Bose 901 Series VI Main / Stereo Speaker

Let me start out by admitting I own a pair of Bose 901 Series V speakers, not Series VI. Epinions doesn't have a category for these speakers that have served me so well over the years, but that's ok. Many of the observations I am about to make will apply to Bose current 901s too. The differences between various series is usually subtle anyway.

I bought my Bose back in 1984, and I have never regretted the decision. These speakers have performed wonderfully for the past 20 years, faithfully reproducing classical, pop, rock, and country music on LP, tape, and CD. They have provided with me great movie sound from my VHS HI-FI, laserdisc, and DVD players. I have never come across speakers that have impressed me more.

Over the years, the one criticism I have heard the most regarding the Bose 901 speakers is that they don't produce bass as well as other speakers do. That may in fact be true, but I would counter that they do re-create real bass quite accurately. If you have ever listened to live, unamplified music you'll more than likely agree that bass can be overemphasized in some of today's home systems. The Bose provide a more accurate portrayal of the concert experience.

That is in fact the true advantage of these speakers. Direct Reflection technology places 8 drivers in the rear, where they bounce sound off the walls to assault you from all angles. One driver in the front provides direct sound. There are no woofers and tweeters, each driver covers all frequencies and is the same size. In addition, the 901s boast unlimited power handling. They can be used with just about any receiver or amplifier on the market, and sound fantastic even with lower powered units.

Positioning is vital for the 901 to work effectively. Because they rely upon reflected sound, in effect turning your entire wall into a speaker system, the 901s must be placed at the proper height for your application, and at about a foot and a half distance from the wall. The wall surface should be bare behind them for optimum sound reflection. I prefer to suspend my speakers from the ceiling, but speaker stands can be used if this is not an option for you.

The proof is in the pudding, and for the last 20 years I have been able to sit on my couch, close my eyes, and be assaulted by sound from all angles. This is truly surround sound; you can't tell where the speakers are. There is one downside however. Because the 901's depend on a special equalizer, they are ill-suited for a video surround system, since the equalization circuit makes other speakers sound very bad to say the least. You would either have to bi-amplify or use a second set of speakers for front channels with your surround speakers. For music however, or for just plain old front left and right channel video, these speakers just can't be beat.

And as I type an update on June 15th, 2010, you should know that my 901s are still going strong and sound wonderful after some 26 years of use.

If you are interested in a reading about the custom stands Bose manufactures for the 901s, you can read my review of them as well.