This is what I can say about the BOSE 901s speakers: This is my first loudspeakers I purchased in the 80s and I' still using it here in my home theater room as my main front speaker. This speakers are meant to be loud and need lots of power. But I do not listen to loud music anymore unless I am watching movies. They are pretty good on classical music and for my rock and soul and jazz oldies too. I really enjoyed this speakers until now. You just need to install this the right way. I hang mine from my ceiling and follow the measurement instructions. I powered this speaker to my Carver Power Amp 200 watts per channel 400 watts total. Not listening loud and the sound is so amazing to my ears. Maybe not for some people but to my listening ears, I am very happy until now. I recone all the drivers to a shop here in my area and now it looks brand new again. You will need a descent power amplifier with lots of wattage to run this speakers or else you will never enjoy the sound coming out from the drivers. I lower the volume of my preamp and still sound great to my ears. Different people have different hearing of sound on their ears. I loved my BOSE 901s and I will keep this as long as I'm still alive. Thank you for reading my comments on BOSE 901s
@@aljames8777 I agree with you. Bose are one of the best speakers in the 80s and still using mine today. My Carver Power Amp is the same as yours and I love it.
I remember listening to the 901s back in the mid 80s. I was about 11-12 years old. Totally blown away. You have to acknowledge, that even though Bose went mainstream, the 901s were still quite revolutionary when they came out in the 70s. After college, as a gift to myself I bought a pair of 901s from a guy of Ebay. Totally took me back to my pre-teen years. I'm now in my 40s and own many high-end speakers including Quad, B&W, Magnepan among others. And I can tell you that I still have my 901s and love them. It's kind of like a "first love" type of thing.
i know Im randomly asking but does anyone know a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow forgot the login password. I love any tricks you can give me
I remember vividly going to my uncle's house and walking in the front door to hear a pair of 901's setup with their original amplifier. Pure, deep, rich, bassy, sparkly, room filling sound. Simply beautiful. My uncle got them from an estate sale for super cheap (luckily with the equalizer included) and after he showed them to me and how they "reflect" sound, I knew I had to have a pair. Can't afford it yet but someday I will have it....
olá sou brasileiro , moro na cidade de Recife , com muita sorte , estava em um local que vende coisas usadas e na parte de eletronico , vi um par do BOSE901. simplesmente fiquei paralisado . consegui comprar quase de graça . agora estou procurando um amplificador para poder ouvi lo com gosto
The 901s were often snubbed by audiophiles, but there are few speakers that can create the immersive feel of a pair of properly set up 901s. It helps to have a good amp. The Bose 1801 was one of the few amps back in the day that cold really open the 901s up. Close your eyes in a medium size room with 901s and a big amp, and you can imagine that you are in the audience of a live performance.
@@gregsz1ful Enough likes? What does that mean. They produced the speakers for 48 years which has nothing to do with audiophiles. Audiophiles don't really care for Klipsch Herseys but they are still being produced.....64 years now.
If you would had panned the camera on two very expensive (not playing speakers), fooling everyone to think that they are listening to those speakers while secretly playing the Bose 901's, many of the so called audiophiles who hate and negatively criticized the Bose 901's wouldn't had notice the switch and perhaps would have positively comment how good they sound. Amazing...They sound as a live performance to me. I'm impressed.
When Bose introduced the new Acoustimass speakers in 1985, they set the cubes on top of 901's, covered with cloth. Everyone thought the music was from the 901's when it was actually coming from those tiny speakers. Very effective demonstration. But, I still bought the 901's. :)
I recently acquired a pair of 901 Series V for dirt cheap from a local storage unit. Cabinets are in fair condition and appear to have the original foam surrounds still in good condition. Sadly, the EQ box was missing. I powered these Bose with a vintage Pioneer 454 100w receiver coupled with a JBL 12" sub and with no EQ they sound terrible. However I wired in my Behringer Ultra-Pro 31 band equalizer and man they came to life! This eq has a 12db gain/defeat and combined with the receiver tone controls I must admit I am impressed. Placement is critical with these gems. I have mine 12 feet apart and 3 feet from a solid wall sitting on milk crates along with the tulip stands to get them to ear level when sitting. Don't put these close to corners or you will miss the entire effect of the reflected sound. IMHO they are perfect for jazz and classical recordings. The music disappears behind the speakers and is very stunning as if you were in front of the live stage. The tonal quality is warm and with the proper volume I get lost in the presentation. These may be keepers.
I have nothing but fond memories of listening to 901s back in the mid 70s. Had a 4 channel experience I’ll never forget. I also met Dr Bose himself once in a Hi-Fi shop.
But they are backwards to what everyone else has.. You are listening to 90% reflected energy vs direct energy…. Ir'a aupposed to be the other way around..
@@ecyfoto No.. I would rather educate myself as to why these people jumped off the cliff and to not make the same mistake as them. Seriously, get yourself educated, than buying into the Bose marketing hype.. The drivers they use in the Bose only go down to 83hz and only go up to 15,000hz…. you can get cheaper speakers that go down to 40 hz, which is what the lowest note on a 4 string electric bass plays. A kick drum on an average drum set is around 50hz to 60hz, which is below the capabilities of the Bose speaker driver. Now, is this starting to make sense? In an acoustically perfect room, you want to hear mostly direct sound, and less reflected sound…. WIth the Bose 901's, 8 of the drivers are pointing away from the listener and they are reflecting off the back wall, so with Bose 901's you're listening to reflected sound more than direct sound. now, is this starting to make sense? If it still doesn't make sense, then Houston, we have a problem So they lack the low end below 83hz and they lack the sparkle above 15,000hz. The raw drivers can be found for $35 a piece. Back 40 years ago, they were only $5 a piece.. Essentially pretty cheap speakers.. The cabinet is small. They have to rely on EQ to get any bass out of them and I still have not heard a pair with decent low end.. They had to create their own demo CD that was purposely mastered to sound good on a Bose in order sell them.. Friends of mine own an audio store and they had a Circuit City, now Best Buy is their biggest competitor, and Bose was sold at Circuit City and my friends would get customers all of the time asking for Bose specifically…. So, what did they do? They got a dealership to sell Bose and then instead of turning away brainwashed by marketing customers, they brought them into the store and before they bought anything, they would do a demonstration.. They'd take Paradigm speakers, which are made in Canada and they make a wide range of speakers. And they would have the Bose in the same room and they would go from the cheapest Paradigms, which were $200/pair Atom speakers all the way up the line of what Paradigm would have, and EVERY single Paradigm speaker sounded better than the Bose.. When they go to the Paradigm speaker that was at the same price point as the Bose, it would literally blow the Bose right out of being a competitor.. What would happen is only those that wanted Bose that would NOT even consider anything else, would buy their Bose speakers from my friends, and EVERYONE else would end up buying something else for the same amount or less money that sounded much better… They eventually gave up the dealership because they simply weren't selling that many Bose speakers because when they gave the customer a demo of other speakers they carried, costly less money, the customer would buy something else instead. Bose, stands for Better Off with Something Else… Have a great day…. And don't take it personally, which you are.
@@Oneness100 It’s people like you that make enjoying this hobby so difficult. Get a life, buddy and stop bullying me with your expertise. Merry Christmas
I bought my Bose 901's back in 1985. Thirty eight years later, they still sound like the day I bought them! The original equalizer is still going strong as well. I have them configured as the front speakers in a 5.1 surround configuration with a NAD home theater (T758 v3) receiver using the pre-amp outs, to a Marantz receiver that drives the Bose equalizer / 901's... Use this as a home theater surround as well as for two Sony SACD five disc carousel SACD players.
First time i heard these i was blown away. Fast forward a few years i visited a Bang and Olufsen store on Rush st. in Chicago. The dude was showing off his $30k Bio labs and i told him they sounded almost as good as the 901s i heard a few year's back. Dude almost crucified me. Im just saying the 901s left a lasting impression on me for the 3D stereo imaging.
