The Bose 901 Series V is rated 1.9/5 for sound quality, #226 of 228 Large Size Floorstanding Speakers. See all Passive Home rankings for every top pick.
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Brand: Bose
#226 Bose 901 Series V: $1,400 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Bose 901 Series VI, ranked lower, estimated 1.9/5, released 1987 (also discontinued). See every Bose 901 generation.
Pros: A distinctive discontinued speaker with eight rear firing drivers for a large, room filling sound and an included equalizer. 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.
Is the Bose 901 Series V right for you?
Skip it if
- you want neutral sound: its measured preference score is 2.1 even with a subwoofer.
- you have a low-power amplifier: 81 dB sensitivity needs more power to play loud.
- you want to buy it new: it is discontinued.
| Released | 1983 (43 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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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