Yes, you can use bose speakers without the Acoustimass module. They will play, but the sound quality won’t be top-notch, for what bose is popular among us. Still, the speakers can provide decent performance if the Acoustimass module is replaced by a suitable bass module.
However, using bose speakers without the Acoustimass module has many limitations. Learn them and understand if you are OK with them or not. If you have no problem with them, learn how to set up the speaker to get the best results. I have covered them all. Let’s go for it.
Limitations of using bose speakers without the Acoustimass module?
If you eliminate the Acoustimass module from your setup, you have to compromise the performance. Here are the points where you will find the shortcomings.
- Lower frequency response: When you play the speakers with the Acoustimass module, there will be a powerful sound. This module can provide a frequency response of 20 Hz to 230 Hz. When you eliminate the module, it drops to 20-100 Hz. Of course, the frequency response rises when you add a suitable bass module. But it can’t hike that much. 20 Hz to 150 Hz is the range you can achieve with it.
- Poor sound quality: An Acoustimass module split up the bass and treble. As a result, the sound it provides is of high quality. So, you won’t get top-quality sound when you don’t have the module. It will be noisy, the treble won’t be clear, and the bass will be lower.
- Distortion: The sound will be distorted if you fail to assign the speakers with a compatible receiver or amplifier. It happens mostly for unmatched impedance. Although you find a compatible receiver or amplifier, it can’t provide high sound quality as an Acoustimass module. There will be a certain amount of distortion.
- Additional setup: You will need some additional setup to use bose speakers without an Acoustimass module. Moreover, volume adjustment becomes complicated without the module. You must adjust the volume separately from the speakers and receiver/amplifier. Otherwise, you won’t get the expected level of sound.
Alternative of bose Acoustimass module
Honestly, you can’t feel the sound of bose speakers without an Acoustimass module. If you have enough budget, get a new Acoustimass module. If you can’t afford one, follow the below ways to alternate the Acoustimass module.
- Direct to receiver/amplifier:.An AVR or amplifier is a must for playing the speaker. You can’t get enough amplification without it. If you don’t have an Acoustimass, you can connect the bose speaker directly to the receiver or amplifier. Thus, you can get high strength in the sound. But the power in the bass will still be missing. If you want powerful bass, consider the below alternative.
- Additional bass module: If you have a decent budget, replace the Acoustimass with a suitable bass module. Thus, the missing bass can be recovered. But Acoustimass can split the treble from the bass and enhance the surround sound. You won’t get these benefits with any ordinary bass module.
How to use bose speakers without the Acoustimass module
You have already known how to alternate the Acoustimass. Now learn how to set them up. You can do it with 3 simple steps. Here you go.
Step-1: Choose the bass module
I know a regular bass module can’t perform like an Acoustimass. Still, it can mimic the performance if its specification resembles an Acoustimass. Here are the technical features you should consider while altering an Acoustimass with a regular bass module.
- Power: Power rating influences the loudness of the bass module. It’s a personal preference. You can get one according to your choice. But my suggestion is to keep the power rating at an optimal level. It’s also crucial to match the bass module with the speaker. If the bass is too high, you can’t hear the voice. Again, if the bass is too low, there won’t be a thrill in your music experience.
- Frequency range: One specialty of an Acoustimass is its wide frequency range. When you get a new bass module, ensure it also has a wide frequency range. However, most bass modules have a 40 to 150 Hz frequency range. But you will get a 20 to 250 Hz bass module if you search well.
- Amplification: Bass modules come with two types of amplifiers; external and internal. If you use a receiver or amplifier, there will be no need for extra amplification. It will act like a passive bass module (external amplification). So, a passive bass module with an amplifier or receiver will be the best option. It doesn’t mean you can’t use a powered (internal amplification) bass module. In fact, it can provide higher amplification. But it won’t be worth it considering the benefits you get.