You got sucked into the notion that reflected energy is better than direct energy. lReflected energy actually will smear the direct energy. you think it's better but it really isn't. But then most people have really badly designed/treated rooms for their home listening room, so most people don't even know what sounds good anymore. most consumers are pretty ignorant as to what "good sound" is. That's why a lot of stereo companies put a Loudness button on their receivers and most people would press it thinking it's better. Anyway, good luck if the 901's is what you like. But in terms of a high end speaker system, they are not.
I get it. I have heard plenty of speakers that have that cleaner crisp sound. I just fell in love with how they can give you that live stage performance experience.
@@Oneness100 one's ears are the determining factors in what sounds good not some snobby audiophile opinion. Some like vanilla some like chocolate ice cream.
bose is not a 3.8 billion dollar company by mistake,........you can blame it on advertising..or word of mouth, bose is the best well known speaker in the world
Had a pair of the original 901's when I bought my first stereo system from Pacific Stereo.....hooked them up to a Marantz 3800 Pre-amp, Marantz 150 tuner with oscilloscope tuning AND a Marantz 510M and played Robin Trower Bridge of Sighs album cranked up 'for the neighbors'. Didn't get much better than that
My First pair in 2014 901 II’s...now own 3 prs of same with Phase Linear 700b amp and Haffler 500 amp...great sound may be not for true audiophiles but 901’s still deliver exceptional mid fi sound...a couple of beers will elevate them to true 21rst century hi fi
funny...just read my comment from 2 yrs ago today....what I meant to say was my first pair were in 1974 (series II) at the age of 14....delivered newspapers, caddied and washed cars to pay back my dad....that pair of speakers blew away people at every party in college (driven by a Pioneer sx 1250....replaced the Pioneer with the Phase Linear around 2014 and although the Phase Linear did flame out around 2018...the 3 prs of 901's still are in our summer house...my wife prefers the 901's to my more contemporary system in our main house...when they are loud augmented with a sub it is hard to disagree with her
Most people complained about the Bose 901's are who those never auditioned them in a good setup or even never used them! I'm an audio equipment collector with almost 60+ pairs of speakers from almost all well regarded brands and I love 901's.
I have been collecting for many years. I pull equipment in and out of storage. My current setup is a Pioneer QX 949 with a pair of 901's and 501's. Sounds great!
I had 2 pairs one on stands and 1 pair hanging from the roof on chains powered by a perreaux 5550 punching out about 800 watts into 4 ohms they loved the power and sounded amazing very tight sound.
@@nicolasarias4967 I have a Bose Lifestyle 525 in my living room. Works well and sounds good for TV and movies. I like the tiny speakers. It'll work for music, but certainly not it's strength. I have a Klipsch Reference Premier set-up in my listening room.
@@nicolasarias4967 actually using treated paper for the woofer cone is the best material because it’s the lightest and fastest and that’s what u want for a speaker
Man, I am listening to this demo from my Macbook Pro from 2011, and I get immediately attracted by this incredible sound which is as live! Unbelievable!
I owed 901’s from Series 4 -6 during my time in the USAF and I often found them on display with the Eq switched OUT and kept hearing over and over that tired refrain, NO HIGHS, NO LOWS MUST BE BOSE. I’d switch in the Eq (usually running in a tape monitor and the room would LIGHT up and you could see jaws drop. BOSE should have done a better job of incorporating the EQ so that it NEEDED to be connected and running.
The world's most misunderstood speaker! 90% of people who complain have no Idea regarding placement concerns of this speaker. It's the original Magnapan in that regards. Don't get me started on power requirements or missing or never used factory eq boxes!🙄🙄😏🤯🤫🤔😇
I've got a set of Magnapan MG lls...I live them, but I missed my 901s, so I went out and bought a pair last week. Waiting on the surround repair kit as we spesk
I had a pair of the original 901 Continentals...circa early 1970s with the chrome tulip stands. I paid around $600 for the pair way back then. I sold them 3 years ago to a vintage audio collector on Ebay for $300. So I only lost $300 after 40+ years of ownership. The foam surrounds needed replaced on all the drivers and the stands were quite pitted. For the first 20 years of their life they were powered by a Pioneer SX1010 and the last 20 years by a Carver AV100. I thought these speakers were quite the audiophile speakers at the time but after hearing a pair of Ohms and also Klipsch I regretted owning them. They were relegated to my basement for a long time until I sold them on Ebay.
I own this series. Sound as good as the day I bought them. These speakers give you one of the most pleasant experience of listening you will find. I'm a audiophile guy and these still are my favorite speakers. Owned Acoustic Research and Have Vandersteen along with the 901. Guess who wins Bose does. Placement is critical.
My Yamaha RX V592 and NAKIMICHI Cassette player Preamp into 4 Bose 901 series 4 speakers and using 2 Bose 4001 setup as centre speaker can still blow the roof off weather playing 2 cellos or letting it rip with AC/DC and still after all these years reproducing crystal clear music distorion free
Placement is everything and these guys will hold their own with the very best out there. As a matter of fact I don't think placement is all that great in the room shown, too much stuff in the back and those massive speakers in the background do nothing to throw back the sound at you. Just imho.
@@ashalexander1186 I have my 901 series vi hooked up to a 100 watt per channel Technics receiver from the 1980s that has a class h amp and it sounds fantastic. You may also try to find a Marantz or Pioneer receiver from the same era.
The best for live music reproduction? Not that they there are the best for "the best for live music reproduction", but the Klipschorn, and Klipsch La Scalas will blow them away. My Klipsch Epic CF-3s will blow them away AFA as live sound. The direct/reflecting tech was "cool" at the time, but it is absolute garbage when it comes to accurate sound.
@@edsonarantes7500 "Their speakers are the best for live music production" - The price doesn't matter, the bottom line is the Bose 901s aren't even close to being the best speaker for reproducing live music.
I had a pair of 901series lV, in the 80s, and loved their spacious, unfocused soundstage! I was saddened they were ,so rejected ,by the audiophile community... oh well... thanks, for the memories. I still think, they are special !!!
@@peter12266 You made me laugh! Yes, they can be wankers! People, like us are part, of that community! Lol!!! I have an appreciation, for alot of systems, that are not considered worthy, by the standards, of those perched on the high branches, of the audiophile tree! I am unapologetic! Listen on, my brother!
@@wildbill3006 l don't care what they think... and enjoy what l like! This channel is run by people, that have an appreciation, for the art of listening pleasure! Thanks, Sound Sommelier !!! Thanks ,Wildbill3006!
Audiophile: Old man who’s high frequency hearing is getting worse everyday, blames the equipment. And keeps his 901’s hidden under a blanket so his audiophile snob friends don’t find out.
Very early on in 40 years in the audio field I was taught an important rule in achieving maximum performance. One must use a power plant stronger that the power handling capacity of the speakers driven for the user to perform the speaker system connected to it's full potential when positioned and driven properly. Here is a fine example of that rule in action.
My dad had these speakers when I was younger. Sold them to his friend that ran them on an older, but similar McIntosh AMP ( 500 x 2 @ 8Ohm). Funny to see them again in a 2020 video. And yes, they sounded just fine. I still don't understand why people hated them. They needed power, and that DSP box to sound right. But, they worked great in room.
Sounds good. I have the Bose series 6. In addition numark m6 mixer,qsc amp,nad cd player, teac a2340r reel to reel,furman power conditioner. Plus quality cable. Inexpensive setup. Superb sound.
1st to use direct reflect technology, way advance than other speakers ....moving to the present they are now using dolby atmos sound reflecting at your ceiling. Haters criticised the technology before and 50 years after they are still talking about it and comparing it to the newer speakers.....thats a proof why 901s are LEGENDARY.
