Bose 100 Compact Speakers User Manual

Bose 100 Compact Speakers

Thank you for purchasing Bose Model 100 speakers. These speakers are designed to deliver advanced audio performance and quality construction for long-term listening enjoyment in your home.

Placement and Installation

1. Unpacking:
   • Carefully unpack each speaker, and retain the carton and packing materials for future use.
   • If either speaker is damaged, do not operate it. Repack both speakers in the original carton and contact your authorized Bose dealer immediately.
2. Deciding Placement:
   • For optimal acoustic performance, place one speaker on the left and the other on the right side of the room, facing the listening area, with a minimum separation of 5 feet (1.5 meters).
   • If you are using the speakers for video sound reproduction, ensure they are at least 9 inches (23 cm) away from the video screen to prevent interference.
   • In a home theater surround sound system, position the speakers near the back of the room, behind the viewers. Refer to the owner’s guide for your surround sound electronic equipment for specific recommendations.
3. Orientation:
   • Decide whether you want to place the speakers vertically or horizontally.
   • Attach the provided self-adhesive feet to the bottom surface of each speaker for increased stability (refer to Figure 1).
4. Wall or Ceiling Mounting:
   • If you prefer to mount the speakers on a wall or ceiling, carefully follow the bracket installation instructions provided in the appendix (page 38) of this owner’s guide.

Self-adhesive feet

Self-adhesive feet

Choosing and Using Speaker Cord

Selecting the Right Speaker Cord:

• Ensure you use the appropriate gauge (thickness) of speaker cord for your setup.
• Standard zip cord, which is 2-conductor and 18-gauge wire readily available at electrical and hardware stores, is suitable for most applications.
• If your speakers will be positioned more than 30 feet (9 meters) away from the receiver or amplifier, consult the wire recommendations provided in the “Technical Information” section on page 7 of your manual or seek guidance from your authorized Bose dealer.

Proper Usage of Speaker Cord:

• Speaker cord consists of two insulated wires, with one of them marked or striped for identification. The marked wire is always positive (+), while the plain wire is always negative (-).
• These correspond to the positive (red) and negative (black) terminals on the back of each speaker, receiver, or amplifier.
• Ensure correct connections by attaching each wire to the corresponding terminal (positive to positive, negative to negative).

Preparing the Ends of Each Cord:

• At the ends of each cord, strip approximately ½ inch (12 mm) of insulation from both wires.
• Twist the bare ends of each wire to prepare them for connection.

Connecting the Cords:

• Locate the terminals on the back of each speaker.
• Slide each terminal button aside to reveal the terminal openings (see Figure 2).
• Insert the marked (positive) wire end into the red terminal opening and the plain (negative) wire end into the black terminal opening.
• Ensure that each wire is firmly attached to the respective terminals.

CAUTION:

• Before making any connections, remember to turn off your receiver or amplifier and unplug it from the electrical outlet (AC power mains).

Note:

• Make sure you cut enough cord to reach from the receiver to each speaker.

Figure 2:

• Insert the marked wire end into the red terminal opening.
• Insert the plain wire end into the black terminal opening.

By following these instructions, you can properly select and use speaker cord for your Bose Model 100 speakers, ensuring a secure and reliable connection for optimal audio performance.

Make the Connection

1. Connect one cord to the left channel of your receiver or amplifier: a. Attach the marked wire (positive) at one end of the cord to the red (+) terminal. b. Attach the plain wire (negative) at that end to the black (-) terminal.
2. Connect the other end of the same cord to your left speaker: a. Attach the marked wire (positive) to the red (+) terminal of the left speaker. b. Attach the plain wire (negative) to the black (-) terminal of the left speaker.
3. Connect the other cord to the right channel and right speaker, following the same procedure: a. Attach the marked wire (positive) at one end of the cord to the red (+) terminal of the right channel. b. Attach the plain wire (negative) at that end to the black (-) terminal of the right channel. c. Attach the marked wire (positive) to the red (+) terminal of the right speaker. d. Attach the plain wire (negative) to the black (-) terminal of the right speaker.

