Help me figure out this audio equipment?

[ERD50]

So this appears to be the manual:

https://www.bose.com/en_us/support/...r_support/am15_series2/manuals_downloads.html

https://assets.bose.com/content/dam...ies2/pdf/owg_en_am15_series2_am16_series1.pdf

and quick set up guide:

https://assets.bose.com/content/dam...akers/am15_series2/pdf/qsg_en_am15ii-am16.pdf


It is a powered sub-woofer unit.

It's really meant to be connected to a surround-sound receiver, but the sub woofer and speakers could be used to enhance a stereo output as well.

You are going to need something with actual speaker outputs though (like an audio amplifier or receiver). Headphone jack or "line level" outputs won't drive it (well, maybe a tiny bit).

-ERD50

 

[Amethyst]

Isn't it supposed to hook to a TV - is the TV not the receiver?

You know, despite the manual, I am still struggling with the stuff that was left behind. There seems to be more than is listed in the manual. Naturally no way to ask them how they hooked it up. I guess I will be satisfied if I can figure out how to follow the manual.

There is a power cord for the big unit! I plugged it into a wall outlet. No reaction - no hum or lights - but maybe there isn't meant to be. That is something I will have to ask Bose.

So this appears to be the manual:

https://www.bose.com/en_us/support/...r_support/am15_series2/manuals_downloads.html

https://assets.bose.com/content/dam...ies2/pdf/owg_en_am15_series2_am16_series1.pdf

and quick set up guide:

https://assets.bose.com/content/dam...akers/am15_series2/pdf/qsg_en_am15ii-am16.pdf


It is a powered sub-woofer unit.

It's really meant to be connected to a surround-sound receiver, but the sub woofer and speakers could be used to enhance a stereo output as well.

You are going to need something with actual speaker outputs though (like an audio amplifier or receiver). Headphone jack or "line level" outputs won't drive it (well, maybe a tiny bit).

-ERD50

 

[Amethyst]

Uh-oh. " 10 Setting Up Connecting the Acoustimass ® module to the receiver
.CAUTION: Do not connect the powered Acoustimass module directly to your TV unless it provides surround decoding circuitry and amplified outputs for all channels"

Now I need to check the TV's manual to see if it has this capability. Probably not, but worth a check!

 

[ERD50]

Isn't it supposed to hook to a TV - is the TV not the receiver?
....

No, not directly to a TV. In the manual, they always show the Bose connected to an A/V "receiver". The TV audio (or digital) outputs go to an A/V "receiver", then the A/V "receiver" is connected to the Bose as shown in the manual.

I wouldn't expect any sound from plugging it in with no inputs connected.

TV >>> A/V RECEIVER >>>> BOSE>>>>SPEAKERS

-ERD50

 

[target2019]

Isn't it supposed to hook to a TV - is the TV not the receiver?

You know, despite the manual, I am still struggling with the stuff that was left behind. There seems to be more than is listed in the manual. Naturally no way to ask them how they hooked it up. I guess I will be satisfied if I can figure out how to follow the manual.

There is a power cord for the big unit! I plugged it into a wall outlet. No reaction - no hum or lights - but maybe there isn't meant to be. That is something I will have to ask Bose.

The equipment is meant to be driven by an amplifier/receiver.

The powered bass unit only powers itself, and does not pass on an amplified signal to the small speakers.

It looked promising...

 

[LOL!]

FWIW, we have old speakers, but the cones have rotted out, but youtube has convenient videos on how to repair old speaker cones.

Perhaps before you go too far, you should look at the speakers to see if they need repair.

 

[target2019]

The next best step is to cartonize that stuff and have fun shopping for a new soundbar with bass unit.
Life can be too short

 

[Z3Dreamer]

I would love to have your problem. A top of the line speaker system and all you have to do is figure out what type of receiver to power it. I would shortly be using my 70's rock and roll at max volume to be rearranging the architecture in my house, teach the neighbors a thing or two, torturing Mrs. Z3....

I guess it is a boy thing.

 

[Amethyst]

Z3, those are such good reasons to keep hacking away at the problem! Now that the model number has been found, I just hope the stuff actually works, and that Bose customer service can help.

I would love to have your problem. A top of the line speaker system and all you have to do is figure out what type of receiver to power it. I would shortly be using my 70's rock and roll at max volume to be rearranging the architecture in my house, teach the neighbors a thing or two, torturing Mrs. Z3....

I guess it is a boy thing.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

They look like Bose Acoustimass Series 10. A good system but a little older. I would say still good though. They were about $1000 when new.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/961579/Bose-Acoustimass-10.html

They came in Black or Grey as yours are. Those were the days when the Sub Woofers were big....

 

[zinger1457]

The manual has a good diagram and description on how to connect everything. Should have 5 or 6 (depending on model and number of small speakers) separate cables that go from each small speaker to the big Bose bass unit then one big cable that goes from the bass unit to the A/V Receiver (which you don't have). Not sure Bose is going to be able to help you much without an A/V Receiver to tie it all together.

 

[Amethyst]

We used to have Denon and a NAD receivers, but somehow those are no longer with us. I am thinking those would be rather a large investment to go with such old speakers. I'll try to find something used online.

The manual has a good diagram and description on how to connect everything. Should have 5 or 6 (depending on model and number of small speakers) separate cables that go from each small speaker to the big Bose bass unit then one big cable that goes from the bass unit to the A/V Receiver (which you don't have). Not sure Bose is going to be able to help you much without an A/V Receiver to tie it all together.

 

[ERD50]

[-]They look like Bose Acoustimass Series 10..[/-].

Don't confuse things further! They've already been identified ...

.... . Lo and behold, there was a sticker with the Model, Acoustimass 15 II Home Entertainment System, 2002. ...

And the manual:

https://assets.bose.com/content/dam...ies2/pdf/owg_en_am15_series2_am16_series1.pdf


-ERD50