I had a pair of 901 type Vi as my system #2 connected to an Onkyo Grand Integra M-508 and a preamp Sony TAE-80 ES, great sound I Have to say...Sorry Bose haters
You know it’s amazing most people hook these up to cheap ass stereo systems and then complain how garbage they are. They then hook up a pair of klipsch, B&W, Polk,or jbl to a high end system and rave about how good they are and then compare them to the Bose system with a cheap setup and bash Bose. I understand how excellent those brands are I own some of them. But I also own a pair of 901s and a sx1250 pioneer. With a proper setup those 901s are insane. I have heard very expensive B&W McIntosh setups in showrooms and they do not really impress me. They don’t blow me away to the point ima fork up 30 grand and move my 901s out into the garage.
Basically you're playing devils advocate with yourself lol.. I bought a pair of BIC venturi bookshelf speakers ($100 ish) as a gift for my cousin. Basically what happened is I surprised him with the speakers on my own system n they sounded terrific.. when he hooked them up to his entry level receiver, well.. even I was surprised at what I heard, and it wasn't a pleasant surprise to say the least
If someone has $100k laying around to blow on speakers they might as well just go buy the band to play live for them. Speakers like that are just for bragging rights. Even if they are hand crafted, I am willing to bet half the components originally come from China.
Love the demonstration! I don’t know what audiophiles think they’re not hearing, but I hear excellent bass, mids, and highs! I also have a pair of 901 series V, and LOVE the sound. I do run them through a vintage Technics SH-8066 computer equalizer with pink noise, as well as the Bose EQ. SACDs, in particular, sound excellent! So perhaps the source and mixing are just as important.
because you are hearing 90% reflected energy off the walls, floor and ceiling, instead of 90% coming from the speakers and the rest reflected off the walls.. 8 of the 9 speakers are facing the front wall AWAY from the listener…. 180 degree on what it should be..
The recording doesn't even have any bass instruments so I don't know how you can say it has excellent bass. Also, go to :48 into the video, the camera shows the back of the speakers and they get more detail in the high frequencies….. You don't have anything that they are comparing it to.. If they played the same song with a different pair of speakers, then you could compare them to something else. But the recording itself is just sax and guitar and those are in the midrange.. There's really no deep bass being played. the other problem is that room they are using sucks. It's not treated properly, there's way too much crap in the room that's going to cause a lot of reflected energy that's going to mess up the sound..
@@Oneness100 - I’m surprised you don’t hear the upright bass. Perhaps what you’re listening through doesn’t produce the low frequencies, but I’m listening to this through a pair of HearID-tuned Liberty Pro 3 TWS earbuds, and the upright bass has plenty of presence. I agree that the setup is wonky, but this sounds great. Plenty of pop with the guitar solo too. I would love to hear it set up properly.
In the past two years I've picked up the Bose Spatial Control Receiver (refurbished), 901 VI in perfect condition, 901 III with perfect cabinets but rotted foam surrounds to re-foam and use with the SCR. The III have the additional post for the SCR feature, and a fair condition set of IIIs with rotted foam for the garage (free). These are fun nostalgic speakers that sound surprisingly good all these years later - and I actually prefer the wide spatial characteristics 901s. The Spatial Control Receiver is really cool...it's a heavy and powerful beast and looks great.
Bringing back memories. When teamed up with a superb (and more powerful) amp, and the placement of the speakers being ideal, I felt (and still do), that the Bose 901's set a standard with sound reproduction - a feeling of being there, if you will. And I'm a die-hard audiophile (have been for over 50 years). It's a shame that Bose stopped making them as I can only imagine how a continued 901 R&D program would have morphed this speaker system into a bonafide contender.
Hi SIr, As a complete newbie I would be very glad to have advice from you. I have juste restored 901 series 3 foams and lack the Bose 901 series 3 equalizer, is it mandatory? I have a Sony STR4800 or a SCOTT A457, will it work fine? Thanks
@@ThePhotonHD YES (and that's capitalized) because the Equalizer is of the utmost importance. Without the equalizer, the speakers sound flat, lack dynamics, and just plain sound horrible. And that's the one of the secrets of the 901's sounding so superb when setup correctly. You see, Bose uses 9 individual small full range driv ers (speakers) that are pretty boring by themselves. However, what the equalizer does - usually inserted into the tape monitor circuit - is to equalizer (adjust and boost) various frequencies in each speaker, bringing out the true potential of the 901's. Do what you can to search the internet for a good Bose equalizer and make sure it matches the series of 901's that you have - that's the key. For example, if you find an old equalizer designed for the 901 series I through II, then it may not properly mate with the newest version of the 901 (i.e. Series III or IV). Then, once set up (with the correct equalizer), find a flat wall behind the speakers with nothing preventing the bouncing of sound from the walls (12 to 18" from the wall). All too often, folks will improperly position the 901's and then expect them to sound exemplary when they were improperly positioned.
@@MrBenherrmann Thanks a million for your answer I'll follow your advice and try to find one of these equalizer. Also, do you have any website/forum to recommend to learn more on speakers/amplifier etc? Have a good day !
@@ThePhotonHD Just keep in mind that a good working set of Bose 901's have the uncanny ability to get better and better as the equipment you are using gets better and better. To start off, I'd strongly recommend getting an amplifier that gives off at least 200 watts per channel at 8 ohms. Look to spend anywhere from $600 to $1500 (or more) for things like an "integrated" amplifier, or if you like to go complete separates, get a separate Preamp and separate amplifier - but you will pay much more - up to $2500 for something like this from a reputable brand. When I had my 901's (I sold my last pair in the 1990's), I can distinctly recall that they had the uncanny ability to sound better and better as you added better and better audio components to power them. And just when I thought they sounded great, I upgraded my audio components and damn if they didn't improve. And I'm saying this as an audiophile (been one for 50 years or so). If you are looking to purchase a Receiver, get one that has quite alot of power because that equalizer (as it expands the capabilities of the speakers) uses more power - as I said, look for something that gives off 200 wpc at 8 ohms, or has a good dynamic headroom figure (meaning, at any given times, an amp can put out a much higher power output for sudden transients). And don't be cheap when it comes to electronics. Your speakers will only be as good as the electronics behind them. Ben
@sMASHsound sort of, but the Bose's eight drivers in the back compensate for the lack of front drivers, which s bookshelf cannot. The main disadvantage of the 901s is that they require walls behind them and to the side so all the sound reflects completely, no doors or windows allowed in those spaces, and I don't think they performed well in small rooms. Anyway they are not in my favorite speakers list.
I do remember them and in the right (reflective) set up, they sounded very good, the first generation were rather power hungry. Their futuristic, stylish stands elevated them to the right height, more elegant than the ugly steel-girders with teeny mini-monitors of today. There is a lot of good vintage gear our there, representing great value - better than ridiculously-priced snake-oil of today. What matters most of all is, if it sounds good then go for it.
I have mine with a DSP A1, using the 701 and 901. One thing that always bothered me was the speaker plugs and location for either of them as the were on the bottom. The 901 had a hard time using 8 gauge wires with the tulip stands as they were off balance coming out from the bottom or if you pulled them through the top of the stand, you could not screw the stand tight as there is no room to fit it. But sound is incrediblw when driven hard, most iconic and controversial speaker all time!
After I bought a 901 set and the accompanying receiver in 1981, I enjoyed it for 13 years. Then the edges broke and didn't know how to fix. I sold everything and continued with an Audionote amplifier with self-made speakers. However, I missed the spaciousness that came with some CDs. So then I bought the same thing again 2 years ago and with my current knowledge of making CDs sound good through the receiver I can say that Dr Bose was way ahead of his time. I tried to build JBL Paragon but I was already satisfied with the current set. So a set from a 40 year old that still has optimal speed, I'm glad I'm back at DR Bose.
I have a pair of Bose 901s (those look like Avalon Ceramiques behind them) driven by a pair of vintage 250W direct coupled monoblock amps in a smallish listening room. I have found that placing them 4’ from the wall behind them instead of the recommended 12” to 18” really let’s them image nicely. Intentional or not, the placement in the video makes the difference! The Ceramiques are incredible but so is the price!!! I will echo the sentiments expressed by a fellow audiophile. “By the time you can afford top end equipment, your ears will have deteriorated to the point where you can’t appreciate the difference!”
