Bose 901 Series 3 Speakers!

Vintage Vibe review of The Bose 901 Series 3.

[@mafatone]

When I was a kid growing up, every high end botique and hair cutting studio had these hanging up from the ceiling in Greenwich Village New York and i swore I'd get me pair. I've been into stereo equipment for over 50 years and have been doing custom car stereo even before there was custom car stereo. LOL. Picked up a pair of 901 series1 with no equalizer, hooked it up to a Setton RS660, lotta' power, lotta' headroom. Followed the Bose speaker placement recommendations and all I can say is wow! Just like I remembered. It sounds like a live performence even without the EQ. They would greatly benefit from the Bose EQ or a quality EQ with large slide controls. Hooked up the Cerwin Vega AT-15's with the 901's and I felt like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. It really sounded like a night club from back in the day. Play some Grand Funk Closer To Home or Stairway To Heaven on those bad boys and you would think you were in the recording studio.

[@1JGP1]

Great story, thanks for sharing! Love the "I felt like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever"...lol

[@David-jl6hr]

II own the 901's series six. What inhanced the sound quality for me was a good audio mixer,strong amplifier and well tuned bose eq. In addition good speaker cable. I have no complaints. They never sounded bad and even better after good equipment.

[@machavez00]

I have a set of 35 year old 301 II's They sound amazing playing all types of music.

[@ajaysinghaca]

Very accurate assessment. I have a pair of Series VI that I bought new in 2009. In my earlier setup I followed the setup instructions to a T and really enjoyed the sound coming from them. I moved to a different house and I think the acoustics of the room they are in now are playing havoc with them. Still trying to get them to sound right - in the current setup they are a little hollow sounding for everything but classical music.

[@markussukram9290]

Bose MUST return to build SPEAKERS not only toys! Bose MUST return to make 501 601 and 901!

[@elishnave7059]

10.2+701

[@raydeffett8435]

My understanding is series 1 /2 used cloth speakers surrounds only 3 on did not it was foam I think

[@dmptcb]

The problem is when Bose passed away his company filled with newer generation of young idiots don’t realize what products they should of kept and ones they should of not produced

[@dmptcb]

U don’t have the correct amp going into the 901 u need more power they sound amazing with a min of 400 a channel they are one of the best speakers for a wide sound stage period and definitely don’t need help with base and can fill a large room I have mine in a 45by 35 room with carpet u can’t have good sound with hardwood floors

[@Jeremy-xe9vs]

I totally agree but sadly, it'll never happen. Bose caters to mainstream listeners and the sad truth is, most listeners don't care about stereo sound anymore. It's all headphones, sound bars and Bluetooth speakers. :(

[@augvoorde2]

Love my 901s.

[@JoeCamel-fn7dl]

Good commentary, I also remember, back a ways, a Pacific Stereo in Villa Park IL on Roosevelt Rd having a sound proof room. Best listening experience ever. The sound coming off the walls circled the room. Nothing rattled, no sound escaped, nobody got pissed off.

[@bluelithium9808]

Series 2 (all the CTS drivers) used cloth. Mid production series 5 and beyond used treated foam which solved the foam rot issue.

[@toddlee2571]

The 601s spank everything else Bose ever made

[@1JGP1]

Never heard a pair yet...I'll have to put them on the list!

[@MrSalsa1973]

Never had nothing related to Bose before until I found me a pair of bookshelves 141 Bose at a thrift store for $10...I hooked them up to an old Realistic sta47 amp and they sound incredibly amazing.

[@1JGP1]

For $10, you won!

[@joeygonzo]

141?

[@1JGP1]

@@joeygonzo, small bookshelf speaker by Bose.

[@davemc162]

What a wonderful and thoughtful review. Thanks a million! Dave Mc.

[@benwatkins1011]

Great introduction and insight into the early Bose world, and I'd say a pretty down-to-earth and concise review of their sound signature as well ! Thanks

[@dennylegendre6048]

They sound amazing playing some Reggae music Love these speakers

[@AmericanConstellation]

I've got some and still love em. I have other speakers that cost a lot more than these, but they are still fun to have. And yes...power them with a 200 watt per channel amp. I do love my JSE Infinite Slope model 2's. 125 lbs each...5 incredible drivers in each.

[@dmptcb]

Yes I agree with your jse 2.0 I got to listen to them back in 1988 when I purchased the .6 model I couldn’t afford the 2.0 at the time but they were the best sounding speakers in that price range also I have the Bose 901 with 400 watts going into them and they are amazing and a wide sound stage wouldn’t trade them for anything and mine still don’t have foam rot and they are 1989 speakers

[@AmericanConstellation]

@@dmptcb I have some Bose 901's that I bought in 1989. The stands and the cabinets are mint but I do need to refoam mine. I did use to drive them hard. My wife hates them. She got tired of looking at them. I'm going to sell them.

