Bose® Home Theater Speakers
Owner’s Guide
Where to find …
For your records
Serial numbers are located on the back of each speaker.
Center speaker serial number: _____________________________________
Surround speaker serial numbers: _______________and _______________
Dealer name: ____________________________________________________
Dealer phone: _________________ Purchase date: ____________________
We suggest you keep your sales receipt and warranty card together with
this owner’s guide.
©2003 Bose Corporation. No part of this work may be reproduced, modified,
distributed or otherwise used without prior written permission.
Dolby is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
3
Setting Up
Before you begin
Thank you for choosing Bose® home theater speakers. Both the
VCS-10® center speaker and the VCS-30® Series II center/sur-
round speaker system are engineered specifically for use with
video soundtracks. They are designed to make the most of audio
for video (A/V) surround sound receivers or amplifiers with five
amplified speaker outputs.
In either package you purchased, there is a center speaker. Its
magnetic shielding allows you to put this speaker directly on,
above, or below your video screen without causing screen discol-
oration. There it will deliver clear, crisp soundtrack reproduction
from the center channel. Other speakers at the front of your room
provide the left and right video sound.
In additon to one center speaker, the VCS-30 Series II system
includes two surround speakers. They are designed for use at the
rear of your room. Advanced design brackets included in this
package make the surround speakers simple to mount on a wall.
Please read and follow the instructions in this guide. They will help
you set up and use your new home theater speakers for the fullest
listening and viewing enjoyment.
Unpack the carton
Carefully unpack the carton and save all packing materials for
If any speaker appears damaged, do not use it. Instead, repack all
parts in the original carton and notify Bose or your authorized
Bose dealer immediately.
Note: Now is a good time to record the serial numbers found on
the back of each speaker. Write them on your warranty card and
on page 3 of this owner’s guide.
4
Setting Up
Place the center speaker
The center speaker provides center channel surround sound per-
formance while taking up very little space. The slim, low-profile
design allows it to fit directly on, above, or below your television
(Figure 2). Rubber feet ensure stable positioning and magnetic
shielding prevents video screen discoloration.
CAUTION: The VCS-10® speaker is not designed to be set on end
in a vertical position, mounted on a wall, or to support the addi-
tional weight of items placed on top of the speaker, which could
also hamper its performance. Do not allow debris or water from
plants, or other items on a shelf above, to fall on the speaker.
CAUTION: Do not install near any heat sources, such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
For full enjoyment, follow these placement guidelines:
• Place the speaker on, or very close to, your television set and
center it with the screen.
• Be sure to set it on a level surface.
• Apply additional rubber feet farther in from the edges, as
needed, for greater stability (Figure 3).
CAUTION: Be sure the center speaker is in a stable position and
does not extend beyond the edges of its support. Use additional
rubber feet as needed to prevent it from tipping or falling from a
television surface that is not completely level.
Figure 2
Alternate choices
for placing the
center speaker
Figure 3
Adding optional
self-adhesive feet
to the bottom of
the center speaker
Pre-attached
feet (2 of 6)
Optional self-adhesive feet
(4 supplied)
6
Setting Up
Position your surround speakers
Surround speakers in the VCS-30® Series II speaker system pro-
vide surround sound effects from the rear of your viewing area
(Figure 4).
Figure 4
Alternate choices
for placing the sur-
round speakers
Surround speakers
Brackets that come with these speakers allow you to mount them
on the wall. If you use the supplied brackets, refer to the bracket
instruction diagrams in the Appendix. Do not connect the speak-
ers before reviewing those instructions.
If you prefer, set the speakers on a table or shelf in a horizontal
position.
CAUTION: Do not install near any heat sources, such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
For accurate surround sound:
• Place these speakers behind the general viewing area, along the
rear wall or to the rear of side walls.
• Place both speakers at the same height.
• Place the speakers as far apart as your room allows.
• To mount the speakers on brackets, be sure to leave room
between the end of the bracket and the wall for tightening the
bracket screw.
Figure 5
Applying self-
adhesive feet to
the bottom of a
surround speaker
7
Setting Up
Connect the speakers
CAUTION: Before making any connections, turn off your receiver
or amplifier and unplug it from the AC power (mains) outlet. Not
doing so may result in damage to your system.
CAUTION: Never use broken or frayed wiring, which can result in
damage to your components.
Note: Before running speaker cord through a wall or under a floor,
check your local building code requirements and safety regula-
tions. You may want to contact an electrical installer for this infor-
mation.
If your receiver’s center channel is not amplified, you must con-
nect an amplifier to the receiver. Use an RCA cable to connect the
center channel RCA-type output on the receiver to the RCA-type
input on the amplifier. The speaker will then connect directly to the
amplifier instead of to the receiver.
Choosing speaker cord
Be sure to use the proper gauge (thickness) of speaker cord.
