Bose 901 Series VI Speakers Manual

The Bose 901 Series VI is a legendary direct/reflecting speaker system designed to recreate the spacious sound of a live performance. It features nine full-range drivers per speaker (one facing forward, eight facing rearward), an active electronic equalizer, and a unique acoustic matrix enclosure. This manual covers setup, operation, placement guidelines, equalizer adjustment, specifications, and maintenance for optimal performance.

1. Features at a Glance 2. System Components & Unpacking 3. Speaker Placement Guidelines 4. System Connection & Setup 5. Active Equalizer Operation 6. Specifications 7. Care & Maintenance 8. Troubleshooting 9. Warranty & Service Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: Two Bose 901 Series VI speaker cabinets, one Active Equalizer unit, Grille Cloth, Connection Cables, and Rubber Feet.

Feature	Description
Direct/Reflecting® Technology	Uses nine drivers (1 frontal, 8 rearward) to blend direct and reflected sound for a spacious soundstage.
Active Electronic Equalizer	Required for proper frequency response. Compensates for the speaker's unique design and allows tonal adjustment.
Acoustic Matrix Enclosure	Sealed, non-ported design for accurate bass response and reduced cabinet resonance.
Full-Range Drivers	Nine 4.5-inch drivers per speaker, hand-selected and matched for consistent performance.
Equalizer Controls	Provides input level adjustment, contour controls for bass and treble, and a bypass switch for comparison.
Connection Options	Equalizer connects between your preamp/control unit and power amplifier.

System Components & Unpacking

Carefully unpack all items. Inspect for shipping damage.

Speakers (2): Remove protective packaging. Check grille cloth for damage.
Active Equalizer: A black electronic unit with control knobs and connection jacks.
Accessories: Locate the provided connection cables, rubber feet for the equalizer, and any documentation.

WARNING! Speakers are heavy. Lift using handles or with assistance. Place on a stable, level surface.

Speaker Placement Guidelines

Proper placement is critical for the Direct/Reflecting design to work correctly.

Room Position: Place speakers along the long wall of a rectangular room for best results.
Distance from Walls: Position speakers with their rear panels 12 to 18 inches from the wall behind them. Do not place in corners.
Angling (Toe-In): Angle (toe-in) the speakers slightly so they face toward the primary listening position.
Height: For optimal reflection, the center of the speaker should be at or slightly above ear level when seated.
Symmetry: Ensure both speakers are placed symmetrically relative to room boundaries and the listening area.

Tip: Experiment with slight adjustments in angle and distance from the wall to fine-tune the soundstage and bass response.

System Connection & Setup

Always turn off and unplug all system components before making connections.

Connect Equalizer to Amplifier:
- Disconnect the existing cables running from your preamp output to your power amp input.
- Connect the preamp output cables to the INPUT jacks on the Bose Active Equalizer.
- Connect new cables from the OUTPUT jacks on the Equalizer to the input jacks on your power amplifier.
Connect Speakers: Using high-quality speaker wire, connect the LEFT and RIGHT outputs of your power amplifier to the corresponding terminals on the back of each Bose 901 speaker. Observe correct polarity (+ to +, - to -).
Power: Plug the Active Equalizer into a standard AC outlet. Attach the rubber feet to its bottom.

CAUTION! The Bose 901 system REQUIRES the Active Equalizer to be connected for proper and safe operation. Never connect the speakers directly to an amplifier without the equalizer in the signal path.

Active Equalizer Operation

The equalizer tailors the sound to your room and preferences.

Controls:

INPUT LEVEL: Adjusts the signal entering the equalizer. Set so the overload light flickers only on the loudest musical peaks.
BASS CONTOUR: Adjusts low-frequency response. Start at the 12 o'clock position and adjust to taste.
TREBLE CONTOUR: Adjusts high-frequency response. Start at the 12 o'clock position.
BYPASS Switch: Engages or bypasses the equalizer circuit. Use to compare the equalized (spacious) sound vs. the unequalized (dull) sound. Normal operation is with the switch IN (equalizer engaged).

Initial Setup: With all equipment on, play familiar music at a moderate level. Set BASS and TREBLE to 12 o'clock. Engage the equalizer (BYPASS switch IN). Adjust INPUT LEVEL until the overload light rarely illuminates. Fine-tune BASS and TREBLE to suit your room and taste.

Specifications

Type: Direct/Reflecting® loudspeaker system.
Drivers per Enclosure: Nine 4.5-inch full-range drivers.
Frequency Response: 35 Hz - 18 kHz (with Active Equalizer).
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms.
Recommended Amplifier Power: 10 to 450 watts per channel.
Dimensions (H x W x D): Approx. 25.5" x 14.25" x 13.25" (64.8 cm x 36.2 cm x 33.7 cm).
Weight: Approx. 47 lbs (21.3 kg) each.
Equalizer Power Requirement: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Finish: Walnut, Black, or White oiled wood veneer.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the equalizer before cleaning.

Cabinet: Dust with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn marks, use a cloth slightly dampened with water or a mild wood cleaner. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Grille Cloth: Use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner. Do not remove the grille unless necessary.
Drivers: Do not touch the driver cones. If cleaning is required, use compressed air gently.
Equalizer: Wipe with a dry cloth. Ensure ventilation is not blocked.

CAUTION! Keep speakers away from direct heat sources, excessive moisture, and direct sunlight. Never place liquids on top of the speakers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from one or both speakers	Incorrect connections, equalizer bypassed, amp off	Check all cable connections. Ensure equalizer BYPASS switch is IN (engaged). Verify amplifier is on and set to correct input.
Sound is distorted or weak	Input Level set too high, amplifier clipping	Reduce the INPUT LEVEL control on the equalizer. Ensure your amplifier is not being overdriven.
Lack of bass or treble	Equalizer settings, placement	Adjust BASS and TREBLE CONTOUR controls. Re-evaluate speaker placement (distance from wall).
Sound seems dull or lifeless	Equalizer is bypassed	Ensure the BYPASS switch on the equalizer is pushed IN (equalizer engaged).
Overload light is constantly on	Input Level too high	Turn down the INPUT LEVEL control until the light only flickers on loud peaks.

Warranty & Service Information

Bose products are designed to provide long-term reliability. Refer to your original warranty card for specific terms and conditions.

For Service: Do not attempt to service the speakers or equalizer yourself. The Bose 901 system contains no user-serviceable parts.

Contact Information: For product support, service, or to locate an authorized Bose dealer:

Visit: www.bose.com
Call: 1-800-999-2673 (U.S. and Canada)

Note: This manual covers the Bose 901 Series VI. Specifications and features are subject to change without notice. Bose and Direct/Reflecting are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation.