Bose 141 Fullrange Bookshelf Speakers Owner’s Guide

Bose 141 Fullrange Bookshelf Speakers

For your records

Serial numbers are located on the back of your Model 141 speakers.

• Serial numbers: _____
• Dealer name: ___
• Dealer Phone: __
• Purchase date: __

We recommend that you save your purchase receipt. It will be helpful if you ever need to arrange for service.

Before you begin

• Thank you for choosing Bose® Model 141 speakers. Their advanced design and quality construction are meant to provide high-quality listening enjoyment in your home.
• The StarDriverTM 4.5-inch full-range driver inside each speaker delivers performance usually associated with much larger, more costly speakers.
• Please read this owner’s guide. It will help you set up and use the speakers properly, so they can deliver the finest sound for your listening pleasure.

Note: These speakers are not designed for use outdoors or in automobiles.

Unpack the carton

• Carefully unpack the carton. Save all packing materials for possible future use. Carefully peel the clear protective plastic strip from each speaker’s metallic accent panel.
• Inspect the speakers. 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 your speakers’ serial numbers. Write them in at the beginning of this guide and on your warranty card.

CAUTION: To avoid the danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags that wrap these speakers out of the reach of children.

Figure 1 Your Model 141 speakers

Select locations for your Model 141 speakers

Your Model 141 speakers are designed to provide full stereo performance while taking up very little space. You can easily fit them on a shelf or table, either horizontally or standing on end.

For best performance:

• Place the speakers at least 5 feet (1.5 m) apart.
• Position them within 18 inches (45 cm) of the wall behind them.
• Avoid placing them exactly halfway between the floor and ceiling.
• To prevent video interference, keep them at least 2 feet (61 cm) from any video screen.

Note: Set the speakers only on surfaces that are stable and level. For some surfaces, you may want to use rubber feet for additional stability. To request them free of charge, contact Bose Service (see the inside back cover) or your local Bose Service agency and ask for Part Number 178321.

Setting Up

Connect the speakers

• Position the opening on the front of each speaker (its port) toward the side wall of your room.
  • Or set speakers port side down if you position them vertically.
• As you face the speakers, the speaker placed on your right will connect to the RIGHT SPEAKER channel of your amplifier or receiver.

Choose the cord

• It is important to use the proper gauge (thickness) of the speaker cord.
  • Standard zip cord (2-conductor, 18-gauge stranded wire) works for most applications.
  • You can find this wire at most electrical and hardware stores.
• You will need a thicker wire if your speakers will be more than 30 feet from a receiver or amplifier.
  • Refer to the wire recommendations under “Technical information” on page 7, or contact your authorized Bose® dealer for more information.
• Note: Before running the speaker cord through a wall or under a floor, check your local building code requirements and safety regulations.
  • You may want to contact an electrical installer for this information.

Prepare the cord

• The speaker cord consists of two insulated wires.
  • The insulation around one wire is marked (striped, collared, or ribbed).
  • This marked wire is always positive (+).
  • The plain wire is always negative (–).
  • These wires correspond to the red (+) and black (–) terminals on the speakers and the receiver or amplifier.
• At the ends of each cord, strip approximately 1⁄2-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 down the terminal tab on the back of each speaker to insert the appropriate wire (Figure 2).

1. Connect one speaker cord to your right speaker.
2. a. Attach the marked wire to the red (+) terminal.
3. b. Attach the plain wire to the black (–) terminal.
4. Connect the other end of the same cord to the RIGHT SPEAKER OUTPUT of your receiver or amplifier.
5. a. Attach the marked wire to the red (+) terminal.
6. b. Attach the plain wire to the black (–) terminal.
7. Connect the second cord to the left speaker and LEFT SPEAKER OUTPUT. Follow the procedure described above.

CAUTION: Before making any connections, turn off your receiver or amplifier and unplug it from the outlet (AC power mains). Not doing so may result in damage to your system.

CAUTION: Never use broken or frayed wires, which can result in electrical shock or damage.

Figure 2 How to make terminal connections

Check the connections

Check to be sure all connections are made positive to positive (+ to +) and negative to negative (– to –). Make sure that no loose strands of wire touch across terminals. Bridged wires can short-circuit and damage the speaker components. Tighten any loose connections before you plug in the receiver or amplifier and turn it on.

Figure 3 Completed connections

Test the speakers

To make sure your speakers operate correctly:

1. Set your receiver or amplifier to MONO (monophonic) and turn it on.
2. Set the balance control to normal (center position).
3. Place the speakers less than 6 inches (15 cm) apart, facing each other.
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, your connections may be out of phase. To make them match connections to the amplifier, try reversing the + and – connections on the back of one speaker. Then repeat steps 1 – 4.