Standard zip cord (2-conductor, 18-gauge wire found at electrical
and hardware stores) works for most applications. If your speak-
ers will be more than 30 feet (9 m) from the receiver or amplifier,
see the following table, or check with your authorized Bose dealer.
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
* Based on a maximum frequency response deviation of ±0.5dB.
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 use the cord properly
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 nega-
tive (–). These wires correspond to the red (+) and black (–) termi-
nals on the speaker and the receiver or amplifier.
Note: It is sometimes difficult to distinguish wire markings. Inspect
both wires carefully.
8
Setting Up
Make the connections
At the connection end of the speaker, push one terminal lever and
insert the appropriate wire (Figure 6).
Figure 6
Red terminal lever
Marked wire
How to make ter-
minal connections
to the center
speaker and sur-
round speakers
Marked wire
Red terminal
lever
1. Connect one end of the speaker cord to your speaker.
A. Attach the marked wire to the red (+) terminal.
B. Attach the plain wire to the black (–) terminal.
2. Connect the other end of the same cord to your receiver or
amplifier (Figure 7).
A. Attach the marked wire to the red (+) terminal.
B. Attach the plain wire to the black (–) terminal.
• The center speaker connects to the CENTER SPEAKER
outputs on the receiver. Some surround sound receivers
have two sets of center channel speaker outputs. Use
either set.
• The left surround speaker connects to the LEFT SUR-
ROUND SPEAKER outputs.
• The right surround speaker connects to the RIGHT SUR-
ROUND SPEAKER outputs.
9
Setting Up
Check the connections
Make sure each connection is made positive to positive (+ to +)
and negative to negative (– to –). Check to be sure that no loose
strands of wire touch across terminals. Bridged wires can short-
circuit and damage the electrical components. Tighten any loose
connections before you plug in the receiver or amplifier and turn it
on.
Figure 7
Completed con-
nections
Center speaker
OUTPUT
To speakers
FRONT
SPEAKERS
Left
–
SURROUND CENTER
SPEAKERS SPEAKER
Right
Right Left
+
–
+
+
–
+
–
A
B
+
Right
–
+
–
Left
Receiver or
amplifier
Right Surround speaker
Left Surround speaker
10
Setting Up
Mounting your speakers on a wall
CAUTION: Do not mount the brackets on surfaces that are not
sturdy enough, or that have hazards concealed behind them, such
as electrical wire or plumbing. If you are unsure about installing the
bracket, contact a qualified professional installer.
CAUTION: Do not hang items from the brackets or speakers. The
brackets were designed to support the weight of the speakers only.
Note: See the back pages of this guide for the mounting template
and hardware information.
Note: For vertical mounting, mount part A with the hole for screw
C at the bottom. Be sure to tighten all screws.
Note: For Stereo Everywhere® speaker performance, horizontal
mounting is required.
1. Hold the mounting template in position and mark holes for the
mounting hardware. If you plan to feed wires through the wall,
mark the speaker wire pilot hole also.
2. Drill holes for the chosen mounting hardware.
3. Mount bracket part A to the wall and mount bracket part B to
4. Secure the speaker with bracket part B to bracket part A
using screw C. To adjust the angle, loosen screw C slightly,
move the speaker up or down, and retighten screw C.
Figure 8
A
B
Speaker-bracket
installation
C
11
Adjusting Your Surround Sound Settings
For realistic home theater sound
Each speaker produces only the sound directed to it by your sur-
round sound receiver. During a surround sound program, the front
and center speakers will emit sound almost constantly, while the
surround speakers may be silent at times.
How to set your Pro-Logic receiver
For use in video applications, be sure the SURROUND SOUND
may press in the button labeled Loudness (Bass Boost or Super
Bass on some receivers) to see if you prefer that video sound.
Figure 9
15
14
16
17
13
The receiver or
amplifier set to
NORMAL sur-
round sound
mode
18
12
19
11
20
21
22
23
10
9
8
7
24
25
6
5
4
26
27
28
3
2
1
29
30
0
Use the test tone on your receiver to further verify connections
and to adjust the volume level of the speakers.
To use the test tone
1. Press test tone ON at the receiver remote.
2. Listen and confirm that each speaker reproduces sound as
the tone moves from speaker to speaker. One tone should
come from both SURROUND speakers at the same time.
3. Adjust the volume levels of the CENTER and SURROUND
speakers so all of the speakers sound equally loud in your
main listening area.
Instructions for this process vary, depending on the receiver brand
and model you are using. Follow your receiver owner’s guide
instructions for more details on using the test tone.
To balance the bass and treble
Upholstered furniture, wall-to-wall carpets, or heavy drapes can
muffle treble (high notes), making your speaker system sound
bass heavy. Bare floors and walls and hard surface furniture can
make your speaker system sound too shrill. After listening to your
speakers, you may want to adjust the balance of bass and treble.
