Archive through December 25, 2006

 

New member
Username: Joas

Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-05
Hello, I have a Bose Lifestyle 12 looks like there is something wrong with the subwoofer. I suspect it is the fuse. Since I have a limited budget to send to Bose repair Centers and the system is too old for $500.00 fuse. Can you please help me how to open the subwoofer. Thank you very much.
 

J. Vigne
Unregistered guest

A $500 fuse? Who told it would cost that much?


 

Disco Man
Unregistered guest
J. Vigne,
I believe what joas is saying is that the shipping of the subwolfer, labor replacing the subwoofer is going to be expensive or that a new subwooler will cost him around $500.00. Bose service can fix it but it will be $120.00 + shipping to get it fixed. I have the same problem with my Bose Accoustimass 15 subwoofer, it will not power up, I believe it to be the fuse. I too can't get the darn cover off, does anyone know how it done?
 

Silver Member
Username: Cory

Canada

Post Number: 160
Registered: Jan-05
if you have pictures of all the faces(sides) of the sub enclosure I'm pritty sure i could find a way in (they had to put it together some how)
 

J. Vigne
Unregistered guest

I believe what you are seeing is called planned obsolescence. Bose glues the box together when it is assembled at the factory. If it comes in damaged under warranty, their cost is minimal to replace the unit. If it comes in out of warranty, their profit to simply replace the unit is still considerable. The owner can't prove it is just a fuse, so a non-repairable system is a fair diagnosis. That will be $350, please. Since the Bose systems can only effectively operate with their own subwoofer, the owner is in a positioned most commonly referred to as "screwed" to the wall.


But those satellite speakers are nice and tiny. Small wonder Bose is the most well known speaker company in America. Even smaller wonder Amar Bose is a very rich man.


 

Duke W.
Unregistered guest
Interesting thread. I have the exact same problem. Subwoofer stopped working yesterday. No Power. Accoustimass 15 that is 5yrs old. I am technical by profession and cannot for the life of me figure out how to get inside it... there is some kind of metal swivel on one end that swings out but doesn't seem to unlock anything. Would love to get hold of a some schematic....
 

Silver Member
Username: Cory

Canada

Post Number: 171
Registered: Jan-05
bandsaw?
 

E F
Unregistered guest
If you haven't been able to get the back cover off of the Bose Acoustimass speaker yet:
Locate the plastic swivel tab with notches in the center of the top between the plastic grill and main case.
Rotate the notches with something small and thin, like a key, until a plastic tab is sticking straight out.
Hit the top of the plastic grill with shoe or rubber mallet toward the bottom of the case (where the cables plug in) to slide the cover over the internal grooves.
The case will fall off with no damage.
 

Anonymous
 
One additional thing, remember to pull the treble and bass knobs off before removing the plastic side grill. They just pull straight out.
 

E F
Unregistered guest
When removing the side vented panel, remember to pull the treble and bass knobs off before hitting the grill. They just pull straight out.

Also the panel below the vented side is not glued on to the cabinet but uses a rubber gasget and therefore the electronics and speakers can be accessed without damaging anything simply by removing the screws .
 

Anonymous
 
I got the back off; previous posts are correct. There is a latch on toward the rear in the seam between the plastic and the larger wooden box. Turn the latch until it sticks out. Make sure the side nobs are pulled off first then....

pull very hard on the black pastic away from the plugs and it will come off.

UNFORTUNATELY, I found the fuse right off, I tested it, and it was fine. I took both layers of circuit boards off and that was the only fuse and nothing else appeard wrong with the subwoofer. Alas, I will be hopefully making arrangements with Bose tomorrow for a repair or upgrade if they do such a thing. I have no idea why the power doesn't go through.

Good luck to all.
 

Unregistered guest
Hello people!

Anyone has or know how to get the schematic for BOSE ACOUSTIMASS Subwoofer? Please if so mail me
at miguel_melo@az.netcabo.pt.

Thanks all
 

Unregistered guest
The same thing was happening to my Bose Lifestyle... I took it to a local electrician, who couldn't fix it because Bose doesn't give out their repair manual or parts, BUT he told me it had something to do with the unit getting too hot?? Not sure, but I too am shipping my bose off to be fixed. I was quoted $190 for the repair- can only imagine what its going ot cost to ship it!!
 

rdarr
Unregistered guest
So, where is the fuse located and what do I have to do to get at it?

Thanks,

Ron
 

KaFoomaN
Unregistered guest
i have a prob with my Bose Sub, it sounds like a V8 Supercar idleing when i use it, and it still does it after i turn everything off,... any ideas why, it cant be good for it, and the only way to stop it isto pull out all the cables and stuff!!
 

