Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Definitive Technology BP-9020 is the better pick: it ranks #150 of 228 floorstanding speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5), against #226 (rated 1.9/5) for the Bose 901 Series V. If you want one new, the Revel Concerta2 F35 ranks #31 at $900.
The Definitive Technology BP-9020 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A tower with a built in powered 8 inch subwoofer for deep bass and a wide, enveloping soundstage without a separate sub. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.08 against 0.43 for the Bose 901 Series V. Its bass reaches about 35Hz before falling 3dB, against 55.8Hz for the Bose 901 Series V. The tradeoff: Significant high-frequency boost creates notable treble brightness and noticeable sibilance on vocal s-sounds.
Why pick the Bose 901 Series V: A distinctive discontinued speaker with eight rear firing drivers for a large, room filling sound and an included equalizer. The catch: Even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion.
Buy the Definitive Technology BP-9020 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the Revel Concerta2 F35 instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Definitive Technology BP-9020 reaches 29 Hz (10 dB down) against 34.5 Hz for the Bose 901 Series V, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Definitive Technology BP-9020 scores 6.5 against 2.1 for the Bose 901 Series V on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
- Efficiency: the Definitive Technology BP-9020 is rated at 87.7 dB sensitivity against 81 dB for the Bose 901 Series V, so it plays as loud with roughly a third of the amplifier power.
Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 PM 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology BP-9020 | Bose 901 Series V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500 per pair Discontinued | $1,400 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #150 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #226 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 35.3”H x 11”W x 13”D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm) | 21”H x 21”W x 12.6”D (533.4 x 533.4 x 320.7 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87.7dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer | Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing |
| Weight | 30 lbs (13.6 kg) each | 35.3 lbs (16 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, slot | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.08 | 0.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.53 | 2.11 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension | - | Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DSP | - | External analog active equalizer required |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Definitive Technology BP-9020: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Bose 901 Series V: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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