The Bose 701 Direct/Reflecting Speakers
Owners Guide December 20, 2001

AM172642_03_V.pdf

Customer Information
Congratulations on your purchase of Bose 701 Direct/Reflecting speakers. We are confident that their fine sound quality will provide you with full listening enjoyment. Please read and follow the instructions in this owners guide. That should ensure proper operation and performance of your speakers.

For your records

The label on the bottom of each 701 speaker shows the serial number. Serial numbers Date of purchase Retailers name Retailers address City Telephone State Zip and
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We, the offerer:

Bose Corporation, The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
acknowledge our sole responsibility, that the product: Kind of equipment: Loudspeaker Type designation: 701 SPEAKER in accordance with EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Article 10(1) of the Directive, is in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s): Technical regulations: EN50081-1, EN50082-1 Accredited by Bose Corporation

6 October 1995

Bose B.V. Nijverheidstraat 8, 1135 GE Edam The Netherlands Paul Olean General Manager, Bose Europe Manufacturers authorized EU representative

December 20, 2001

Contents

Where youll find.

Getting Started.... 4 Introduction.... 4 Unpack the speakers.... 4 Speaker Placement... 5 Where to stand the speakers.... 5 Connections.... 6 Choose the speaker cord.... 6 Prepare the cord..... 6 Make the connections.... 6 Check the connections... 7 Test the connections.... 7 Maintenance.... 8 To clean your speakers... 8 Troubleshooting.... 8 How to troubleshoot problems... 8 Warranty..... 9 Warranty information.... 9 Technical Information.... 9 Technical information.... 9 For Service.... 10 To contact Bose.... 10

Svenska

Getting Started

Introduction

Your 701 Direct/Reflecting speakers re-create a natural balance of reflected and direct sound energy for an open, spacious performance. As with all Bose products, their design is meant to bring you high quality listening pleasure. For instance, there are distinct left and right speakers, to make the most of your room acoustics. And the multi-chamber bass enclosure in each one reproduces low frequencies free of audible distortion. So it delivers a wider band of pure, deep bass than conventional designs that are considerably larger and more costly.

CAUTION:

To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bag that wraps these speakers out of reach of babies and children. The thin film may cling to nose and mouth and prevent breathing.

Unpack the speakers

Carefully unpack the speakers and inspect each one. If either speaker appears damaged, do not use them. Repack both speakers in the original carton and notify your authorized Bose dealer immediately.

Figure 1

Left Speaker
;;;; ;;;; ;;;; ; ;;;; ;; ;; ;;;;

; ;;;; ; ;;

; ;;; ; ;;;

BLACK + RED INPUT

The product label on the bottom of the speaker indicates if it goes on the left or the right side of your room.

Right Speaker

Speaker Placement
Where to stand the speakers
The product label on the bottom of each speaker indicates Left or Right (Figure 1). For best acoustic performance, stand the left speaker on the left side of your room. Stand the right speaker on the right side.

Figure 2

Ceiling Ideal placement in an average-sized room.
6 - 20 ft (1.8 - 6 m) 2 ft (.6 m) minimum Bose 701 speakers are not intended to hang from walls, or to stand on shelves or tables. They are designed as floorstanding speakers only.

Side Wall

To prevent injury to children and pets, and to protect your speaker investment, do not place your 701 speakers in high traffic areas where they can be accidentally knocked over.
Place the speakers 6 to 20 feet (1.8 - 6 m) apart and at least 2 feet (.6 m) from side walls (Figure 2). Make sure each speaker is at least 2 feet (.6 m) from your TV screen, to prevent video interference. For more bass response, move your speakers closer to the walls of your room. To reduce bass response, move them farther from the walls. This will soften heavy or booming bass.
Attention: Be sure to place each speaker at least 2" (5cm) from the wall behind it. For the best performance, it is important not to block the acoustic port at the rear of each speaker.

Connections

Choose the speaker cord
It is important to use the proper gauge (thickness) of speaker cord. Standard zip cord (2-conductor, 18-gauge wire) is recommended for most applications. You can find this wire at most electrical and hardware stores. You will need thicker wire if your speakers will be more than 30 feet from a receiver or amplifier. Refer to the Wire recommendations under Technical Information, or contact your authorized Bose dealer for more information.
To run speaker wire through a wall or under a floor
Make sure you have enough wire to reach from the receiver to each speaker. Also check your local building code requirements. Before proceeding, you may want to contact an electrical installer for information about your local building or safety regulations.

