Opinions on the Bose 901


A friend of mine just gave me an old pair of Bose 901 Series IV. All the foam surrounds have crumbled, but the cabinets and the EQ are in decent shape. A foam surround kit plus the dust caps is less than $90 USD at ( www.partsexpress.com ).

I am pretty much set with my Swans M1 near field system--it rocks, especially after adding a 3000W ONEAC 220V isolation transformer. I am looking at using the Bose as HT speakers or as a background music system--I like to have music all over while I cook...

I am seeking unbiased opinions as to how I could use these speakers in a 2 channel HT setup:

The Series IV has a third contact between the (+)and the (-)(is it a ground?) which was used with the Bose Receiver's "spatial control". It allowed changing how much energy was sent towards the inside or outside reflecting surfaces--it was like a fader control, but from inside to outside.

If I use them for HT, I could use a homemade preamp that would allow such control and the 901's could become a "virtual center channel" by shifting the energy balance towards the area between the speakers. I think this could offer a neat movie viewing effect in the absense of a Pro Logic, THX, DTS, 5.1, 7.1, 10.2 or a 15.3 decoder.

A false gypsum wall could be constructed for having my 27" Sony WEGA flush and provide a good reflective surface for the 901's.

I will appreciate any constructive input.

Thanks,

P/A
psychicanimal
Thanks for coming out of the closet, Bishopwill!

I am not into video as heavily as you are (nor have the resources)--I just want decent 2 channel sound for my 27" Sony WEGA. The Bose firing in direct mode will do just fine. I was given a series VI EQ w/my series IV speakers; I read that some people are using it with the series IV for better results.

We all go through phases--Bose is one of them. That's what Sean was pointing out. You should have seen my high school!

As for the project, there's a place in Oregon that does the surrounds for $150 and I can just send them the drivers...

I think it's going to be decent--and I plan to design my own stands (no chains).
Albert, i just read your earlier post about "back when i was a kid". I didn't think they had electronics back when "you were a kid" : ) Sean ( still wet behind the ears )
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You are so right. At least there is not a room full of drunks sitting at tables staring at us.