[@theaveragesimmer4780]

I’ve had 3 pairs by the age of 27. I also have the spatial receiver and have had the 550 receiver. Series 3-4 is the best, but make sure you have a series 4 eq. Put them in the proper placement. I’ve added a set of 501s to mine for extra bass. They are the ultimate mid-high range 1970s speakers. Haters just never had a pair.

[@1JGP1]

Certainly speakers one should try!

[@juliefizpatrick513]

I love mine!

[@AmericanConstellation]

I have the same speakers...and I do have a place for them. I have two stereo systems....The Bose system is not my go to system...but you just got me stoked about them again....I power them with an Adcom GFA-555...

[@JoeCamel-fn7dl]

Excellent for Jazz too on FM, but you have to consider the source. The same music received by your FM radio, especially if your using an external antenna does not sound the same as a quality CD or vinyl.

[@TheDecguy]

I had a pair of 901 series III that I bought new back in the day. I constantly messed around with them to try to get the sound I was looking for. Finally I got a set of PA scoops with JBLs in them, biamped them with the 901s, tried with and without on the EQ on the 901 side, etc. I was young at the time and I’m sure that in retrospect it didn’t sound very good but to a young rock and roller in those days it was a lot of fun. I got rid of the 901s when they got the dreaded foam rot. I still have the old 12 inch JBLs, cloth surrounds!

[@1JGP1]

Many of the old JBL speakers are absolutely fantastic, enjoy!

[@kennykonig1525]

I can say yes they did take power but when Bass Pedals would be used this was when the Bose would shine and that is when you need them to be powered is so they can move air. The Ports would move 70 mph wind behind it to let these breathe. I had one pair of Series IIIs and two pairs of Series IVs. What I used was the systems EQ and a second EQ the JVC SAE 80 to bend frequency. As for foam rot I would say from Series V and Series VI were back to weather resistance on the HVC Drivers. The HVS from the Series III and IV were the Foam with the major problems. Bose at the time were asking for original owners to make a trade per pair and $600.00 to have the Bose 901 Series IV. These had weather resistant replacing the Foam. When new the III was asking for $950 a Pair and the IVs where at $1100 dollars a pair including the EQ. If you want a Marshall sound you found that. They are loud. These were created to remove the crossover to give full range sound because at 5000hzs that is our normal range of the Human Ear. When you use crossovers a lot of the frequency is missing. I have never blown one up as the conventional speakers tend to. They were designed as a Concert Sound from a Stage or Concert Hall. I have found out by using a Pioneer SX-1980 each Speaker can deliver what its promised to do but as with all foam edged in today's market they will fail. Mine did. For that BOSE was willing to tread mine for each pair of my old ones for new Series VIs. Sad to say I had to decline that because of the failure and I would have to put down $600.00 dollars for each pair. At this time they are around $600.00 without tax with my trade-ins. These Speakers were what they were. Like all speakers in that time the quality was as good as it gets. From the Series IVs they had real wood on them. From that point cut backs to press wood. Like all things they do go out of favor but the run they had is far out weighed the bad. 1968 until 2016. Thats not a bad run folks. I do miss them. What takes me a big cabinet to produce what they did I can never get back. Talk good or bad about them. But if you give them the power and its clean you will find yourself looking at a small speaker many have never seen work so hard and be so loud yet it is clear. Stereo Review said one time if you were able to stack a pair of Bose 901s on top of each other you will have obtained one of the best speaker system it is to own. I will have to agree with that because its just what I did and for 8 long hard years they stood up where most fell apart. Like Altec to OHM and Infinity. JBL to Pioneer and Sansui with Klipschornes they all had their place. Finally as with walls plywood if its shiny and flat. Painted walls or surfaces that reflects. As far as Rock I have heard rock because its what I hear and never in my mind do these sound weak. The EQ off will sound dead. The reason this is used is to produce very highs and lows. If you don't have a Amp moving at least 200 per channel then forget it. The reason the FM sounds great is because its the mix the station runs threw the air waves. Most are in cars and trucks. Its meant to boost sound for these speakers. Older recordings sometimes have to have more boost because most recordings are different in spite of what you hear. So any speaker will have a weak point and good points there is no such thing as a perfect speaker. You either like the sound or you don't. I bought mine new. All of most speakers have foam surrounds. Until the day everyone gets it together. You will have foam failure with others in the future. For the most humidity is the cause of rot.