Prepare the cord

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 speaker, receiver, or amplifier. Note: It is sometimes difficult to distinguish wire markings. Inspect both wires carefully. To prepare ends of cord: 1. Strip approximately 12 inch (12 mm) of insulation from both wires. 2. Twist the bare ends of each wire.
Never use broken or frayed wiring, as electrical shock or damage may result.

Make the connections

Just press down the terminal tab on the bottom of each speaker to insert the appropriate wire (Figure 3). 1. Connect one cord to the right speaker output of your receiver or amplifier. a. Attach the marked wire at one end to the red (+) terminal. b. Attach the plain wire at that end to the black () terminal. 2. Connect the other end of the same cord to your right speaker. a. Attach the marked wire to the red (+) terminal. b. Attach the plain wire to the black () terminal. 3. Connect the second cord to the left speaker output and left speaker. Follow the procedure described above. Note: Be careful when using stranded wire. Loose strands should not touch across terminals.

Before making any connections, turn off your receiver or amplifier and unplug from outlet (the AC power mains). Not doing so may result in damage to your system.
;; ;;; ;;; ;;; ; ;; ;; ;; ;;;; ;; ;; ;; ; ; ; ;; ; ;
Left Speaker Right Speaker
+ DER KCALB BLACK + RED TUPNI INPUT

Figure 3

To complete the speaker connections.
Stereo Amplifier or Receiver

Left Output

Right Output

Check the connections

Make sure that no loose strands of wire touch across terminals. Bridged wires can short circuit and damage the speakers or components. Tighten any loose connections before you plug in the receiver or amplifier and turn it on.

Test the connections

To make sure your speakers operate correctly: 1. Set your receiver or amplifier for 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 speakers. 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 correct the problem, reverse the connections on the back of one speaker. Then repeat steps 1 - 4.

BLACK

Maintenance/Troubleshooting

To clean your speakers

Wipe the 701 speaker cabinets clean using a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent. No other regular maintenance is required.
How to troubleshoot problems
If you have a problem with your 701 speakers: 1. Turn off the amplifier or receiver and check all the connections between the speakers, amplifier, or receiver. Refer to Figure 3 on page 7. 2. Check your amplifier or receiver owners guide, since other components may be the cause of the problem. 3. Use the chart below as troubleshooting guidelines. If this does not solve your problem, contact your Bose dealer to arrange for service. Or use the For Service information listed on page 10. Bose Corporation will make every effort to remedy any problem within the terms of your warranty. Problem One speaker doesnt play or sounds distorted. Possible cause Defective amplifier or receiver channel, or defective speaker. How to find out Disconnect the cords from both speakers. Then switch them, connecting the right speaker cord to the left speaker and the left speaker cord to the right speaker. Solution If the previously broken speaker now plays properly, and the other one does not, one channel in the amplifier or receiver is probably defective. If the original speaker still does not play properly, call Bose or your retailer to arrange for service. Reconnect the speakers to another amplifier or receiver that is working properly. Return the volume to a reasonable level and avoid extremely high volume settings.

Both speakers do not play or sound distorted.
Defective amplifier or receiver.
Disconnect the amplifier or receiver from the speakers.
High sound volume drops suddenly.
The automatic system protection circuit has activated to protect the speakers from electrical stress or overload.
Lower the volume. If it returns to normal, your speakers automatic protection circuit caused the sudden drop. This volume reduction protects the speakers from electronic stress and overload.
Warranty/Technical Information

Warranty information

Bose 701 Direct/Reflecting speakers are covered by a limited 5-year 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 design
Patented multi-chamber bass enclosure Side-firing mid-range driver design Automatic system protection circuitry Syncom computer quality control
Driver complement Two 8" woofers (20.3 cm) per cabinet
One 6 12" (16.5 cm) mid-range driver per cabinet Two 2 14" (5.7 cm) ferrofluid-cooled tweeters per cabinet
Compatibility/Impedance Compatible with receivers or amplifiers rated from 10 to 400 watts per channel and 4 to 8 ohms
Power rating: 200 watts IEC
Enclosure Black ash vinyl veneer Dimensions/Weight 3212"H x 1038"W x 1212"D (82.6 x 26.3 x 31.8 cm)
Shipping weight: 66 lb (30 kg) per pair, in cartons Speaker weight: 27 lb (12.3 kg) per speaker
Wire recommendations Based on maximum frequency response deviation of 0.5 dB Gauge Length
18 (0.75 mm2) 16 (1.5 mm2) 14 (2.0 mm2) 30 ft (9 m) maximum 45 ft (14 m) maximum 70 ft (21 m) maximum

