How Can I Replace My Bose Volume Controls?

This past week we had 2 clients call about defective Bose in wall volume controls. These volume controls were used with Bose BIV amplifiers installed in the 90’s and some Bose SA-1, SA-2, and Bose SA-3 amplifiers installed in the early 2000’s. Before going any further, it is important to understand that Bose volume controls operate differently than standard in wall volume controls and are not interchangeable. Bose volume controls are wired directly to the amplifier; standard volume controls are wired inline between the amplifier and speakers. Replacing a Bose volume control with a standard volume control will damage your system. If the volume is playing at 100% and cannot be turned down or the sound is distorted when changing the volume, the volume control is defective. If there is no sound, it could either be the volume control or the amplifier, most likely the amplifier. To verify, unplug the amplifier and then disconnect the volume control from the amplifier. Plug the amplifier back in. If the volume is playing at 100%, the volume control is defective; if there is no sound, the amplifier maybe defective. Bose no longer sells their volume controls. A qualified technician can replace the Bose volume control with a 10K potentiometer. Please visit our website @ www.wbsouth.com.