Bose Acoustimass 30 powered speaker system Sold from 1999 to 2001 User Manual

							The Bose® Lifestyle® 30 System
Owner’s Guide
December 20, 2001
AM193147_03_V.pdf 
						

							2 December 20, 2001                                                                  AM193147_03_V.pdf
Safety Information
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this system to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
These CAUTION marks are located on the back panel and bottom of your Lifestyle® music
center and the bottom panel of your Acoustimass® module:
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to aler t
the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the system enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle, as marked on the system, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in this
owner’s guide.
Class 1 laser product
This compact disc player is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER product.
The CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT label is located on the bottom
of the unit.
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. The compact disc player
should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone except properly qualified service personnel.
Note: This system is not intended for use in moving vehicles.
Class B emissions limits
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Regulations.
Batteries
Please dispose of used batteries properly, following any local regulations. Do not incinerate.
Additional safety information
See the additional information on the Important Safety Instructions page enclosed with this
owner’s guide.
Please read this owner’s guide
Please take the time to follow this owner’s guide carefully. It will help you set up and operate
your system properly, and enjoy all of its advanced features. Save your owner’s guide for
future reference.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
KLASSE 1 LASER PRODUKTLUOKAN 1 LASER LAITEKLASS 1 LASER APPARAT
CAUTION:
For units with a polarized
power plug, to prevent
electric shock, match wide
blade of plug to wide slot,
insert fully. 
						

							 AM193147_03_V.pdf December 20, 2001a
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions – for all components
before using this product.
2. Keep these instructions – for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings – on the product and in the
owner’s guide.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water or
moisture – Do not use this product near a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a
wet basement, near a swimming pool, or any-
where else that water or moisture are present.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth – and as directed
by Bose
® Corporation. Unplug this product from
the wall outlet before cleaning.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions – To ensure
reliable operation of the product and to protect it
from overheating, put the product in a position
and location that will not interfere with its proper
ventilation. For example, do not place the product
on a bed, sofa, or similar surface that may block
the ventilation openings. Do not put it in a built-in
system, such as a bookcase or a cabinet that may
keep air from flowing through its ventilation
openings.
8. Do not install near any heat sources, such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that pro-
duce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A polar-
ized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding-type plug has
two blades and a third grounding prong. The
wider blade or third prong are provided for
your safety. If the provided plug does not fit
in your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched, particularly at plugs, conve-
nience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories speci-
fied by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket or table specified by the
manufacturer or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of
time – to prevent damage to this product.14. Refer all servicing to qualified service person-
nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way: such as power-
supply cord or plug is damaged; liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus; the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped – Do not attempt to service this
product yourself. Opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltages or other hazards.
Please call Bose to be referred to an authorized
service center near you.
15. To prevent risk of fire or electric shock, avoid
overloading wall outlets, extension cords, or
integral convenience receptacles.
16. Do not let objects or liquids enter the product –
as they may touch dangerous voltage points or
short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric
shock.
17. See product enclosure for safety related
markings.
Information about products that
generate electrical noise
If applicable, this equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accor-
dance with the instructions, may cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio communications. However, this is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
•Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different
circuit than the one to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV techni-
cian for help.
Note: Unauthorized modification of the receiver or radio
remote control could void the user’s authority to operate
this equipment.
This product complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class
B specifications. 
						