Woaaah !! These speakers sound fantastically good through TH-cam! At the moment, some of the best sounding speakers I've heard on TH-cam! I haven't been able to listen to different similar music on TH-cam, but they have a really good sound!
Right now I am using both speakers A , and speakers B , on my Yamaha Amp together….! The ( 901s ) , sitting on top of a set of monster 42” tall Klipsch speakers..2 /12” and a horn in each cab… they sound Freakin awesome….🎶👍🏻 Right now they are set up for reflection …. But I tell you what …., I think I’m gonna turn the 901’s around, and just let those eight speakers in the back have at it for a while………..!
The 901 Sound great here. I would guess the drivers have had their foam surrounds replaced. Curious if there had been any component upgrades to the EQ box? Regardless, I feel most of the poor sound heard from these comes from low quality Japanese receiver pairing, poor cabling and interconnects, etc - as is true with any well performing system. It would be interesting if they could dig deep into an old congested Moody Blues recordings such as Seventh Sojourn or In Search of the Lost Chord. I have often used these to see what kind of detail a system can mine. Good, sparse, dynamic recordings are an easy task. Enjoy the Music! - Sandy
Wow. Now you blamed Japanese for bad sounding 901s when owners were too lazy to read the owner’s manual regarding placement. I’m running mine with Sansui receiver and they sounded good.
I have four 901's connected to my Sansui QRX-9001. Phenomenal audio for this price point. I tried some Focal Chorus 716V Speakers, but they didn't have the punch that the Bose 901's provide, even with two subs.
Good to hear. I've got the little brother Sansui QRX-8001quad amplifier with Bose 901's on the front and some custom 15" with horns on the rear channel. The addition of an active subwoofer truly makes it come alive.
No doubt, our 4 Bose 901 combi. is a fantastic set. With lots of power (I have 2 Denon pre-and power amps per channel, the correct (best circuit connection in to the pre) and solid wall backing..very few can rival this. Enjoy it!!!
Bought my first ones in 1970s used. They are still going strong with a friend in NJ. They sounded great on the stands or hanging from the ceiling in corners. With the right power (which was alot} they sounded very live. I always loved them. They require alot of clean power and headroom. Theya re not going to sound that great with an integrated amplifier. I used all seperates of course with my first ones.
Great sound!!...now try 4 Bose 901 (two pairs)...one on top of the other...sounds like a Disco...and with your McIntosh..and solid wall behind unbeatable.
I have this setup now for a few days... Two pairs of 901 Series VI running off a Crown XLS 402 stable at 4ohm 400watt per channel. Live music masters sound absolutely insane ... Also does awesome with Hip Hop/R&B.
Several folks have asked. I read a lot of these comments. Can anyone tell us what music, musicians or album this music is from ? Thanks. btw - I've had 901's for years and still love 'em !
I had a set from a customer i hooked them onto my main set.... Mind-blowing good,I bought a series 1 myself just to troll. They are really that good..and I have as my main speakers magnepan Tympani I speakers. Aside from my infinity rs1b,rsII,kappa 9, kappa 6.1, renaissance 80,Qe So for sure used to "superior" gear , I love the 901 and set up has lots to do with it !
They hate the company because they need a company to hate on. Bose is all about psychoacoustics. It’s untraditional and audiophiles hate that. But it’s funny they hate Bose but rave about the 301, 701, and 901
![JBL vs Klipsch | same song, same setup [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/PDzIe3F1yKA/mqdefault.jpg)
This is what I can say about the BOSE 901s speakers: This is my first loudspeakers I purchased in the 80s and I' still using it here in my home theater room as my main front speaker. This speakers are meant to be loud and need lots of power. But I do not listen to loud music anymore unless I am watching movies. They are pretty good on classical music and for my rock and soul and jazz oldies too. I really enjoyed this speakers until now. You just need to install this the right way. I hang mine from my ceiling and follow the measurement instructions. I powered this speaker to my Carver Power Amp 200 watts per channel 400 watts total. Not listening loud and the sound is so amazing to my ears. Maybe not for some people but to my listening ears, I am very happy until now. I recone all the drivers to a shop here in my area and now it looks brand new again. You will need a descent power amplifier with lots of wattage to run this speakers or else you will never enjoy the sound coming out from the drivers. I lower the volume of my preamp and still sound great to my ears. Different people have different hearing of sound on their ears. I loved my BOSE 901s and I will keep this as long as I'm still alive. Thank you for reading my comments on BOSE 901s
Jasper, I power my Bose 901s with Carver M1.0t amplifier. Also purchased in the late 80s. I absolutely love the combination and the sound.
@@aljames8777 I agree with you. Bose are one of the best speakers in the 80s and still using mine today. My Carver Power Amp is the same as yours and I love it.
Carver power amp 200 wards per channl 400 wat total 901
@@aljames8777 We are both happy people.
@@stephonbusch1661 We are both happy people.
I remember listening to the 901s back in the mid 80s. I was about 11-12 years old. Totally blown away. You have to acknowledge, that even though Bose went mainstream, the 901s were still quite revolutionary when they came out in the 70s. After college, as a gift to myself I bought a pair of 901s from a guy of Ebay. Totally took me back to my pre-teen years. I'm now in my 40s and own many high-end speakers including Quad, B&W, Magnepan among others. And I can tell you that I still have my 901s and love them. It's kind of like a "first love" type of thing.
Say what you will about the 901....the really impressive thing is we are still talking about them!
because it is a unique construction and it works
thanks to Prof. Bose
The reason we are still talking is because we can't believe how bad they sounded!...
i know Im randomly asking but does anyone know a way to log back into an Instagram account..?
I somehow forgot the login password. I love any tricks you can give me
@Cain Jad instablaster ;)
Not many speakers made for 50 years.
I remember vividly going to my uncle's house and walking in the front door to hear a pair of 901's setup with their original amplifier. Pure, deep, rich, bassy, sparkly, room filling sound. Simply beautiful. My uncle got them from an estate sale for super cheap (luckily with the equalizer included) and after he showed them to me and how they "reflect" sound, I knew I had to have a pair. Can't afford it yet but someday I will have it....
olá sou brasileiro , moro na cidade de Recife , com muita sorte , estava em um local que vende coisas usadas e na parte de eletronico , vi um par do BOSE901. simplesmente fiquei paralisado . consegui comprar quase de graça . agora estou procurando um amplificador para poder ouvi lo com gosto
The 901s were often snubbed by audiophiles, but there are few speakers that can create the immersive feel of a pair of properly set up 901s. It helps to have a good amp. The Bose 1801 was one of the few amps back in the day that cold really open the 901s up. Close your eyes in a medium size room with 901s and a big amp, and you can imagine that you are in the audience of a live performance.
I get this similar feeling with 3-watt SET and Klipsch Forte IV's.
因為唔hi-if，最適合唱K，演講廳，BOSE整體物料造工都係普通，音箱用日系組合機類型喇叭箱，蔗渣板嘅音箱最音染但最響亮，不過太容易被時間洗禮，單元物料亦一樣，成個產品係以普通級基礎，再加以最強調整改良，第一次見到BOSE 301嘅高音單元，即時令人大跌眼鏡，不過事實上音場會比較飽滿，低音單元材料加上反射孔位置，整體來講唔可以當作hi-fi，主打禮堂、K場、大型活動等最適合不過。
Just purchased a pair of 901s VI, putting together a vintage audiophile system SO EXCITED!
You won't regret it
Bose and audiophile don't go together very well sadly
@@gianvitomarzulli9740 enough likes to have 50 years of manufacture.
@@gregsz1ful Enough likes? What does that mean. They produced the speakers for 48 years which has nothing to do with audiophiles. Audiophiles don't really care for Klipsch Herseys but they are still being produced.....64 years now.