Checking the Connections:

• Carefully inspect all connections to ensure there are no loose strands of wire touching across terminals. Loose strands could potentially create short circuits that might damage your amplifier or receiver. Secure any loose wires before proceeding.

Testing the Connections:

1. Set the receiver or amplifier balance control to the normal (centered) position. If you have the option, set it to MONO (monophonic) and turn it on.
2. Place the speakers less than 6 inches (15 cm) apart, facing each other.
3. Play some deep bass passages of music through the speakers.
   • The sound should appear to come from a point between the two speakers.
   • The bass should sound full and natural.

If you notice that the sound is not as expected or seems out of phase, you may need to reverse the connections on the back of one speaker. Follow these steps:

• Reverse the connections on the back of one speaker (switch positive and negative wires).
• Repeat steps 1 to 3 to test the sound again.

Maintenance

Cleaning Your Speakers:

• To clean your Model 100 speakers, use a cloth dampened with water.
• Do not use harsh chemicals or household cleaners.
• Avoid applying liquids directly to the speakers.
• If you need to vacuum the front grille of the speakers, do so carefully.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If Neither Speaker Plays:

• Check the settings on your receiver or amplifier.
• Refer to the owner’s guide that came with your receiver or amplifier for instructions on adjusting settings.

If the Bass or Treble is Weak:

• Check the tonal balance setting on your receiver or amplifier.

If Only One Speaker Plays:

• Check the balance control on your receiver or amplifier.
• Examine the wires connected to the speaker that is not playing.
• Ensure the wires are in good condition and securely connected.
• Review the “Speaker Hook Up” section beginning on page 4 for guidance.

If One Speaker Still Does Not Play:

• Disconnect the wires from both the non-playing speaker and the receiver or amplifier.
• Disconnect the other cord from its speaker and connect that end of the cord to the speaker that isn’t playing.
• If the speaker still doesn’t play, the problem likely lies within the speaker.
• If the speaker now plays, continue troubleshooting to find the source of the problem.

Further Troubleshooting:

• Disconnect the same cord from the amplifier or receiver.
• Connect it to the other outputs on the amplifier or receiver.
• If the speaker plays, the problem is likely in the original cord that was connected to that speaker.
• If the speaker does not play, the issue may be in that channel of the receiver.

If Troubleshooting Fails:

• If the above solutions fail to resolve your problem, contact your authorized Bose dealer to arrange for service.
• Alternatively, you can contact Bose Corporation directly (refer to page 44 in your manual).
• Bose Corporation will make every effort to address and resolve the problem within the terms of your warranty.

By following these maintenance and troubleshooting guidelines, you can ensure that your Bose Model 100 speakers continue to function properly and address any potential issues that may arise during use.

Technical Information

• Quality Standard:
  • Syncom computer quality control ensures high-quality standards.
• Driver Complement:
  • Each speaker features one (1) StarDriver™ 4.5″ (11.4 cm) full-range driver.
• Enclosure:
  • The speakers have a tuned port and are made of molded high-impact polystyrene.
• Dimensions:
  • Speaker dimensions: 6.1″ H x 11″ W x 5.9″ D (15.5 x 28.0 x 15.0 cm).
• Compatibility:
  • Rated SOW IEC; compatible with amplifiers or receivers rated 10-80 watts per channel, rated 4-8 ohms.
• Wire Recommendations:
  • Based on a maximum frequency response deviation of ±0.5 dB, the recommended wire gauge is 18 (0.75 mm).
  • Maximum recommended wire lengths: 30 ft (9 m), 45 ft (14 m), and 70 ft (21 m).
• Weight:
  • The weight of each pair of speakers in the carton is 6.8 lb (3.1 kg).
• Customer Information:
  • Serial numbers for Bose Model 100 speakers are not provided in the given information.
  • Additional customer information such as the purchase date, place of purchase, and city of purchase would need to be filled in based on the specific details of your purchase.

Warranty Information

Warranty Period

• Bose Model 100 speakers are covered by a limited five-year transferable warranty.