[@1JGP1]

I've heard you can blow out match at the port of the 901's with a good amp :)

[@kennykonig1525]

@@1JGP1 Blow out a match, move window curtains, and even drop Picture Frames off the wall. Ive even heard during the winter mine could be heard a half a mile away and clear. True fact. I had two pairs of them Bose 901 Series IVs.

[@1JGP1]

@@kennykonig1525 lol, nice!

[@kennykonig1525]

@@1JGP1 I do know this. It was said and I believe this. The air volume when the HVC Drivers would go at a low frequency for them to breathe all Bass ports were producing a wind of 70 MPH. True statement from early Bose Units and mine.

[@1JGP1]

@@kennykonig1525 , that's like faster than a Ford Fiesta!!

[@nickmorrow3829]

I had a set traded them in under their foam rotting plan and had in a large man cave hung from the ceiling, good flat wall space to deflect and a 10” Paradym sub, Yamaha AX-900U and crank them up. Turn the bass down and you can drive the hell out of mids and highs. They are definitely a speaker that have to be set up like the manufacturer recommends. The way you have them is not the best way. Most people don’t have that room. I loved them until my man cave was no more.

[@toddclarke1580]

It takes a serious power amp to make them sound good with all music. I used 500wpc and they became almost directional . And gorgeous sounding.

[@1JGP1]

I've been hearing this more often about the 901's. If I get an opportunity to try a pair again, I'll surely try throwing some power at them. Thanks for the input!

[@gavinkerslake]

excellent review. very accurate too. When I used to listen to them in the 80s, I only listened super loud.

[@1JGP1]

Right on...lol. They will certainly play loud!

[@EddyTeetree]

Really great for theatre with a 2 channel receiver.

[@1JGP1]

I bet it is. The nature of reflecting sound will make them sound more open - awesome for effects!

[@frankcanepa5812]

the best spiker ever made

[@Dano-MX5]

I owned a pair of 901 Continentals in the early ‘70s. After 20+ years of use they were put on a shelf in the basement and forgotten. 5 years ago I put them on eBay and a vintage dealer bought them, their chrome tulip stands and equalizer for $300 even though all 18 foam surrounds were rotted away. The buyer even agreed to pay for the shipping from Ohio to Arizona. I think I paid $600 or $700 for the 901s new. I was delighted to recoup half of the original cost after almost 50 years. My current Klipsch RP160M bookshelf speakers with sub sound markedly better for less than the 901s original cost, which in today’s dollar would be $2,000+. My next move will be Fortes or maybe the Cornwalls.

[@BobTrainor]

Nice job on your video. I enjoyed it. It was very informative. Thanks

[@chrisusher7638]

I have a set of series 3's with the series 4's equalizer. I have owned these for over 20 years and the best use I've found for them is mid range filler on my Rotel 6 channel amp for most applications. I certainly have to agree that for acoustics or classical without alot need for crisp highs they sound amazing. Great video though.

[@melvinbudd9058]

speaker wire .diagram for Panasonic Qc- c7105

[@ProMH]

Perfect speakers if you like enormous stage

[@bigelile07]

If you like distorted music that reflects off of walls and needs an EQ.

[@mikeg2491]

@@bigelile07so you mean like real music in a real concert hall? If you understand the intent is to give a different presentation to the music and not become a wine sipping experience they have a selling point.

[@bigelile07]

@@mikeg2491 They suck.

[@mikeg2491]

@@bigelile07 And distortion rules lol, my Sony MDR-Z1R may be in detail monster like the Susvara but it’s like having a subwoofer on your head, no headphone makes you feel like you’re there at a concert. Again different devices for different use cases. Measurement snobs care more about numbers than experiences.

[@bigelile07]

@@mikeg2491 Why is it that not one pair of Bose speakers ever had the specs on them? Why do the 901s need an EQ that would never be set correctly (if there is such a thing)? I've never seen a band point their speakers to the wall so it would give you a better live experience. Sound bouncing off of walls is not a true representation of what the music sounds like. Every product that Bose has ever sold was overpriced. You could/can always get something better for the same amount money or less. Bose has a great marketing department. There's a reason back when we had audio stores Bose had their own room and couldn't be compared to other speakers. To each their own.

[@axchisler]

Aww c'mon man! That sound clip was a bunch of guys tuning their instruments...

[@1JGP1]

It was supposed to be a joke! :)

[@axchisler]

@@1JGP1 I know, I'm laughing 🤭

[@MustangFastback]

Just make sure you have the right room and 100wpc and they sound great

[@1JGP1]

Certainly, point taken. Today, this room is much different. You'll see on the next upcoming videos as all the furniture has been removed and it's now just used for the video's and auditioning of our Schmidt Audio Speakers. As result, everything has been treated acoustically - what a night and day difference it can make!