If you would had panned the camera on two very expensive (not playing speakers), fooling everyone to think that they are listening to those speakers while secretly playing the Bose 901's, many of the so called audiophiles who hate and negatively criticized the Bose 901's wouldn't had notice the switch and perhaps would have positively comment how good they sound. Amazing...They sound as a live performance to me. I'm impressed.
hahaha 😂😂😂😂
When Bose introduced the new Acoustimass speakers in 1985, they set the cubes on top of 901's, covered with cloth. Everyone thought the music was from the 901's when it was actually coming from those tiny speakers. Very effective demonstration. But, I still bought the 901's. :)
So True!
I recently acquired a pair of 901 Series V for dirt cheap from a local storage unit. Cabinets are in fair condition and appear to have the original foam surrounds still in good condition. Sadly, the EQ box was missing. I powered these Bose with a vintage Pioneer 454 100w receiver coupled with a JBL 12" sub and with no EQ they sound terrible. However I wired in my Behringer Ultra-Pro 31 band equalizer and man they came to life! This eq has a 12db gain/defeat and combined with the receiver tone controls I must admit I am impressed. Placement is critical with these gems. I have mine 12 feet apart and 3 feet from a solid wall sitting on milk crates along with the tulip stands to get them to ear level when sitting. Don't put these close to corners or you will miss the entire effect of the reflected sound. IMHO they are perfect for jazz and classical recordings. The music disappears behind the speakers and is very stunning as if you were in front of the live stage. The tonal quality is warm and with the proper volume I get lost in the presentation. These may be keepers.
I have nothing but fond memories of listening to 901s back in the mid 70s. Had a 4 channel experience I’ll never forget. I also met Dr Bose himself once in a Hi-Fi shop.
But they are backwards to what everyone else has.. You are listening to 90% reflected energy vs direct energy…. Ir'a aupposed to be the other way around..
@@Oneness100 And if everyone jumped off a cliff you would too?
@@ecyfoto No.. I would rather educate myself as to why these people jumped off the cliff and to not make the same mistake as them.
Seriously, get yourself educated, than buying into the Bose marketing hype..
The drivers they use in the Bose only go down to 83hz and only go up to 15,000hz…. you can get cheaper speakers that go down to 40 hz, which is what the lowest note on a 4 string electric bass plays. A kick drum on an average drum set is around 50hz to 60hz, which is below the capabilities of the Bose speaker driver.
Now, is this starting to make sense?
In an acoustically perfect room, you want to hear mostly direct sound, and less reflected sound…. WIth the Bose 901's, 8 of the drivers are pointing away from the listener and they are reflecting off the back wall, so with Bose 901's you're listening to reflected sound more than direct sound.
now, is this starting to make sense?
If it still doesn't make sense, then Houston, we have a problem
So they lack the low end below 83hz and they lack the sparkle above 15,000hz. The raw drivers can be found for $35 a piece. Back 40 years ago, they were only $5 a piece.. Essentially pretty cheap speakers..
The cabinet is small. They have to rely on EQ to get any bass out of them and I still have not heard a pair with decent low end..
They had to create their own demo CD that was purposely mastered to sound good on a Bose in order sell them..
Friends of mine own an audio store and they had a Circuit City, now Best Buy is their biggest competitor, and Bose was sold at Circuit City and my friends would get customers all of the time asking for Bose specifically…. So, what did they do? They got a dealership to sell Bose and then instead of turning away brainwashed by marketing customers, they brought them into the store and before they bought anything, they would do a demonstration..
They'd take Paradigm speakers, which are made in Canada and they make a wide range of speakers. And they would have the Bose in the same room and they would go from the cheapest Paradigms, which were $200/pair Atom speakers all the way up the line of what Paradigm would have, and EVERY single Paradigm speaker sounded better than the Bose.. When they go to the Paradigm speaker that was at the same price point as the Bose, it would literally blow the Bose right out of being a competitor.. What would happen is only those that wanted Bose that would NOT even consider anything else, would buy their Bose speakers from my friends, and EVERYONE else would end up buying something else for the same amount or less money that sounded much better…
They eventually gave up the dealership because they simply weren't selling that many Bose speakers because when they gave the customer a demo of other speakers they carried, costly less money, the customer would buy something else instead.
Bose, stands for Better Off with Something Else…
Have a great day…. And don't take it personally, which you are.
@@Oneness100 It’s people like you that make enjoying this hobby so difficult. Get a life, buddy and stop bullying me with your expertise. Merry Christmas
I'm surprised that comments create such vitriol.
I bought my Bose 901's back in 1985. Thirty eight years later, they still sound like the day I bought them! The original equalizer is still going strong as well. I have them configured as the front speakers in a 5.1 surround configuration with a NAD home theater (T758 v3) receiver using the pre-amp outs, to a Marantz receiver that drives the Bose equalizer / 901's... Use this as a home theater surround as well as for two Sony SACD five disc carousel SACD players.
First time i heard these i was blown away. Fast forward a few years i visited a Bang and Olufsen store on Rush st. in Chicago. The dude was showing off his $30k Bio labs and i told him they sounded almost as good as the 901s i heard a few year's back. Dude almost crucified me. Im just saying the 901s left a lasting impression on me for the 3D stereo imaging.
You got sucked into the notion that reflected energy is better than direct energy. lReflected energy actually will smear the direct energy. you think it's better but it really isn't. But then most people have really badly designed/treated rooms for their home listening room, so most people don't even know what sounds good anymore.
most consumers are pretty ignorant as to what "good sound" is. That's why a lot of stereo companies put a Loudness button on their receivers and most people would press it thinking it's better.
Anyway, good luck if the 901's is what you like. But in terms of a high end speaker system, they are not.
I get it. I have heard plenty of speakers that have that cleaner crisp sound. I just fell in love with how they can give you that live stage performance experience.
@@Oneness100high end without the high $$$$😂
@@diver3444 hahaha. Joke is more like it.
@@Oneness100 one's ears are the determining factors in what sounds good not some snobby audiophile opinion. Some like vanilla some like chocolate ice cream.
bose is not a 3.8 billion dollar company by mistake,........you can blame it on advertising..or word of mouth, bose is the best well known speaker in the world
I wouldnt call Boss high end tho. Its a niche rich peoples brand like Bang and Olufsun.
Bose 601 series 3 это шедевр!❤ Что бы Вы не говорили!
I would not say best known.MOST KNOWN.bose and best don't fit in a sentence. Unless best advertising and marketing is the referance😅
@@tommoyer4697 best in psychoacoustics
I have bose 401..301. both are amazing.🙏🏻
Had a pair of the original 901's when I bought my first stereo system from Pacific Stereo.....hooked them up to a Marantz 3800 Pre-amp, Marantz 150 tuner with oscilloscope tuning AND a Marantz 510M and played Robin Trower Bridge of Sighs album cranked up 'for the neighbors'. Didn't get much better than that
My First pair in 2014 901 II’s...now own 3 prs of same with Phase Linear 700b amp and Haffler 500 amp...great sound may be not for true audiophiles but 901’s still deliver exceptional mid fi sound...a couple of beers will elevate them to true 21rst century hi fi
Correct my first pair was in 1974
$525/pr with equalizer
Love the Phase Linear reference- as of 8/2023- am having a 700 Series 2 refurbished
funny...just read my comment from 2 yrs ago today....what I meant to say was my first pair were in 1974 (series II) at the age of 14....delivered newspapers, caddied and washed cars to pay back my dad....that pair of speakers blew away people at every party in college (driven by a Pioneer sx 1250....replaced the Pioneer with the Phase Linear around 2014 and although the Phase Linear did flame out around 2018...the 3 prs of 901's still are in our summer house...my wife prefers the 901's to my more contemporary system in our main house...when they are loud augmented with a sub it is hard to disagree with her
The song is "Out of nowhere" and played by Accordi Disaccordi available on their album "Swing Avenue".
Bose 901 is probably the most iconic and controversial loudspeaker in hi-fi history. I agree.
Controversial - Yes. Iconic - The Klipsch K-horn owns that title
@@bigelile07 nope just La Scala and Belle by Klipsch
@@watsonanthony8438
Okay 👌
@@bigelile07 bose 901 is loud 🤣🤣
@@bigelile07 based on what ? Bose 901 had a production run from 1968 to 2017 it's the biggest fuck you ever
Most people complained about the Bose 901's are who those never auditioned them in a good setup or even never used them! I'm an audio equipment collector with almost 60+ pairs of speakers from almost all well regarded brands and I love 901's.
