Short answer: the Bose 901 Series VI, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The Bose 901 Series V measures as well as it (#224 vs #225 of 226 floorstanding speakers, 1.9/5 vs 1.9/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Bose 901 Series VI is still sold new. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 226 floorstanding speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the KEF Blade One Meta instead, ranked #1 at $34,999.98.
Why pick the Bose 901 Series V: Historically distinctive direct/reflecting architecture uses eight rear-firing and one front-firing full-range drivers to create a very large, room-filling presentation. The tradeoff: Even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion.
Why pick the Bose 901 Series VI: The last version of the Bose 901 Series V design: nine 4.5” full-range drivers per cabinet, eight firing toward the back wall for a diffuse, room-filling sound. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
Buy the Bose 901 Series VI, since the Bose 901 Series V is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
About the ratings: the Bose 901 Series VI’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 1.7 to 2.1, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose 901 Series V | Bose 901 Series VI | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | - |
| Ranked | #224 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #225 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers Estimated |
| Bass Extension | Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Impedance | 6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing | 9x 4.5” full-range drivers |
| DSP | External analog active equalizer required | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.43 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 2.11 | - |
| Dimensions | 21”H x 21”W x 12.6”D (533.4 x 533.4 x 320.7 mm) | 12.7”H x 21”W x 13”D (322 x 533 x 330 mm) |
| Weight | 35.3 lbs (16 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
| Enclosure | - | Direct/reflecting, 89% reflected and 11% direct radiation |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose 901 Series V Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Bose 901 Series VI, ranked lower, estimated 1.9/5.
Pros: Historically distinctive direct/reflecting architecture uses eight rear-firing and one front-firing full-range drivers to create a very large, room-filling presentation. Erin measured a benign 6.2-ohm minimum impedance, so the raw electrical load is easier than many modern four-ohm speakers. The supplied active equalizer offers user-adjustable tonal balance and is integral to obtaining usable bandwidth. Measured bass extension of 55.8Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.
Cons: Even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion. Output above roughly 90-95dB at his seat became audibly poor; multitone testing reached only about 98dB before the distortion limit. The reflection-dominant radiation prevents precise imaging and makes results strongly room-dependent. It requires the proprietary equalizer and substantial amplifier power despite its benign impedance. Discontinued.
Full Bose 901 Series V review and specifications →
| Bass Extension | Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| DSP | External analog active equalizer required |
| Dimensions | 21”H x 21”W x 12.6”D (533.4 x 533.4 x 320.7 mm) |
| Drivers | Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing |
| Impedance | 6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 2.11 |
| Weight | 35.3 lbs (16 kg) each |
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Bose 901 Series VI Estimated eBay
Older model: the Bose 901 Series V (ranked higher, rated 1.9/5).
Pros: The last version of the Bose 901 Series V design: nine 4.5” full-range drivers per cabinet, eight firing toward the back wall for a diffuse, room-filling sound.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. It needs its active equalizer between the amplifier and speakers, and the reflected, heavily equalized design gives vague imaging and coloured sound. It is discontinued.
Full Bose 901 Series VI review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 12.7”H x 21”W x 13”D (322 x 533 x 330 mm) |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 9x 4.5” full-range drivers |
| Enclosure | Direct/reflecting, 89% reflected and 11% direct radiation |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.