For Service

To contact Bose
Use the information below to contact Bose directly with questions or requests. Please use the address for your country when you complete and mail in your Warranty Registration card.
Bose Corporation, The Mountain Framingham, MA 01701-9168 1-800-367-4008 Phone hours - ET (eastern time) Weekdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Italia

Bose S.p.A., Via Luigi Capucci, Roma TEL 06-5127641 FAX 06-5115438
Bose K.K., Shibuya YT Building 28-3 Maruyama-cho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150 TEL 3-5489-1054 FAX 3-5489-0591

Canada

Bose Ltd., 8-35 East Beaver Creek Road Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1B3 1-800-444-BOSE (1-800-444-2673) Phone hours - ET (eastern time) Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nederland

Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat GE Edam TEL 0299-390139 FAX 0299-390109

European Office

Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat GE Edam, Nederland TEL 0299-390190 FAX 0299-390109

Bose A/S, Solheimsgate 11 N-2001, Lillestrm TEL 63-817380 FAX 63-810819

Australia

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

sterreich

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

Belgique/Belgi

Bose N.V., Limesweg 2, B-3700 Tongeren TEL 012-390800 FAX 012-390840

Schweiz

Bose AG, Rnenbergerstrasse 13 4460-Gelterkinden TEL 061-9815544 FAX 061-9815502

Danmark

Bose A/S, Industrivej 7, 2605 Brndby TEL 4343-7777 FAX 4343-7818

Sverige

Bose A/S, Blandsdsgatan 2D S-43146 Mlndal TEL 31-878850 FAX 31-274891

Deutschland

Bose GmbH, Max-Planck-Strae 36d D-61381 Friedrichsdorf TEL 06172-71040 FAX 06172-710419

United Kingdom

Bose Limited, Unit G2 Trinity Trading Estate Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 2PD TEL 01795-475341 FAX 01795-427227

France

Bose S.A., 6, rue Saint Vincent 78100 Saint Germain en Laye TEL 01-30616363 FAX 01-30614105
Bose Corporation India Private Limited W-16, Greater Kailash-II New Delhi TEL (011) FAX (011) 648 4463

Other Locations

Bose Service, 1 New York Avenue Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA TEL (508) 766-1900 FAX (508) 766-1919

World Wide Web

www.bose.com

Ireland

Bose Corporation Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan TEL 042-61988 FAX 042-61998 10
1998 Bose Corporation The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA JN99251 PN172642 Rev.04 AM172642 Rev.03

The Bose 601TM Series IV Direct/Reecting Speaker System
Owners Guide October 25, 2001

AM257731_00_V.pdf

Customer Information
Declaration of Conformity
We, the offerer: Bose Corporation, The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA Acknowledge our sole responsibility, that the product: Kind of equipment: Loudspeaker TM Type designation: 601 Series IV Direct/Reecting

speaker

In accordance with EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Article 10 (1) of the Directive, is in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s): Technical regulations: EN50081-1, EN50082-1 Accredited by Bose Corporation 1 May 2001
Bose Products B.V. Nijverheidstraat 8, 1135 GE Edam The Netherlands Nic Merks Vice President, Bose Europe Manufacturers authorized EU representative

Oc tober 25, 2001

Contents
Setting Up. Introduction. Unpacking the speakers. Attaching the speaker grilles. Placing the speakers. Choosing the speaker cord. Running the speaker cord through a wall or under a floor. Preparing the speaker cord. Making the connections. Checking the connections. For use in home theater. For rear or surround speakers. Setting your surround sound receiver or amplifier. Reference Information. Troubleshooting. Technical information. Customer service. Cleaning.

Warranty

Bose 601TM Direct/Reecting speakers are covered by a limited ve-year transferable warranty. Details of the coverage are provided on the warranty card that came with your speakers. Please ll out the information section on your card, detach it, and mail it to Bose.

For your records

The serial number is located on the label on the back of each speaker. Serial numbers: Dealer name: Dealer phone: Purchase date: We suggest you keep your sales slip and warranty card together with this owners guide. and
2001 Bose Corporation. No part of this work may be reproduced, modied, distributed, or otherwise used without prior written permission. All trademarks referenced herein are the property of Bose Corporation.