I have been collecting for many years. I pull equipment in and out of storage. My current setup is a Pioneer QX 949 with a pair of 901's and 501's. Sounds great!
Sansui 5900z and same speakers sounds great.
Four 901s with Onkyo TX-8500 sounds great
Wow! This is beautiful from beginning to end. Beautiful room, proper implementation of the Bose 901. and also great audio capture!
This is nowhere near the proper implementation of Bose 901 speakers.
I had 2 pairs one on stands and 1 pair hanging from the roof on chains powered by a perreaux 5550 punching out about 800 watts into 4 ohms they loved the power and sounded amazing very tight sound.
901's are 8 ohms btw.
@@suprgx472 2x 8ohm loads drive an amp into 4 ohms
@@peter12266 hooked up parallel, in series it would double it impedance
Two 8 ohm speakers in parallel are equivalent to a 4 ohm speaker.
2 pairs give you a 4 ohm load. @@suprgx472
What in the hell? It sounds like actual instruments playing. Wow!
Every speaker is diferent every amp is diferent...every hear is diferent..every good song is diferent..not fan of paper bose ..try definitive
@@nicolasarias4967 I have a Bose Lifestyle 525 in my living room. Works well and sounds good for TV and movies. I like the tiny speakers. It'll work for music, but certainly not it's strength. I have a Klipsch Reference Premier set-up in my listening room.
@@nicolasarias4967 definitive are if u like them but the Bose 901 will sound more open then any box speaker
@@nicolasarias4967 actually using treated paper for the woofer cone is the best material because it’s the lightest and fastest and that’s what u want for a speaker
@@dmptcb thanks sir..i own 301..201s 161ss and the souds is good...not very clearly but good..and i try aluminum and sounds way better..thanks .
Man, I am listening to this demo from my Macbook Pro from 2011, and I get immediately attracted by this incredible sound which is as live! Unbelievable!
That actually looks damn sweet suspended on a thin stand. Truly remember these, sounded great back then and still amazing with a cognac today!
Brings back memories for sure. All my relatives had a set of these. Funny as when I was a little kid I always thought speakers came on sticks :)
Great warm bosesound. Love it.
I owed 901’s from Series 4 -6 during my time in the USAF and I often found them on display with the Eq switched OUT and kept hearing over and over that tired refrain, NO HIGHS, NO LOWS MUST BE BOSE. I’d switch in the Eq (usually running in a tape monitor and the room would LIGHT up and you could see jaws drop. BOSE should have done a better job of incorporating the EQ so that it NEEDED to be connected and running.
The recording of the song &album is also magneficient. I like the group more than the speakers ( I also like them indeed) Thank You Sommelier !
The world's most misunderstood speaker! 90% of people who complain have no Idea regarding placement concerns of this speaker. It's the original Magnapan in that regards. Don't get me started on power requirements or missing or never used factory eq boxes!🙄🙄😏🤯🤫🤔😇
I've got a set of Magnapan MG lls...I live them, but I missed my 901s, so I went out and bought a pair last week. Waiting on the surround repair kit as we spesk
I had a pair of the original 901 Continentals...circa early 1970s with the chrome tulip stands. I paid around $600 for the pair way back then. I sold them 3 years ago to a vintage audio collector on Ebay for $300. So I only lost $300 after 40+ years of ownership. The foam surrounds needed replaced on all the drivers and the stands were quite pitted. For the first 20 years of their life they were powered by a Pioneer SX1010 and the last 20 years by a Carver AV100. I thought these speakers were quite the audiophile speakers at the time but after hearing a pair of Ohms and also Klipsch I regretted owning them. They were relegated to my basement for a long time until I sold them on Ebay.
I own this series. Sound as good as the day I bought them. These speakers give you one of the most pleasant experience of listening you will find. I'm a audiophile guy and these still are my favorite speakers. Owned Acoustic Research and Have Vandersteen along with the 901. Guess who wins Bose does. Placement is critical.
Is there a budget amp you would recommend for them? My old Yamaha 5.1 amp sounds like crap
@@ashalexander1186 used technics amp
My Yamaha RX V592 and NAKIMICHI Cassette player Preamp into 4 Bose 901 series 4 speakers and using 2 Bose 4001 setup as centre speaker can still blow the roof off weather playing 2 cellos or letting it rip with AC/DC and still after all these years reproducing crystal clear music distorion free
Placement is everything and these guys will hold their own with the very best out there. As a matter of fact I don't think placement is all that great in the room shown, too much stuff in the back and those massive speakers in the background do nothing to throw back the sound at you. Just imho.
@@ashalexander1186 I have my 901 series vi hooked up to a 100 watt per channel Technics receiver from the 1980s that has a class h amp and it sounds fantastic.
You may also try to find a Marantz or Pioneer receiver from the same era.
Awesome, I have 901’s and love them.
Direct Reflective Technology. Their speakers are the best for live music reproduction, especially orchestra (Beethoven violin concerto).
The best for live music reproduction? Not that they there are the best for "the best for live music reproduction", but the Klipschorn, and Klipsch La Scalas will blow them away. My Klipsch Epic CF-3s will blow them away AFA as live sound. The direct/reflecting tech was "cool" at the time, but it is absolute garbage when it comes to accurate sound.
@@bigelile07 Be careful comparing apples and bananas. La Scala is 200 Lb/ea speaker with 14,000$ price tag.
@@edsonarantes7500
"Their speakers are the best for live music production" - The price doesn't matter, the bottom line is the Bose 901s aren't even close to being the best speaker for reproducing live music.
I still have mine I bought them in Germany while on active duty Army at Robertson Barraks in 85-86 and they still sound great😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
I had a pair of 901series lV, in the 80s, and loved their spacious, unfocused soundstage! I was saddened they were ,so rejected ,by the audiophile community... oh well... thanks, for the memories. I still think, they are special !!!
The audiophile community are a bunch wankers :)
I wouldn't give a rats ass about the audiophile community. Enjoy what you like. The only ears that matter are your own.
@@peter12266 You made me laugh! Yes, they can be wankers! People, like us are part, of that community! Lol!!! I have an appreciation, for alot of systems, that are not considered worthy, by the standards, of those perched on the high branches, of the audiophile tree! I am unapologetic! Listen on, my brother!
@@wildbill3006 l don't care what they think... and enjoy what l like! This channel is run by people, that have an appreciation, for the art of listening pleasure! Thanks, Sound Sommelier !!! Thanks ,Wildbill3006!
Audiophile: Old man who’s high frequency hearing is getting worse everyday, blames the equipment.
And keeps his 901’s hidden under a blanket so his audiophile snob friends don’t find out.
Love my Bose 901’’ s being pushed with McIntosh vintage amp. Playing reggae music sounds amazing
Very early on in 40 years in the audio field I was taught an important rule in achieving maximum performance. One must use a power plant stronger that the power handling capacity of the speakers driven for the user to perform the speaker system connected to it's full potential when positioned and driven properly. Here is a fine example of that rule in action.
They sound great !!
Absolutely, stunningly beautiful. Both speakers and music. They just don't seem to sound like that any more.
Now it’s better sound by better advertising.
Wow!!! That band can really play.
No matter what speakers you put on mcintosh amps, they will sound superb...
Wow that is indeed a magical statement to make. Lol lol
Simply heavenly. I love my 901's!!
My dad had these speakers when I was younger. Sold them to his friend that ran them on an older, but similar McIntosh AMP ( 500 x 2 @ 8Ohm).
Funny to see them again in a 2020 video. And yes, they sounded just fine. I still don't understand why people hated them. They needed power, and that DSP box to sound right. But, they worked great in room.
