Bose Companion 3 multimedia speaker system Sold from October 2003 to present User Manual

							The Bose® Companion® 3 Multimedia Speaker System
Rising Sun book.book  Page 1  Thursday, April 22, 2004  4:57 PM 
						

							2
English
Safety Information
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this system to rain or 
moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and objects filled with 
liquids, such as vases, shall not be placed on the apparatus.
 
These CAUTION marks are located on the rear panel of the Acoustimass
® module:
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert 
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 instruction in this 
owner’s guide.
WARNING: 
To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, insert fully. 
Please read this owner’s guide
Please take the time to read and 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.
CAUTION: 
Do not place computer monitors, floppy disks, hard drives, or other magnetic 
media within 6 inches of the Acoustimass module. The magnetic field produced by this module 
can erase magnetic media and interfere with the monitor.
CAUTION: No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the
apparatus.
©2004 Bose Corporation. No part of this work may be reproduced, modified, distributed or otherwise 
used without prior written permission. 
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
AVISVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION : POUR RÉDUIRE LE RISQUE DE DÉCHARGE
ÉLECTRIQUE, NE PAS RETIRER LE COUVERCLE (OU
L’ARRIÈRE). IL NE SE TROUVE À L’INTÉRIEUR AUCUNE
PIÈCE POUVANT ÊTRE RÉPARÉE PAR L’USAGER.
S’ADRESSER À UN RÉPARATEUR COMPÉTENT
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							2a
Important Safety Instructions
English
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 anywhere else that water or mois-
ture 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 pro-
tect it from overheating, put the product in a position 
and location that will not interfere with its proper venti-
lation. For example, do not place the product on a 
bed, sofa, or similar surface that may block the venti-
lation 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 radia-
tors, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus 
(including amplifiers) that produce heat. 
9.Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized 
or grounding-type plug. A polarized 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, convenience recep-
tacles, and the point where they exit from the appa-
ratus. 
11.Only use attachments/accessories specified by the 
manufacturer. 
12.Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, 
bracket or table specified by the 
manufacturer or sold with the appa-
ratus. When a cart is used, use cau-
tion 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 personnel. 
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 appara-
tus 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 volt-
ages 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 over-
loading 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 bottom 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 accordance with the instructions, 
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. 
However, this is no guarantee that interference will not 
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does 
cause harmful interference 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 technician 
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.
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							2b
Important Safety Instructions
English
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 install-
ing 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 struc-
ture, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna dis-
charge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of 
antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding elec-
trodes, and requirements for the ground electrode. 
Refer to the antenna grounding illustration on this 
page.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 particular, 
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.
Antenna lead-in wire
Antenna discharge unit
(NEC Section 810-20)
Grounding conductors
(NEC Section 810-21)
Ground clamps
Power service grounding electrode 
system (NEC ART 250, Part H) Electric service 
equipmentGround clamp
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English
Français
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Contents
Where to Find
Safety Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
Where to Find  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3
Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
Your Companion
® 3 Multimedia Speaker System   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
System Setup  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
Unpacking   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
Selecting a location for your Companion 3 Multimedia Speaker System   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
Positioning the Acoustimass
® module  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
Positioning the satellite speakers   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
Making connections  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
To Connect:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
To make the final connection and power the system   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
Additional Connections   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
Operation   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
Operating the Companion 3 multimedia speaker system   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
Troubleshooting   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
Troubleshooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
Reference   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
Maintaining the Companion
® 3 Multimedia Speaker System  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
Cleaning the system   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Limited Warranty period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
Technical Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
Features  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
Driver complement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Power rating  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
Dimensions (approximate)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
Weight (approximate)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Finish   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