Maintaining Your Speakers

To clean your Model 141 speakers

• Wipe the Model 141 speaker cabinets clean using a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent. Do not allow liquids to spill into the speaker grilles.
• No other regular maintenance is required.

Troubleshooting

If you have a problem with your Model 141 speakers:

1. Turn off your amplifier or receiver and check all connections between the speakers and the amplifier or receiver.
2. Check your amplifier or receiver owner’s guide. That component may be the source of the problem.
3. Use the troubleshooting guidelines below. If they do not solve your problem, contact your Bose® dealer to arrange for service. Or, to contact Bose directly, refer to the listing on the inside back cover of this guide. Bose Corporation will make every effort to remedy any problem within the terms of your warranty.

Problem Possible cause                  How to find out Solution

One speaker doesn’t play or sounds defective.| Defective speaker cord.| Switch the speaker cords at both ends. Connect the right speaker cord to the left speaker and to the left speaker channel of the amplifier or receiver.

Connect the left speaker cord to the other speaker and amplifier channel.

| If the originally faulty speaker now plays properly and the other does not, the cord on the malfunctioning speaker is defective.
---|---|---|---
Defective speaker or malfunctioning receiver or amplifier channel.| Switch the cords at the speaker end only.| If the originally faulty speaker still does not play properly, the speaker is probably defective. Call Bose or your retailer to arrange for service.

If the originally faulty speaker now plays, one channel in the amplifier or receiver is probably defective. Try another receiver.

Both speakers do not play or sound distorted.| Defective amplifier or receiver.| | Reconnect the speakers to another amplifier or receiver that is working properly.

Warranty Period

The Bose® Model 141 speakers come with a limited 5-year transferable warranty. You can find detailed information about the warranty coverage on the warranty card that was included with your speakers. To activate the warranty, please complete the information section on the card, detach it, and mail it to Bose.

Technical Information

Quality Standard

• Syncom® computer quality control

Driver Complement

• One StarDriverTM full-range driver per speaker

Compatibility/Impedance

• These speakers are compatible with amplifiers and receivers rated between 10 to 80 watts per channel.
• They are rated for an impedance of 4-8 ohms.

Wire Recommendations

• The choice of speaker wire gauge depends on the maximum frequency response deviation of 0.5 dB.
• Here are the recommended wire gauges based on length:
  • 18 (0.75 mm2): Up to 30 ft (9 m) maximum
  • 16 (1.5 mm2): Up to 45 ft (14 m) maximum
  • 14 (2.0 mm2): Up to 70 ft (21 m) maximum

Enclosure

• The speakers feature a slate gray vinyl veneer for their enclosure.
• They come with cloth-covered molded plastic grilles.

Size/Weight

• Each speaker measures 6″H x 93⁄4″W x 61⁄2″D (15.2 x 24.8 x 16.5 cm).
• Each speaker weighs approximately 4.4 lb (2 kg).
• When packaged as a speaker pair in the shipping carton, the weight is 11 lb (5 kg).

Contact Information

USA

• Address: Bose Corporation, The Mountain Framingham, MA 01701-9168
• Phone: 1-800-367-4008
• Phone Hours (ET – Eastern Time):
  • Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Canada

• Address: Bose Ltd., 1-35 East Beaver Creek Road Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1B3
• Phone: 1-800-465-2673
• Phone Hours (ET – Eastern Time):
  • Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

European Office

• Address: Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8 1135 GE Edam, Nederland
• Phone: TEL 0299-390111
• Fax: FAX 0299-390114

Australia

• Address: Bose Australia, Inc., 1 Sorrell Street Parramatta, N.S.W. 2150
• Phone: TEL 02 204-6111
• Fax: FAX 02 204-6122

Belgium

• Address: Bose N.V., Limesweg 2, B-3700 Tongeren
• Phone: TEL 012-390800
• Fax: FAX 012-390840

Denmark

• Address: Bose A/S, Industrivej 7, 2605 Brøndby
• Phone: TEL 4343-7777
• Fax: FAX 4343-7818

Germany

• Address: Bose GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 36d D-61381 Friedrichsdorf
• Phone: TEL 06172-71040
• Fax: FAX 06172-710419

France

• Address: Bose S.A., 6, rue Saint Vincent 78100 Saint Germain en Laye
• Phone: TEL 01-30616363
• Fax: FAX 01-30614105

India

• Address: Bose Corporation India Private Limited, W-16, Greater Kailash-II, New Delhi 110 048
• Phone: TEL (011) 648 4462
• Fax: FAX (011) 648 4463

Ireland

• Address: Bose Corporation, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan
• Phone: TEL 042-9661988
• Fax: FAX 042-9661998