Sounds good. I have the Bose series 6. In addition numark m6 mixer,qsc amp,nad cd player, teac a2340r reel to reel,furman power conditioner. Plus quality cable. Inexpensive setup. Superb sound.
omg those amps 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
I totally understand how you feel. I own a pair of 601s and I love them too. 😂
P F 601s is awesome
@@bryantruong8586 Yes they are. I have them paired with all McIntosh gear so it’s a killer combination. 😊
🍾😋🍾
That's probably why those 901s are sounding so amazing. They are power hungry. Got to feed 'em!
1st to use direct reflect technology, way advance than other speakers ....moving to the present they are now using dolby atmos sound reflecting at your ceiling. Haters criticised the technology before and 50 years after they are still talking about it and comparing it to the newer speakers.....thats a proof why 901s are LEGENDARY.
Legendary crapola
I have 2 pairs of series 6 facing upward and a center running off of a Yamaha DSP A1
I had a pair of 901 type Vi as my system #2 connected to an Onkyo Grand Integra M-508 and a preamp Sony TAE-80 ES, great sound I Have to say...Sorry Bose haters
You know it’s amazing most people hook these up to cheap ass stereo systems and then complain how garbage they are. They then hook up a pair of klipsch, B&W, Polk,or jbl to a high end system and rave about how good they are and then compare them to the Bose system with a cheap setup and bash Bose. I understand how excellent those brands are I own some of them. But I also own a pair of 901s and a sx1250 pioneer. With a proper setup those 901s are insane. I have heard very expensive B&W McIntosh setups in showrooms and they do not really impress me. They don’t blow me away to the point ima fork up 30 grand and move my 901s out into the garage.
Basically you're playing devils advocate with yourself lol.. I bought a pair of BIC venturi bookshelf speakers ($100 ish) as a gift for my cousin. Basically what happened is I surprised him with the speakers on my own system n they sounded terrific.. when he hooked them up to his entry level receiver, well.. even I was surprised at what I heard, and it wasn't a pleasant surprise to say the least
What about Sansui AU 555? Would it be a good match, I guess...
If someone has $100k laying around to blow on speakers they might as well just go buy the band to play live for them. Speakers like that are just for bragging rights. Even if they are hand crafted, I am willing to bet half the components originally come from China.
@@alperzorlu6000 sure 5900z here.
Love the demonstration! I don’t know what audiophiles think they’re not hearing, but I hear excellent bass, mids, and highs! I also have a pair of 901 series V, and LOVE the sound. I do run them through a vintage Technics SH-8066 computer equalizer with pink noise, as well as the Bose EQ. SACDs, in particular, sound excellent! So perhaps the source and mixing are just as important.
They don't really do proper bass or treble. No deep bass or sparkle.
@@MrsZambezi - Subjective…set up as I indicated in my reply, they have all that to my ears.
because you are hearing 90% reflected energy off the walls, floor and ceiling, instead of 90% coming from the speakers and the rest reflected off the walls.. 8 of the 9 speakers are facing the front wall AWAY from the listener…. 180 degree on what it should be..
The recording doesn't even have any bass instruments so I don't know how you can say it has excellent bass. Also, go to :48 into the video, the camera shows the back of the speakers and they get more detail in the high frequencies…..
You don't have anything that they are comparing it to.. If they played the same song with a different pair of speakers, then you could compare them to something else. But the recording itself is just sax and guitar and those are in the midrange.. There's really no deep bass being played. the other problem is that room they are using sucks. It's not treated properly, there's way too much crap in the room that's going to cause a lot of reflected energy that's going to mess up the sound..
@@Oneness100 - I’m surprised you don’t hear the upright bass. Perhaps what you’re listening through doesn’t produce the low frequencies, but I’m listening to this through a pair of HearID-tuned Liberty Pro 3 TWS earbuds, and the upright bass has plenty of presence. I agree that the setup is wonky, but this sounds great. Plenty of pop with the guitar solo too. I would love to hear it set up properly.
In the past two years I've picked up the Bose Spatial Control Receiver (refurbished), 901 VI in perfect condition, 901 III with perfect cabinets but rotted foam surrounds to re-foam and use with the SCR. The III have the additional post for the SCR feature, and a fair condition set of IIIs with rotted foam for the garage (free). These are fun nostalgic speakers that sound surprisingly good all these years later - and I actually prefer the wide spatial characteristics 901s. The Spatial Control Receiver is really cool...it's a heavy and powerful beast and looks great.
Bringing back memories. When teamed up with a superb (and more powerful) amp, and the placement of the speakers being ideal, I felt (and still do), that the Bose 901's set a standard with sound reproduction - a feeling of being there, if you will. And I'm a die-hard audiophile (have been for over 50 years). It's a shame that Bose stopped making them as I can only imagine how a continued 901 R&D program would have morphed this speaker system into a bonafide contender.
Hi SIr, As a complete newbie I would be very glad to have advice from you. I have juste restored 901 series 3 foams and lack the Bose 901 series 3 equalizer, is it mandatory? I have a Sony STR4800 or a SCOTT A457, will it work fine? Thanks
@@ThePhotonHD YES (and that's capitalized) because the Equalizer is of the utmost importance. Without the equalizer, the speakers sound flat, lack dynamics, and just plain sound horrible. And that's the one of the secrets of the 901's sounding so superb when setup correctly.
You see, Bose uses 9 individual small full range driv ers (speakers) that are pretty boring by themselves. However, what the equalizer does - usually inserted into the tape monitor circuit - is to equalizer (adjust and boost) various frequencies in each speaker, bringing out the true potential of the 901's.
Do what you can to search the internet for a good Bose equalizer and make sure it matches the series of 901's that you have - that's the key. For example, if you find an old equalizer designed for the 901 series I through II, then it may not properly mate with the newest version of the 901 (i.e. Series III or IV).
Then, once set up (with the correct equalizer), find a flat wall behind the speakers with nothing preventing the bouncing of sound from the walls (12 to 18" from the wall). All too often, folks will improperly position the 901's and then expect them to sound exemplary when they were improperly positioned.
@@MrBenherrmann Thanks a million for your answer I'll follow your advice and try to find one of these equalizer. Also, do you have any website/forum to recommend to learn more on speakers/amplifier etc? Have a good day !
@@ThePhotonHD Just keep in mind that a good working set of Bose 901's have the uncanny ability to get better and better as the equipment you are using gets better and better.
To start off, I'd strongly recommend getting an amplifier that gives off at least 200 watts per channel at 8 ohms. Look to spend anywhere from $600 to $1500 (or more) for things like an "integrated" amplifier, or if you like to go complete separates, get a separate Preamp and separate amplifier - but you will pay much more - up to $2500 for something like this from a reputable brand.
When I had my 901's (I sold my last pair in the 1990's), I can distinctly recall that they had the uncanny ability to sound better and better as you added better and better audio components to power them. And just when I thought they sounded great, I upgraded my audio components and damn if they didn't improve. And I'm saying this as an audiophile (been one for 50 years or so).
If you are looking to purchase a Receiver, get one that has quite alot of power because that equalizer (as it expands the capabilities of the speakers) uses more power - as I said, look for something that gives off 200 wpc at 8 ohms, or has a good dynamic headroom figure (meaning, at any given times, an amp can put out a much higher power output for sudden transients).
And don't be cheap when it comes to electronics. Your speakers will only be as good as the electronics behind them.
Ben
@@MrBenherrmann My idea for new 901..but will not happen th-cam.com/video/mNG40u2ZSbk/w-d-xo.html
love it!!..what's the song's title?
Love them . Have series 6 . Traded my series 4 in for them . Best sound investment ever made ❤😂
I am surprised they sound as good the distance from the wall and in front of all that massive stuff behind them. Great sound.
Imagine them high and close to a hard wall - uuuuuuh
They sound clear but thin to me.
They are LOUDSPEAKERS. Lol
i am listening through cheap headphones and even so I can hear the space they are playing in. remarkable! brings back memories. 👍
Sewm if u face a pair of books shelves to the rear wall , u might get the same spacial effect
@sMASHsound sort of, but the Bose's eight drivers in the back compensate for the lack of front drivers, which s bookshelf cannot. The main disadvantage of the 901s is that they require walls behind them and to the side so all the sound reflects completely, no doors or windows allowed in those spaces, and I don't think they performed well in small rooms. Anyway they are not in my favorite speakers list.
