Which amplifier for Bose Acoustimass 5 Series II speakers?

Question

Hello,

first of all, thank you for welcoming me to the forum.
I have had Bose Acoustimass 5 speakers (2 double cubes + 1 subwoofer) for a long time and I need to replace the amplifier. I previously had an old Hitachi that has given up the ghost.

I purchased a Marantz home cinema amplifier NR 1504 (I don't need the home cinema, but that was the salesperson's advice): the sound was completely muffled, without any nuance, very disappointing. I am returning it and a salesperson then recommends an Onkyo TX-8050 (for sound only this time).
I connect it and there, the same: the sound is terrible (it sounds like computer speakers!), lacking any warmth. It seems like I have no bass anymore.
I have to say that I am lost! I have spent a lot of time on the forum without seeing any solution.

- Are these speakers that suited me perfectly compatible with modern amplifiers?
- Has the sound evolved in this way?
- Is there a more suitable amplifier model?

I have checked the connections several times (this is how it goes: the cubes are connected to the subwoofer, which is itself connected to the amplifier). It is indeed a passive subwoofer.

If you could advise me, that would be great!
Thank you all in advance,

aka429 · Accepted Answer

Warning
These speakers are specific.
You need to connect the subwoofer to the right/left outputs of the amplifier, then connect the satellites to the subwoofer, being careful about right/left, indeed.

Do not connect the subwoofer directly to the amplifier.

Jimpix · Answer

Hello,  Given the size of the speakers, no miracles are possible. For quality sound, each speaker must be directly connected to the amplifier.

koslan · Answer

Thank you very much for your response.
Yes, but I have completely lost power and quality. So it’s true that they had the ability to produce something other than a poor, ugly sound.
If I connect them directly, what should I do with the subwoofer?
Thanks again.

Jimpix · Answer

The subwoofer must also be connected directly to the amplifier using the dedicated subwoofer output of the amplifier. Of the RCA type, it is also referred to as LFE.

koslan · Answer

Unfortunately, I don’t have an RCA output behind the subwoofer. Therefore, there is no way to connect it to the subwoofer output of the amplifier (I only have 2 inputs for standard speaker wires and thus 2 outputs). This is why I am questioning the compatibility.

Thanks again.

Char Snipeur · Answer

Hello.
If the Hitachi suited you, that's a starting point.
Which Hitachi model is it? Experts might find something to replace it.
What happened to that poor amp? From your questions, I guess it's a quality amp, so it's definitely feasible and worth it to repair it (unless it caught fire).
I don't see any brands that stand out for new amps. But if you like the Hitachi sound so much, try to find a used one, it will also cut costs.
--
True submission is when the slaves worry about the price of cotton.
Char Snipeur

razoy · Answer

Hello

As a long-time fan of Bose, I own the Bose 301 Series 5 paired with a Pioneer SA-8800, which delivers excellent hi-fi sound. I also have the Acoustimass 10 for home theater paired with a Yamaha RX-V 465, which also provides great sound quality. For my Acoustimass 5 Series 3, I have paired them with a Marantz PM 5004, and I must say the output is perfect, both in the bass and treble; the sound is flawless, so I recommend this amplifier.

sawsix · Answer

Hi,  The best solution is to have your Hitachi repaired by a hi-fi technician; it will always be worth it and cheaper than buying an amplifier that won't suit you.

Which amplifier for Bose Acoustimass 5 Series II speakers?

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