[@babaoriley1]

I had the Bose 1401 car system . Not the head unit because it was crap. The speakers were great. The reflecting grills in the back allowed you to aim the reflected sound off the cars interior. They played loud and clean. And then they were stolen.

[@joeygonzo]

I sold them back in the days. We used the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra playing the Magnificent 7 theme.

[@travisdt]

I have to agree w you completely. I add a sub and tweezers to avoid all the unnecessary moving speakers and fiddling wi eq

[@1JGP1]

Thanks for the input!

[@eduardodrd01]

Very very perfect!

[@ting2222]

The first time I heard the Bose 901, it was during a demonstration at circuit city in the 90s. I loved it. Now I got my hands on them, I couldn’t figure out what a reasonable amp I could use. The ones that have the pre amp/main amp in, as needed by the 901, I have to sell one of my kidneys to buy it.

[@1JGP1]

lol...yes stuff is going up in price! Next time I buy a pair I'll be using a better suited amplifier & rearrangement of the room...I ought to give them another chance - no?

[@albertvasquez6207]

Great review brother!

[@johnhoward3042]

When you said these things are horrible sounding, you summed it up.

[@1JGP1]

lol

[@martinzoellner6115]

If you turn them around with the 8 speakers in front you won't believe your ears, such brightness and more stereophonic effects. Try it!

[@1JGP1]

Appreciate the tip!

[@husq48]

When I was in Okinawa back in 83 I was putting together a home system to ship back to the States. When I went into the speaker room I tested them all, the 901's were far and away the best sounding! However, since they were an American brand, there was no discount in Okinawa! I went with the Yamaha's NS-8181.

[@deekay2]

All series of Bose 901 equalizers use more than just 2 electrolytic capacitors inside.

[@donalmahon]

Im on the edge of buying series VI 901s, simply because of the nostalgia factor and i owned a pair in my 20s and loved them. Im wondering would my vintage Pioneer receiver be enough to drive them in a small room, its 35W per channel?

[@1JGP1]

Small room, yes. If you want to really get the best of them, for more "dynamic" listening - you'll need a bit more power...likely, you'll notice some improvements first in the bottom end tightness; However, for easy listening- your fine.

[@JoeCamel-fn7dl]

Quite a few 100 watt rms per channel receivers can be found at Goodwill or the Salvation Army. I picked up a Technics SA-AX110 for $25 dollars. Even found a remote. That tape monitor switch comes in handy too.

[@BoxerTys]

Thanks for this nice video of the Bose 901, i bought a couple of 901 series IV with equalizer yesterday for €300, about 360 US dollars and 450 Canadian dollars, i will get them next week, i think the tips and set-up you gave in this video will also effect the 901 series IV ? Thanks and greetings from Holland :)

[@1JGP1]

They should as all the 901s are very similar. Thanks for the kind comments, Love to see Holland one day!

[@JoeCamel-fn7dl]

Amazing, I can’t listen to my 901’s without the equalizer, because frankly they sound like shit that way.😮

[@mcgreedy01]

Rock music on the 901s when set up properly (those in the video are not) sound fantastic.

[@1JGP1]

How did you set up yours? This is challenge in many rooms as we have to "live in them"...That is, unless it's a dedicated listening room.

[@mcgreedy01]

@@1JGP1 Totally understand the challenge with setting up the 901s. I’d argue that placement is a challenge for all speakers, but I agree it’s more prevalent with the 901s. Ideally the 901s need space towards its side and back for the speakers to be able to “throw” the sound at the wall. Not only does that create a bigger/ a more concert like sound stage, it also helps with separation a lot (a must for the 901s). Your right speaker has no side wall, and so you can imagine the 4 drivers that are angled to the right on that speaker has the sound that just wonders off. The left speaker does have that side wall for the sound to bounce off of, but it’s too close. It needs a bit more space between in and the wall. I’d also bring the speakers forward a little bit, away from the back wall. I have mine set up as part of my home theatre front left and right. They are about 2 feet in front of the back wall, and some where between 2.5 to 3 feet from the side walls. The are a pleasure to listen to.

[@keithwiebe1787]

Bose should have added a sub, forget the eq. and put a tweeter in the front as most reflected sound will not have a distinguishable highs anyway or maybe just add one in the back if wanted. Sometimes I added a horn piezo to the top of my homemade ones for a little crisper sound.