You can use the bass and treble controls on your receiver.
12
Adjusting Your Surround Sound Settings
How to set your Dolby Digital receiver
Your VCS-10® or VCS-30® Series II speakers are compatible with
the output from Dolby Digital receivers. Take special care to set
the channel output on the Dolby Digital screen menu to SMALL for
both the center speaker and surround speakers.
Receiver channel output
Proper setting
Center
SMALL
SMALL
Left and right surround speakers
(VCS-30 Series II surround speakers)
Follow the receiver owner’s guide instructions for using the
receiver test tone to verify your connections and to adjust the vol-
ume levels of the speakers.
If the sound is interrupted
The VCS-10 Center Speaker and VCS-30 Series II Center/Sur-
round Speaker System feature an advanced automatic electronic
protection circuit to prevent speaker damage due to an overload.
When the center channel speaker detects an overload, the protec-
tion circuit intermittently shuts down and resets the speaker a
fraction of a second later, until the overload is cleared. Intermittent
play will continue for the duration of the overload.
If you hear this interruption, turn down the volume to relieve the
overload. You will hear the speaker resume normal play when the
volume is set at a safe level.
Note: The overload problem described here should occur only if
the receiver is overdriven and sending a distorted signal, or when
the center speaker is driven by an amplifier rated well above the
100 watts per channel maximum listed in “Compatibility” on
13
Reference
Troubleshooting
Problem
What to do
No sound
•
•
Check the volume control.
Make sure the receiver (or amplifier) is plugged in and
turned on.
•
•
•
Make sure the receiver is not on Mute.
Make sure headphones are not connected to the receiver.
Center or surround
speaker does not
work
•
•
•
Make sure your receiver has amplified center and surround
channels.
page 13).
Check the audio source material to be sure it is encoded
for surround sound.
•
•
If your surround sound receiver is Pro-Logic, be sure an
RCA stereo cable connects the receiver to a stereo sound
source (TV, VCR, laserdisc, or DSS player).
If the receiver is connected directly to a stereo television,
make sure that all other program sources (VCR, laserdisc,
or DSS player) are connected to the TV using RCA stereo
cable as well.
If your surround sound receiver is Dolby Digital, be sure
the sound source (DSS, laserdisc, or DVD player) is con-
nected directly to your receiver as described in your
receiver owner’s guide.
•
•
Center speaker
intermittently shuts
down
•
Reduce the volume until that speaker returns to normal
play. Automatic electronic protection circuitry may have
engaged to prevent an overload.
•
•
Check the power rating of your receiver (see “Compatibil-
Make sure your receiver is set for NORMAL surround
sound mode.
Sound is distorted
•
•
Check the speaker cord for damage.
Reduce the output level from your TV or other components
connected to the receiver.
Customer service
To arrange for service, contact your authorized Bose® dealer, or
contact Bose directly.
14
Reference
Cleaning speakers
CAUTION: If liquids get into the product, disconnect the speaker
from the receiver and allow it to air dry. Then reconnect the
speaker and play it. If you notice any problems with how the
speaker functions, disconnect it again and contact Bose® customer
service.
Clean the outside of your VCS-10® or VCS-30® Series II speakers
by wiping each speaker with a damp cloth. If necessary, use a
mild detergent, like dish soap, being careful not to allow any liquid
to spill through the cloth grille or the ventilation slots of the speak-
ers. No other maintenance is required.
Warranty period
Bose® VCS-10 and VCS-30 Series II 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 that card, detach, and
mail it to Bose.
Technical information
Features
Ported speaker enclosures (all speakers)
Magnetic shielding in all speakers
Automatic electronic protection circuitry in all speakers
Syncom® computer quality control of center and surround
speakers
Driver complement per speaker
Center speaker: Four (4) 2.5" (6.3 cm) Twiddler™ drivers
Surround speaker: Two (2) 2.5" (6.3 cm) Twiddler™ drivers
Compatibility
Center speaker: Compatible with amplifiers or receivers with
center channel outputs rated 10-100 watts per
channel; rated 4-8 ohms
Surround speakers: Compatible with amplifiers or receivers with
surround channel outputs rated 10-100
watts per channel; rated 4-8 ohms
Enclosure
Molded polymer with a tuned port
Size/Weight
Center speaker: 3.25"H x 21.5"W x 6"D; 5.9 lb
(8.2 cm x 54.6 cm x 15.2 cm; 2.7 kg)
Each surround speaker: 4.17"H x 10.93"W x 4.98"D; 3.3 lb
(14.6 cm x 28.0 cm x 16.5 cm; 1.49 kg)
VCS-10 speakers, packed in carton: 8 lb (3.6 kg)
VCS-30 Series II speaker system, packed in carton: 20 lb (9.1 kg)
15
Reference
16
©2004 Bose Corporation
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
257530-ENGvo AM Rev.00
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