Italy

• Address: Bose S.p.A., Via della Magliana 876 00148 Roma
• Phone: TEL 06-65670802
• Fax: FAX 06-65680167

Japan

• Address: Bose K.K., Shibuya YT Building 28-3 Maruyama-cho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150
• Phone: TEL 3-5489-0955
• Fax: FAX 3-5489-0592

Netherlands

• Address: Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8 1135 GE Edam
• Phone: TEL 0299-390111
• Fax: FAX 0299-390109

Norway

• Address: Bose A/S, Solheimsgate 11 N-2001, Lillestrøm
• Phone: TEL 63-817380
• Fax: FAX 63-810819

Austria

• Address: Bose Ges.m.b.H., Vienna Business Park Wienerbergstrasse 7 (10.OG) A-1100 Vienna
• Phone: TEL 01-60404340
• Fax: FAX 01-604043423

Switzerland

• Address: Bose AG, Rünenbergerstrasse 13 4460-Gelterkinden
• Phone: TEL 061-9815544
• Fax: FAX 061-9815502

Sweden

• Address: Bose A/S, Johannefredsgatan 4 S-43153 Mölndal
• Phone: TEL 31-878850
• Fax: FAX 31-274891

United Kingdom

• Address: Bose Limited, 1 Amberley Green Gillingham Business Park Gillingham, Kent ME8 0NJ
• Phone: TEL 0870-741-4500
• Fax: FAX 0870-741-4545

From other locations

• Address: Bose Customer Service, 1 New York Ave. Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
• Phone: TEL 508-766-1900
• Fax: FAX 508-766-1919

World Wide Web

• Website: www.bose.com

Please note that the contact details may vary depending on your location, so be sure to use the appropriate contact information for your region.

Copyright and revision information

©1997 Bose Corporation, The Mountain Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA JN94954 PN182344 Rev.04 AM182344 Rev.04

FAQs

Can I use my Bose 141 speakers outdoors or in my car?

No, these speakers are not designed for use outdoors or in automobiles.

How should I position my Model 141 speakers for optimal performance?

For best performance, place the speakers at least 5 feet (1.5 m) apart, position them within 18 inches (45 cm) of the wall behind them, avoid placing them exactly halfway between the floor and ceiling, and keep them at least 2 feet (61 cm) from any video screen to prevent video interference.

What kind of speaker wire should I use with the Bose 141 speakers?

It is important to use the proper gauge (thickness) of speaker cord. Standard zip cord (2-conductor, 18-gauge stranded wire) works for most applications. If your speakers will be more than 30 feet from a receiver or amplifier, you may need thicker wire. Refer to the wire recommendations provided in the 'Technical information' section of the guide.

How do I clean my Model 141 speakers?

To clean your Model 141 speakers, wipe the speaker cabinets clean using a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent. Do not allow liquids to spill into the speaker grilles. No other regular maintenance is required.

What should I do if one of my speakers doesn't play or sounds defective?

If one speaker doesn't play or sounds defective, it could be due to a defective speaker cord or a malfunctioning speaker. Try switching the speaker cords at both ends. If the originally faulty speaker now plays properly and the other does not, the cord on the malfunctioning speaker is defective. If the issue persists, contact Bose or your retailer for service.

What is the warranty period for the Bose 141 Fullrange Bookshelf Speakers?

The Bose® Model 141 speakers come with a limited 5-year transferable warranty. You can find detailed information about the warranty coverage on the warranty card that was included with your speakers.

Can I use the Bose 141 speakers with amplifiers or receivers rated below 10 watts per channel?

These speakers are designed to work with amplifiers and receivers rated between 10 to 80 watts per channel. Using them with amplifiers or receivers rated below 10 watts per channel may result in suboptimal performance.

Can I connect my Bose 141 speakers to other audio devices like a TV or computer?

Yes, you can connect these speakers to various audio devices such as a TV, computer, or stereo system as long as they have compatible outputs and power ratings within the recommended range.

How do I contact Bose for technical support or service?

You can contact Bose customer service using the provided contact information for your region. Refer to the contact details listed in the guide under 'Contact Information' for the Bose office in your country or region. They can assist you with technical support and service inquiries.

Is there any regular maintenance required for the Bose 141 speakers?

No, there is no regular maintenance required for these speakers other than cleaning them as mentioned in the guide. Simply wipe the speaker cabinets clean using a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent.

Can I mount the Bose 141 speakers on the wall?

No, these speakers are designed for placement on a shelf or table, either horizontally or standing on end. They are not intended for wall mounting.

Are there any recommended accessories for enhancing the performance of the Bose 141 speakers?

To enhance stability on certain surfaces, you can request rubber feet free of charge by contacting Bose Service or your local Bose Service agency. Use Part Number 178321 for reference when requesting these feet.

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