CONTENTS

Specifications .................................................................................................................................... 2
Disassembly/Assembly Procedures ........................................................................................... 3-4
Figure 1. Acoustimass®-4 Test Setup Diagram ................................................................................. 4
Test Procedures ............................................................................................................................ 4-6
Part List Notes ...................................................................................................................................7
Main Part List, Acoustimass-4 Home Theater Speaker System (see Figure 2) ........................... 7
Figure 2. Acoustimass-4 Home Theater Speaker System Exploded View ....................................... 7
Main Part List, Acoustimass-4 Satellite Speaker (see Figure 3) ................................................... 8
Figure 3. Acoustimass-4 Satellite Speaker Exploded View .............................................................. 8
Electrical Part List, Crossover Assembly, Acoustimass-4 Speaker System (see Figure 4) ....... 9
Figure 4. Acoustimass-4 Crossover Layout Diagram ....................................................................... 9
Packaging Part List, Acoustimass-4 Home Theater Speaker System (see Figure 5) ............... 10
Figure 5. Acoustimass-4 Home Theater Speaker System Packaging View ................................... 10
Figure 6. Acoustimass-4 Woofer Wiring Diagram ........................................................................... 11
Figure 7. Acoustimass-4 Crossover PCB Assembly Schematic Diagram ..................................... 11

CAUTION: The Bose® Acoustimass-4 Home Theater

Speaker System contains no user-serviceable parts.
To prevent warranty infractions, refer servicing
to warranty service stations or factory service.

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OF

BOSE CORPORATION WHICH IS BEING FURNISHED ONLY FOR
THE PURPOSE OF SERVICING THE IDENTIFIED BOSE PRODUCT
BY AN AUTHORIZED BOSE SERVICE CENTER OR OWNER OF THE
BOSE PRODUCT, AND SHALL NOT BE REPRODUCED OR USED
FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE.

WARRANTY
The Bose Acoustimass-4 Home Theater Speaker System is covered by a
limited five year warranty.

1
 SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: Bass Module: 7.5" x 14.2" x 8.0" (19 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm)
Satellites: 3.1" x 3.1" x 4.8" (7.9 cm x 7.9 cm x 12.1 cm)

Weight: Bass Module: 11.7 lb (5.3 kg)

Satellites: 1.0 lb each (.45 kg)
Packed System: 17.7 lb (8 kg)

Transducer 1-5.25" (13.3 cm) Woofer

Complement: 1-2.25" (6 cm) TwiddlerTM in each satellite

Nominal Impedance: Left/Right Channel: 4 Ohms, (3.2 Ohms minimum)

(20 Hz - 20 kHz per Center Channel: 5 Ohms, (4.0 Ohms minimum)
IEC 268-5)

Power Handling (L/C/R): 50 W/channel continuous per IEC 268-5

Recommended amp/receiver power 10-100 W/ch.

Sensitivity (1 W, 1 m): 82 dB, on-axis with satellite, 4 Ohm space,

per IEC 268-5 (for octave band centered at 400 Hz)

