The legendary Bose 901 Speaker
The Bose 901 speaker is a legend in the audio industry and is considered to be one of the most iconic speakers of the 1970s. Released in 1968, the 901 quickly became a hit among audiophiles and music lovers, and its innovative design and high-quality sound continue to impress listeners today.
One of the key features of the Bose 901 is its unique design. Unlike traditional speakers, the 901 uses a series of small drivers to produce sound, which are arranged in a unique configuration that allows for precise sound reproduction. The speaker is also designed to be used with a separate equalizer, which helps to optimize the sound and reduce distortion.
The Bose 901 quickly gained a reputation for its outstanding sound quality. The speakers produced a warm, rich sound that was unmatched by other speakers on the market at the time. The 901’s ability to accurately reproduce the full range of sound frequencies, from the lowest bass notes to the highest treble tones, made it a favorite among music lovers and audiophiles.
Another factor that contributed to the success of the Bose 901 was the company’s marketing strategy. Bose used a combination of print and television advertising to promote the 901, and the company’s founder, Dr. Amar Bose, made a number of public appearances to talk about the speaker and its unique design. The 901 quickly became a status symbol among music lovers and audiophiles, and its popularity helped to establish Bose as one of the top audio companies in the world.
Despite its popularity, the Bose 901 did have some drawbacks. One of the biggest criticisms of the speaker was its high price point, which put it out of reach for many consumers. Additionally, the 901 required a separate equalizer to optimize the sound, which added to the overall cost of the system.
As with any speaker, the Bose 901 had its pros and cons. Let’s take a look:
Pros:
- Spatial sound: The Bose 901 was designed to produce a spacious and lifelike sound that filled the room. The use of nine drivers and a unique equalizer allowed for precise sound placement and imaging.
- High-end sound quality: The speaker was known for its detailed and accurate sound reproduction, particularly in the mid to high frequencies.
- Stylish design: The sleek, minimalist design of the speaker made it a popular choice for modern and contemporary homes.
- Durability: The Bose 901 was built to last with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Cons:
- High price: The Bose 901 was a premium speaker with a relatively high price point, which may have made it inaccessible to some consumers.
- Limited bass response: While the speaker produced detailed and accurate mid to high frequencies, its bass response was not as strong, particularly for a speaker of its size and price point.
- Placement limitations: The speaker’s unique design required specific placement in the room, with the speakers needing to be placed at least 3 feet from the wall and 6 to 8 feet apart to achieve the desired sound.
- Complex setup: The Bose 901 required a specific equalizer and careful calibration to achieve optimal sound quality, which could be challenging for some users.
Overall, the Bose 901 was a groundbreaking speaker that helped to define the sound of the 1970s. Its unique design and outstanding sound quality made it a hit among music lovers and audiophiles, and its legacy continues to influence the audio industry today.
That’s it for now! Spin the Vinyl. Drop the Needle. Snap, Crackle & Pop!
