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Any info on Bose Lifestyle 901 Powered Speaker System?

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xavier4peace

New Member
I have a chance to get a Bose 901 Powered Speaker System that consist of 901 Series VI high gloss piano black finish speakers with factory stands (not the tulips) and a Lifestyle CD/EQ player, as well as the hardware and cables along and the factory manual for $500.

I was told that BOSE produced only 1500 of these ... T/F
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I currently have ADS L1530 w/ADS EQ, Hales Audio Concept Two's and Revelation Three speakers (all in different rooms).

These 901's intrigues me but a lot of information on this system.

Here's what the system looks like.
$_57-2.jpg
 
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So do the speakers have amps built in? Or does the Lifestyle system provide the juice? If so, how on earth does it provide enough juice? Those aren't sensitive speakers.
 
From what I gathered, the 901's have their own amplifier built into the stand. Power rating i think is 150 watts but have not been verified. It could be used with other Lifestyle systems but the one I am getting was a package deal that Bose sold at that time.
 
I'd buy it if I were you. Why on Earth not? If you don't like it you can easily get your money back in the end. The 901s have always fascinated me but I still have not had a chance to hear a pair.
 
That version of 901s would have the power amp in the leg of the left hand stand. It plugs into the wall for AC power. The other 901 would be connected to the left hand side.

I can guarantee you that the 901s will be equalized for operation and that is likely contained in the receiver/preamp control box. It appears to be an integrated system for that reason.

As for the rareness, if only 1.5K were produced, that says something to me: It wasn't a best-seller.

This doesn't mean that it isn't worth while but Caveat Emptor.....

Cheers,

David
 
Nothing of value to add other than let us know how they work out. Heard my first set of 901s in the 70's and was impressed; someday I'll own a pair.

Back then Bose were aspirational speakers - too bad success made them targets of derision. Have fun!
 
The last time I saw a pair go up on eBay they sold for quite a bit more than what you are paying for them so if they don't work out, you should be able to flip them for more than you paid. I suspect the Bose eq may be built into the amp section so you may be able to use any receiver. I'd check to see if they work before purchase.
 
I sort of miss the original Bose 901s I purchased in 1971 but need to tell you that since they're reflecting speakers, both the back wall material and distance from it make all the difference in the world.

My apartment at the time had a brick wall and the sound was supertight. Providing over 20" from the rear point to the wall will increase deep base. 12" it's a boomy, thuddy mess. Moved to a home with typical drywall and the sound was so bad that I had to sell them. Anyhow, have fun.
 
Thank you for all the responses. I agree that the cost is agreeable.

Anyone have experience with the powered 901s? Dshoaf mentions 1.5k were produced but I was told by the seller that only 1500 were produced, perhaps he forgot a zero? Does anyone know the power amp watts?

Damn thing is gorgeous. I have two weeks before the seller is available to part with the system. If I get my hands on them, I will write a review. Not sure which speakers would battle them, they are so different from what I have.
 
xavier4peace said:
Thank you for all the responses. I agree that the cost is agreeable.

Anyone have experience with the powered 901s? Dshoaf mentions 1.5k were produced but I was told by the seller that only 1500 were produced, perhaps he forgot a zero? Does anyone know the power amp watts?

Damn thing is gorgeous. I have two weeks before the seller is available to part with the system. If I get my hands on them, I will write a review. Not sure which speakers would battle them, they are so different from what I have.
Click to expand...

1.5k and 1500 are the same. It is just two ways to convey the same number. Similar to: 1.5 million is also 1,500,000.:thmbsp:

Hope you grab the Bose. Looking forward to reading what you think of them.
 
jdmccall said:
IIRC, they came out as a limited production item.
Click to expand...

I see they were sold for five years so I don't see it as a limited production run. With all the wires to everything, I think it was just very limited on where you could put these and they have to be on those stands. Unless you had a perfect spot, I would pass.....and this is from someone that likes and uses the 901.
 
centsless said:
I see they were sold for five years so I don't see it as a limited production run. With all the wires to everything, I think it was just very limited on where you could put these and they have to be on those stands,
Click to expand...

I remember these from an old brochure and aside from everything you mentioned they were also VERY pricey. Not something Joe average could afford.
 
I picked up the Bose Lifestyle 901's. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of information available for these speakers :( This is what I've gathered:

1. The speakers were sold from 1996-2001
2. Power Amp rated at 140-150 watts
3. Speakers are in black high-gloss piano finish
4. EQ and amp is in the speaker stand
5. System includes a brushed aluminum CD20 music center (not upgradable)

The following are not proven facts - after talking to Bose enthusiast and official representatives:

1. I can trade the system to Bose for a new Lifestyle system or new pair of 901's for 1/2 retail price. Should I? Would I?
2. The limited edition Bose 901 Concerto's have the same black high-gloss piano finish as the 901 Lifestyles. The Concerto's are the exact same speakers except they were passive speakers and not powered like the 901 Lifestyle. The "limited edition" label is because of the piano finish - not because of any other reasons according to Bose.
3. The Lifestyle 901's were discontinued due to high cost, lack of sale.
4. Bloody hell, no one owns a Lifestyle 901 or is willing to share their experience :(
5. Oh, they are 'Sexy Cool" - for a smile, watch the music video on youtube! It's by artist Katrine.

I will set the system up and give a review asap. Here are pictures of my latest acquisitions. Thanks for reading and responding. :tresbon:
 

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