Frequency Response: Left/Right Channel: 40 Hz - 16 kHz

Center Channel: 250 Hz - 16 kHz

Finish: Bass Module: Black or white satin finish

Satellites: Black or white polymer finish

2
 DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES
Satellite Speaker Procedures
Note: Refer to Figure 3 for the following
procedures.
1. Satellite Grille Removal
1.1 Grasp the satellite speaker with one
hand. With the other hand, grasp both the
top and bottom of the grille assembly (2).
Squeeze inward and pull the grille assembly
away from the satellite speaker.
2. Satellite Grille Replacement
2.1 Align the grille assembly (2) with the
satellite speaker. Make sure that the curved
edges of the grille are oriented vertically.
The Bose® nameplate should be positioned
in the bottom right corner of the grille.
2.2 Snap the grille assembly into place.
3. TwiddlerTM Removal
3.1 Perform procedure 1.
3.2 Using a phillips-head screwdriver,
remove the four screws (3) that hold the
Twiddler (4) in place.
3.3 Carefully lift the Twiddler out of the
cabinet, make a note of the Twiddler wiring
and cut the wires as close to the driver
terminals as possible.
4. Twiddler Replacement
4.1 Strip the wires and, observing polarity,
solder them to the replacement Twiddler (4)
terminals. Refer to the wiring diagram made
in step 3.3.
4.2 Align the driver to the cabinet and
secure the Twiddler to the baffle using the
four screws (3) removed in step 3.2.
4.4 Perform procedure 2.
3
Bass Module Procedures
Note: Refer to Figure 2 for the following
procedures.
5. Terminal Cup Removal
5.1 Remove the six screws (1) that secure
the terminal cup (2) to the bass module.
Note: The crossover PCB assembly (4) is
mounted on the inside of the terminal cup.
Service loops in the crossover/woofer
connections may prevent easy access to
the terminal cup. Untwist the service loops
and slide the terminal cup out far enough
to access its connections.
5.2 Lift the terminal cup carefully away
from the bass module.
6. Terminal Cup Replacement
6.1 Slide the terminal cup (2) partially into
the bass module. Twist the crossover/
woofer connections into service loops.
Caution: Make sure that the lamps and
polyswitches remain straight (vertical) on
the crossover PCB assembly (4). They
should not contact each other or any other
components.
6.2 Slide the terminal cup completely into
the module.
6.3 Align the screw holes. Make sure that
the terminal cup gasket (3) is aligned
correctly behind the terminal cup. Secure
the terminal cup to the bass module using
the six screws (1) removed in procedure
5.1.
7. Crossover PCB Assembly Removal
7.1 Perform procedure 5.
7.2 At an angle, carefully slide the cross-
over PCB assembly (4) out of the bass
module.
 DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES
7.3 Remove the four screws (1) that secure
the crossover PCB assembly to the termi-
Test Procedures
nal cup (2).
Note: Refer to Figure 1 below unless
8. Crossover PCB Assembly Replacement otherwise specified.

8.1 Align the crossover PCB assembly (4)
to the terminal cup (2) and secure it using
the four screws (1) removed in step 7.3.
8.2 At an angle, carefully slide the cross-
over PCB assembly into the bass module.
Note: The woofer in the bass module is
non-repairable. If you suspect the woofer is
defective the bass module will need to be
replaced.
1. System Sweep Test

8.3 Perform procedure 6. 1.1 Set up the system as shown in

Figure 1.

Note: Bass will only be heard in the left or

right channels. The center channel is not
connected to the woofer.

Satellite Left Center Right

Speakers + - + - + -

Signal Generator

Bass
Module
+ -

+ - + - + -

Amplifier + - + - + -

+ - - + - + - +

Figure 1. Acoustimass®-4 Test Setup Diagram

4
 TEST PROCEDURES
1.2 For the left channel only, apply an
8 Vrms, 10 Hz signal to the input terminals
on the bass module enclosure.
1.3 Sweep the audio signal generator from
10 Hz to 1 kHz. Listen for any loud extrane-
ous noises, buzzes or distortion. There
should not be any buzzes or rattles from
within the bass module. Redress any wire
or component that buzzes.
1.4 Reduce the input signal level to the
bass module to 4 Vrms and continue
sweeping from 1 kHz to 15 kHz. If any
TwiddlerTM buzzes or sounds distorted,
replace it.
1.5 Repeat steps 1.2 to 1.4 for the right
and center channels.
Note: If a satellite speaker or the bass
module malfunctions, check all connections
and look for faulty components on the
crossover assembly.
2. Air Leak Test
2.1 Apply an 8 Vrms, 45 Hz signal to the left
and right channel inputs on the bass mod-
ule.
2.2 Listen for air leaks around the terminal
cup and cabinet seams. Air leaks will be
heard as a hissing or sputtering noise.
Repair any air leaks. All repairs must be
hidden.
3. Automatic System Protection Test
3.1 Apply an 12 Vrms, 100 Hz signal to the
left channel input on the bass module.
Note: Do not apply the input signal for more
than 60 seconds.
3.2 Using a voltmeter, measure the AC
voltage level at the left channel bass mod-
ule output. There should be a gradual
reduction in the sound level. The output AC
voltage level should decrease from approxi-
mately 8 Vrms to 3.5 Vrms.
5
Note: If the sound level stays the same,
then polyswitch PTC1 (left channel) or
PTC3 (right channel) may be defective.
If the sound output stops completely, then
lamp DS1 (left channel) or DS3 (right chan-
nel) may be defective. Refer to the
schematic diagram Figure 7.
3.3 Repeat steps 3.1 and 3.2 for the right
channel.
3.4 Apply an 10 Vrms, 100 Hz signal to the
center channel input on the bass module.
Note: Do not apply the input signal for more
than 60 seconds.
3.5 Using a voltmeter, measure the AC
voltage level at the center channel bass
module output. There should be a gradual
reduction in the sound level. The output AC
voltage level should decrease from approxi-
mately 8 Vrms to 3.5 Vrms.
Note: If the sound level stays the same,
then polyswitch PTC2 may be defective.
If the sound output stops completely, then
lamp DS2 may be defective. Refer to the
schematic diagram Figure 7.
4. Woofer Phase Test
4.1 Set up the system as shown in Figure 1.
4.2 Apply an 8 Vrms, 45 Hz signal to the left
and right channel inputs on the bass module.
4.3 Disconnect either the left or right input to
the bass module. The sound output from the
bass module should decrease.
Note: If the sound output increases, stays
the same or stops completely, check for a
defective woofer or incorrect connections.
The woofer is non-repairable. If the woofer is
defective, then the bass module must be
replaced.
 TEST PROCEDURES
5. TwiddlerTM Phase Test
Note: DO NOT set up the system as
shown in Figure 1 for these tests. The
satellite speakers will be tested individually.
6.5 Measure the AC voltage at the satellite
speaker input terminals. For the left and
right channels, the voltage should read
.89 +/- .12 Vrms. For the center channel,
the voltage should read .89 +/- .12 Vrms.