[@rontoolsie]

I have some custom made speakers that are shaped exactly like 901, have multiple rear drivers- but also have a crossover and a front mounted tweeter to go with a single front mounted midbass unit. They do everything the 901s do, and then some.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Most people that talk shit about them , without actually ever hearing a 901 before. They are strange, 9 little paper coned full range drivers in a even more strange cabinet. They were NOT intended to cater to audiophiles. They were build for the generic consumers with a wallet of average size. They were msrp 400usd a set or so. They go for lot more now. It used the eq to boost treble and bass, there is a reviewer that has done measurements. And they did surprisingly good with the eq set properly. Give it some proper power and place them correctly. They are special in their own way, people can hate all they want. They are still very well sought after and they still sell like Hot cakes .. Haters will hate.. it is what it is I think bose did something really cool. It took balls to not make a conventional speaker and market this speaker.

[@bigelile07]

They were build for the generic consumers with a wallet of average size? A friend of mine bought a pair of 901s in 1982 for about $1000. I bought a pair of Klipsch Heresys in 1980 for $800. We did an A-B comparison and the Klipsch blew the 901s away in every category. Needless to say, he had buyers remorse. Back then, that wasn't chump change for either speakers.

[@TheIwanttoapologize]

@@bigelile07 Klipsch makes excellent speakers. The 901s require exact placement in the room to sound proper.

[@bigelile07]

@@TheIwanttoapologize I know they had/have to be set up a certain way, and they have to be "tuned" with the EQ that came with them. That is why I took my Klipsch over to his house.

[@davidmorgen4558]

Have you upgraded the crossovers in the 901s ?

[@1JGP1]

No, I did not. I don't have them anymore, perhaps in the future I'll give them another whirl when I have adequate space.

[@raydeffett8435]

Vintage vibe bose series 2 has cloth speakers surrounds aswell

[@1JGP1]

You are 100% correct! The older 901 did...

[@keeto56]

Thanks for sharing.

[@1JGP1]

Your welcome.

[@claudiorohde9656]

Great comments. To even improve your two 901, you should`ve connected 4 Bose 901´s to a at least 200+ Watts/sinus -channel amps! Ím sure you realize that!...there hardly is anything better than that! Correct? Claudio

[@1JGP1]

Yes, the 901's do come alive with wattage for sure!

[@suprgx472]

My set seems to cancel out certain frequencies in the voice and midrange region. It may be due to the equalizer boosting low and high frequency while the speakers are trying to reproduce in their normal range. I agree, they are very inconsistent depending on the source material. Music you know well end up sounding very difference not in a good way. I just ordered emotiva t2+ to replace them.

[@1JGP1]

Yes, you will either love them or hate them...It is a bit different of a sound nonetheless.

[@dmptcb]

U don’t have enough power going into the Bose I have 400 watts a channel and u need series 5 or 6 equalizer going into the 1ohm 9 drivers and 12 inches from the back wall and 10 apart and u can definitely play rock on these speakers they have tons of bass try playing dire straits (brothers in arms) these speakers since they have 9 drivers can handle tons of power and preform better with more going into them

[@1JGP1]

I've heard (from a few guys) that they like power. I don't listen to my stuff loud. Generally speaking, as long as your amp has a "stiff" power supply, with good headroom - they should perform. Most of the time, we are listening to the first few watts anyways. The 901, as you know, was suggested to be powered with as little as 20, to as much as (if I recall correctly) like 270 watts. I think, even though they can eat up some power, they are fairly sensitive speakers & not a terribly demanding load. Thank you for your input!

[@blackwolfjr1909]

I have a good idea for you and I hope it's some point you try it when I say get an amplifier that's capable of pushing anywhere from three to five hundred watch a channel to grab another set of nine ones and dropping the ohms by putting instead of one set of speakers marrying spoof are together and dropping their owns down from 8 to 4 what shift strengthen which will strengthen the frequency pattern but also putting more power to them you are using the EQ to run the amplifiers to put more powerful space should tame them and if that doesn't work then you know do the next thing best

[@firstgeargreg]

sad to say i'm listening to this with a pair of bose 901 series 6 and the music you are playing just doesn't sound like it's supposed to like when i'm playing the same thing.

[@rogerwilcojr]

Suddenly I've got a craving for Cheez Whiz on Ritz Crackers.

[@Intechdude300]

Inherited my dads 901s which he purchased new in 89. I’ve got a Yamaha 7.2 Surround sound receiver which pumps a little over 90 watts per channel. I’ve had no choice but to to just wire the speakers directly to the receiver without the Bose equalizer as there’s no tape monitor. I can somewhat improve The muddy sound by tweaking the equalizer on the receiver but it’s still not all that great. I remember my dad blasting these speakers back in the 90s with his Carver receiver and amp combo and they were crisp, or at least that’s how I remembered them. Can’t really find much info as to how to hook up the Bose equalizer to a modern receiver

[@fucuszullanti7877]

Intechdude300 it’s easy

[@1JGP1]

What model Yamaha do you have?