October 25, 2001

Setting Up Introduction
Your 601TM Direct/Reecting speakers re-create a natural balance of reected and direct sound energy for a lifelike, spacious performance. As with all Bose products, their design is meant to bring you high-quality concert-like sound. Figure 1
A natural balance of reected and direct sound energy.

Unpacking the speakers

Carefully unpack the contents of the shipping carton. Individually remove each speaker. Retain the packaging material for possible future use. If either speaker appears damaged, do not use it. Repack both speakers in the original carton and notify your authorized Bose dealer immediately. WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags that wrap these speakers out of the reach of children. WARNING: Each speaker weighs 30 lb (13.6 kg). Use good lifting practice to avoid injury.

Figure 2

Package contents: 1 left speaker 1 right speaker Owners guide 2 front speaker grilles 2 rear speaker grilles

Front speaker grilles

Rear speaker grilles
Left speaker Right speaker

Owners guide

Attaching the speaker grilles
Each speaker has both a front and a rear protective grille. The rear grille is the larger of the two. To attach these grilles to your speakers, line up the top curve of the grille so that it matches the curve of the speaker. Align the pins on the back of the grille to the mounting holes on the speaker cabinet and gently push the grille straight on. CAUTION: Do not place objects into any opening on the speaker cabinets.
Setting Up Placing the speakers
The product label on the back of each speaker indicates LEFT or RIGHT. For best acoustic performance, place the left speaker on the left side as you face your speakers and place the right speaker on the right side. Keep the speakers 6 - 15 feet (1.8 - 6 m) apart and at least 10 inches (25 cm) from side walls (see Figure 3). It is important not to block the acoustic components at the rear of each speaker. To avoid this, place each speaker at least 8 inches (20 cm) from the wall behind it. Figure 3
Ideal speaker placement 10" minimum (25 cm) 6 - 15 ft (1.8 - 6 m) 8" minimum (20 cm)
Note: Bose 601TM speakers are not intended to hang from walls, or to stand on shelves or tables. They are designed as oor-standing speakers only. WARNING: To prevent personal injury, do not place your speakers in high-trafc areas where they can be accidentally knocked over. Note: To prevent interference with your TV picture quality, place each speaker at least 2 feet (.6 m) from your TV screen. Figure 4

Place each speaker at least 2 feet (.6 m) from your TV screen. 2 ft minimum (.6 m) 2 ft minimum (.6 m)
Choosing the speaker cord
It is important to use the proper gauge (thickness) of speaker cord. Standard zip cord (2-conductor, 18-gauge or.82 mm2 wire or larger) is recommended for most applications. You can nd this wire at most electrical and hardware stores. If the length of speaker wire extends more than 20 feet (6 m) from a receiver or amplier, refer to Wire recommendations on page 9 or contact your authorized Bose dealer for more information.
Running the speaker cord through a wall or under a oor
Make sure you have enough cord to reach from the receiver to each speaker. For in-wall installation, check your local building code requirements. Before proceeding, you may want to contact an electrical installer for information about your local building or safety regulations. AM257731_00_V.pdf October 25, 2001 5

Setting Up

Preparing the speaker cord
Speaker cord consists of two insulated wires. The insulation around one wire is marked (striped, collared, ribbed, or may have writing on it). This marked wire is always positive (+). The plain wire is always negative (). These wires correspond to the red (+) and black () terminals on the speaker, receiver, or amplier. Note: It is sometimes difcult to distinguish wire markings. Inspect both wires carefully. To prepare the ends of the cord, strip approximately 38 to 12-inch (10-12 mm) of insulation from both wires. Then, twist the bare ends of each wire so there are no loose strands of wire. WARNING: Never use broken or frayed wire, as damage or electrical shock may result.

Making the connections

Connect your speaker wire to the SPEAKERS A or MAIN (front) left and right speaker outputs on your amplier or receiver. See your receiver owners guide for any additional information or instructions. CAUTION: Before making any connections, turn off your receiver and unplug it from the AC power mains. Failure to do so may result in damage to your system. Figure 5

Wiring schematic

Right speaker

Receiver

Left speaker
Unscrew the hex knobs on the terminal posts (Figure 5) located on the back of the left (L) speaker. This reveals a small opening through each post where the wire goes. 1. 2. 3. Insert the marked wire into the red (+) terminal. Insert the plain wire into the black (-) terminal. Tighten the knobs to secure the wires. Connect the other ends of the wire to your receiver or amplier. A. Attach the marked wire at one end to the red (+) terminal. B. Attach the plain wire at that end to the black () terminal. 4. Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 for the right (R) speaker connections.