							English
b December 20, 2001                                                                  AM193147_03_V.pdf
Important Safety Instructions
Antenna grounding
Example of antenna grounding as per National Electrical
Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
Note to CATV system installer
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system
installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC (of USA)
that provides guidelines for proper grounding. In particu-
lar, it specifies that the cable ground shall be connected
to the grounding system of the building, as close to the
point of cable entry as is practical.
18. Use proper power sources – Plug the product into
a proper power source, as described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the product.
19. Avoid power lines – Use extreme care when
installing an outside antenna system to keep from
touching power lines or circuits, as contact with
them may be fatal. Do not install external antennas
near overhead power lines or other electric light or
power circuits, nor where an antenna can fall into
such circuits or power lines.
20. Ground all outdoor antennas – If an external
antenna or cable system is connected to this
product, be sure the antenna or cable system is
grounded. This will provide some protection against
voltage surges and built-up static charges.
Section 810 of the National Electrical Code ANSI/
NFPA No. 70 provides information with respect to
proper grounding of the mast and supporting
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit, size of grounding conductors,
location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and requirements for the
ground electrode. Refer to the antenna grounding
illustration on this page.
Antenna lead in wire
Antenna discharge unit
(NEC Section 810-20)
Grounding conductors(NEC Section 810-21)
Power service grounding
electrode system
(NEC ART 250, Part H)
Ground clamps Ground clamp
Electric service
equipment 
						

							 AM193147_03_V.pdf December 20, 20013
Contents
For your records
Serial numbers are located on the bottom of the music center and the bottom panel of the
Acoustimass® module.
Lifestyle
® music center serial number: _____________________________________________
Acoustimass module serial number: ______________________________________________
Dealer name: __________________________________________________________________
Dealer phone: _______________________ Purchase date: ___________________________
We suggest you keep your sales receipt and warranty card together with this owner’s guide.
Where to find…
Setting Up
Before you begin ........................................................................................................ 4
Unpack the carton ...................................................................................................... 5
Select the locations for your Lifestyle
® 30 system ...................................................... 6
Connect the speakers and music center .................................................................... 8
Connecting your home theater components to the Lifestyle
® system ..................... 10
Other connections .................................................................................................... 12
Connect the antennas .............................................................................................. 13
Set up the remote control ......................................................................................... 14
Set radio channel spacing on dual voltage systems ................................................ 14
Operating Your Lifestyle
® 30 System
Turn on your Lifestyle® 30 system ............................................................................ 15
The music center display .......................................................................................... 15
The system controls ................................................................................................. 16
Other music center controls ..................................................................................... 17
The Lifestyle
® 30 remote control ............................................................................... 17
Listening to compact discs ...................................................................................... 18
Listening to the radio ................................................................................................ 20
Using the system with external components ........................................................... 21
Fine-tuning your system ........................................................................................... 22
Using two listening zones ......................................................................................... 23
Maintaining Your Lifestyle
® 30 System
Changing the house code settings ........................................................................... 25
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................ 26
Warranty period ........................................................................................................ 27
Customer service ..................................................................................................... 27
Taking care of your Lifestyle
® 30 system .................................................................. 28
Product Information
Technical information ............................................................................................... 29
Accessories .............................................................................................................. 29
Index ............................................................................................................................... 30
Bose
® Corporation ................................................................................. inside back cover 
						