5.1 Remove the satellite speaker grille
using disassembly/assembly procedure 1.
5.2 Observing polarity, apply +6 Vdc to the
satellite speaker input terminals.
Note: Apply the DC voltage level for only a
short time to avoid damage to the satellite
speaker.
5.3 With the DC voltage applied, observe
the motion of the Twiddler. It should move
outward. Repeat this test for all of the
satellite speakers in the system.
6.6 Apply a 2 Vrms, 12 kHz signal to the
left, right and center channel inputs on the
bass module.
6.7 Measure the AC voltage at the satellite
speaker input terminals. For the left and
right channels, the voltage should read
1.70 +/- .12 Vrms. For the center channel,
the voltage should read 1.70 +/- .12 Vrms.

6. Bass Module Crossover Test

Note: If any of the readings fall out of the

limits in the tests below, check the following
items: Refer to the schematic diagram
Figure 7.
• Crossover wiring
• Twiddlers
• Crossover PCB assembly components.

6.1 Set up the system as shown in

Figure 1.

6.2 Apply a 2 Vrms, 100 Hz signal to the

left, right and center channel inputs on the
bass module.

6.3 Measure the AC voltage at the satellite

speaker input terminals. For the left and
right channels, the voltage should read
.61 +/- .12 Vrms. For the center channel,
the AC voltage level should read
1.64 +/- .12 Vrms.

6.4 Apply a 2 Vrms, 2.5 kHz signal to the

left, right and center channel inputs on the
bass module.

6
 PART LIST NOTES
1. This part is not normally available from Customer Service. Approval from the Field Service
Manager is required before ordering.
2. The individual parts located on the PCBs are listed in the Electrical Part List.

MAIN PART LIST

Acoustimass®-4 Home Theater Speaker System (see Figure 2)

Item Description Part Number Qty. Note

Number
1 SCREW, TAPP, 6-13X.625, PAN, XRC/S 172783-10 10
2 CONNECTOR, TERMINAL CUP, BLK 173337 1
3 GASKET, TERMINAL CUP 147450 1
4 CROSSOVER ASSEMBLY, AM-4 172810 1 2

1 6X

1
4X

Figure 2. Acoustimass-4 Home Theater Speaker System Exploded View

7
 MAIN PART LIST
Acoustimass®-4 Satellite Speaker (see Figure 3)

Item Description Part Number Qty. Note

Number
1 NAMEPLATE, 28.8MM, DIA CUT, BLACK 184247-1 1
NAMEPLATE, SILVER, ARCTIC WHITE 184247-4 1
2 GRILLE ASSY, SATELLITE, PRO GRAY 175177-4 1
GRILLE ASSY, SATELLITE, BLACK 175177-1 1
GRILLE ASSY, SATELLITE, WHITE 175177-2 1
3 SCREW, TAPP, 8-11X.625, PAN, XRC/S 172672-10 4
TM
4 TWIDDLER , GASKETED, 50MM, SHLD 184473 1
5 BATTING, POLYESTER, 76X76X50MM 144225 2
6 CONN, BARRIER, GLTN, 2 POS, BLK 141405 1
7 CARTON, CHIPBOARD, SINGLE SAT, BLK 183480-02 1
8 BAG, POLY, 7X9X2 MIL 175780 1

