Bose 901 Series VI Direct/Reflecting Speaker System, Walnut, Pair

2017-02-25T19:00:00

i bought my series 2 back in 1971 or 1972. I still have them. I had a phase linear 400 amp that fried 3 of them with dc current. by the way , I had 4 901's for 4 chanell. there's this place in los angelos that rebuilds these speakers. so I had the work done. at that time bose had a program that if you mail your 2 speakers to them they will sell you a current model for like 1/2 price. this repair shop said he's known people to do this but they were more happy with the older one's. meaning the series 1 or 2. by the way those had cloth not foam. cloth last longer. anyway I had them rebuilt in 2001. I still have all 4 today.1 is still original. also, the 1 and 2 required a lot of power to sound good. I've read reviews recommending at least 100 watts per chanell. the newer one's don't. there's other good speakers on the market today but since I'm retired and on a fixed income I won't buy new speakers. I have a 600 watt per chanell amp now and it sure sounds good.

joji

Originally posted at

2016-09-02T20:00:00

I bought a pair of Bose 901 Series 3 speakers in 1978. They have performed admirably ever since then, though around 2001 or so I noticed the sound getting fuzzy. A year later I opened them up and found that the foam rings that connect the speaker cones to the metal frame had corroded away. The foam was all in a pile at the bottom of the speaker and the speaker cones were vibrating in open air. I found on the internet a company in Tampa that made rubber-infused fabric rings that were designed especially for this problem and bought a repair kit. It included 18 rings (nine per speaker) and glue. I bought an X-Acto knife and got some isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs, and over a Christmas vacation carefully cleaned the paper speaker cones, cleaned the metal speaker frames, and repaired each inside speaker, one at a time, until all 18 were repaired. The (big) speakers immediately sounded brand new and still do, 14 years later. The speakers are as good now as they were when I bought them 38 years ago. Note: I didn't do any online research before buying them. There was no "online" in 1978!

carletonm

Originally posted at

2016-08-14T20:00:00

I inherited mine from my parents 15 years ago when my Dad moved up to 7.1 surround. These are perfect for a stereo hifi system like vinyl/turntables. Once you read the schematics right and hook in the EQ its out of this world. The only way I've found to break the 901s is moving 4 times and one of the reflector cones got snapped off. 2 generations satisfied. Well played, Bose. My son will get to inherit these too. ??

Michael G.

Originally posted at

2016-08-14T20:00:00

I bought these speakers last week. I am so thrilled with them. Sound is crisp fills the whole room. Bass is legendary. These are the undoubtedly best speakers out there. Absolutely in love with them.

DrDiamond

Originally posted at

2016-08-08T20:00:00

i bought the 901s about 10 years ago........the sound is so crisp and clear......its just amazing. to date the best investment i have ever made :)

Sher

Originally posted at

2016-08-06T20:00:00

Originally had 901 series IV speakers. After 13 years of wailing had a small crack in flexfoam around one of the drivers so I called Bose to see about fixing it. I was told Dr. Bose decided the foam wasn't good enough to handle all temperature changes. I was told to return the old speakers and would get a new set of 901 series VI speakers.I said what time are you open til. Talk about standing behind your product. What a pleasure to deal with a company that actually cares about its' customers. Sound is like live concert music. Close your eyes and you can see where everyone is set on stage.

Hammer

Originally posted at

2016-07-26T20:00:00

Just got my 901's / Equalizer Direct/Reflecting Speaker System. I'm totally in aw!! The first album I played with the 901's was Dave Grusin's Soundtrack "Havana" on vinyl. The first thing that really hit me was there were instruments being played that I have not heard before. The sound makes you feel like you were in the recording studio when the music tracks were being recorded!! Simply put "True Sound". The first time I heard the 901's was way back in 1979. Why did it take me so long purchase a set? It has been well worth the wait!! Thank you Bose.

Howard

Originally posted at

2016-07-13T20:00:00

I have owned Bose 901's since the early 70's. I now have the series VI and would not trade them for anything. If you take the time to find the right location for them, sit back and enjoy the live presentation. I go to a lot of the very high-end stereo shows and come home smiling every time I listen to my speakers. Dr. Bose knew years ago how to do it right and for so little money and gave us a great gift. You can hear, can't you?

marvinfred

Originally posted at

2016-07-13T20:00:00

I have owned Bose 901's since the early 70's. I now have the series VI and would not trade them for anything. If you take the time to find the right location for them, sit back and enjoy the live presentation. I go to a lot of the very high-end stereo shows and come home smiling every time I listen to my speakers. Dr. Bose knew years ago how to do it right and for so little money and gave us a great gift. You can hear, can't you?

jazz l.

