Bose Music Amplifier User manual

BOSE MUSIC AMPLIFIER

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CONTENTS
Confirm that the following parts are included:
Bose Music Amplifier Power cord*
Rack screws for rack mounting (3) Connecting screws for rack mounting (3)
RACK MOUNT
FRONT
WALL MOUNT
UP
RACK MOUNT
FRONT
WALL MOUNT
UP
Mounting bracket Rack bracket
* May ship with multiple power cords. Use the power cord for your region.
NOTE: If part of the amplifier is damaged, don’t use it. Contact your authorized Bose
dealer or Bose customer service.
Visit: support.Bose.com/BMAsupport.Bose.com/BMA
WHAT’S IN THE BOX

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AMPLIFIER PLACEMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Install the amplifier indoors.
• Make sure there is an AC (mains) outlet nearby.
• To avoid interference, keep other wireless equipment 1 – 3 ft (0.3 – 0.9 m) away
from the amplifier.
• For optimum performance, place the amplifier in a well-ventilated area.
• Place the amplifier on a shelf, or mount it on a rack or wall.
• When mounting on a rack, make sure the rack mount arrow and four tabs are
facing the front of the rack (see page 55).
• When mounting multiple amplifiers on a rack, use a separate rack mount for
each amplifier.
• When mounting on a wall, make sure the wall mount arrow and four tabs are
facing up (see page 57).
CAUTIONS:
• Place the amplifier in an area where the maximum ambient temperature is less than
104°F (40°C).
• Keep the back side of the amplifier at least 3 – 6 in (7.62 – 15.24 cm) away from any
other surface. Do not block airflow from the back of the amplifier.
• Do NOT place the amplifier in a completely enclosed area. Doing so may result in
poor performance.
3 - 6"
7.62 - 15.24 cm
3 - 6"
7.62 - 15.24 cm

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SPEAKER CONNECTION GUIDELINES
• One pair of speakers requires 4 ohm minimum each.
• Two pairs of speakers require 8 ohm minimum each.
CAUTION: Use only unpowered speakers. Do NOT connect any make or model of
powered speakers. Doing so may cause damage to the equipment.
SPEAKER WIRE LENGTH RECOMMENDATIONS
MAXIMUM LENGTH GAUGE
30 ft (9 m) 18 (0.82 mm2)
45 ft (14 m) 16 (1.3 mm2)
70 ft (21 m) 14 (2.0 mm2)

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CONNECT SPEAKERS
Before connecting your speakers, place your speakers in their permanent location and
make sure the amplifier is unplugged from an AC (mains) power outlet.
Speaker wires consist of two insulated wires:
• The marked wire (stripes, ribbing, or color) connects to the positive (+) terminal.
• The plain wire connects to the negative (–) terminal.
1. Remove terminal block A from the SPEAKERS OUT port.
L L R R
L L R R
L L R R
2. Connect the speaker wires to terminal block A.
a. Insert the left speaker’s marked wire into the L + positive terminal and the
plain wire into the L - negative terminal.
b. Insert the right speaker’s marked wire into the R + positive terminal and the
plain wire into the R - negative terminal.
L L R R

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CONNECT SPEAKERS
3. Using a small, flat-head screwdriver, tighten the screws on the terminals clockwise
to secure the wires.
L L R R
4. Reinsert terminal block A into the SPEAKERS OUT port.
L L R R
L L R R
L L R R
5. Connect the other end of the speaker wires to your speakers.
For instructions, refer to the online owner’s guide for your speaker.
NOTE: Use a silicone caulking material such as RTV adhesive (available at
your local hardware store) to protect the wiring at any outdoor
speaker connections.

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CONNECT SPEAKERS
Connect additional speakers
You can connect up to two pairs of speakers to the amplifier for fuller sound.
To connect a second pair of speakers, repeat steps in “Connect Speakers” on page
16, using terminal block B.
L L R R
L L R R
L R R
NOTE: For best sound quality and balanced volume, when connecting two pairs of
speakers, they should be the same speaker model since the same EQ setting
will be applied to both pairs of speakers.