Joey U
Unregistered guest
To sort of follow on the thread, I would like to simply replace my bose sub. I am looking to move to a 6.1 system and have picked up an extra cube. Is it possible to pickup a sub that will work with the bose system (I have a Yamaha receiver)?
 

Unregistered guest
bose lifestyle 12, center front speaker (channel) does not work? I've move all speakers throught the various front left to rear right. All five speakers work fine. Just no sound from the center. Any ideas
 

mijofr
Unregistered guest
thanks for the help in getting the damn cabinet open, unfortunately the fuse is fine but it still will not power up.

Why did James Lansing have to up and die on us?
 

Unregistered guest
I have a Bose Lifestyle 20. As I live in an extemerly dusty environment I would like to open up the case and blow out all the dust. Does any one know how to open the case please. Also I have to go extremely close to the unit with the remote before I can alter or awitch the sound. The remote has new batteries. Would appreciate any ideas as to why the remote will no longer work from a distance.
 

Unregistered guest
I have a Bose Lifestyle 20 which has eaten a CD. I have tried to get in to the unit to free the darn thing but again I can't figure out the magic code to crack the darn thing. Oh Bose will fix/replace it for $200. But I would like to forgo that if possible. Anyone have any ideas? Lots of little slots in the base but nothing seems to free any part of the case.

yes I tried the manual release on bottom. it releaases the cassette but the disk must be half way into the elevator.
 

JohnShumo
Unregistered guest
Regarding the subwoofer on the Bose Acoustimass system: Mine suddenly died as well and I at first suspected the fuse as well but it was fine, however tracing the voltage from the plug it stopped at two Surface Mounted Resistors on the opposite side of the board from the fuse(very tiny but marked "200" on each of them) they are in parallell and had both blown. They are 20 Ohm resistors (200 = 20 + number of zeros, thus 20 ohms) so I replaced them with some 20 Ohm 1/2watt resistors from radio shack and the system now works again. I of course had to tack them onto the board since they are not the surface mounted type, but no one will ever see them anyway...
 

New member
Username: Bfrankie

Post Number: 2
Registered: Sep-05
I have a Bose AM7 that worked well with an Onkyo Rec TX-525 that fried with a surge. Replaced it with the SR-702. The subwoofer seems to work softly (satellite speakers work normally) but the sound from the sub is no where comparable to the 525. Aditionally during the setup of the SR-702 does not recognize the Sub. I have played with all the crossover settings and eq yet no different.

Since the Sub does not seem to operate normally but only with very minimal sounds, I am thinking of adding a powered Sub.

Anyone see a conflict here? Have to use the Bose sub as it drives the satellites or is teh Bose sub Dead?
Thansk.
 

Truckblog.com
Unregistered guest
I have the Bose Acoustimass 15 system (6 years old) and am experiencing frequent woofer failure. Not sure what the deal is here, and none of the above situations sound similar to mine.

Yesterday I couldn't get the woofer to fire up at all. Flipping the on/off switch usually generates an audible sound from the power supply ("thump"), but it didn't do a thing. I tried turning it off and on several times with no success.

Today, after reading this topic, I was fully prepared to rip open the damn thing to see if I could find a problem. However before doing so I fired it up and sure enough it worked just fine. I didn't move it at all.

Yesterday it didn't work. Today it did.

What could be the cause of this? It's extremely irritating, especially when the family sits down to watch a good DVD and there's no bass.

Finally, if I can't find a solution to this problem, I'm going to swap it out with another 10" home subwoofer I have. So my 2nd question is, do the Bose satellite speakers work fine without being hooked up to the Acoustimass box?

Thanks for any advice...
Chris
 

Gold Member
Username: Edster922

Abubala, Ababala The Occupation

Post Number: 2037
Registered: Mar-05
Chris,

REJOICE, REJOICE, REJOICE...because Fortune has smiled upon you!

You now have the absolutely priceless opportunity to upgrade to a million times better HT system for the same or much less money than what you paid.

Those Bose sats can only run with through the Acoustimass box. Why? Because a REAL receiver, putting out REAL power, would fry those puny little 2.5" paper cones all to hell.

Likewise, a REAL subwoofer, not that joke of a "bass module" would also blow your Bose out into the next galaxy.

I can't answer your question as to why your woofer is doing that, but I can say with 110% absolute certainty that you will NEVER EVER regret the day you go and buy yourself a real HT system.