Originally posted at

2016-06-28T20:00:00

Just received my new Bose 901 VI (Ver.-2) and hook up with HK3490 Stereo Receiver. I bought as my secondary music system for basement. But for test and comparison I set up in my main Theater room (14.5ftx20.5ft, perfect rectangle). This Bose 901 sound so AMAZING with GREATER Details and WIDE open sound stage! We feel like we are surrounded with real musicians and singer is right in front of us! We played many different music genre and all sounded AWESOME! We also use tested CD. It goes below 30Hz with same efficiency that my dedicated 12" 1200Watts Power sub produce! For Home Theater, I am using another big brand surround speakers, which two main speakers are almost twice the price of these Bose. But after comparing both, my musician son (who has better ears than me and can identify more details) told me,-"Dad, you should keep only these two Bose 901s and get rid off all others!" And I completely agree with him as even surround sound track sounded amazing with full and better surround effects! To BOSE, PLEASE... PLEASE .... PLEASE, never stop making this wonderful speakers! This speakers are truly 8th wonder of this world! These are not just a speakers, it contains live orchestra with in them! Love you Dr. Amar Bose! Thank you so much for gifting this invention to the world!

Yoshi

Originally posted at

2016-06-23T20:00:00

Pros: Amazing sound!!! Bose did a very good job. After getting to accustomed to the speakers, you will not want switch back to the older ones. That what happened to me, my other pair of speakers from Totem remained "jobless" since then. In a word, I found it as a very happy marriage of Bose 901 and my old school Sansui (AV-717) amp. I am not sure which one does it job better than the other, but overall sound is detailed, balanced and natural. Cons: There is no much technical information, i.e. frequency range, sensitivity, etc, Some minor issue, which do not affect directly to the quality of the sound, are how the stand gets attached to the bottom of the speaker, i.e. through screws. This can be a problem do install/uninstall several times because of moving in/out. The other minor issue is again associated with stands rubber non-slip attached round pads on the bottom of the stand. Those pads come off very easily. Bose should improve the design.

vsquare

Originally posted at

2016-06-16T20:00:00

I bought my 901s in 1990 at the age of 25, and they have never let me down. From the hardest metal to classical music to my kids' rap and and pop, the sound is always phenomenal. My grandkids will be listening to these speakers when I'm long gone.

Tom M.

Originally posted at

2016-06-16T20:00:00

I bought my first 901's in 1980 they were and are the best. They started to rumble in 2015 I called Bose and believe it or not Bose traded them in and gave me credit on a new set what quality service talk about band support for 25yrs the new one aren't teak but sound just as good or better if that's possible.

dickie07

Originally posted at

2016-06-15T20:00:00

I bought in 2000 two pairs of 901 Series VI to handle a Home theater configuration to be drive by a Sunfire Cinema Grand and a Theater Grand Processor (800 Watts RMS per Channel) and each time I experience a great powerful sound stage...To add something more, my home is a BOSE Sound home, 2 Radios, another 901 Lifesytle, two Accoustimass (AM 15, and 5), Two type of stereo speakers for Computers, two Quiet Comfort 3 Headphones...What can I say! a true Bose friendly user, that can recommend the brand not only for its reputation but for a real listening pleasure... Thanks BOSE for such fine achievements!

jwong19

Originally posted at

2016-06-09T20:00:00

I wanted to give overall six stars but couldn't... - I bought these speakers in 2012 because the design looked very unconventional and after reading many negative comments from so called "audiophiles", I really was intrigued...and I've never made a better purchase on a hunch, I've to admit... - Sound is excellent, especially the sound-field! - You MUST read the manual before finalizing their placement - it's all there clearly explained, and it seems that many negative commenters have never really taken the time reading and following company recommendations... - One problem (for me) was to find the right stereo amp with TAPE MONITOR function, thus ended up with a Yamaha AV with COUPLER connections to connect the equalizer... - I think these speakers really do excel in classical, new age, jazz, country and classic rock-and-roll representations (I also use a small powered sub for really deep sounds). - I've ordered another pair this year to further complement my listening space! HIGHLY recommended but you need to have a dedicated room to appreciate this technology.

Sandor

Originally posted at

2016-05-24T20:00:00

I got super lucky on these (901 VI) bought them for way less, because the place that was selling them wasn't using the EQ and was driving them like crazy without it. After closing the deal of the century, I quickly purchased the EQ from an online retailer and whoa!!! After all those years of abuse the 901's came back to life as if brand new. I was certain that a few speakers would need replacing, but once again to my surprise nothing. After reading the manual on recommended placement, I didn't need my rear or center speakers anymore, the 901's Direct/Reflect technology took care of all of that with the proper replacement. The Bose 901's VI series are great speakers for any listener or style of music, but the biggest plus, you don't necessary need a ton of power to get these to perform for your listening pleasure. The only additional thing I added was a separate subwoofer for a little more bottom end, but it's really not necessary I just love additional deep bass. The 901's can provide years of listening if properly treated and taken care of, when I die they're going with me

Mike V.

