Bose 901 VI flat?


I purchased a pair of Bose 901 VI speakers recently and a new Sony STRDH190 receiver.  I have wanted these speakers for years and finally got them.  Problem is, they sound flat and weaker than expected.  I adjusted the bass and treble to my liking but that only helped a little.  I have the Bose EQ that came with the speakers but i'm not using it due to new receiver technology.  Am i doing something wrong? I know these are great speakers with a great history.  

jonicurn

Bose sounding flat? I agree that’s the case. I’ve tried multiple high power vintage receivers and they are incredibly dull and lifeless. I thought that maybe the Eq was bad and was going to buy another one but after reading this the speakers must not be my cup of tea.

I own 1968 Series 1's. Even if the OP has Series 6's which don't I have experience with. Just get a minDSP from Amazon for $125 (100% money back) and dial in the curve for the Series 5 or 6. If the OP likes what he hears. Awesome !

I run Klipsch Cornwall IV's with a 500WPC GaN FET Amplifier and swap in the 901's on occasion for fun. They are great Speakers for what they do. No, you can't hear the fart of a Nat like I can with the CW4's. But I still enjoy what they. No foam rot either cause the Series 1's and 2's (which I also own) are cloth doped surrounds. If the OP's Series 6's are the V2 with the "rolly" surrounds. Foam rot shouldn't be a problem.

To parrot others, you must use the Bose EQ.  I purchased a used pair of Series 1 901s in 1972 because the owner said they sounded flat.  He wasn’t using the EQ.  At the time, I used a Pioneer SPEC-4 power amp, SoundCraftsman Pre Amp/EQ, and dbx 3bx range expander to tweak the music. I enjoyed that combination until about 2018 when I gave it all away to my goddaughter.  

I thoroughly enjoyed the 901s.

Very important to use the equalizers......make sure the V-shape faces the wall..the flat facing the listener. Position them 3 or 4 feet away from the front wall.

All responses to use the dedicated Bose EQ are primary. Also, to incorporate the EQ into the existing electronics is the first step. Since these speakers aren't capable of critical music listening to average ears, everyone has their own priority as to what they want.

Had a friend who had a very large house and entertained often. Had a large room that he used for entertaining guests at parties and such. In that room he had a pair of 901s suspended from the ceiling with chains. Purpose was to provide background music for his guests. Worked well for that. Of course he had his serious system elsewhere.

All this stuff is complex and the end game is what suits the user. Some like  what they have and others always want to constantly improve  theirs no matter how good it already is. Kinda like a hobby.