[@AWSanders7]

You simply cannot get the 901's to sound the way they were intended to without using the equalizer hooked up through the tape loop! Why would you even attempt to do that? It's like trying to ride a bicycle without handlebars. In fact, once receiver manufacturers finally phased out tape loops in their models - due to the waning popularity of tape recorders - Bose even posted a list of receivers with tape loops to satisfy the large number of questions they received from audiophiles looking to buy 901's. I bought my 901 Series 3's brand new (can't remember exactly when, but it was a long, long time ago) and connected them to my Sony STR-D865 Audio Video Receiver - which still pumps out the power after all these years - and have been enjoying them with all types of music ever since. My music listening rotation tends heavily toward classic Rhythm & Blues and Jazz, with infrequent forays into classical (after all, man cannot live a satisfied life without an occasional dose of Beethoven's 9th, or one of Mozart's concertos) and the 901's handle them all with ease and accuracy. I have also been known to watch and listen to movies over the 901's along with a pair of smaller Bose speakers as surrounds and a Pioneer center channel speaker, and the effect is equally as amazing.

[@arthurarthur7259]

Simply connect first the player to equalizer first then to amp

[@suprgx472]

You need to check out these guys. They make an upgraded eq and will give you instructions over the phone. deercreekaudio.com/products/bose-901-series-ii-equalizer

[@doyrayburn2668]

They are a very specific thing. They are a fiddlers dream. most people are unwilling to put the work in. And if you're looking for the option of bass forget it. Thats the other problem. These are skinny chicks not fat bottom girls.

[@melockavich9596]

Thay need 250w to 500Watts per speaker to sound there best.I should know I have 3 pair

[@liberator818]

You're right,they were made to play loud!!Very loud.That's what they do best.Back in the years '70ties they were allover clubs,replacing the old heavy systems.They are to heavy sounding for you're living room!At least if you don't want to blow the kids out the window.

[@givemethejob3293]

50 year old speakers still working and being talked about, yes of course newer manufacturing can give us better speakers now. Ditch the equaliser and use a minidsp instead and the 901's come back to 21st century with corrected soundstage courtesy of modern electronics. Who had a sub on their system in 68' 78' 88' 98? Maybe 2008 most have bought subs to support the new low end that their speakers cannot reach. Not many real instruments go below 45 htz.

[@soundscapefusions3101]

These look very scifi to my eye there is something about reflected sound that does it for me,a different way of sound reproduction I like the 301s and have owned mk 4 and 5 not saying there the best speakers out there but its all about how you like to listen to music.

[@1JGP1]

Thank you for your input! I've never tried the 301's before.

[@greymurdock2]

Nice unbiased review

[@richarddarr3381]

14 in is is considered none wall if you look at the left side you have the wall did not run a meter test the see where the pattern is like I said again some do not know how to have to pick a pattern

[@1JGP1]

Hi, the left side is a "dummy wall" as it only protrudes about 3 feet; However, you are correct - positioning is very important with these & as I reposition my gear eventually on the short wall - perhaps I'll have another chance to own and review these funky speakers!

[@derrekcrofford1196]

Ive had a pair of series 6 now for 13 years and ive never loved and hated a system so much in my life. Im either like wow!!!! Or what????

[@1JGP1]

lol, that is so funny - love it!

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

Nice

[@eliben108]

the 901 series 6 are relly nice ,very good sir ,this speakers not good for all music

[@1AEROSOL.1PUFF]

I LISTEN TO A WIDE VARIETY OF MUSIC BUT I MUST HAVE BASS 🔊 OR THE MUSIC IS FLAT 🫖

[@EdwardButcher-p9f]

You need the right room.moved from my home in town to a newer one.smaller carpeted and better insulation makes for poor sound.

[@1JGP1]

Yes, agreed. The room now is completely different and treated with bass traps, absorption panels, etc. This is a pretty old video, I'll love to relisten to them today in the new room for sure.

[@ralphe.thompson5010]

the remote control equalizer....long overdue

[@dougg1075]

Love the stereo rack. Where did you get that?

[@1JGP1]

I bought it at a place called Structube.... I find audio stands are hard to find!

[@npaconstruction]

so why were the 901s so succeccful

[@1JGP1]

They were very successful - you are correct! The 901's were a very big departure from traditional "forward-firing" speakers - and, in the right room, they could create a real illusion of a much bigger soundstage. I think this along made them very popular with many enthusiasts. If I do get a pair again, I'll be trying a few different ideas with set up and certainly put a bit more power through them. Being such popular speakers, I think they do deserve a second chance! Thanks for sharing!

