometimes difficult to distinguish wire markings. Inspect both wires carefully.

Make the connections

Just press the terminal tab on the back of each speaker to insert the appropriate wire (Figure 3).

CAUTION: Before making any connections, turn off your receiver and unplug it from the AC power (mains) outlet. Not doing so may result in damage to your system.
CAUTION: Never use broken or frayed wiring, which can result in electrical shock or dam-age.

1. Connect one speaker cord to your right speaker.
   • Attach each marked wire (+) to the appropriate (+) terminal.
   • Attach each plain wire (–) to the appropriate (–) terminal.
2. Connect the other end of the same cord to the RIGHT SPEAKER OUTPUT of your receiver.
   • Attach each marked wire (+) to the appropriate (+) terminal.
   • Attach each plain wire (–) to the appropriate (–) terminal.
3. Connect the second cord to the left speaker and LEFT SPEAKER OUTPUT. Follow the steps in 1 and 2 above.

TEST THE SPEAKERS

To make sure your speakers operate correctly:

1. Turn on your receiver. Set the receiver to MONO (monophonic), if that is an option on your receiver.
2. Make sure that all special effects (such as surround sound) are turned off.
3. Set the balance control to normal (center position).
4. Play some deep bass passages of music through the speaker.

The sound should seem to come from a point between the two speakers. The bass should be full and natural. If it is not, one of the connections may be reversed, causing the speakers to play out of phase (refer to “Make the connections” above).
To correct the problem, make sure all the wires are connected positive to positive (+ to +) and negative to negative (- to -). Then repeat steps 1 through 4 above to re-test the speakers.

USING AND MAINTAINING YOUR SPEAKERS

Enjoying sound in a variety of ways

Your 301® speakers are designed to work with a variety of stereo receivers and amplifiers as either front or rear channel speakers. The open, spacious performance of these speakers makes them an ideal choice for home theater, or for listening to CDs, tapes, or radio broadcasts (Figure 4).

Cleaning the speakers

Clean the surface of your speakers with a soft damp 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 speaker grille panels require no special care. You may vacuum them carefully to remove dust.

TROUBLESHOOTING

CUSTOMER SERVICE

If the troubleshooting guidelines above do not solve your problem, contact your authorized Bose® dealer to arrange for service. To obtain information or service directly from Bose, see the list of telephone numbers included with your speakers. Bose Corporation will make every effort to correct any problem within the terms of your warranty.

WARRANTY PERIOD

Bose 301® series V Direct/Reflecting® speakers are covered by a limited transferable warranty. Details of the coverage are provided on the warranty card that came with your speakers. Please fill out the information section on your card, detach, and mail to Bose.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

FEATURES

• Direct/Reflecting® speaker technology
• Stereo Targeting® tweeters
• Tuned port enclosure
• Syncom® computer quality control

DRIVER COMPLEMENT

• 301®: One 8-inch (20 cm) woofer. Two 2-inch (5 cm) high-sensitivity tweeters.

COMPATIBILITY/IMPEDANCE

• 301: Compatible with amplifiers and receivers rated from 10 to 150 watts per channel. Rated 4 – 8 ohms

ENCLOSURE

• Polymer and vinyl veneer over wood construction with black or light cherry finish.

SIZE/WEIGHT

• 301: 9 3⁄4″H x 14 1⁄4″W x 9 3⁄4″D (25 cm x 36 cm x 25 cm).
• Each speaker, unpacked: 12.5 lb (5.7 kg).
• Speaker pair in shipping carton: 28.7 lb (13 kg).

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Bose® FS-01 speaker stands and WB-3 wall mounting brackets are designed for use with 301 Series V Direct/Reflecting speakers. For information, or to order accessories, contact your authorized Bose dealer. To contact Bose directly, see the list of telephone numbers included with your speakers.

1. Bose FS-01 speaker stand
2. WB-3 wall mounting brackets

FAQs