BLACK PUSH-
TERMINAL

5
THREADED INSERT
BELOW TERMINAL
STRIP

4
8

2
1

Figure 3. Acoustimass-4 Satellite Speaker Exploded View

8
 ELECTRICAL PART LIST
Crossover Assembly, Acoustimass®-4 Home Theater Speaker System (see Figure 4)

Reference Description Part Number Qty. Note

Designator
C1, C7 47 uF, EL, BP, 85C, 50V, 20% 136548
C2, C8 100 uF, EL, BP, 85C, 50V, 20% 142065
C3, C6, C9 10 uF, EL, BP, 85C, 50V, 20% 138365
R1, R2, R3 5.1 OHM, WW, 5W, 10% 132105-5R1
L1, L2, L3 300 uH 131973
PTC1, PTC3 POLYSWITCH, 60V, DISC, RADIAL 141988
PTC2 POLYSWITCH, 60V, DISC, RADIAL 147185
DS1, DS2, DS3 LAMP, MINI, 1.5A, 36VDC 141989
- SCREW, MACH, 4-40X1, PAN, XREC 103146-16 3
- NUT, HEX, 4-40 103234-440 3
- WASHER, FLAT, .141, #5 108258-05 3
- TAPE, FOIL, W/LINER 134636 3 1
- PIN, GROOVED, .52X.34X.045 129000-5234 4

Figure 4. Acoustimass-4 Crossover Layout Diagram

9
 PACKAGING PART LIST
Acoustimass®-4 Home Theater Speaker System (see Figure 5)
Item Description Part Number Qty. Note
Number
1 BAG, POLY, 14.38X9.87.X2 MIL 103351 1
2 MANUAL, OWNER’S, AM-4 172813 1
MANUAL, OWNER’S, AM-4 HT SURR 181918 1
3 CARD, INFO, WARRANTY, U.S. 181357 1
4 CARD, INFO, WARRANTY, MULTI-LANG 181460 1
5 BROCHURE, ALL PRODUCT 188898 1
6 BUMPER, RECESSED, FOOT, .88” 142839 4
7 SHT, DEC OF CONFORMITY, AM-4 184059 1
SHT, DEC OF CONFORMITY, AM-HT 184078 1
8 SAT ASSY, PKG, SGL, PRO GRAY 175680-4 3
SAT ASSY, PKG, SGL, BLK 175680-119 3
SAT ASSY, PKG, SGL, WHT 175680-129 3
9 PACKING, INSERT, CORRUGATED 149253 1
10 PACKING, CORNER POST, INSERT 148364 2
11 BAG, POLY, HDPE, 13.5X35X9X1 MIL 114522 1
12 PACKING, CORNER POST, BASS MODULE 148044 2
13 WIRE, 18/2, BLACK, 20FT. 130915 6
WIRE, 18/2, ARCTIC WHT, 20FT. 140236 6
14 CARTON, RSC, AM-4, IRL 173529 1
CARTON, ALB, AM-4 HT 181658-00 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 3X

9
2X 10
11
2X 12 13 3X

BOTTOM FLAP OF INSERT TO BE

FOLDED TOWARD SATELLITES
(BENEATH BOTTOM SATELLITE)

14

Figure 5. Acoustimass-4 Home Theater Speaker System Packaging View

10
 BROWN YELLOW

- +

+ -

ORANGE GREEN
REAR VIEW OF WOOFER
AND WIRE CONNECTIONS

Figure 6. Acoustimass®-4 Woofer Wiring Diagram

DS1 (DS3) C1 (C7) C3 (C9)

47 10

PTC1 (PTC3) C2 (C8) R1 (R3)

+ J1
(J11) 100 5.1
RXE075

L1 (L3)
J5 Left
.3mH (J15)
LEFT (Right)
(RIGHT) Satellite
YELLOW J2
CHANNEL
(ORANGE) (J12)
INPUT
OUTPUT
TO WOOFER
GREEN
(BROWN) J3
(J13)
- J4
(J14)
J6
(J16)
DS2 C6
VAL 10

PTC2 R2
+ J7
5.1
RXE050
CENTER
CHANNEL L2
INPUT J9 Center
.3mH
Satellite
- J8 J10

NOTES:UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED

1. RESISTOR VALUES ARE IN OHMS.
2. CAPACITOR VALUES ARE IN MICROFARADS.
3. RIGHT CHANNEL INFORMATION IN PARENTHESES

Figure 7. Acoustimass-4 Crossover PCB Assembly Schematic Diagram

11
 Acoustimass®-4
Home Theater Speaker System

©
2000 Bose Corporation Service Manual
Part Number 174783 Rev. 01
 SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Bose Corporation
The Mountain
Framingham Massachusetts USA 01701
P/N: 174783 Rev. 01 6/00 FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR PART ORDERS, CALL 1-800-223-4408