Warranty Coverage:

• What is Covered:
  • All parts defective in material or workmanship.
• For How Long:
  • Five years from the purchase date.
• What We Will Do:
  • We will, at our sole option, repair or replace any defective parts free of charge.
• What We Will Not Do:
  • We will not pay shipping or transportation charges from you to us.

Customer Responsibilities: To initiate warranty service, you must do one of the following:

1. Return the product personally with proof of purchase from an authorized Bose dealer to your authorized Bose dealer, or
2. Return the product personally with proof of purchase from an authorized Bose dealer to the nearest Bose Service Agency, or
3. Return the product personally with proof of purchase from an authorized Bose dealer directly to the Bose organization in your country. If you choose to return the product directly to a Bose organization, you should: a. Contact the Bose organization in your country for specific return and shipping instructions. b. Properly pack the product in a new carton for shipping. Contact the Bose organization in your country for a new carton available at a nominal charge. c. Label and ship the product, freight prepaid, to the address provided by the Bose organization in your country. d. Place any necessary return authorization number prominently on the outside of the carton. (Cartons not bearing a return authorization number, where required, will be refused.)

Additional Conditions:

• This warranty is fully transferable provided the current owner furnishes the original proof of purchase from an authorized Bose dealer.
• The provisions of this warranty are in lieu of any other warranty, whether express or implied, written or oral, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
• Bose’s maximum liability shall not exceed the actual purchase price paid by you for the product.
• In no event shall Bose be liable for special, incidental, consequential, or indirect damages.
• This warranty does not cover a defect that has resulted from improper or unreasonable use or maintenance, accident, improper packing, or unauthorized tampering, alteration, or modification as determined solely by us.
• This warranty is void if the label bearing the serial number has been removed or defaced.

Other Legal Rights

• This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state or country to country.
• Some places do not allow limitations on implied warranties or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

Contact Information

• United States:
  • Bose Corporation, The Mountain
  • Framingham, MA 01701-9168
  • Phone: 1-800-288-BOSE (1-800-288-2673)
  • Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time
• Canada:
  • Bose Ltd., 8-35 East Beaver Creek Rd.
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1B3
  • Phone: 1-800-444-BOSE (1-800-444-2673)
  • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET (Eastern Time)
• European Office (Nederland):
  • Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8
  • 1135 GE Edam, Nederland
  • Phone: 0299-371055
  • Fax: 0299-368163
• Australia:
  • Bose Australia, Inc., 1 Sorrell Street
  • Parramatta, N.S.W. 2150
  • Phone: 02 204-6111
  • Fax: 02 204-6122
• Belgium (Antwerp):
  • Bose N.V., Limesweg 2, B-3700 Tongeren
  • Phone: 012-390800
  • Fax: 012-390840
• Denmark:
  • Bose A/S, Industrivej 7, 2605 Brøndby
  • Phone: 43437777
  • Fax: 43437818
• Germany:
  • Bose GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 36d
  • 61381 Friedrichsdorf
  • Phone: 06172-71040
  • Fax: 06172-710419
• France:
  • Bose S.A., 6, rue Saint Vincent
  • 78100 Saint Germain en Laye
  • Phone: 01-30616363
  • Fax: 01-30614105
• India:
  • Bose Corporation India Private Limited
  • W-16, Greater Kailash-2
  • New Delhi 110 048
  • Phone: (011) 648 4462
  • Fax: (011) 648 4463
• Ireland (Carrickmacross):
  • Bose Corporation
  • Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan
  • Phone: 042-61988
  • Fax: 042-61998
• Italy:
  • Bose S.p.A., Via Luigi Capucci, 12
  • 00147 Roma
  • Phone: 06-5127641
  • Fax: 06-5115438
• Japan:
  • Bose K.K., Shibuya YT Building
  • 28-3 Maruyama-oho
  • Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150
  • Phone: 3-5489-1052
  • Fax: 3-5489-0591
• Netherlands:
  • Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8
  • 1135 GE Edam
  • Phone: 0299-366661
  • Fax: 0299-368166
• Norway:
  • Bose A/S, Solheimsgate 11
  • N-2001, Lillestrøm
  • Phone: 63-817380
  • Fax: 63-810819
• Austria:
  • Bose Ges.m.b.H., Vienna Business Park Wienerbergstrasse 7 (10.OG)
  • A-1100 Vienna
  • Phone: 01-60404340
  • Fax: 01-604043423
• Switzerland:
  • Bose AG, Runenbergerstrasse 13
  • 4460-Gelterkinden
  • Phone: 061-9815544
  • Fax: 061-9815502
• Sweden:
  • Bose A/S, Blandsadsgatan 20
  • S-43146 Mölndal
  • Phone: 031-878850
  • Fax: 031-274891
• United Kingdom:
  • Bose Limited, Unit G2
  • Trinity Trading Estate
  • Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 2PO
  • Phone: 01795-475341
  • Fax: 01795-427227
• Other Locations (USA):
  • Bose Service, 1 New York Avenue
  • Framingham, MA 01701-9168, USA
  • Phone: 508-229-8484
  • Fax: 508-229-3891

