Infinity Reference 253 vs Bose 901 Series V

Short answer: the Infinity Reference 253, unless you specifically want the Bose 901 Series V’s room-filling presentation. The Infinity’s horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is smooth and controlled, but its spinorama shows treble above 4kHz as too hot, a dip around 2kHz and bass shelved down. The Bose uses eight rear-firing plus one front-firing driver, yet Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity with very high distortion.

Buy the Infinity Reference 253 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 MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition instead.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

Infinity Reference 253: $400 per pair used Discontinued eBay

Pros: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. Really amazing value for the performance. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.9dB.

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)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	40.3”H x 6.8”W x 12.4”D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm)
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.43 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.31 (spinorama.org)
Weight	39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

• Links
  • Official Infinity Reference 253 Website
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Infinity Reference 253 More from Audio Science Review →
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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Bose 901 Series V Discontinued Amazon eBay

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

• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: Bose 901 Series V Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Bose 901 Series V
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
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