As bang for buck goes these are on the money I love mine
Show-off.... I hate you.
@@LordCommandor dude, seriously? SO many better quality options for the same or less expense
@@elsey1976 Was joking.
Haha that was funny
Bose 901 The Best Sound I ever heard . I bought these speakers in 1998 and still the best with Yamaha Power Amp MX 2 .
Well done! Give the 901 good electronics and well you know as an audiophile they can sing...
I do remember them and in the right (reflective) set up, they sounded very good, the first generation were rather power hungry. Their futuristic, stylish stands elevated them to the right height, more elegant than the ugly steel-girders with teeny mini-monitors of today. There is a lot of good vintage gear our there, representing great value - better than ridiculously-priced snake-oil of today. What matters most of all is, if it sounds good then go for it.
Great sound I have a pair of 501’s now. I heard some 801’s in Germany in a club their also great speakers.
I have mine with a DSP A1, using the 701 and 901. One thing that always bothered me was the speaker plugs and location for either of them as the were on the bottom. The 901 had a hard time using 8 gauge wires with the tulip stands as they were off balance coming out from the bottom or if you pulled them through the top of the stand, you could not screw the stand tight as there is no room to fit it. But sound is incrediblw when driven hard, most iconic and controversial speaker all time!
Best configuration I have seen so far on YT. Very nice.
After I bought a 901 set and the accompanying receiver in 1981, I enjoyed it for 13 years. Then the edges broke and didn't know how to fix. I sold everything and continued with an Audionote amplifier with self-made speakers. However, I missed the spaciousness that came with some CDs. So then I bought the same thing again 2 years ago and with my current knowledge of making CDs sound good through the receiver I can say that Dr Bose was way ahead of his time. I tried to build JBL Paragon but I was already satisfied with the current set. So a set from a 40 year old that still has optimal speed, I'm glad I'm back at DR Bose.
I have a pair of Bose 901s (those look like Avalon Ceramiques behind them) driven by a pair of vintage 250W direct coupled monoblock amps in a smallish listening room. I have found that placing them 4’ from the wall behind them instead of the recommended 12” to 18” really let’s them image nicely. Intentional or not, the placement in the video makes the difference! The Ceramiques are incredible but so is the price!!! I will echo the sentiments expressed by a fellow audiophile. “By the time you can afford top end equipment, your ears will have deteriorated to the point where you can’t appreciate the difference!”
That painting "really ties the room together"
I just bought a pair last week of the 901 V. Going to hook them up in a few days. I don't have the Macs, but a Belles 450A should do the trick.
Awesome 🎶👌
Absolutely outstanding
Woaaah !! These speakers sound fantastically good through TH-cam! At the moment, some of the best sounding speakers I've heard on TH-cam! I haven't been able to listen to different similar music on TH-cam, but they have a really good sound!
These speaker create a huge sound stage.
What else an audiophile needs!!
My 901s still sound great , 1990
Right now I am using both speakers A , and speakers B , on my Yamaha Amp together….! The ( 901s ) , sitting on top of a set of monster 42” tall Klipsch speakers..2 /12” and a horn in each cab… they sound Freakin awesome….🎶👍🏻 Right now they are set up for reflection …. But I tell you what …., I think I’m gonna turn the 901’s around, and just let those eight speakers in the back have at it for a while………..!
I have been in love with them since I was a little kid. Eventually I will get a pair of Series 2
Beautiful, I love the 901 over 40 Year‘s
Never considered this. A great sound. 👏🏾
These sound great here! What is interesting to me is with the rearward firing speakers and all the extra stuff behind the 901’s. Still sounds great!
I know it's not something people bring up but I'll do it. Bose 901 sound amazing for movies too. Cinema experience at its finest at home.
The 901 Sound great here. I would guess the drivers have had their foam surrounds replaced. Curious if there had been any component upgrades to the EQ box? Regardless, I feel most of the poor sound heard from these comes from low quality Japanese receiver pairing, poor cabling and interconnects, etc - as is true with any well performing system. It would be interesting if they could dig deep into an old congested Moody Blues recordings such as Seventh Sojourn or In Search of the Lost Chord. I have often used these to see what kind of detail a system can mine. Good, sparse, dynamic recordings are an easy task. Enjoy the Music! - Sandy
Series V surrounds probably still good.
Wow. Now you blamed Japanese for bad sounding 901s when owners were too lazy to read the owner’s manual regarding placement. I’m running mine with Sansui receiver and they sounded good.
I remember having these. May they was the best. Hope I can find some for a great price one day.
I have four 901's connected to my Sansui QRX-9001. Phenomenal audio for this price point. I tried some Focal Chorus 716V Speakers, but they didn't have the punch that the Bose 901's provide, even with two subs.
Good to hear. I've got the little brother Sansui QRX-8001quad amplifier with Bose 901's on the front and some custom 15" with horns on the rear channel. The addition of an active subwoofer truly makes it come alive.
No doubt, our 4 Bose 901 combi. is a fantastic set. With lots of power (I have 2 Denon pre-and power amps per channel, the correct (best circuit connection in to the pre) and solid wall backing..very few can rival this. Enjoy it!!!
Legendary stuff!
Bought my first ones in 1970s used. They are still going strong with a friend in NJ. They sounded great on the stands or hanging from the ceiling in corners. With the right power (which was alot} they sounded very live. I always loved them. They require alot of clean power and headroom. Theya re not going to sound that great with an integrated amplifier. I used all seperates of course with my first ones.
So which amp you may recommend for Bose?
LOVE your ch by the way!!!
Shutting down the haters! Great sounding system!
Great Sound
Great sound!!...now try 4 Bose 901 (two pairs)...one on top of the other...sounds like a Disco...and with your McIntosh..and solid wall behind unbeatable.
I run 2 pair of 901s and they sound great
I am listening to this with two pairs of 901, one is series v (just the one in the picture) and the other is series vi. SIMPLY ETHEREAL.
I have this setup now for a few days... Two pairs of 901 Series VI running off a Crown XLS 402 stable at 4ohm 400watt per channel.
Live music masters sound absolutely insane ... Also does awesome with Hip Hop/R&B.
Thats very Nice sound 👍
I am surprised and impressed. I never thought I'd say that about Bose
Several folks have asked. I read a lot of these comments. Can anyone tell us what music, musicians or album this music is from ? Thanks. btw - I've had 901's for years and still love 'em !
People bag Bose, but I am very impressed by the 901’s sound, when set up properly.
PERFECT
True love of music!
Sounds fabulous through my Bose 300 computer center channel 😎
Absolutely owesome sound ❤
I had a set from a customer i hooked them onto my main set....
Mind-blowing good,I bought a series 1 myself just to troll. They are really that good..and I have as my main speakers magnepan Tympani I speakers.
Aside from my infinity rs1b,rsII,kappa 9, kappa 6.1, renaissance 80,Qe
So for sure used to "superior" gear , I love the 901 and set up has lots to do with it !
Its funny how the audiophiles hate them yet they all bought them.
They hate the company because they need a company to hate on. Bose is all about psychoacoustics. It’s untraditional and audiophiles hate that. But it’s funny they hate Bose but rave about the 301, 701, and 901
That's how they know they have experience with them.
One reason must be that audiophiles goes for pinpoint sharp placement of instruments at all costs.
Maybe they should pay to see an ACTUAL concert?? 🤔
I have a pair of 901 VI hooked up a Sansui BA-F1 poweramp, and a Kenwood C1 preamp, they sound fantastic! placement is critical
Unfortunately our dearest TH-cam is not able to convey the whole beauty of this sound, but it looks very impressive 😁! Like it.
Absolutely stunning...
If you turn them around with the 8 speakers in front, you won't believe your ears: such a brilliance and more stereophonic effects. Try it. !!
Wow they sound great