Originally posted at

2016-05-23T20:00:00

I am using 901 since 1971 when I first purchased. Since then Series V and continental series 901 have been residing in our home, 2 in living room and 2 in the home theater. Have not found need for side or rear speakers. Presence of most natural sound has been astonishing, and all our friends and those who listen to music or movies,silly feel awestruck.

Nik

Originally posted at

2016-05-23T20:00:00

I bought my first pair of 901 II speakers in 1974, then another pair of add-ons a year later for a wall of sound. I gave them to a friend 25 years ago, and during that time speaker one of each pair blew out. Likely from a amp malfunction that pumped harmonic frequencies the speakers weren't meant to receive. Anyway, they were smoked! The other two became the main pair. This year my friend gave them back when he got his surround sound system. I hooked them up to a receiver and they came back to life again for me. Equalizer is still working perfectly, and the speakers are still great! Over 40 years and still kicking out a big clear sound!

Alec

Originally posted at

2016-03-11T19:00:00

My dad bought the 901 set in 1985, now my dad gave me this system for my new room. I was really excited about the fact that this system is 30 years old but still functions as new... Its so unbelievable... If you buy this system i guarantee you will die before this system gets any problem!!! You get profit for the rest of your life ! -undestructable-

Holland p.

Originally posted at

2016-02-16T19:00:00

I have owned two sets of 901's since 1994; sold the first set and bought the newest ones in 2006. So, I heard no difference between either set of speakers; I used Yamaha and ADCOM and CARVER amps to drive the 901's and these speakers can eat as much power as you want to send them. I believe they are still warranted against damage from power as long as not used in commercial ventures. Of course, proper speaker placement, on pedastals, is important. These speakers wont sound like any other stereo speakers you have listened to due mostly as they are direct reflecting speakers...The stereo image comes from every angle and there really is not a true sweet spot for sitting to enjoy. These full range speaker enclosures capture very well the demands sent to them from medium to good quality amplifiers. Don't waste money on tube amps for this speaker system; any mid range quality amp will sound great with these speakers. I sometimes push 120 watts RMS through these speakers, with them out on my deck, and i hear clear music and lyrics a full 1/4 mile away from them, in any direction....obviously, i have no neighbors and can play my music loud...but it's the reproduction that matters...not the loudness...I am happy with these speakers and they will become my backup speakers once replaced with Klipschorn Speakers....but saving $8000 by buying BOSE 901's, gave me the enjoyment of music until I could afford the Klipsch speakers....

BMW g.

Originally posted at

2016-02-11T19:00:00

I'm ready to regulate my Series VI to the "vintage audio graveyard". Oh how I wish I could figure a way to keep them. The only way to connect these in a modern home theater/audio system is spend several thousands of dollars on separate pre-amps/amps and triggers. No one is making a receiver anymore with main pre-out/amp-in jacks to connect the equalizer (forget about tape loops, this isn't the 80s). None even have a switched ac outlet to power it. Love the sound, particularly how they fill a large room (20' x '30 with 12' ceilings) but they do not play well with todays a/v systems. I have searched but can't find a center speaker that matches up well, tone wise, with these in the front. Thanks for the memories Bose, I'll miss you.

x888jmo

Originally posted at

2016-02-08T19:00:00

At 50, a birthday gift to myself. Moved my Bose 901 speakers to the living room and placed them in the correct position for maximum performance. Now the living room stands transformed to a concert hall. I bought these speakers with my first US salary in 2001, due to the corrupting influence of Sayee. Sorry not entirely true. I wanted them since I was 15. They are still the best speakers in the world and perform the way they did when I bought them. Note to self: Piped music and drive through Starbucks coffee in paper cups with plastic lids are degenerates. Coffee must be enjoyed in ceramic cups and music on real speakers, sitting on a lounge chair. There is one dream from my youth that remains unfulfilled-owning a Mazda MX 5. Once I get that car I'll achieve nirvana, as I have no desire to color my hair black or get Botox injections.

George A.

Originally posted at

2016-02-04T19:00:00

I have owned my pair of 901's (Series 1) since 1969.They have been my main speaker system for almost 50 years.In that time I have bought and sold many speakers including a set of Series VI 901's.,but I've always held on to the old ones.With all the upgrades they have made,I still feel the first series are the best. The speakers are all original. They have been pushed by a number of different amps,and sound essentially as they did when I bought them.They are nearly impossible to destroy.In my current system they are paired with a pair of 1973 vintage Klipsch Heresey's, a Velodyne sub,and pushed by a Yamaha amp with 110 watts per channel.The Klipsch and the Bose compliment each other very well and produce a very accurate powerful sound .

