Streaming Music to Old Bose 3 Room

During the week, we received a call from someone who had multiple older Bose 3-room amplifiers, Model 102EA, a popular model from the late 1990s and early 2000s. This amplifier typically had wall-mounted volume controls in each room and was often connected to a Bose AV-12 Music Center or a Bose in-wall Music Center. The caller wanted to add streaming music to their system. Their Media Center was defective, and they wanted to know if streaming music could be directly integrated into their Bose amplifiers. The answer is yes.

We recommended connecting a Sonos Port directly to the Bose 102EA amplifier. Although the amplifier only has screw terminals, you can take the analog output from the Sonos Port, cut off one end of the analog cable, strip back the cable jacket, and connect it to the screw terminals labeled "Input #1". If you have multiple amplifiers, daisy-chain "Input #1" from one amp to the next. Once all your connections are complete, use the Sonos app to select your music and the volume controls in each room to adjust the volume.

If you still have a working Bose Media Center connected to the Bose 3-room amplifier, connect the analog output of the Sonos Port to an open input on the Bose Media Center. In this case, use the Bose remote to select the input with the Sonos Port and then the Sonos app to choose your music.

For help with audio, video, or Smart Home systems design, sales, or service. schedule a FREE Virtual consultation, call 888-775-2673 or visit our website @ www.wbsouth.com/freeconsultation2.