Note: 
Now would be a good time to register your product online at www.bose.com/register.
For your records
The system serial number is located on the bottom of the Acoustimass module.
Serial number: _______________________________________________________________________________
Dealer name:  _______________________________________________________________________________
Dealer phone:  _______________________________________________________________________________
We suggest you keep your sales receipt together with this owner’s guide.
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English
Introduction
Yo u r  C o m p a n i o n
® 3 Multimedia Speaker System
Thank you for purchasing the Bose® Companion 3 multimedia speaker system. Bose 
designed this amplified speaker system to provide high-fidelity stereo sound for your 
computer and a variety of other desktop sources. Its unique features make this system
a superior choice for your home or office workspaces.
 Small satellite speakers and an Acoustimass
® module that hides away help maximize work-
space.
 Magnetically shielded satellite speakers protect your screen from color distortion so you 
can place the satellite speakers right next to your monitor or television.
 TrueSpace
® stereo signal processing provides a wide soundstage even when the 
speakers are close together.
 Control pod allows you to control system volume and connect headphones or 
portable audio players.
 Integrated signal processing provides full, rich sound at all listening levels.
 Auxiliary input jack lets you expand your system to include an external source such as a 
CD player, MP3 player, or other audio source. 
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English
System Setup
Unpacking
Carefully unpack your system. Save all packing materials, which provide the safest way to 
transport your system, if needed.
WARNING: 
To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags out of the reach of children.
If any part of the system appears damaged, do not attempt to use it. Notify Bose Corporation 
or your authorized Bose® dealer immediately. For contact information, refer to the address 
sheet included in the carton. 
Check to be sure your system includes the parts shown in Figure 1.
Note: 
Now is a good time to record the serial number on the bottom of these speakers on 
page 3 of this guide and on your warranty card. 
Figure 1
Contents of the shipping 
carton
Audio input cable BracketsSatellite speakersAcoustimass
® module
Control pod
 AC power cordRubber feet
Small clear rubber feet
Mounting bracket
adhesive pads
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System Setup
English
Selecting a location for your Companion® 3 Multimedia Speaker System
Use the following guidelines to choose locations and positions for the speakers and the 
Acoustimass® module (Figure 2). While these guidelines are offered to provide outstanding 
system performance, you may find other placement options that are more convenient and 
provide the sound you enjoy.
Figure 2
Recommended system 
placement
Positioning the Acoustimass® module
The Acoustimass module is designed to be the unseen part of this system. It can be placed 
under or behind furniture, for example, and contribute to the lifelike sound you hear from the 
speakers without being visible.
Place the module on a flat surface:
 within reach of an AC (mains) power outlet and
 place the module a minimum of 
6 inches (15 cm) from the computer monitor (or TV) to pre-
vent interference from the module, which is not magnetically shielded.
 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 pro-
tection from scratches.
CAUTION: 
Do not place computer monitors, floppy disks, hard drives, or other magnetic 
media within 6 inches 
(15 cm) of the Acoustimass module. The magnetic field produced by this 
module can erase magnetic media and interfere with the monitor.
 Stand the Acoustimass module on its feet. Do not lay it on its side or stand it on either end 
(Figure 3).
Figure 3
Module placement
6 inches (15 cm)
3 inches
minimum minimum
(8 cm) 
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System Setup
English
 Aim the port of the module away from the wall to decrease bass or toward the wall to 
increase bass; in either case, be sure it is at least 3 inches (8 cm) from the wall.
 Place the module away from heat sources (radiators, baseboard, quartz heater, etc.). 
Adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent the module from overheating during use. Do 
not block the openings on the back of the module, which provide ventilation for the built-in 
circuitry.
 Using the supplied audio input cable, you can place the module up to 6 feet (2 m) away 
from the multimedia sound source. If you put the module farther away, use an audio input 
extension cable available from any retail electronics store.
Positioning the satellite speakers
These speakers are designed to sit upright on your desk, or be mounted on your monitor with 
the supplied speaker brackets. The speakers are magnetically shielded to prevent 
interference when they are on or near your monitor. Using the supplied speaker cables, you 
can place the satellite speakers up to 6 feet (2 m) away from the module.
If placing your speakers on the desktop:
 Attach three small clear rubber feet to each satellite speaker as indicated by the 
indentations on the bottom of each speaker (Figure 4).
 Place speakers facing slightly outward, at an equal distance on either side of the 
monitor (Figure 2 on page 6).
 Place both speakers a maximum of 3 feet (90 cm) from the edge of the screen, and at 
approximately the same height.
CAUTION: 
Choose a stable, level surface for the speakers. Vibration can cause the speakers 
to move, particularly on smooth surfaces like marble, glass, or highly polished wood. If 
needed, you may obtain additional rubber feet from Bose
® Customer Service. To contact 
Customer Service, refer to the address sheet included in the product carton. 
Figure 4
Attaching small clear rubber 
feet to speaker
Small clear rubber feet
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System Setup
English
If mounting speakers on your monitor (Figure 5):
Figure 5
Mounting the bracket
Note: Be sure to wipe the monitor clean before affixing speaker brackets.
1. Attach a small clear rubber foot to 
the right speaker bracket 
(marked R).2. Peel off one side of the mounting adhesive 
pad and attach it to the bracket.
3. Insert the speaker wire into the 
center of the open bracket.4. Move the bracket along the cord toward 
the speaker. 
Pad
Small clear rubber foot
Mounting bracket adhesive pads
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