[@Ruriko.oceanblue]

It was reported that back in the 60s Neal Diamond was quite adamant about only using Bose 901 speakers for his showing of the movie “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” I seriously do not know why. Another thing is why do most people prefer mounting the Bose 901 speakers backwards?

[@1JGP1]

When you mount them backwards you get a more traditional speaker sound from the 901...it will also play louder. I personally would leave them the way they were designed to be used, but some swear by the latter.

[@mobilemobile5799]

You forget to mention, why are you buying another pair of 901 ?? Is it bcs you can not find something better ?))

[@1JGP1]

I am nostalgic. My purchases are usually emotional and, at times, I get the urge to "try something a second time"... Doesn't everything deserve a second chance -LOL...

[@jimmymorrison9824]

Looking for series 3 equalizer mine is old it still works but it sounds sick I live in Canada james bay lowlands Ontario send me some information if nothing else please I love my system and its been around with me since need help middle 70.s I am even looking in second hand stores getting desperate love my music

[@1JGP1]

Nice to hear you've held on to it. I'd bring it in for a recap to solve its woes...probably just in need for some tlc.

[@lucamarcassa6710]

More distance from wall!

[@1JGP1]

You are correct! They do need to be further from the wall...If I was going to acquire another pair, I'd recommend a dedicated room where this could be done.

[@trevormartin5248]

great

[@raydeffett8435]

Series 2 used cloth aswell

[@timmullett3085]

If you know what you’re doing and have good amps and they’re set up properly they ALWAYS sound fantastic no matter WHAT you play. You just need a little help.

[@1JGP1]

The equipment I experiment with are chosen for a reason...I try to do my research and I buy unusual "classics". I also service them prior to evaluation; As a result, most of it actually sounds pretty decent. I've heard some junk along the way too (lol) but I don't have much interest posting stuff on that... My attempt here is to try to share my experience and passions around excellent gear. The 901can certainly sound decent with good amplification and set up. I can attest, they really can be affected by nearby objects since they are reflectory in nature. They would have benefited to not have the audio cabinet between them or a side wall as close as it was. These are some of the challenges of real world set ups.

[@johnwheat5199]

You've owned more than one pair! you must be a real glutton for punishment.....

[@1JGP1]

Lol!

[@marvinmurakami8828]

Your left speaker is too close to side wall and there's no side wall on your right speaker and the rear is playing into an open room. You have practically the worst setup for them.

[@1JGP1]

No doubt: However, I've had these set up in completely different listening areas over the years. Like most, this room (in the lounge) is for living. I have to balance aesthetics with function. I do have a separate listening area in the lower level where most of the reviews start. Eventually, they are bought upstairs after evaluation for the video. I appreciate your input, set up and room acoustics is one of the biggest challenges in the listening enviroment.

[@MarilouRilloraza]

I Love Bose 901 VI check out my setup

[@1JGP1]

I will!

[@KennyJoe01]

@@1JGP1 11:41

[@alphazoomii9408]

These weren't cheap either but they sounded cheap. :) I saw those in this audio place in Ohio that also had 70K infinity towers. LOL. Both companies are pretty shit now. Bose had 1 good thing going for it and that was getting bass out of tiny woofers but they did fool consumers into paying premium price for really low quality tiny, paper cone woofers. I bet they cost like 2 bucks each.

[@MichelLinschoten]

alphazoom II I don’t play with bose but magnepans before I get burned for being a fanboy. I bet you don’t even know what the purpose was of these speakers as many don’t. Also their drivers ? After series 1 and 2 were all build in house 0.9 ohm for each driver with hexi voice coils. hardly cheap at the time . And if papers cones are cheap ? Any speaker Builder can tell you that paper (stiffened) cones is still the best way to go ! And still WIDELY used. Or do you really think the average speaker these days has no stamped basket 10usd woofers in the baffles ?! If so .. you’re gullible. Also the msrp price for a set was 375usd hardly expensive. They sell for lot more these days ironically. I sound like an ass but I cannot stand bs argumentation that’s parroted from the internet. These speakers were not meant for pin point listening at all. That’s why most audio enthusiasts, walk away from them. These speakers have lasted a production run from 1968 till 2016 and the first series ?! If it’s a turd, do tell me why they had such a long SUCCESS in sales. Let me guess, the world is dead, but not you .. And they were cheaply build? Ever seen a series 1 and 2 up close, the top and bottom wood panels are thicker than what your entire speaker today is made of (mdf) they used actual wood! And also not unimportant to note They are still in full operational shape, they can be blasted to insane spl levels and fill a room without issues. That’s impressive for a speaker that size and age, with no dedicated low or tweeters involved. You’ve never heard them before I can tell , and if you claim you did?! You never heard Them setup properly stores don’t set them up . They just plunge them down and go for it. Read the stereophile review on them, and yes there is better out there . But to just pretend it’s a piece of crap?! You’re totally uninformed about them if you truly believe that. These speakers do a couple things really well, and a couple of things really wrong. But one things for sure, they are hated more often than not by boys that never even heard them. Aside from a a swift little look in a store, or friend that doesn’t know how to set these up. Any bose 901 owner (mostly ex owners that moved on?!) can tell you, they were not that bad at all. And when driven right and setup correctly (long wall behind it, and preferred symmetrical room) These crazy little fuck boxes could do some Serious crazy things.,

