Infinity Reference 253 vs Bose 901 Series V

Short answer: the Infinity Reference 253. It ranks #48 of 56 floorstanding speakers by sound quality; the Bose 901 Series V ranks #56.

The case for the Infinity Reference 253: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. The tradeoff: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show elevated treble above 4kHz (“too hot”), a dip around 2kHz, and bass shelved down relative to the midrange.

What the Bose 901 Series V gets right: 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 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 Infinity Reference 253 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Bose 901 Series V if the price matters more than sound quality.

If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 56 floorstanding speakers instead.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

Infinity Reference 253: $400 used, Discontinued

Pros: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. Really amazing value for the performance.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show elevated treble above 4kHz (“too hot”), a dip around 2kHz, and bass shelved down relative to the midrange. Vertical directivity requires staying at or below the tweeter axis for accurate tonal balance. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is broadly elevated above the reviewer’s audibility threshold across much of the midrange. Minimum impedance dips to 4.2 ohms. Discontinued.

Full Infinity Reference 253 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	40.3"H x 6.8"W x 12.4"D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	Dual 5.25" (130mm) CMMD™ woofers, 5.25" (130mm) flat-piston CMMD™ midrange, 1" (25mm) CMMD™ tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms
Sensitivity	86.9dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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• Links
  • Official Infinity Reference 253 Website
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Infinity Reference 253
  • Reddit Search for Infinity Reference 253 Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Infinity Reference 253 vs JBL Stage 2 280F
  • Infinity Reference 253 vs Sony SS-CS3
  • Infinity Reference 253 vs Magnepan LRS+
  • Infinity Reference 253 vs Focal Aria Evo X N°2
  • Infinity Reference 253 vs Polk T50
  • Infinity Reference 253 vs Klipsch RP-6000F II
  • Infinity Reference 253 vs Dynaudio Emit 30
  • Infinity Reference 253 vs Klipsch RP-8000F II
  • See all 14 comparisons

Bose 901 Series V: Used availability Discontinued Amazon

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.

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)
DSP	External analog active equalizer required
Discontinued	Yes
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)

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: Bose 901 Series V Review
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Bose 901 Series V
  • Reddit Search for Bose 901 Series V Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Bose 901 Series V vs Triangle Esprit Antal Ez
  • Bose 901 Series V vs JBL Studio 590
  • Bose 901 Series V vs Børresen X3
  • Bose 901 Series V vs Magnepan LRS+
  • Bose 901 Series V vs JBL Stage 2 280F
  • Bose 901 Series V vs Sony SS-CS3
  • Bose 901 Series V vs Definitive Technology BP-9020