Here's the scoop on Bose in general, and on the Acoustimass system in particular:

http://www.intellexual.net/bose.html
 

Truckblog.com
Unregistered guest
The reason why I bought the AM system for my living room is because of space. I have the four Bose sats ceiling-mounted and the AM box is about half the size of my Velodyne 10" sub I purchased for my makeshift home theater (which got turned into an office). While I'm perfectly content with putting the Velodyne sub out in the living room, based on what you say, I also have to replace the tiny white sats that are ceiling mounted in the living room. I suppose I could keep the Bose box out there just for the sats but then I'd have two large boxes in my living room which is a bit overkill, not to mention an eyesore. Obviously I would like to replace them with small white speakers similar to the double-cube stacked Bose speakers that are there now. Any advice on what to replace them with? Thanks also for the link!
 

Gold Member
Username: Edster922

Abubala, Ababala The Occupation

Post Number: 2039
Registered: Mar-05
The Velodyne would be an improvement over the Bose "bass module" but an Internet-direct sub like the Hsu STF-2 would be much better.

http://www.hsustore.com/stf2.html

If budget is an issue you can look at the Dayton 12" subs sold at partsexpress.com for about $145 shipped.

I'm afraid that with subs and speakers you simply cannot get the same sound out of a tiny package. With a sub it's easier because you can just tuck it away in a corner or under an end table.

If you absolutely must have tiny satellites, you can always try the packages made by Infinity, Polk, Athena, or (pricier) Orb Audio.

http://ww1.onecall.com/SLF_58.htm

http://www.orbaudio.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=8

Just do NOT go with a packaged subwoofer, these will never give you the real bass that your DVDs deserve.
 

Truckblog.com
Unregistered guest
I'm not interested in shelling out more money for yet another sub... so the 10" Velodyne (which IMHO rocks) that I paid ~$500 for about 3 years ago will have to be the new sub woofer for my system if I can't figure out a way to keep the Bose AM working consistently. I'll shop around for some new sats if that's the case. Thanks again for the info.

Chris
 

Gold Member
Username: Edster922

Abubala, Ababala The Occupation

Post Number: 2040
Registered: Mar-05
The Velodyne is light years better than the Bose sub I'm sure, and if you're happy with it that's the only thing that counts.

Replacing the receiver and sats alone will yield huge improvements.

For the receiver, look into the Panasonic sa-xr55 pure digital, $230 shipped from Amazon.com --- there's a big thread on it in the "Receivers" section. Stunning little giant-killer.

Combine that with a $60 Toshiba 3980 from Best Buy and you'll be good to go.

Best of luck!
 

Robin Nayyar
Unregistered guest
Hi guys... I ripped open my Acoustimass 15 subwoofer... to fill you guys in, the base module stopped working suddenly after 5 years of use. I thought the recent power-surge had something to do with it, but upon opening it up, looking at the fuse and in fact even buying a new one and putting it in, realized that it wasn't the fuse that screwed it up :-(

Let's see what I do next. I am however, posting a picture while I had the thing popped open. Might help someone.

<img>
 

Gold Member
Username: Edster922

Abubala, Ababala The Occupation

Post Number: 2384
Registered: Mar-05
consider yourself lucky, Robin. You now have a chance to go buy yourself some decent HT gear, and at a fraction of what you paid for the Bose junk.
 

New member
Username: Sanrichie

Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-05
After reading these posts and opening my subwoofer, it was the fuse! I replaced it and its now working fine. Thanks for all the tips.
 

Hassan Lahrech
Unregistered guest
I managed to open mine, and it's a blown fuse... Lucky me... Just have to go and buy a new one now... and hope that there's nothing else wrong further... Thanks for all the advice... And don't forget to remove the 2 screws at the bottom, I kept knocking and knocking, it's quite a solid plastic case I have to say!! Then once the screws were out, it was very easy... Cheers!
 

dhrm77
Unregistered guest
I just opened a Bose Acoustimass system ( thanks for the tips on how to open it ). It wasn't the fuse. It looks likes the transformer is good. Next in line are 2 components :
- a BTA01-600S which is a 6A Triac.
- and an MOC3063 which is the optocoupler driving the triac that maintain the power ON.
If any of those are dead the system will not turn on. I haven't tested them yet, but I might just short circuit A1-A2 of the triac to force the system to be permanently ON. It's the cheapest solution. The drawback being that if there is any automatic shutdown, it won't work any more.
 

cwilliamrose
Unregistered guest
dhrm77,

I just check the fuse and the switch on mine -- no joy. I'm interested any anything you learn about your's.
 

GTD
Unregistered guest
My subwoofer sounds like a freight train when I turn it on. It makes an enourmously loud buzzing/humming sound and does not pick up the audio signal. Any ideas on what the problem could be?
 