Pete

Originally posted at

2016-01-12T19:00:00

I bought My 901 Series IV speakers in Germany when I was stationed there in 1986. They have been the main component of my stereo system now for almost 30 years, and have never disappointed me. The Pedestals make even more attractive, and help to place them at the proper height for optimum performance. There is no speaker ever invented that can compete with the 901's. They must have been created by a far more superior form of life than we have on this planet.

Mickey

Originally posted at

2016-01-09T19:00:00

I bought my first pair of 901's (I believe the series II) in 1973. I could not find a better "home speaker" (as opposed to power hungry studio quality monitor speakers costing thousands of dollars each). I enjoyed that first pair for TWENTY NINE years, until they needed to be replaced (good run, huh?). I simply went to the Bose showroom, and bought a pair of 901 Series VI in 2002. The same story applies...no other "home" speaker comes close to the fullness of sound provided by 901's, and the high quality of the speakers (and the fine Bose customer service) is still there. For me, a five star ***** rating!

Dragon452

Originally posted at

2016-01-07T19:00:00

I bought my first Bose speakers while in the Army in Germany, bought the 901 Series II's in 1976, then 901 Series III, then 901 Series 6, which I have today. I own 301's in my office, Bose Wave music system in my bedroom, Quite Comfort 2 head phones, Soundlink around ear wireless headphones, Bose SoundLink Mini II, Acoustimass 3 stereo speaker system and now my two children have Bose headphones and speakers. As you can see my family loves music. If you want to hear clear music and all the different tone's True to the music being played get Bose, if there is no base you won't hear it, if the base is strong, you will hear it like no other speaker. And once you listen to Bose 901's set up properly 18" from the floor 18" from the wall and 18" clear from side to side, you won't be able to stand any other speaker system, when you do, no matter how good they are, you will feel something is missing. Bose are AWESOME.

AOT

Originally posted at

2015-12-31T19:00:00

The most majestic speaker ever built by Bose! Hats off to Dr. Bose for this beauty. It truly delivers life like sound in your living room, gone is the need to sit in a tiny sweet spot to get the best sound. They will turn your entire room into a sweet spot. They will reveal the minutest details in music and will not create any listener fatigue. Fun for long listening sessions. In a nutshell the sound is transparent and slightly on the warmer side of neutral. They produce a rich enveloping and spacious sound field when setup right according to instructions. When you plug them in - you are essentially hearing your amp. If the amp produces mediocre sound, they will sound mediocre. If the amp has solid bass, these speakers can create frightening amount of bass that will shake the fillings of the room. Pair it with an audiophile grade amp and the musical realism will be off the charts. It will beat very very expensive systems in performance and above all the emotional impact music intended to convey. Following steps are critical to your satisfaction: - The right setup according to Bose. You need a wall behind and close to corner placement to create the sound field. - For 901s to truly show off their talents, an amp of atleast 200 quality watts/channel is a must. Pairing with a weak amp will most likely result in disappointing bass performance and the overall sound will be a bit compressed. Remember it has 18 drivers, it loves a bit of power :) With a powerful amp you will not need a subwoofer and the setup will be simpler and compact. Unfortunately Bose stopped making their powerful 1801 power amp so other amp options will have to be explored. I've gotten good results with Onkyo and Marantz, but unfortunately these companies don't make stuff north of 200 watts per channel so to hear 901s at their best a higher quality pre/power amp will be needed. There are plenty of great options based on your listening taste - Mcintosh, Bryston, Mark Levinson, AVM Audio (my fav for best room shaking bass :) ), etc.

LostPlanet

Originally posted at

2015-12-28T19:00:00

38 years ago I discovered the 901's in a sound room in NYC. I couldn't believe the sound clarity that these 901's produced. Since that day it was a speaker of desire. I got my first pair three years ago as a surprise gift from my wife. I set them up on and away from the wall as recommended and loaded them with my AC/DC rock and roll. The sound that they produced brought tears to my eyes from the highs and lows. No more going into the Bose store turning them up. I have them at home now. I think my wife regrets me having them. Not me.

DADDZFIX

Originally posted at

2015-12-20T19:00:00

I purchased these 901 series VI 2 months ago. They are simply awesome. I've had my AM7's since 95. The only downside was finding a top of the line used receiver with main in pre amp out connections. This way when I use my 901's for Dolby surround on movies. It doesn't throw the Active EQ to the center channel. BTW, I use one of my AM7 cubes and pulled the electronics out of the subwoofer for the center channel. It sounds awesome paired with the 901's

Bose f.

Originally posted at

2015-12-13T19:00:00

I first discovered these speakers back in 1985. My Dads friend had a pair, driven by a 500 watt RMS McIntosh power amp. These speakers handled that power with superior performance. As an adult, I created the same set up. Love these speakers. I believe without a doubt, that if you are a music lover, this is the speaker for you. I listen to Reggae, Soca and R&B the bass and highs will shock you coming from these speakers. Definitly a fan.

Triniboy

Originally posted at