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Please...dont flame me (Bose 901-Series I help)

OK,

So I absolutely understand the angst that these particular speakers/brand can elicit.

However, these particular speakers (the series I in particular) have always been on my bucket list since my pre-teens. They were my first exposure to anything resembling high fidelity, thus, I have always wanted a pair.

Now in my mid 40’s...ahem....I had a pair dropped in my lap for no $$$. Cherry condition, original drivers and original EQ (crossover).

My quandary is this, I only have this Yamaha RX-V461 multi media receiver to drive them. On paper, the RMS per channel is 100WPC. The issue is, I just do not feel like the speakers are getting enough juice to really make them sing.

Placement and listening room requirements are met, and in all honesty, the sound pretty damn good at high volume. Its just that I get the feeling that the receiver gets a little winded and sounds a little artificial to my ear.

I am hoping that swapping in either a power amp (using the Yamaha as a pre-amp) or an analogue "Beast" vintage receiver will warm up and fill out the sound at all volume levels.

I have this rig set up as a secondary, "just for ----- and giggles" rig. Currently using an MP3 player as a source, with plans for a single CD player here shortly. I used a friends CD player as source prior, so the issue I am thinking is indeed the amp.....i think.

I am hoping that someone here could give me some ideas as to what to look for as a good match up for these speakers. Cheap is good, "sleeper amps" are always a joy, so if there is a little known but desirable rig (think Realistic STA-2100) I am all ears.....haha....get it? All ears.....?
morwatts
morwatts OP
4 posts
 
Mr. D.
I'll try tinkering with placement as you describe. Yes, currently just the one amp, I'm slacking on the watts end of my addiction.
The drivers are fine in these. Bose used cloth surrounds in the series I & II and inspection reveals no damage or obvious wear. These were babied it seems.
901 value on craigslist actually runs higher on the first gen 901's. Any of the later, ported versions actually tend to sell for less. $300-$400 seems to be the sweet spot here in Denver for a pair with the EQ.

Yogi,
Thanks for that. Good to have resources to read up on these for when I am tinkering and also for when I sell them.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
astewart8944
499 posts
 
Circa 1977 I owned a pair of Bose 901s. Then I powered them with a Yahama receiver with fairly low watts. Sounded good to me then; although I didn't have much experience listening to anything else. There is a Yamaha CR600 for sale on ebay for a little over $100. 30W/channel. There is also a 30W/channel Pioneer SX3600 on ebay for something like $190. Pioneer was my very first receiver as a teenager. Loved that thing.  If you want power though (and it seems you do with a handle morwatts) I would recommend you try a used NAD C375BEE integrated amplifier. It is conservatively rated at 150W. It will comfortably do more. You will hear some folks knocking NAD products; I have had good success with this particular model. My boys now use the 375BEE in a music hall TT set up connected to PSB Imagine T speakers and it produces plenty of power. There is one currently listed used for $1,000 on Agon, which seems a bit on the high side to me. I bought mine here used almost 6 years ago for $900. Happy Hunting.  
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,719 posts
 
morwatts
the Bose 901 can be a fun speaker in a secondary set-up. Speaker placement is key, 8 feet of wall space, in order for these to open up
and engulf the listener. Keep us posted.
Happy Listening!
gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 
A good power amp is requisite for the 901's.
You could go vintage and get an Adcom 555, or maybe something newer like a McCormack DNA-1. Both should power the 901's as they should.
B
lancebott's avatar
lancebott
1 posts
 
I had a very early pair, I traded them fora Z1B Kawasaki from my brother his family still has them and loves them. Upgraded my system to a pair of Bozak Concert Grands. Liked the 901's but I understand your trepidation.
Lance
 
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