- Impedance: Impedance refers to the resistance of a bass module. Bose Acoustimass has a very minimum impedance. That’s why it can provide high-quality sound without noise or distortion. So, get a bass module of low impedance if you want the same sound quality.
- Connectivity: A bass module can be wired or wireless. In this case, the wireless module will be better than the wired one. If you want the surround sound effect, correct speaker positioning is essential. When you use the wired module, speaker positioning gets limited. That’s why a wireless module is better in this case.
Step-2: Select the receiver or amplifier right
The bose speaker will play even after eliminating the Acoustimass or base module. But it won’t play without the AVR or amplifier. So, selecting an AVR or amplifier is very important. Especially when the mainframe(Acoustimass) is missing. Here is how you can choose one.
- Receiver or amplifier: First, choose between the amplifier and the receiver. An amplifier is a budget-friendly option. But it has some limitations. Like it can’t amplify more than two speakers at a time. Also, it can’t receive all type of signal as a receiver do. Whereas an AV receiver is a bit costly. But it can process all kinds of signals no matter how many speakers you use.
- Impedance: Distortion occurs when the bass module’s impedance doesn’t match the receiver’s impedance. So, ensure the impedance matches the bass module while getting a receiver. Synchronization is very essential for clean, noise-free sound.
- Other specifications: Alongside the above points, there are other considerations for getting a receiver or amp. For example, you can consider connectivity, amplification, or size. But all these things depend on your personal preferences. They have no relation to the topic we are discussing today. However, I can talk about it in another post. Let me know in the comment section if you want that.
Step-3: Set the speakers correctly
You have got all the appliances necessary to alternate the Acoustimass. Now set them up correctly. It’s crucial to enhance the overall performance. Let’s go for it.
- Connecting the speakers: Most bose speakers can wirelessly connect with the Acoustimass. But they come with stereo cables too. If you have purchased a budget bass module, it may not have a wireless connectivity option. In this case, connect the speaker with the bass module through a compatible Stereo Jack Cable. However, if you don’t have the bass module, you can connect the speakers directly to the receiver. This option is also available.
- Connecting the bass module: If you got the bass module, you must connect it to the AVR. I can do it with the RCA cables. Get the compatible RCA cables and do it. That’s all for the setup. Besides, you have to control the volume correctly. Read out the bellow point for it.
- Volume control: I said earlier volume control is a bit complicated in this kind of setup. The sound will be noisy if you can’t control the volume right. However, you can control the volume from both the bass module and the AVR with remotes. You should keep the module’s volume constant and adjust the AVR’s volume level as required for the best outcome.
Frequently asked questions about bose Acoustimass module
Is Acoustimass a subwoofer?
Yes. Acoustimass is a subwoofer with a few add-ons. It provides a powerful bass as a subwoofer does. Besides, it splits up the bass and treble; and offers a high-quality sound. In fact, Acoustimass is a bass module that also works as a sound enhancer.
Is Bose Acoustimass any good?
Bose Acoustimass is an excellent bass module. The addition of Acoustimass to the bose speaker makes the bass deeper. Moreover, it offers surround sound that adds life to your music experience. If you are a true music lover, bose Acoustimass is really good.
How do you adjust the bass on a Bose Acoustimass module?
You can adjust it in several ways. You will find (+) and (-) buttons under the soundbar section. You can adjust the bass and treble from there. Besides, you can use the remote to adjust it. But the easiest way of doing this is to go on the bose music app and adjust it.
Conclusion
The Acoustimass module is the central attraction of Bose speakers. It is famous for providing high-quality sound. This module makes the bass powerful, improves the treble, and offers surrounding sound. If you eliminate the module, these things will be missing.
Anyway, the speakers will still work if you get the correct setup. A suitable bass module is what you will need first. It will improve the bass. Then connect it with an amplifier or receiver. That’s all you will need.
I have described all these steps earlier. So, I hope you are ready to play the bose speaker without the module.
Good luck!