Please note that the contact hours and availability may vary by location, so it’s advisable to check with the specific office for the most accurate information.

FAQs

Can I connect my Bose 100 Compact Speakers to a home theater system?

Yes, you can use Bose 100 Compact Speakers as part of a home theater setup. Follow the guidelines in the owner's guide and consult the manual of your home theater receiver or amplifier for proper connection.

Are the Bose 100 Compact Speakers suitable for outdoor use?

The Bose 100 Compact Speakers are primarily designed for indoor use. Using them outdoors may expose them to environmental factors that could affect their performance and longevity.

Can I connect these speakers to a Bluetooth or wireless audio source?

The Bose 100 Compact Speakers are typically wired speakers. To use them with a Bluetooth or wireless audio source, you may need a compatible Bluetooth receiver or transmitter that connects to your audio source and the speakers.

What is the recommended distance between the Bose 100 Compact Speakers for optimal stereo sound?

For optimal stereo sound, it is recommended to place the speakers at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) apart, facing the listening area. This positioning helps create a balanced soundstage.

Can I use the Bose 100 Compact Speakers with older audio equipment?

The Bose 100 Compact Speakers are compatible with amplifiers or receivers rated between 10-80 watts per channel and rated at 4-8 ohms. They should work with a wide range of audio equipment, but compatibility may vary.

How can I register my Bose 100 Compact Speakers for warranty purposes?

To register your Bose 100 Compact Speakers for warranty, fill out the Warranty Registration card attached to the owner's guide, detach it, and mail it to the address provided in the guide. This ensures you can take advantage of the warranty if needed.

Can I purchase additional accessories or replacement parts for the Bose 100 Compact Speakers?

Yes, you can purchase accessories and replacement parts for Bose products through authorized Bose dealers or the official Bose website. Refer to the owner's guide for specific details.

What do I do if I've lost the owner's guide for my Bose 100 Compact Speakers?

If you've misplaced the owner's guide, you can often find a digital version of it on the official Bose website. You can also contact Bose customer support for assistance or request a replacement guide.

Are there any recommended speaker stands for the Bose 100 Compact Speakers?

While the Bose 100 Compact Speakers can be placed on bookshelves or mounted, if you prefer using speaker stands, you can explore compatible stands available through Bose or third-party accessories that fit your needs.

Can I use the Bose 100 Compact Speakers for gaming or as computer speakers?

Yes, you can use these speakers for gaming or as computer speakers to enhance your audio experience. Ensure your gaming console or computer has compatible audio outputs for connecting the speakers.

What are the key features of the Bose 100 Compact Speaker?

The Bose 100 Compact Speaker features a StarDriver 4.5-inch full-range driver, a tuned port enclosure, and compatibility with amplifiers or receivers rated between 10-80 watts per channel. It offers impressive sound quality in a small form factor.

What is the Bose 100 Compact Speaker?

The Bose 100 Compact Speaker is a high-quality audio speaker designed for home use. It features advanced technology and delivers impressive sound performance in a compact design.

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>