							4 December 20, 2001                                                                  AM193147_03_V.pdf
Setting Up
Before you begin
Thank you for purchasing the Bose® Lifestyle® 30 system. This remarkably compact system
is a result of advanced technology developed by years of research. Technological innova-
tions that make the Lifestyle
® 30 system possible include the smallest CD changer now
available for home use and Jewel Cube® speakers, one-half the size of the previous Acousti-
mass® cube speakers.
To create speakers this small, the magnet inside is formed using the rare earth element
neodymium and has ten times more energy (per unit volume) than conventional magnets.
For high performance from such a small package, a port 3.8 inches (9.7 cm) long was
designed in the shape of a nautilus shell and enclosed inside the tiny cube.
These, and numerous other innovations, bring you the Lifestyle
® 30 system, offering superb
sound, elegance, technology, and simplicity for music and home theater.
Your system includes:
•A Lifestyle
® music center with built-in AM/FM radio and six-disc CD changer
•Powered Acoustimass speakers consisting of five Jewel Cube speakers
and a hide-away Acoustimass module
•An easy-to-use remote control
•Inputs for two video sound sources, an auxiliary source, and a tape deck
•Capability for operating two listening zones
Bose Videostage
® decoder technology enables the Lifestyle® 30 system to reproduce the
realism of movie sound especially for a home environment. When a movie soundtrack or CD
is produced in a surround sound format, specially encoded sound is sent to any or all of the
available speakers. Dialogue is usually sent to the front speakers. Sounds from the left or
right side of the picture are sent to the left or right front speakers. Ambient sounds or
special effects may be sent to the surround (rear) speakers. Bose Videostage circuitry
automatically directs the sound to the correct speakers.
To select surround-encoded material, look for any of the terms Surround, Dolby Surround,
and the double-D symbol 
 * on tapes and discs, or the word “surround”
preceding a TV broadcast.
When sound is recorded in stereo, but not surround-encoded, Videostage decoder technol-
ogy directs it to the most appropriate speakers based on the signals received. When
viewing older movies or listening to other monaural programs on your Lifestyle
® 30 system,
Videostage directs sound so it appears to come from the center of the TV screen.
You can listen to any program material in SURROUND (5-speaker) mode, although you will
not hear sound from all five speakers all of the time. All monaural and most stereo materials
are not directed to the surround speakers. Even with surround-encoded material there are
times when no sounds are directed to the surround speakers. You can select the speaker
mode that sounds best to you for each particular program.
Please take the time to follow this owner’s guide carefully. It will help you set up and operate
your Lifestyle
® system, and enjoy all of its advanced features. Save your owner’s guide for
future reference.
* Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. 
						

							 AM193147_03_V.pdf December 20, 20015
®
T
r
e
b
l
e
B
a
s
s
®
®
THE BOSESPECIAL EDITIONLIFESTYLEMUSIC SYSTEM CD
¨
¨
¨
Setting Up
Unpacking the carton
Carefully unpack your system. Save all packing materials for possible future use. The
original packing materials provide the safest way to transport your Lifestyle® system. If any
part of the product appears damaged, do not attempt to use the system. Notify Bose®
customer service or your authorized Bose dealer immediately.
Use care when you remove the protective plastic film from the music center to avoid
scratching the finish.
Check to be sure your Lifestyle
® 30 system contains the parts identified in Figure 1.
Note: Find the serial numbers on the bottom panel of the Acoustimass® module and the
bottom of the music center. Write them on your warranty card and in the spaces provided
on page 3.
CAUTION:
Remove and dispose of the
three red manufacturer’s
shipping screws from the
bottom of the Lifestyle
® music
center before setting up your
system.
The shipping screws are for
use by the manufacturer only.
They are not re-installable.
Figure 1
What comes with your
Lifestyle® 30 system:
•Lifestyle® music center
•Music center power pack*
•5 Jewel Cube speakers
•5 speaker cables
(2 surround and 3 front)
•Acoustimass module
•14 self-adhesive rubber feet
(4 for the module and 5 pairs for
the Jewel Cube speakers)
•AC power (mains) cord*
•Audio input cable
•Stereo cable
•Remote control
•3 AA batteries
•FM antenna
•AM antenna
•CD magazine
•Lifestyle
® CD and Test CD
* Power cord and pack shown in Figure 1
are USA/Canada/Japan versions.
Dual voltage systems include 1 power
cord, 1 adapter 
, and 2 power
packs.
The power cords and packs for Europe,
UK/Singapore, and Australia are shown
below.
Europe
UK/Singapore
Australia
AC power cordLifestyle
® music center
Music center power pack
CD magazine
AM antenna AA
batteries
Lifestyle
® CD
Test CD Stereo cableRemote
control
Rubber feet
(5 pairs) Front speaker cables
(blue connectors)
Rubber feet (4)Surround speaker cables
(orange connectors) Jewel Cube
®
speakersAcoustimass module
Audio input cable
FM antenna 
						