Note: Now is a good time to record the serial numbers of these speakers on page 3 of this guide and on your warranty card.
Setting Up Checking the connections
Check all the connections from the receiver to the left and right speakers. Make sure all the wires are connected in phase (+ to + and to ). Correct any wiring problems before you plug in your receiver and turn it on. CAUTION: 601TM speakers 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. You may also notice light coming from inside the speaker cabinet. This is normal operation and indicates that power input may be exceeding safe levels. Sustained listening at these levels is not recommended.

For use in home theater

Your speakers are fully compatible with all surround sound formats. They may be used as the front left and right main speakers, or in larger more powerful systems as full-range surround channel speakers.
For rear or surround speakers
For use as the rear or surround speakers, connect your speakers to the Rear or Surround speaker outputs of the receiver or amplier. For use with digital home theater systems, we recommend trying both Large and Small settings to determine the best performance with your receiver or amplier. See your receiver owners guide for any additional information or instructions.
Setting your surround sound receiver or amplier
After making the connections, you may try any additional surround sound modes that your receiver may have. These modes may have different names depending on the manufacturer, such as, ACTION, MOVIE, THEATER. Select the settings for music, movies or both that sound best in your listening environment. See your receiver/amplier owners guide for additional information on selecting settings.
Reference Information Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing problems with your 601TM speakers: 1. 2. 3. Turn off the amplier or receiver and check all the connections between the speakers and the amplier or receiver. Check your amplier or receiver owners guide, since other components may be the cause of the problem. Use the chart below as troubleshooting guidelines. If this does not solve the problem, contact your authorized Bose dealer to arrange for service. Refer to the address list enclosed in the product packaging for correct phone numbers.
Problem One speaker doesnt play, or sounds distorted.
Possible cause Amplier or receiver channel, speaker, or speaker wire may be defective.

How to nd out Switch the LEFT and RIGHT connections on the back of your speakers.
Solution If the previously broken speaker now plays properly, and the other one does not, one channel in the amplier or receiver, or that speaker wire is probably defective. If the original speaker still does not play properly, call Bose or your retailer to arrange for service. Reconnect the speakers to another amplier or receiver that works properly. Return the volume to a reasonable level; avoid extremely high volume settings.
Both speakers do not play, or sound distorted. High sound volume drops suddenly.
Amplier or receiver Disconnect the may be defective. amplier or receiver from the speakers. The automatic protection circuit has activated to protect the speakers from electrical stress or overload. Lower the volume. If it returns to normal, your speakers automatic protection circuit caused the sudden drop. This volume reduction protects the speakers from electronic stress and overload. Check connections. They should be in phase (+ to + and to ).
No bass or diminished sound quality.
Wiring may be outof-phase.
Adjust connections, if they are out of phase.
Reference Information Technical information
Features Direct/Reecting speaker technology Stereo Everywhere speaker technology Proprietary bass reproduction Automatic protection circuitry Syncom computer quality control Speaker driver complement Two 612" (16.5 cm) woofers One 2" (5.1 cm) ferrouid tweeter per cabinet Compatibility Compatible with A/V receivers and ampliers rated from 10 to 200 watts per channel, rated from 4 to 8 ohms. Power rating: 100 Watts IEC Finish Graphite gray Light cherry Dimensions/Weight 32"H x 8"W x 13.75"D (81 cm x 20 cm x 35 cm) Each speaker weighs 30 lb (13.6 kg) Wire recommendations Based on maximum frequency response deviation of 0.5 dB
Gauge 18 (0.82 mm2) 16 (1.3 mm2) 14 (2.1 mm ) 12 (3.3 mm )
Length 20 ft (6 m) maximum 30 ft (9 m) maximum 50 ft (15 m) maximum 80 ft (24 m) maximum

Customer service

For additional help in solving problems, contact Bose customer service. Refer to the address list enclosed in the product packaging for correct phone numbers.

Cleaning

Wipe the 601TM speaker cabinets using a dry cloth. Do not use solvents or chemicals. Do not allow liquids to spill on, or objects to drop into the speaker grilles. You may vacuum the grilles carefully; the drivers are directly behind the grille cloth. No other maintenance is required.

Reference Information

2001 Bose Corporation, The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA 257731AM Rev.00 JN10652