New member
Username: Owenpop

Beverly Hills, CA USA

Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-05
I have a Acousitmass 5 Series II sub woofer with a blown fuse. Never seen a fuse like that before and I can't seem to figure out what kind of fuse it is.
Trying to avoid the $120 service charge from Bose for replacing a blown fuse.
Would appreciate any help.
Thanks.
--bt
 

Anonymous
 
I have a bose 3-2-1 Sytem and mine was a blown fuse in the subwoofer. After Replacing th fuse the Varistor burst open (probably it could not handle the surge in my area)

After replacing the Varistor I can see 18 V coming from the power unit to my media center. My media center does not power on now. The moment I try to connect the media center to the subwoofer the voltage drop straight from 17.5 V to 5 Volts... I am supecting a short circuit in the media center.

So my Bose 3*2*1 lies in dust. Any ideas how to go about fixing it?
 

wraithion
Unregistered guest
I have an Acoustimass 15. I had problenms of what seemed liked the sub not powering up (you the speaker bump nothing else).
Opening it up and checking the fuse and tracing power, I found the problem is the pots. The backing spreads on the pot frame, enough so that there is a contact problem with the potentiometer wiper blades inside. This, belive it or not, will cause no power/sound, a popping pulsating sound, and/or a low frequency hum. Reclosing the frame helped, but I will replace the sub with a KLH that kicks butt.
Bose,what an utter piece of crap
I should have known, anyone that doesn't give out specs has something to hide.
 

Anonymous
 
Read everyone's comments about blown Acoustimass units...mine too! All fuses good, noted some 'dark' bits on power control card, but notihing blown. All components buzz out ok, resistors, diodes, triacs, etc. Only thing I can see that truly worries me is the majority of the solder joints are cold solders...talk about quality on a system that costs so much to buy! I am going to break out the sodering iron and solder sucker and resolder...will let you know if I have any joy. Can't really see anything else that would cause problems, short of getting the schematic (yeah, I know, dream on...) and an o-scope.
 

dommetiv
Unregistered guest
Boy oh Boy u guys just saved me 200 $ + shipping
(had actually called bose but backed off once i heard the price tag for repair) it was a blown fuse and thanks to the posts above about opening the cover -- was able to open the back cover and fix the same with a 30 cent fuse from radioshack and wola it works :-))
 

dommetiv
Unregistered guest
Boy oh Boy u guys just saved me 200 $ + shipping (had actually called bose but backed out once i heard the proce tag for the fix). Thanks to the post above was able to identify the problem to be a blown fuse, a 30 cent fuse from radioshack did the trick. Cheers guys thanks for the help
 

Unregistered guest
I have a Lifestyle 12 system that is 10 years old. Finally it kicked the bucket and I cannot get any sound from it. I suspect the fuse is gone but like almost everybody else I cannot open the damn thing. I tied to identify that famous wheel that some people talked about in this forum but I failed. Does any person has a picture of an open subwoofer case locating this famous plastic wheel? I would greatly appreciate it. Robin Nayyar apparently posted a picture of the open box but I did not find it in this forum.
 

Anonymous
 
Spent 10 minutes reading all reports. Resonably techincal. I have Acc 15 sub. Same prob as everyone else. Six years old. i will have a look and if not successfull in view of cost may just buy new speakers which are needed for stereo only not surround sound. Any suggestions welcomed. Small speakers please
 

Anonymous
 
Just got off the back. You do have to hit it very hard. Found the fuse. It appears to be a 1.6amp 250 volts (Uk version). Looks fused. Will buy new one on Monday and will advise results.
Thanks for all your help.
 

Unregistered guest
I have the same issue as dead subwoofer on Lifestyle 15 , no sound at all. It happens after a move. I open the cover and checked the fuse, it seems fine.

However, I have a little doubt on the balck conntector on the CD side (from CD to Sub ). Top of the connector seems broken, but not quite sure if it is that way or broke.

Is it a 2 sector probe like a DC power connector look a like or a 3 sector streao jack like.

My one looks like a 2 sector now.

I would really appricaiate If anyone can confirm how it should looks like. Again this is the black connector along with the red and white ( other side is 8 pin connector).


 

Anonymous
 
Followed all this good advice and bingo worked well. Fuse was blown and it is a 3 amp fuse so will buy this PM. Thanx for the help
 

Anonymous
 
I have the AM-10 series (10 yrs old) and now the front left and right channel speakers do not work on the outputs from the subwoofer unit. After my own troubleshooting (even taking out the pc boards and inspecting) and didn't see anything wrong. anyone encountered this problem or even similar to it? the subwoofers aren't of the powered variety.
 

