Bose 901 Series 2 Owner's Manual

The Bose 901 Series 2 is a revolutionary direct/reflecting speaker system designed to recreate the spacious sound of a live performance. It features nine full-range drivers (eight facing rearward, one forward), an active electronic equalizer, and a unique acoustic design for immersive, room-filling sound. Below are key sections for setup, operation, specifications, and care.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Two 901 Series 2 speaker cabinets, Active Electronic Equalizer, Grille cloths, Owner's Manual.

System Components

Unpack and verify all components are present and undamaged.

1. Speaker Cabinets (2): Left and Right 901 Series 2 speakers.
2. Active Equalizer: Required electronic crossover/equalization unit.
3. Grille Cloths (2): Snap onto front of speaker cabinets.
4. AC Power Cord: For the equalizer.
5. Interconnect Cables (2 pairs): For connecting equalizer to your system.
6. Speaker Wire: Sufficient length for your placement.

WARNING! Speakers are heavy; lift with care using your legs. Do not lift by the grille cloths.

Placement & Installation

Proper placement is critical for optimal performance. The 901 speakers are designed to be placed against the wall, with the rear-facing drivers pointed into the room corners.

1. Positioning: Place speakers on the floor, against the wall, in the corners of your listening room. The Bose logo should be at the top outer corner.
2. Orientation: Ensure the single front-facing driver is on the inside (facing the listening area).
3. Distance: Maintain at least 12 inches from side walls and 6 inches from the back wall for proper reflection.
4. Listening Position: The "sweet spot" is typically centered between the two speakers, at a distance equal to or greater than the distance between the speakers.

CAUTION! Do not place speakers where they may be knocked over. Keep away from heat sources and moisture.

Connecting the Equalizer

The Active Equalizer must be connected between your preamplifier and power amplifier. Turn off all components before making connections.

1. Connect cables from your preamplifier's TAPE MONITOR or PRE-OUT jacks to the EQUALIZER INPUT on the Bose unit.
2. Connect cables from the EQUALIZER OUTPUT on the Bose unit to the MAIN INPUTS of your power amplifier.
3. Connect speaker wire from your amplifier's speaker outputs to the terminals on each 901 speaker cabinet. Observe correct polarity (+, -).
4. Plug the equalizer's AC power cord into a wall outlet.
5. Turn on your system in this order: Source > Preamplifier > Bose Equalizer > Power Amplifier.

Tip: Use the TAPE MONITOR loop on your receiver/preamp if available. Engage the TAPE MONITOR or "PROCESSOR" switch to activate the equalizer signal path.

Specifications

• System Type: Direct/Reflecting® loudspeaker system with active equalization.
• Drivers: Nine 4.5-inch full-range drivers per cabinet (8 rear, 1 front).
• Impedance: 8 ohms nominal.
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 10 to 150 watts per channel.
• Frequency Response: 35 Hz to 18 kHz (±3 dB) with equalizer.
• Dimensions (H x W x D): Approximately 24" x 14" x 11.5" (61 cm x 35.6 cm x 29.2 cm).
• Weight: Approximately 35 lbs (15.9 kg) per speaker.
• Finish: Walnut wood veneer.
• Equalizer Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 5 watts.

Controls and Operation

Active Equalizer Front Panel:

• POWER Switch: Turns equalizer on/off.
• LEVEL Control: Adjusts overall system output. Start at 12 o'clock.
• EQ BYPASS Switch: Engages or bypasses the equalization circuit for comparison.
• Power Indicator Light: Illuminates when unit is powered on.

Operation:

1. With system off, set LEVEL control to midpoint and EQ BYPASS to OUT.
2. Power on your system in the correct sequence.
3. Play familiar music at low volume.
4. Engage EQ BYPASS (switch IN) to activate the Bose equalization. You should hear a significant change in tonal balance and spaciousness.
5. Adjust the LEVEL control to match the volume between bypass and engaged modes for accurate comparison.

Achieving Optimal Sound

Fine-tuning placement and equalizer settings is key.

1. Experiment with Placement: Small adjustments (a few inches) in distance from walls can dramatically affect bass response and soundstage.
2. Toe-In: Slightly angling the speakers inward can focus the center image.
3. Room Interaction: Heavy drapes, carpets, and furniture will absorb reflections; hard surfaces will enhance them. Adjust placement accordingly.
4. Equalizer Level: The LEVEL control adjusts system sensitivity. Set it so that engaging the EQ BYPASS does not cause a drastic volume change.
5. Break-in Period: Allow several hours of play at moderate volume for the speakers to reach their optimal performance.

WARNING! Do not operate the system without the equalizer connected and powered on. This can damage the speakers and will result in poor sound quality.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the equalizer before cleaning.

• Cabinets: Dust with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn marks, use a cloth slightly dampened with water or a mild wood cleaner. Dry immediately.
• Grille Cloths: Remove by pulling gently from the bottom. Vacuum lightly with a brush attachment. Do not wash or use liquids.
• Drivers: Do not touch the speaker cones. If dust accumulates, use a soft brush or low-power vacuum from a distance.
• Equalizer: Wipe with a dry cloth. Ensure ventilation openings are not blocked.

CAUTION! Never use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or spray polishes on the cabinets or grilles. Keep all liquids away from the speakers and equalizer.

Warranty Information

The Bose 901 Series 2 loudspeaker system is covered by a limited warranty. Please refer to your original warranty card for specific terms and duration. For warranty service, contact an authorized Bose dealer or Bose Corporation directly. This product is protected by patents issued and/or pending. Bose and the Bose medallion are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation.

Troubleshooting

Service: For persistent issues, contact Bose Customer Service or an authorized Bose service center. Do not attempt to open or repair the speakers or equalizer yourself.