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POWER
CONNECT THE AMPLIFIER TO POWER
1. Connect the power cord to the POWER port on the back of the amplifier.
2. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC (mains) power outlet.
The light on the back of the amplifier slowly blinks amber.
NOTES:
• If the amplifier has been set up and is set to Main (default), the light on the back
of the amplifier glows solid white.
• If the amplifier has been set up and is set to Supplemental, the light on the back
of the amplifier glows solid green.
NETWORK STANDBY
The amplifier transitions to network standby when audio has stopped and you have
not pressed any buttons for 20 minutes. To wake the amplifier from network standby,
play or resume audio using the Bose Music app on your mobile device or reconnect a
Bluetooth source.

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BOSE MUSIC APP SETUP
The Bose Music app lets you set up and control the Main amplifier (see page 22)
from any mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
Using the app, you can stream music, add music services, explore internet radio
stations, set and change presets, work with your voice assistant, manage Main
amplifier settings, and get updates and new features.
NOTE: If you have already created a Bose Music account for another Bose product,
add the amplifier to your existing account (see page 21).
DOWNLOAD THE BOSE MUSIC APP
1. On your mobile device, download the Bose Music app.
BOSE MUSIC
2. Follow the app instructions to set up the amplifier.

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EXISTING BOSE MUSIC APP USERS
ADD THE MAIN AMPLIFIER TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT
To add your Bose Music Amplifier, open the Bose Music app and add your amplifier.
NOTES:
• You can only add a Main amplifier using the Bose Music app. Supplemental
amplifiers don’t display on your network or in the Bose Music app.
• To play the same audio on multiple speakers simultaneously, you can group Main
amplifiers together using the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the
main page. For more information, visit: support.Bose.com/BMAGroupingsupport.Bose.com/BMAGrouping
CONNECT TO A DIFFERENT WI-FI NETWORK
Connect to a dierent network if your network name or password has changed, or if
you want to change or add another network.
1. Press and hold the Reset button for 5 seconds until the light on the back of the
amplifier slowly blinks amber.
2. On your mobile device, open your Wi-Fi settings.
3. Select Bose Music Amplifier.
4. Open the Bose Music app and follow the app instructions.

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MAIN AND SUPPLEMENTAL AMPLIFIERS
The amplifier can power up to two pairs of speakers. It can be set as the Main amplifier
(default) or as a Supplemental amplifier (see page 27).
The Main amplifier connects to your network using a Wi-Fi connection or Ethernet
cable (not provided). It can be controlled using the Bose Music app, your mobile
device, or your voice assistant-enabled device connected to your network.
A Supplemental amplifier connects to the Main amplifier using an RCA audio cable
and receives audio output from the Main amplifier. Supplemental amplifiers play the
same audio as the Main amplifier, but don’t display on your network, the Bose Music
app, or your mobile device and can only play audio from the LINE IN port.
You can connect up to four Supplemental amplifiers to the Main amplifier for best
sound quality. The amplifiers can be configured depending on the location or size of
your environment, how many speakers you want to power, or where you want your
audio to play.
NOTES:
• For best sound quality and balanced volume, when connecting a Supplemental
amplifier to the Main amplifier, you should use the same speaker model and number
of speakers per amplifier.
• Depending on your environment, it’s possible to connect more than four
Supplemental amplifiers to the Main amplifier without aecting performance.
USE CASE 1
Control up to two pairs of speakers in the same space, where the speakers play the
same audio with little to no delay.
Wi-Fi
or
Ethernet
SPEAKERS OUT
Speakers
Speakers (optional)
Main
Network

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MAIN AND SUPPLEMENTAL AMPLIFIERS
USE CASE 2
Control multiple pairs of speakers in a larger space, where all speakers power on and
o simultaneously and play the same audio with little to no delay.
Wi-Fi
or
Ethernet LINE OUT
LINE IN
Main Supplemental
Network
Speakers
Speakers (optional)
SPEAKERS OUT
Speakers (optional)
SPEAKERS OUT
Speakers
USE CASE 3
Control multiple systems (amplifier and speakers) independently, where each system
plays dierent audio.
Wi-Fi
Main
Main
Network
Speakers
Speakers
Speakers (optional)
Speakers (optional)
SPEAKERS OUT
SPEAKERS OUT
NOTES:
• Main amplifiers can also be connected to your network using an Ethernet cable
(see page 24).
• For best sound quality and balanced volume, when connecting multiple pairs of
speakers, they should be the same speaker model since the same EQ setting will be
applied to the speakers.
• To play the same audio on all speakers simultaneously, for best sound quality group
the Main amplifiers together using the Bose Music app. You can access this option
from the main page. For more information, visit: support.Bose.com/BMAGroupingsupport.Bose.com/BMAGrouping