Unregistered guest
I have a lifestyle 25 with subwoofer malfunction. I know it is the fuse blown problem but was unable to open the case for the last 6 months. Awaiting for opportunity to bring to Singapore for service as Brunei has no Bose dealer! Thanks for your kind suggestion. I found the blown fuse, it is a 1.6Amp fuse. will buy tomorrow. thank you very much, guys.
 

Unregistered guest
I have a bose system that is not putting any output through the center speaker jack of the subwoofer...the wires
and satellite cube work ok through a different jack... can anyone please suggest anything
that I can try to get it working?
 

Steven Anthony
Unregistered guest
One set of speaker cubes of my Lifestyle 5 stopped working. I swapped cables and the output of the base unit is missing on one channel. I opened the base unit, but I don't see anything out of the ordinary. Any ideas? Thanks.
 

New member
Username: Rnemtp

Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-06
With the power of google search, i found this forum. After reading the intelligent advice and posts, I found the solution to my problem. My 7 year old Bose LS35 series 2 sub finally gave out. I dismantled the amplifier cover carefully but very tricky. I found the fuse, ran to the rat shack and bought a box of 3amp/250V fuses, $4.99 for a pack of 5. Replaced the old fuse and now I have my sound back. A great thank you for all the intelligent posts and savy responses.
 

New member
Username: Goodgord

Post Number: 1
Registered: Apr-06
Hmmm. The number of people who've had their expensive bose system blow up, (just like me) is a little disconcerting.

Thanks to this thread and it's posters, it didn't end up costing me a packet. Although in light of it all, I'll definitely re-consider my next HT purchase...

Thanks again.
 

New member
Username: Fanatic

Post Number: 1
Registered: May-06
Hey there, do anybody know why bose acoustimass often burn fuse?
 

Gold Member
Username: Gavincumm

New York USA

Post Number: 1080
Registered: Feb-05
because they are a piece of $hit
 

New member
Username: Kiran

Post Number: 1
Registered: May-06
For those of you, who have a blown fuse, actually its not an ordinary one. Bose has designed its subs so that they can withstand power up to 100W rms for 24 hrs so my dear there must be a problem on your side, that is chk your power amp first. Now abt the fuse its actually a bulb that can withstand a current of 3.5 Amp. And how does it work, when a big current passes through the filament it gets so hot that it glows up thus there is an increase in temperature which in turn increases the resistance thus limiting the current onto the driver. Moreover there is also an electronic fuse which looks like a ceramic capacitor, the latter can be resetted over 200 times. When checking it the reading should be near zero or short, if not simply replace it with a piece of wire
 

New member
Username: Fanatic

Post Number: 2
Registered: May-06
Thanks, expert shakiran. can you tell me on which PCB the electronic fuse sit?
 

Gold Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 2390
Registered: Dec-04
So all of these fuse issues are caused by amplification, shakiran, dear?
 

New member
Username: Markph

SF, SD

Post Number: 1
Registered: May-06
I have a Bose Lifestyle 12 system that the powered acoustimass bass just quit working. I took the back cover off and the fuze tested good. Any other ideas on what I could test to see what is wrong? The radio and cd still work and I can hear sound with headphones, just nothing out of the bass or cube speakers.
This happened about a year ago also and after taking the cover off and just checking the fuze, I put it back together and it started working. No such luck this time.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 2432
Registered: Dec-04
Follow Shakiran.
Look for the ceramic capacitor than be resetted 200 times and replace the proper fuse with a wire and the problem is your amplification.
Simple, no?
 

New member
Username: Fanatic

Post Number: 3
Registered: May-06
help!!!!!!!! I can't find the electronic fuse.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

New member
Username: Kiran

Post Number: 2
Registered: May-06
for those of you who have a powered acoustimass bose bass module simply turn off the power, wait for sometime disconnect the control cable from the control centre and the acoustimass module. reconnect the control cable at both ends first then switch on the power and by now your system should be working. bear in mind that, it is the lifestyle centre that electronically controls the bass module via a thyristor not vice versa.
 

New member
Username: Bbaskin

South of Houston, Texas

Post Number: 5
Registered: Mar-06
Sure is strange how almost all of these units are approximately 5yrs. old.
 

New member
Username: Markph

SF, SD

Post Number: 2
Registered: May-06
I've unplugged it several times and nothing seems to get reset. Music center lights up and radio and cd work, just no sound other than if I plug in headphones.
 