[@jamesbragg8754]

They do have a unique sound no doubt, but let's be real, there are tons of speakers that sound way better and cost much less. Sorry, but you will get no crisp highs or low bass from these speakers. Just not physically possible.

[@1JGP1]

They are something to experience. I no longer have mine; rather a pair of Allison One's (he got it really right!)

[@sinusshephard5314]

tTry an android tablet with the viper4android app and youll be amazed.

[@Teachering]

Wouldn't touch it with a ten ft. pole.

[@1JGP1]

LOL 😆

[@beljorge701]

If you consider yourself an average audiophile you must to hate de artificial Bose sound.

[@1JGP1]

They were an experience. Glad I tried them, but - I've certainly moved past them.

[@johnadams9044]

No matter how much nostalgic mush you opine about, the Bose were nothing but flat, all middle range, unexciting speakers. At best, they were just back ground noise speakers.

[@Joshualbm]

There is nothing cutting-edge or advanced about this weird speaker. Whatever pleasing attributes they have are purely despite the design elements. The reason that nobody's made or makes anything like the 901 is because the basic "engineering" premises are ludicrous. Building a speaker to reflect sound because of the reflective nature of concert halls is about as useless an idea as shaping the body of a car to match the contours of a racing course. Listening to recordings made in reflective environs, having been suitably captured as ambience by the microphones, cannot be accurately replicated by bouncing sound off your walls at home. Jesus. And the magical 8:1 ratio? Oh my god, what nonsense. Try bringing that idea up with your boss at the speaker company. Plus having to force feed a huge EQ boost to drivers that are absolutely not designed for carrying those frequencies, requiring enormous power to play at normal levels etc... you'd be out of a job in a hurry. Whatever these speakers do well is by accident really.

[@1JGP1]

I don't disagree with the premise that speakers shouldn't really require a heavy EQ in order to sound decent. However, some of the early research done by Bose has found its way into a lot of audio, whether it seems apparent or not. Take for example car audio, whether it be Harman Kardon, Bose, Mark Levinson, or others - some of the research of how speakers interact with space has resulted a very specific designs that have really done wonders for the quality of sound in your vehicle. In fact, these advancements and the understanding of sound reflection, has probably killed the car audio aftermarket. I do agree with your comment in regards to design elements...I nearly kept a pair just because they look so cool in the room! (lol). Today I use more traditional speakers, for the most part ;) Currently I'm listening to a pair of speakers that were made by Alison Acoustics. They are called Allison Ones and they're probably one of the best engineered floor standers that I've heard that are vintage in nature. Counter-intuitively, they are placed directly up against the wall - they are triangular in shape with mirrored drivers on either side, using some of the wall to reinforce the bottom end. They sound clear, precise, not muddy at all. To this date, I haven't heard many speakers that work really well up against any walls - these are quite spectacular. I appreciate all your input - and your comments. Take care!

[@elusiveshadow1982]

Talk talk talk talk talk talk talk......

[@1JGP1]

lol. Yes - it's easy to do. Take care!

[@lizichell2]

My quad esl 63 pisses over bose

[@lizichell2]

Mind you the cheap Goodmans speakers I found in a skip sound better

[@1JGP1]

lol...love it! :) One day I'll try some quads!

[@lizichell2]

For clarity and precision

[@revokdaryl1]

@@lizichell2 Like most Brits, you believe you were born with a better pot to piss in.

[@sajiktm]

Bose direct relecting system is not a good idea.......it is artificial sound but i love direct sound better than this...............

[@npaconstruction]

there is no perfect sound from any speaker

[@1JGP1]

Agreed.

[@justmyopinion9959]

BOSE=Better Off(with)Something Else

[@1JGP1]

lol. :)

[@hom2fu]

Buy Other Sound Equipment .... bose Noise Canceling Toilet

[@anonymousmc7727]

Bose is for bozos😂😂😂😂