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You connect the Main amplifier to your network using the Bose Music app or an
Ethernet cable (not provided).
CONNECT USING THE BOSE MUSIC APP
To connect the Main amplifier to your network using the Bose Music app,
see page 20.
CONNECT USING AN ETHERNET CABLE
NOTE: If you connect to your network using an Ethernet cable without finishing setup
using the Bose Music app, you will only be able to play audio from a
Bluetooth source.
1. On your router, connect one end of an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port.
2. On the Main amplifier, connect the other end of the cable to an Ethernet port.
Router Main amplifier
Connect an additional Main amplifier
You can connect an additional Main amplifier directly to the router (see “Connect
using an Ethernet cable”) or directly to the initial Main amplifier.
1. On the Main amplifier, connect one end of an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port.
2. On the additional Main amplifier, connect the other end of the cable to an
Ethernet port.
Main amplifier Additional Main amplifier
CONNECT THE MAIN AMPLIFIER

CONNECT A SUPPLEMENTAL AMPLIFIER
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CONNECT A SUPPLEMENTAL AMPLIFIER
You connect a Supplemental amplifier to the Main amplifier or to another
Supplemental amplifier using an RCA audio cable (not provided).
NOTE: You can connect up to four Supplemental amplifiers to the Main amplifier for
best sound quality. Depending on your environment, it’s possible to connect
additional amplifiers without aecting performance.
CONNECT TO THE MAIN AMPLIFIER
1. On the Main amplifier, connect the audio cable’s white connector to the white LINE
OUT port and the red connector to the red LINE OUT port.
2. On the Supplemental amplifier, connect the other white connector to the white
LINE IN port and the red connector to the LINE IN port.
Main amplifier Supplemental amplifier
Connect an additional Supplemental amplifier
1. On the Supplemental amplifier, connect the audio cable’s white connector to the
white LINE OUT port and the red connector to the red LINE OUT port.
2. On the additional Supplemental amplifier, connect the other white connector to
the white LINE IN port and the red connector to the LINE IN port.
Supplemental amplifier Additional Supplemental amplifier

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AMPLIFIER PORTS
PORT DESCRIPTION
POWER Applies power when the AC power cord is inserted into the port and
then plugged into an AC (mains) outlet (see page 19).
Enables you to connect the Main amplifier to your network or to
connect multiple Main amplifiers together using an Ethernet cable (not
provided). See page 24.
LINE OUT
LINE IN
Enables you to connect a Supplemental amplifier or an external source
using a RCA audio cable (not provided). See page 61.
BASS Enables you to connect a Bose Bass Module using a 3.5 mm stereo
audio cable (not provided). See page 40.
OPTICAL IN Enables you to play digital audio from an external source using an
optical cable (not provided). See page 61.
SERVICE USB Type-C® port for service.
SPEAKERS OUT Enables you to connect up to two pairs of speakers (see page 18).

AMPLIFIER AND SPEAKER SETTINGS
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AMPLIFIER AND SPEAKER SETTINGS
AMPLIFIER SETTINGS
The ADVANCED SETTING switches are configured depending on how you want to
hear your audio. To configure the amplifier, flip the appropriate ADVANCED SETTING
switch(es) down.
MODE SWITCH POSITION DESCRIPTION
Main A – Up
Set the amplifier to Main.
NOTE: Main amplifiers can be connected to
your network using the Bose Music app or an
Ethernet cable (not provided).
See page 24.
Supplemental A – Down
Set the amplifier to Supplemental.
NOTES:
• Supplemental amplifiers connect to the
Main amplifier (or another Supplemental
amplifier) using an RCA audio cable and
play audio from the Main amplifier on the
LINE IN port.
• Supplemental amplifiers can’t connect to
your network and don’t display in the
Bose Music app.
N/A BReserved for future use.
Stereo C – Up Set the audio output to Stereo.
Mono C – Down
Set the audio output to Mono.
NOTE: Mono is best when speakers are
far apart.