New member
Username: Chrisbar

Post Number: 1
Registered: May-06
Shakiran, where is the electronic fuse. I found the other fuse and it is fine. I have tried everything else here to no avial. It still won't work. The cosol is working but not the Acoustimass. Bose want $250 plus shipping to fix it
 

New member
Username: Eyalkattan

Post Number: 1
Registered: Jun-06
Hey Guys,

I have Acoustimass 10 with non powered subwoofer. The subwoofer seem to work fine, just doesn't produce enough bass to my taste.

Reading through this entire thread, I was wondering... those of you with non-powered subwoofer, did you experience zero bass from the subwoofer or significant reduction?

Thanks
 

Silver Member
Username: Usa2k4

Post Number: 186
Registered: Dec-04
Nope, I had a 20 yr old 12" passive (non-powered) Cervin Vega sub that my uncle gave me several years ago and this oldie seriously shook the walls of my dorm room. I also have a passive KLH "subwoofer" with dual 6.50" drivers that I bought in 1998 while I was in college and even though it could go down to only 40Hz or so, it did pump out very good bass. You'll need to check the wiring to make sure that all connections are correct and that you have correct polarity for all connections. I never own a Bose (and don't intend to :-)) so that's all I can tell you.
 

New member
Username: Gerrykiddy

Post Number: 1
Registered: Jun-06
Hi thanks to all those who advised on opening case/and checking fuses. I am in Ireland my lifestyle 12 died after putting in some wireless headphones. I contacted Bose in Co Monaghan and they wanted paying to fix the headphone socket. They would need it for a whole day and could not tell me the cost. You have to be determined to get the case to surrender but change of fuse and all ok. Again thanks
 

New member
Username: Lillewey

Post Number: 1
Registered: Jun-06
Hi, I just got an accoustimass 25 subwoofer and thought I'd use it with another receiver/spkr setup. Is it possible and is it just a matter of soldering myself the right plug setup?
 

New member
Username: Scottywilkinson

Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-06
hi guys, i have a lifestyle 12 set up and would like to know if i can replace the head unit with a lifestyle 25 multi cd, and keep the original 12 speaker and sub woofer. im an absolute novice so any help would be appreciated. thanks scotty boy
 

New member
Username: Scottywilkinson

Post Number: 2
Registered: Jul-06
hi guys, i have a lifestyle 12 set up and would like to know if i can replace the head unit with a lifestyle 25 multi cd, and keep the original 12 speaker and sub woofer. im an absolute novice so any help would be appreciated. thanks scotty boy, scottywilkinson628@hotmail.com
 

New member
Username: Tezza

Penrith Australia

Post Number: 1
Registered: Sep-06
G'day! I have a Lifestyle system, that may have a blown fuse. Though mine stop working after I pulled out the r.c.a cables that connect up with the music center (model 5) and subwoofer.

Silly me forgot to turn off the whole unit before unplugging. Then after I plugged the r.c.a cables in, the system doesn't work at all now. I knew I did wrong when I starting hearing the hum sound as I pulled the r.c.a cables out.

Does anyone think I have gotten out of it lightly with a blown fuse, or do you think it's going to cost a bit, by not turning off the system before unplugging the r.c.a cables in the first place?.
 

New member
Username: Timp

London

Post Number: 1
Registered: Sep-06
I have a Bose 3-2-1 control unit with a spillage in it and need to remove cover to clean it. Cannot remove cover - anybody know how to do it without a hammer?
Tim, London
 

New member
Username: Gerrykiddy

Post Number: 2
Registered: Jun-06
Hi Tim, This is an extract from a post in this thread, you can check back, but it worked for me. Remember to take the 2 knobs off (they just pull) and you have to hit it for a while.
If you haven't been able to get the back cover off of the Bose Acoustimass speaker yet:
Locate the plastic swivel tab with notches in the center of the top between the plastic grill and main case.
Rotate the notches with something small and thin, like a key, until a plastic tab is sticking straight out.
Hit the top of the plastic grill with shoe or rubber mallet toward the bottom of the case (where the cables plug in) to slide the cover over the internal grooves.
The case will fall off with no damage
 

New member
Username: Timp

London

Post Number: 2
Registered: Sep-06
Thanks, Gerrykiddy, but the Control unit is where I have the problem, not the Acoustimas lump.
 

New member
Username: Tezza

Penrith Australia

Post Number: 3
Registered: Sep-06
Problem fixed! ....Followed instructions (from above) and replaced the fuse, now the system is working fine.

And one other thing, don't forget to take the two screws out from where the r.c.a plugs connect to. You may think that it goes without saying, though some other branded systems you don't need to.

Thanks heaps for this great helpful thread!
 