							6 December 20, 2001                                                                  AM193147_03_V.pdf
Setting Up
Select the locations for your Lifestyle® 30 system
When you place your speakers according to the guidelines below, a combination of
reflected and direct sound provides the audio atmosphere of a home theater. You may
experiment with the placement and orientation of the Jewel Cube
® speakers and
Acoustimass® module to produce sound most pleasing to you. For the best surround effect,
adjust the speakers so you cannot identify the exact sound source. It is preferable not to
aim the cubes directly at the listener. For more discussion of speaker placement and room
acoustics, see “Fine-tuning your system” on page 22.
Jewel Cube speaker locations
Follow these guidelines to select locations that provide the maximum home theater effect
from your Lifestyle® 30 system (Figures 2 and 3). Place each of the Jewel Cube speakers
6-12 inches (15-30 cm) from the surface behind them.
Left and right front speakers
The sound from the left and right front speakers should seem to appear at the edge of the
picture, so that the acoustic image is close to the size of the visual image (Figure 2).
1. Place them on line with the horizontal center of the TV screen.
2. Place each speaker up to 3 feet (1 m) from the edge of the TV screen.
We recommend a maximum distance of 3 feet (1 m) so that the sound does not become
too separated from the picture. You may wish to vary this distance based on room
conditions and personal preference. 
The front cables allow the cube speakers to be
placed up to 20 feet (6.1 m) from the Acoustimass module.
3. Direct one cube of each speaker toward the center of the room (Figure 2). Direct the
other cube toward a side wall to create reflected sound. (See the illustration of sug-
gested reflected sound patterns in Figure 3.)
Note: The Jewel Cube speakers are magnetically shielded so you can place them close to
the TV without affecting picture quality.
Center speaker
The sound from the center speaker should appear to come directly from the center of the
picture (Figure 2). The center cable allows the center speaker to be placed up to 20 feet
(6.1 m) from the Acoustimass module.
Note: Do not place the speaker on its side, as this diminishes performance by blocking the
Jewel Cube ports.
1. Place the speaker on line with the vertical center of the screen, above or below (which-
ever is closer to the screen), or the closest convenient location.
2. Place the speaker in line with the front of the screen (not pushed to the back of the TV).
3. Direct each of the cubes slightly away from center, to create a wider area of direct sound
(Figure 3).
Note: If you put the speakers in a bookcase unit, be sure to place each one at the front
edge of the shelf. Placing speakers in an enclosed space can change the tonal quality of
the sound. This effect is minimized if the shelves are filled with books.
CAUTION:
Choose a stable and level
surface for your Jewel Cube
speakers. Vibration can cause
the speakers to move, particu-
larly on very smooth surfaces.
For stability, peel off the
backing from the rubber feet
and center them in the
matching shapes on the
bottom of each speaker.
Figure 2
Recommended front speaker
locations
®
Center
Left front
Right front 
						

							 AM193147_03_V.pdf December 20, 20017
Setting Up
Acoustimass module
Follow these guidelines to select a location for the Acoustimass module.
CAUTION: To avoid interference with the TV picture, place the module at least 18 inches
(45 cm) from the TV.
1. Place the module along the same wall as the TV, or close to the same end of the room
as the front speakers (see the example along the front wall in Figure 3).
2. Select a position for the module (Figure 4). For proper ventilation, place it on the long
edge, with the connectors facing the floor. An alternate position is on its largest side,
with the bass and treble controls facing up. Do not place the module on either end, as
shown by the last two views in Figure 4.
Note: Once you have selected a position for the module, place the four self-adhesive
rubber feet near the corners of the bottom surface. The rubber feet provide increased
stability and protection from scratches.
3. Select a convenient location – under a table, behind a sofa. Do not allow furniture or
drapes to block the ventilation openings of the module.
4. Place it within reach of the audio input cable, speaker cables, and an electric outlet.
5. Aim the port (the round opening) into the room or along the wall to avoid blocking the
port or creating too much bass.
6. For best bass performance, do not place the module so that the port is at equal
distances from any two walls or from a wall and the ceiling.
Music center
Select a location for the music center.
CAUTION: Be sure the three shipping screws on the bottom of the music center have
been removed before proceeding.
1. Place the music center on a level surface. Allow enough room to lift the door and to
access the headphone jack on the right side panel.
2. Place the music center close enough to the sound sources (TV, VCR, etc.) to allow for
cable length. If you need additional audio and/or video cables to connect all of your
components, see your dealer or call Bose
® customer service.
3. Place the music center within 30 feet (9.1 m) of the Acoustimass module (the length of
the audio input cable).
®
Treble
Bass
CAUTION:
Do not cover the ventilation
openings of the Acoustimass
module. The slots on the end
provide ventilation for the
built-in electronic circuitry.
®®
Preferred
position
Figure 4
Acoustimass module positions
®
R
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G
H
T
F
R
O
N
TR
I
G
H
T
R
E
A
RC
E
N
T
E
RO
U
T
P
U
T
S
 