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MODE SWITCH POSITION DESCRIPTION
Line out:
variable volume D – Up
Control the volume using the Bose
Music app.
NOTE: This setting applies to the
Main amplifier LINE OUT audio and is heard
through the Supplemental amplifier.
Line out:
fixed volume D – Down
Control the volume using the connected
device with volume control.
NOTES:
• When the volume is fixed, you can’t
control the volume using the
Bose Music app.
• This setting applies to the Main amplifier.
NOTES:
• The default position for all switches is up.
• Each switch can be configured independently.
• If an ADVANCED SETTING switch is flipped while the amplifier is powered on, the
amplifier will reset.
AMPLIFIER AND SPEAKER SETTINGS

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AMPLIFIER AND SPEAKER SETTINGS
SPEAKER SETTINGS
You can apply a customized EQ setting to the Bose 251 Environmental Speakers or
Bose Virtually Invisible 791 speakers. For all other speakers, the default EQ setting
is used.
To apply the customized EQ setting to your Bose 251 Environmental Speakers or Bose
Virtually Invisible 791 speakers, flip the appropriate SPEAKER SETTING switch down.
To apply the default EQ setting to all other speakers, leave all switches up.
PRODUCT SWITCH POSITION
Bose 251 Environmental Speakers 1 – Down 2 – Up 3 – Up
Bose Virtually Invisible 791 speakers 1 – Up 2 – Down 3 – Up
All other speakers 1 – Up 2 – Up 3 – Up
NOTE:
• The default position for all switches is up.
• If any combination other than what is shown in the table above is used, the default
EQ setting is used.

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GOOGLE ASSISTANT
The amplifier is compatible with a Google Assistant-enabled device connected to your
network. Control the amplifier using just your voice with Google.
Start with saying “Hey Google,” then say your request on <amplifier name>.
For example, try playing your favorite music. Just say “Hey Google, play My Workout
playlist on Family Room.”
NOTES:
• Make sure you say the amplifier name you assigned in the Bose Music app. If
multiple amplifiers have the same name, use the name assigned in the Google
Assistant app or change the name in the Bose Music app.
• Google Assistant isn’t available in all languages and countries.
• For more information on what Google Assistant can do, visit:
https://support.google.com/assistanthttps://support.google.com/assistant
AMAZON ALEXA
If you have a separate device with Alexa Built-In connected to your network, you can
control the amplifier from that device with voice commands. To set up voice control,
enable the skill and link your Alexa account to your Bose account. Then just ask Alexa
to play music.
Start with “Alexa,” then say your request on <amplifier name>. For example, try
playing your favorite music. Just say, “Alexa, play My Workout playlist on
Family Room.”
NOTES:
• Make sure you say the amplifier name you assigned in the Bose Music app. If
multiple amplifiers have the same name, use the name assigned in the Alexa app or
change the name in the Bose Music app.
• Alexa isn’t available in all languages and countries.
• For more information about what Alexa can do, visit:
https://www.amazon.com/usealexahttps://www.amazon.com/usealexa
WORK WITH YOUR VOICE ASSISTANT

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STREAM AUDIO WITH CHROMECAST
The amplifier comes with Chromecast built-in. With Chromecast built-in, you can
stream audio from supported apps by simply tapping the Cast button.
NOTES:
• To use Chromecast built-in, you must have a Wi-Fi connection.
• Support for new apps is added periodically.
Your phone is your remote
• Simply tap the Cast button from apps you already know and love. No new logins or
downloads required.
• Use your phone to search, play, pause, and turn up the volume from anywhere in
the home.
• While you’re streaming, you can keep using your phone for other things – scroll
through social media, send a text, and even accept calls.
• Enjoy music throughout your house when you use multi-room casting with
Chromecast-enabled amplifiers.
Unlimited entertainment, all on your schedule
Choose from millions of songs from popular music services like Pandora, Spotify,
and TuneIn.
To enable Chromecast built-in, use the Bose Music app. You can access this option
from the Settings menu.