New member
Username: Timp

London

Post Number: 3
Registered: Sep-06
Getting top cover off 3-2-1 Control unit now done with the help of advice from Bose Tech people (in UK on 0870 741 4500). I expected obstruction and "special tools needed" etc but not a bit of it! Looking at the back of the unit, there are 5 small indents on the top of frame below lid. The cover can be prised upwards about 1/8" or so at the two indents nearest to the centre one, thus putting upward preesure on an invisible clip behind the centre indent. The case was then smacked quite sharply inrward (towards the front of the unit) just at or below the centre indent, and the cover popped up free. Hope someone else finds this useful, and thanks to Gerry and anyone else who may have given my problem any thought.
 

New member
Username: Biggles206

Post Number: 1
Registered: Sep-06
Anyone know how to convert a lifestyle 12 from 115v to 230v? I have just moved to Spain with a US purchased 115v unit. I think there are two jumpers to remove on the power card and one 240v jumper to fit. BEFORE I switch on is there anything else to do??? great thread for me to remove the back of the Bass unit. THANKS george
 

Gold Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 4229
Registered: Dec-04
George, Euro is 50cycles power, US is 60. It don't work, unless Bose has internal conversion. I doubt that.
Get a new set-up, mate.
Non-Bose comes to mind.
 

New member
Username: Biggles206

Post Number: 2
Registered: Sep-06
Hi Nuck,
I already have the system working fine with a drop down transformer at 50 Hz. The transformer just looks unsitely and we have to remember to switch off the transformer each usage of the BOSE. The mod to 230v looks so simple that I am wary that I could overlook something on the power board.
Regards
George
 

New member
Username: Sbnootful

Post Number: 1
Registered: Sep-06
Does any on know if you can hook up a bose accoustimass 8 or 9 to a pre amp to be used with out using the bose cd player? Or the pin out for the 13 pin conector would also help.
thanks
 

New member
Username: Oldgoat

Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-06
I have a Lifestyle 5 Acoustimass Series-II system. My subwoofer is good, but it appears that my Music Center has gone bad. The subwoofer powers up and its fuse is good. I actually hear some pops eavery now and then in the speakers. The problem is that although the Music Center powers up (LCD swithces on and CD player spins up), no sound is being put out, not even through the headphones. I removed the top of the Center, but do not see any fuses or fried parts. I alos check all the connections and ensured they were good. Does anyone have any sugestions (besides chucking the system, of course)?
 

New member
Username: Loly

Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-06
I have a Bose Accoustic Wave Music System that is about 4 yrs old, kids had a party left it out on the deck and got caught under a pouring storm, now obviously it does not work, cd player seems to be stuck in the up position and sounds like loud bumps that music does not come through any suggestions instead of sending it to Bose to repair, have no idea of what to do, this was an expensive piece and dont' want to spend more on repairs and shipping.HELP !!!!!loly@hotmail.com
 

New member
Username: Philip2

Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-06
I have a Bose Lifestyle System Mod 20, which is losing sound intermittently . It works for a short while and then sound goes off completely. I switch it off and wait a few minutes and switch it back on and it is Ok again for a short time . Any ideas what the problem might be
 

Gold Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 4442
Registered: Dec-04
It is the signature Bose time check. Time to buy again.
Philip, please buy something else. These Bose units are a disaster.
Sooo many choices are soo much better.
I am sorry if I rained on your picnic, but the options are sooo much better.
Good luck.
 

New member
Username: Liontiger

Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-06
I have the AM-10 series III subwoofer that does not power up. I traced it and it turned out to be the dead transformer. Can someone tell me what is the output voltage for the onboard transformer so that I can find the replacement for it.

Thanks.
 

New member
Username: Liquidaudio

Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-06
Bose Acoustimass 15 bass module repair at Bose
----------------------------------------------
First, kudos to all those folks who have discovered the mystery of a hidden latch. Without their valuable input, I could have never opened the box without damaging it. I followed their steps and used a rubber Mullet and it opened at last. Then I opened up the electronic circuit layers and hoped that it might be a simple fuse like some other folks here. But I saw it intact, still taken it to the Radio Shack but they ruined my hope telling me the same. So I was getting ready to spend 180-190 as other folks said.

So I called Bose Tech Support (800-367-4008) and they surprised me. They said it would a flat $75 (plus tax) for any repair including return shipping, provided I have to ship it to them at my own cost. This service also provides 1 year limited warranty including parts and labor. Also they asked my zip code and provided a phone number of a local tech shop to check if I can find a better deal with them.