T
O
C
U
B
E
 
S
P
E
A
K
E
R
SL
E
F
T
F
R
O
N
TL
E
F
T
R
E
A
R®Alternate position
Surround speakers
The surround (rear) speakers create an area of sound around the listener. Place them in the
back half of your room. Direct the cubes so that you do not pinpoint the exact location of
the sound source (Figure 3). The surround cables allow the speakers to be placed up to 50
feet (15.2 m) from the Acoustimass
® module.
CenterFigure 3
Speaker placementLeft
frontAcoustimass module
Right
surround Left
surroundRight
front1. Place the speakers at
ear height or higher, if
possible.
2. Direct the cubes to
reflect sound off one or
more walls or vertical
surfaces.
3. Do not direct the sound
straight at the listener. 
						

							8 December 20, 2001                                                                  AM193147_03_V.pdf
Setting Up
Connect the speakers and music center
Once you have selected locations for your speakers and music center, connect the system.
Connecting the Jewel Cube® speakers to the Acoustimass® module
1. Match each cable to the corresponding speaker location.
•Front speaker cables have blue RCA connectors at one end, with L, R, or C molded
into both the RCA connectors and the Jewel Cube connectors at the other end.
•Surround speaker cables have orange RCA connectors at one end, with L or R
molded into both the RCA connectors and the Jewel Cube connectors at the other
end.
2. Insert the Jewel Cube connector of each cable fully into the jack on the rear of one of
the five speakers (Figure 5). Match the ridge of the connector to the notch at the top of
the jack.
3. Connect each cable to the corresponding jack on the Acoustimass module.
a. Plug the blue connectors into the matching left front, center, and right front jacks.
b. Plug the orange connectors into the matching left surround and right surround jacks.
To lengthen the cable, connect speaker wire with male phono (RCA) plugs on each end to
your supplied speaker cable. Use a female-to-female adapter (“barrel” connector). Or, splice
in 18-gauge (.75 mm
2) or thicker cord (connecting + to + and – to –). To purchase extension
wire, see your dealer, electronics store, or call Bose® customer service.
Connecting the Acoustimass module to the music center
Connect the module to the music center with the audio input cable (Figure 6).
1. Plug the small black multi-pin connector (flat side facing up) into the jack marked
SPEAKER ZONE 1 on the back of the music center.
2. Insert the right-angle multi-pin connector on the other end of the audio input cable into
the AUDIO INPUT jack on the module. Align the connector at the angle shown in Figure 6.
Note: Be sure that each connector is inserted completely into each jack.
3. Extend the audio input cable as much as possible, since it includes an antenna for the
remote control.
For information on connecting zone 2, see “Using two listening zones” on pages 23-24.
CAUTION:
Make sure all components are
unplugged from the power
outlet before you begin
connecting the system.
Figure 5
Speaker cable connection to the
Jewel Cube speaker