Bose SoundTouch 520 Home Theater System User Manual

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Box Contents
3. System Setup
4. Connecting to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
5. Using the SoundTouch App
6. ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration
7. Troubleshooting Tips
8. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Introduction

Welcome to your Bose SoundTouch 520 Home Theater System! This powerful and compact system delivers true surround sound and wireless music streaming, making it the perfect addition to your home entertainment center.

2. Box Contents

• Five Direct/Reflecting Series II speakers
• Wireless Acoustimass module
• SoundTouch wireless adapter II
• Control console
• Universal remote control
• HDMI cable
• Speaker cables
• Power cords
• USB cable (for updates)
• ADAPTiQ headset

3. System Setup

1. Place the Acoustimass module near your TV and plug it into a power outlet.
2. Position the control console near your TV and connect it to a power outlet.
3. Arrange the five speakers around your room, ensuring they are facing the listening area.
4. Connect each speaker to the control console using the provided speaker cables, noting the letter labels on the wires.
5. Connect the SoundTouch wireless adapter to the control console.
6. Connect your TV and other devices to the control console using the HDMI cable and additional cables as needed.

4. Connecting to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

1. Download the SoundTouch app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Follow the app's instructions to connect the system to your Wi-Fi network.
3. To connect a Bluetooth device, press the Bluetooth button on the control console or remote, and pair your device.

5. Using the SoundTouch App

With the SoundTouch app, you can control your system, access music services like Spotify and Pandora, and create multi-room music setups with other SoundTouch products. Customize your listening experience by saving your favorite stations and playlists to the six presets available.

6. ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration

ADAPTiQ audio calibration optimizes the system's performance based on your room's unique acoustics. To calibrate your system, follow these steps:

1. Connect the ADAPTiQ headset to the control console.
2. Wear the headset and sit in your primary listening position.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the calibration process.

7. Troubleshooting Tips

• If you experience issues with sound quality, try adjusting the bass level or recalibrating the system using ADAPTiQ.
• If the system doesn't respond to the remote control, check the batteries and ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the control console.
• If you have trouble connecting to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, move the control console closer to your router or device and ensure there are no physical obstructions.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the SoundTouch 520 system without a Wi-Fi connection?

Yes, you can still use the system for surround sound and connect Bluetooth devices without a Wi-Fi connection. However, you won't be able to access music services or use the SoundTouch app.

Can I use my own speaker cables instead of the provided ones?

The Bose SoundTouch 520 system uses proprietary speaker cables, and it is not recommended to use third-party cables.

Are the rear speakers wireless?

No, the rear speakers are not wireless and need to be connected to the control console with the provided speaker cables.

Can I use other Bose speakers with the SoundTouch 520 system?

The system is designed to work with the included Direct/Reflecting Series II speakers. Using other speakers may affect the sound quality and performance of the system.

Q: Do you need a Yamaha or Onkyo receiver with this?
A: The Bose SoundTouch 520 Home Theater System does not need a separate audio receiver. It is designed to be an all-in-one system.

Q: When the manual says left rear speaker, does it mean left of the TV wall or left from the seating position?
A: Left of the seating position.

Q: Can I play local radio with this system?
A: While this system doesn't have an AM/FM tuner built into the system, you can stream your favorite radio station through Internet radio to enjoy it on the 520 system.

Q: Is it HDMI 1.4 or 2.0?
A: The SoundTouch 520 supports HDMI 1.4.

Q: Are the speakers wired or wireless? Can the receiver be out in a closet (out of sight) and still function?
A: The speakers on this system do require wire for audio and power. The remote is infrared and requires line of sight with the console in order to work.

Q: If you have an existing Blu-ray home theater system, can you hook up the Blu-ray player to this system?
A: If the Blu-ray player has a standard HDMI output for video and audio, you can connect that to the Bose SoundTouch 520 system.

Q: Is this system all wireless?
A: No, the speakers on this system are wired.

Q: Is the 520 home theater system HDCP 2.2 ready? If not, is there a way to use the audio part and bypass the video without any sync issues?
A: The 520 systems have HDCP version 1.4. If you wanted to connect directly to the TV for video, you could connect to the 520 system directly with an audio cable.

Q: What is included in the box?
A: The box includes five Direct/Reflecting Series II speakers, a wireless Acoustimass module, a SoundTouch wireless adapter II, a control console, a universal remote control, an HDMI cable, speaker cables, power cords, a USB cable for updates, and an ADAPTiQ headset.

Q: Can I stream music from my smartphone or tablet?
A: Yes, you can stream music from your smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth or your home Wi-Fi network.

Q: How many HDMI inputs does the control console have?
A: The control console has four HDMI inputs.

Q: Does the system come with an AM/FM tuner?
A: No, the system does not come with an AM/FM tuner.