That is not bad at all. So next day I called the local tech shop and they said they will charge $40 just for initial lookup and can not provide any price guarantee for the repair service. Roughly it can be as low as $70 to a max of $180. I said Bose coated me flat $75 including return shipping, why they are charging so arbitrary. Then they said, most of the time they can not fix it by themselves so they eventually send it to Bose for repair. So they charge $40 + repair cost by Bose. What a tech company!

So I decided to send it Bose at their Framingham, MA factory repair shop. I used UPS for shipping; the total weight came to 39 lb after packaging and coasted me $22.00. I have not received the item back from Bose yet but I can not wait to share this with all of you just in case you are in same situation like me.

Before taking to the folks at Bose, I was also checked at eBay to see if I cab get a working Bose bass module, and I saw people are selling real old (scratched, dented, and dusted) item for $220 (plus shipping and handling) and people are bidding to that. I also saw another non working (as is) for auction too. Considering the proprietary nature of Aquistimas 15, some people are seriously ripping others at eBay.

I hope this information would he helpful.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 4564
Registered: Dec-04
AB, what a great first post!

It's always good to hear about something that goes so agreeably well.

I wish we had more good ones like that.

Thanks.

ps, the rubber Mullet typo is a grinner for sure,
I picture the proverbial 'beating your head against a speaker'. No offense intended.
 

New member
Username: Lgupta1

Mumbai, Maharashtra India

Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-06
Can anyone tell me the fuse rating for Lifesytle 35 subwoofer? It says 250V 4A, but I tried replacing my blown fuse with another 4A fuse and it keeps blowing up.

Could there be another problem in the sub?
 

New member
Username: Tezza

Penrith Australia

Post Number: 4
Registered: Sep-06
When replacing the fuse, did you make sure you replaced it with a slow blow fuse? If so, I would get it looked at just to be on the safe side.
 

New member
Username: Bennyboy

Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-06
I would like to use the speakers from an old bose lifestyle system with my computer. Does anyone know how to turn on the amplifier?
 

New member
Username: Liquidaudio

Post Number: 2
Registered: Nov-06
Bose Acoustimass 15 bass module repair at Bose
-------------------------------------------------------------
This is the follow up to my original post. Bose had repaired the Bass module as promised. Originally they told me that it would take 2 weeks after they receive the item. But to my surprise, they fix and return it within a week. Since then the system is sounding as good as new.

I will highly recommend their service.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 4670
Registered: Dec-04
Great AB, always good to hear about customer service in this hobby/obsession.
 

New member
Username: Yas

Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-06
Hello people!

Anyone has or know how to get the schematic for BOSE ACOUSTIMASS 10 Subwoofer? Please if so mail me
at yash_kg@yahoo.com

Thanks all
 

New member
Username: Raleighlap

Snellville, Georgia

Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-06
First, I would like to thank everyone for all of their comments in DIY repairing of Bose systems. I have an older Bose 800 system that I purchased at Sam's Club and was wondering if anyone has had to remove the back on it? My Acoustimass subwoofer went out on me approximately 1 year ago and I've never been able to figure out how to get into it to check the fuse. Instead of the plastic piece in the center of the grill, I have two screws that can be unscrewed, and once I banged on the top of the unit to get the plastic grill to slide down, it only moves so far down - about 3/8 of an inch, it appears to be hung up in the top part of the grill. Anyone have any suggestions?

Plus, I would like to add my two cents worth regarding Bose. First, I would tell the people considering a Bose system that even though it sounds good, it does have it's drawbacks. My big complaint is that the systems do not use an IR remote, thus, you have to use their remote for sound control. Plus, no one makes a dual system using both IR and RF(?). (My wife complains there are too many remotes already - and I agree.)

Also, the Lifestyle systems seem to lock you into using just Bose, which means you can't replace individual components if one of them goes bad.

Thanks for the help.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Gavdawg

Post Number: 59
Registered: Nov-06
QUOTE

"When replacing the fuse, did you make sure you replaced it with a slow blow fuse?"

uh... are you sure its your fuse you are referring to?



sorry Tezza, but that was comming.
life is good :-P
 

New member
Username: Vinny_75

Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-06
Hi,

After 10 Long years, my Acoustimass 10 Powered Subwoofer quit on me. No power from the sub. All 5 Cube speakers output audio and seem to work fine when I power up the subwoofer. But nothing from the subwoofer by itself. Is this a dreaded fuse problem? or am I a looking at something else? Please advice.
 

New member
Username: Tezza

Penrith Australia

Post Number: 5
Registered: Sep-06
It's worth checking the fuse first before making any decisions or plans for a new unit.
 

Gold Member
Username: Joe_c

Atlanta, GA USA

Post Number: 1172
Registered: Mar-05
I'd say plan for a new unit no matter what......even if it is still working!!!

j/k
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